
fd^n^ 



Glass. 




1812 



V 



HISTORY 






OHIO, 

WITH PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES 

PROMINENT CITIZENS AND PIONEERS. 



THK woHd's histcy i. a divU.e Pc;^:^^ which ^Hstory ^^^ ^:^^ ^^^T^A 
Its strains have been peahng ^'^"^ ^o^ 'he cen une.^ and t g ^^^.^^^_^^^ ^^^^_^^^^ listener-there has 
reTa^dire°^XdVSnTt"Hr^"gh%t%^^^^^^ o. hope and halcyon days to co.e.-J.M.s A. 

Gakfiei.d. 



CLEVELAND, OHIO: 

H. Z. WILLIAMS & BR 




1882. 




r^^^ 

s^^^ 



^ 



j?h~ 







i 



PREFACE. 



THE publishers place this volume be- 
fore the public believing that they have 
fulfilled every promise made at the begin- 
ning of the enterprise and every reason- 
(6 expectation. That there are faults oJ 
lission they are aware, but this has arisen 
•m inability to obtain the required in- 
mation. That a volume of upwards of 
;,ht hundred quarto pages, containing ten 
ausand names, should be free from 
ror, no one will expect. 
A large part of the writing has been 
)ne by a citizen of the county — Homer 
^ Everett, Esq., — whose personal knowl- 
edge of leading events reaches back 
almost to the first white settlement. This 
important service could have been en- 
trusted to no better hands. The first 
five chapters and those relating to the 
Moral and Material -Development of the 
county, and Civil History, have been 
prepared by a writer in the employ of 



the publishers. With these exceptions 
all of the general history is from the pen 
of Mr. Everett. The same gentleman also 
prepared the church history of Fremont 
and several biographical sketches. One 
biography and the commercial history of 
Fremont are the contributions of Wilbur 
G. Zeigler. 

It is impossible to make special ac- 
knowledgments to all to whom we are in- 
debted for assistance. The people of the 
county have received the writers and col 
lectors of information with uniform court 
esy, and given them every facility for the 
prosecution of their work. 

Instead of being bound in cloth with 
leather backs, as were the samples shown 
to subscribers, the volume is bound m 
full leather, while the form of the book 
renders it much more convenient for use, 
and better adapted to the shelves of a 
library. 



CONTENTS. 



HISTORICAL, 



GENERAL HISTORY. 






CHAPTER. 


PAGE. 


CHAPTER. 


PAGE. 


XXL— The Press . 


228 


I. — Aboriginal Occupation 




9 


XXII. ^Military Hi.story 


241 


11. — Ownership of the Northwest 




19 


XXIII.— Court and Bar of Sanduskv 


III.— Advent of the White Man 




24 


. County . 


■ 368 


IV. — Lower Sandusky before 


Fort 




XXIV.— Fremont 


397 


Stephenson . 




37 


XXV.— Fremont Continued 


413 


V. — Early Ohio 




53 


XXVI.— " Business Progress 


419 


VI.— Pre-historic Races 




66 


XXVII.— " Medical . 


440 


VII. — The Indians 




72 


XXVIII. — " Improvements 


463 


t VIII. — County Organization 




94 


XXIX.— '■ Public Schools . 


473 


VIlI{a).— Fort Stephenson . 




98 


XXX. — Religious History 


485 


IX.— Civil History . 




121 


XXXI. — .Social Societies 


507 


X.— Development, Material, Moral, 




TOWNSHIPS. 




Social 




125 


Sandusky .... 


559 


XI. — Improvements . 




^39 


Rice ..... 


. 568 


XII.— The Ohio Railro.id 




154 


Ballville .... 


578 


XIII.— Plank Road . 




159 


Green Creek .... 


604 


XIV.— Railroad . 




164 


York .... 


653 


XV. — The Fremont and Indiana 


Rail- 




Townsend .... 


• ,703 


road . 




172 


Riley .... 


726 


XVI. — County Roads 




177 


Jackson .... 


■ 741 


XVII. — County Buildings and Institutions 


181 


Washington 


761 


XVIII. — Topography and Geology 




194 


Woodville .... 


780 


XIX. — Iron Bridges and Drainage 




200 


Madison .... 


793 


XX. — Sandusky County Agricultural 




Scott ..... 


807 


Society 




208 


Appendi.x .... 


833 


ILLUSTR 


ATIONS, 






PAGE. 




PAGE. 


Map of Sandusky county 


facing 


9 


Portrait of J. .S. Van Ness, with biog- 




Fort Stephenson . 


facing 


lOI 


raphy 


facing 553 


l^ortrait of Colonel Croghan . 


facing 


105 


" Mrs. H. .Seager 


facing 584 


McPherson Monument 


lacing 241 


" Rev. M. Long 


facing 601 


Portrait of General C. G. Eaton 


facing 348 


" Mrs. Cynthia McPherson 


facing 633 


" Major General James B. 






" Alfred Hutchinson 


facing 639 


McPherson 


facing 


359 ' 


" Hon. 0. Mclntyre 


facing 640 


Portrait of Dr. L. g. Rawson 


facing 446. 


" James Cleveland . 


facing 641 


" Mrs. Dr. L. Q. Rawson . 


facing 


449 


" Rev. N. V'oung 


facing 643 


' ' Rutherford B. Hayes . 


facing 


513 


■• S. Baker . 


facing 646 


" Mrs. Lucy W. Hayes 


facing 


521 


" S. W. Chapin . 


facing 647 


•■ General R. P. Buckland 


facing 


522 


" J. L. Brown 


facing 649 


" Mrs. R. P. Buckland 


facing 


524 


'' Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Charles 




'■ " Sardis Birchard 


facing 


528 


Clapp .... 


facing 650 


" " Homer Everett 


facing 


544 


Portrait of Nathan Birdseye between 


684 and 685 



CONTENTS. 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 




PAGE. 






PAGE. 


Portrait of Mrs. Nathan Birdseye 




Portrait of Joseph Birdseye 


between 


696 and 697 


between 


684 and 685 


'■ H. R. Adams . 




facing 697 


" T. G. Amsden 


facing 686 


" Amy R. Adams 




facing 699 


Portraits of Frederick Smith and wife 


facing 688 


" Gurdon Woodward 




facing 70X 


" Mr. and Mrs. John Mc- 




^' " Mrs. Mary Woodward 


facing 702 


Cauley .... 


facing 690 


" C. G. Sanford 


between 


714 and 715 


Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. John Rife 


facing 691 


" " Lydia Sanford 


between 


714 and 715 


" Mr. and Mrs. James 




" William Fuller 




facing 717 


C" hap man 


facing 692 


" J. L. Levisee . 




facing 719 


Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Seneca D. 




■ I'ortraits of Mr. and Mrs. F. Richards 


facing 722 


Hitt . 


facing 693 


Portrait of Alonzo Thorp 




facing 724 -^ 


Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. John S. 




" C. Schultz 




facing 737 '^ 


Gardner 


facing 694 


"J. Zeigler . 




facing 739 ^^ 


I'ortrait of Jeremiah Smith between 


694 and 695 


Portraits of Casper Hirt and w 


fe 


facing 740 " 


" Mrs. DeLora Smith between 


694 and 695 


" Mr. and Mrs. (^harl 


esRo- 




■• Mrs. Amanda Birds- 




zell . 




facing 759 , 


eye . between 


696 and 697 


Portrait of Samuel Skinner . 




facing 776^, 


BIOGRAPHICAL, 




PAGE. 






PAGE. 


Aunesly, WilUam 


• 391 


Chapin Family 




647 


Ainger, WiUiam W. 


391 


Clapp. Charles and famil> 




650 


Amsden, Thomas G. 


. 686 


Chapman, James 




692 


Adams, H. R. . 


697 


Carver, .Amos R. 




829 


Adams, Amy R. . . . 


• 699 


Curtis, T. V. 




830 


Buckland, Chester Averill 


350 


Drake, Benjamin F. 




• 378 


Buckland, Ralph P. . 


380-522 


Dickinson, Rodolphus, 




379 


Baldwin, Marcus D. 


387 


Dewey, Thomas P. 




. 388 


Buckland, Horace S. 


• 393 


Dudrow, Byron R. 




388 


Bell, Charles F. ' . 


395 


Dickinson, Edward F. 




392 


Bartlett, Joseph R. . 


• 395 


Deal, David 




558 


Bartlett, Brice J. . 


396 


Eaton, General Charles Grant 




■ 348 


Brainard, Dr. Daniel 


• 444 


Eddy, Nathaniel B. 




^84 


Beaugrand, Dr. Peter . . ' 


451 


Ecki, Dr. S. P. 




. 462 


Brown & Anderson, Drs. 


451 


Everett, Jeremiah and family 




540 


Brinkerhoff, Dr. David H. 


461 


Everett, Homer 




• 544 


Baker. Dr. H. F. 


. 461 


Finefrock, Henry R. 




38s 


Bemis, Dr. J. D. . 


461 


Fronizer, F. R. 




• 387 


Birchard, Sardis 


. 528 


Finefrock, Thomas P. 




389 


Bell, General ]ohn 


532 


Fowler, James H. 




• 390 


Bushnell, Ebenezer, D.D. 


• 534 


Failing,' Dr. J. W. 




459 


Bauer, Seraphine 


536 


Fabing. John 




• 538 


Burgner, Jacob 


• 555 


Fuller, William 




717 


Buckland, Stephen and family 


557 


Graves, Increase 




■ 379 


Brown, Dr. J. L- 


• 649 


Greene, John L., Sr. 




382 


Birdseye, Nathan P. and Mary A. 


684 


Garver, John T. 




• 390 


Birdseye, Joseph and' Amanda B. 


. 696 


Glick, George W. and C. S. 




391 


Beaugrand, Captain John B. 


828 


Garver, Samuel C. 




■ 395 


Canfield, Lieutenant Colonel Herman 


• 354 


Greene, John L., Jr. 




396 


Cummings, J. W. 


384 


Gessner, Dr. Louis 




• 452 


Corey, Dr. John M. 


• 459 


Gessner, Dr. L. S. J. 




458 


Caldwell, Dr. W. 


462 


Groat, John W. 




461 


Caldwell. William 


• 537 


Gallagher, David 




547 


Creager. Frank 


539 


Gicbel, Francis J. W. . 




• 548 


Cleveland, James 


641 


Gardner, John S. and Ann 




694 



CONTENTS. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



- 


PAGE. 




PAGE. 


Griswold, Stephen 


830 


Pettibone, Hiram R. 


380 


Goodin, Dr. .... 


443 


Putnam, Alpheus P. . 


• 392 


Harmon, Harvey J. . 


378 


Rawson, Major Eugene Allen 


354 


Heffner, D. A. . 


390 


Rhodes, John H. . . . 


• 38s 


Haynes, George R. . 


391 


Richards, S. S. . 


390 


Herd, John K. . . . 


392 


Remsburg, Hezekiah . 


• 394 


Hastings, Dr. , . . 


444 


Rawson, Dr. L. Q. 


446 


Holloway, Dr. . . , . 


444 


Rice, Dr. Robeit S. . 


450 


Hammer, Dr. A. J. 


462 


Rice, Dr. John B. . 


458 


Hayes, Rutherford B. 


513 


Rice, Dr. Robert H. . 


■ 459 


Hayes, Lucy Webb 


521 


Rife family 


691 


Howland, Elisha W. . 


551 


Richards, Franklin 


722 


Hutchinson, Alfred 


639 


Rozell, Charles, and family 


759 


Hitt, Seneca D. and Mahala E. 


693 


Rice, Alfred H. 


. 825 


Hirt, Casper .... 


740 


Snyder, Merritt L. 


394 


Johnson, John A. . . . 


383 


.Stilwell, Dr. Thomas 


■ 454 


Justice, James and family 


552 


Smith, Dr. George E. 


460 


Johnson, ]. C. 


831 


Sharp, Isaac B. . . . 


• 538 


Kessler and Belding 


358 


Smith, Frederick, and family 


688 


Keeler, Isaac M. 


536 


Smith, Jeremiah 


695 


Kridler, W. B. . . . . 


539 


Sanford, Carmi G., and Lydia 


715 


Lemon, M. B. ... 


386 


Schultz, Christian 


• 737 


Loveland, John B. ... 


388 


Skinner, Samuel 


776 


Lemon, John M. . . . 


392 


Tyler, Morris E. 


• 393 


Lee, Dr. George .... 


461 


Taylor, Dr. Sardis B. 


460 


Long, Rev. Michael 


601 


Tyler, John S. ... 


• 535 


Levisee family .... 


719 


Taylol-, Austin B. 


535 


McPherson, Major General James B. 


359 


Thorp, Alonzo 


• 724 


Meek, Basil .... 


389 


Wegstein, Michael 


353 


Moore, John F. . . . 


547 


Watson, Cooper K. 


• 383 


Millions, Jacob 


552 


Williams, Ernest B. 


391 


Mclntyre, Hon. O. . 


640 


Winslow, Hiram W. . . . 


• 392 


McCauley family .... 


690 


Williams, Dr. B. F. 


45' 


McCulloch, C. R. . . . 


827 


Wilson, Dr. James W. 


• 452 


Norton, Faulkner I. . . . 


535 


White, Dr. C. B. . 


462 


Newman, John 


■ 538 


Woodward, Gurdon 


701 


Nyce, Jacob .... 


825 


Wood, Bourdett, and family between 7 


02 and 703 


Otis, Lucius B. . . . 


381 


Young, Noah 


• 643 


OFarrell, P. . . . . 


387 


Zeigler, Wilbur G. 


386 


Olmsted, Jesse S. . . . 


• 549 


Zeigler, John . 


739 



HISTORY 

O F 

Sandusky County, Ohio, 



CHAPTER I. 



ABORIGINAL OCCUPATION. 



The Sandusky Valley in Aboriginal History — The Ancient Eries — General Indian War — The Wyandots 
Driven from their Ancient Seats — The Eries Perish — Extent of the Conquest of the Six Nations — 
The Neutral Nation — Two Forts at Lower Sandusky— Origin and Destruction of the Neutral Nation — 
Ohio Indians — Return of the Wyandots — Character of the Wyandots — Brant Visits Lower Sandusky, 
and Forms a Confederacy — Upper Sandusky Becomes their Seat of Government — The Wyandots are 
Given a Reservation in 1817 — Theii' Final Removal from Ohio in 1842 — Other Tribes and Reservations. 



THE Sandusky country, in aboriginal 
history, possesses a peculiar charm and 
fascinating interest. During that period 
of years which fills western annals with the 
story of intrigue and bloody conflict, the 
plains and prairies of the lower Sandusky 
valley were the home of the most power- 
ful and most generous of the savage na- 
tions. The border country of Pennsyl- 
vania, Virginia, and Kentucky, and the 
first settlements of Ohio, saw the Indian 
at war, and too often his character has 
been estimated by his conduct when in- 
spired to cruelty by a natural desire for 
revenge. Here we see him at home, far 
removed from his enemy, and perceive the 
softer side of his untamed nature. The 
field brings us to a nation's capital, ac- 
quaints us with the manners and customs 
of primitive life, and by affording a more 
accurate knowledge of the treatment of 
white prisoners, softens harsh prejudices. 
Less than a century ago these plains, now 
covered by a thriving city, presented all 
that interesting variety of scenes of Indian 
life, — primitive agriculture, rude cabins, 
canoe-building, amusements, and the coun- 



cil fire, around which painted warriors 
planned campaigns and expeditions 
having for their ultimate object the pre- 
servation of the vast, beautiful forest, and 
the beloved hunting grounds — the return 
and welcome of war parties and the terri- 
fying and not always harmless treatment 
of prisoners. 

Tradition goes back a century farther, 
and makes the locality of this city the 
seat of a still more interesting people, a 
people who for a time preserved existence 
by neutrality, while war, which raged with 
shocking ferocity, effected the extinction 
of the neighboring tribes. 

It will be necessary in these preliminary 
chapters, in which are traced the occupa- 
tion and ownership of the territory included 
in Sandusky county, in order to an under- 
standing of historical events common to a 
wide range of country, to frequently go 
beyond the small field of which this 
volume, by its title, professes to treat. At 
the risk of being tedious, we begin with 
the primitive events of Western history. 

Nothing is known of the aboriginal oc- 
cupation of Ohio previous to 1650, and 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



many statements of events during the 
succeeding century rest upon traditional 
authority. At the opening of the his- 
torical era, the territory now constituting 
the State was a forest wilderness, inhabited 
mainly by the powerful but doomed Eries. 
Most of their villages were located along 
the south shore of the Lake which bears 
their name. Good Indian authority sup- 
ports the theory that one of the strongholds 
of the tribe was the archipelago lying 
north of Sandusky Bay.* Brant, the dis- 
tininguished Mohawk chief, speaks of them 
as a powerful nation. But the doors of 
extermination awaited them. 

The Indians of Northeastern North 
America have been classed in two 
generic divisions, the Iroquois and the 
Algonquin. The Iroquois family, consist- 
ing of the Wyandots, Eries, Andastes and 
the five Confederate tribes, were confined 
to the region south of Lakes Erie and 
Ontario and the peninsula east of Lake 
Huron. They formed as it were an island 
in the vast expanse of Algonquin popula- 
tion extending from Hudson's Bay on the 
north to the Carolinas on the south ; from 
the Atlantic on the east to the Mississippi 
on the west. The Delawares were the 
leading tribe, and, according to tradition, 
the parent stem of the Algonquinsf. 
The Wyandots lived on the eastern shore 
of Lake Huron and were in consequence 
named by the early French explorers, 
"Hurons. " The western tribes of the Iro- 
quois family were more powerful than the 
eastern until the great Confederacy of 
Five Nations, afterwards Six by the addi- 
tion of the Tuscarawas, was formed early 
in the seventeenth century. The Six Na- 
tions had the rude elements of a confeder- 
ated republic, and were the only power in 
this part of the continent, deserving the 

*Schoolcraft. 
'j-Parkman's Conspiracy of Pontiac, 



name of Government.* About the middle 
of the seventeenth century began a war 
which desolated the western forest of its 
inhabitants and changed the whole face of 
aboriginal geography. The confederated 
tribes, grown arrogant by fifty years of 
power, made war upon their western 
neighbors. The country of the Wyandots 
was first invaded. This war had already 
commenced where Champlain entered the 
St. Lawrence, and that enterprising officer 
accompanied one of the hostile parties 
against their enemies.! The Wyandots 
suffered disastrously in that war. Driven 
from their ancient home, they were pursued 
by the victorious Irocjuois to the northern 
shores of Lake Huron. Distance was no 
security against the relentless fury of their 
foes, who were encouraged by victory and 
maddened by resistance. Famine and 
disease assisted war's devastation. The 
account of the suffering, told by mission- 
aries, who witnessed and shared their fate, 
excites our pity. Driven from their hiding 
places, they fled farther westward until at 
last a feeble remnant found protection in 
the dominion of the Sioux. This helpless 
remnant of the most proud and haughty 
of the Indian tribes in little more than 
a century, again became the most power- 
ful of the Indian nations. 

During this fearful war the Eries re- 
mained neutral, or, rather, were at the 
head of a confederation of neutral tribes, 
whose dominion extended into Canada, 
and was crossed by the Iroquois confed- 
eracy in their campaign against the Wyan- 
dots. | The proud Iroquois next began 
that cruel war which resulted in the ex- 
tinction of the whole Neutral Nation. I'he 
Canada tribe fell first, and then the Eries 
of Ohio became victims of savage butch- 
ery. Using their canoes as scaling ladders, 

*James Albach's Annals. 

•f-North American Review, 1827. 

:J:Schoolcraft. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



IT 



the warriors of the eastern confederacy 
stormed the Erie strongholds, leaped down 
like tigers upon the defenders, and mur- 
dered them without mercy. This general 
massacre was carried to the entire extinc- 
tion of the powerful nation which once 
held doiT'inion over the whole southern 
shore oi Lake Erie. The Andastes next 
perished. The date of this event is placed, 
upon good authority, at 1672. About the 
same time the Shawnees were driven from 
their ancient home far into the South. 
The proud Iroquois now pretentiously 
claimed to be the conquerors of the whole 
country from sea to sea, and indeed they 
may have been masters of the vast expanse 
between the lakes and the Ohio as far west 
as the Mississippi. The Miamis, however, 
have no tradition of ever having suffered 
defeat. Well accredited Indian writers 
think, therefore, that the Miami River was 
the western boundary of the Iroquois con- 
quest. 

The territory now embraced in the State 
of Ohio, in consequence of this fatal war, 
became a land sparsely inhabited. The 
upper Ohio Valley was without human 
habitation when explored by the early 
French navigators. The western post of 
the Six Nations on the lake was a Seneca 
village on the Sandusky River, at the loca- 
tion of the present village bearing the same 
name. 

But in the general narrative an item of 
local interest has been passed over. Gen- 
eral Lewis Cass has preserved the tradi- 
tion of the Wyandots that, during the long 
and bloody wars between the eastern and 
western tribes, there lived upon the San- 
dusky a neutral tribe of Wyandots called 
the Neutral Nation. They occupied two 
villages which were cities of refuge, where 
those who sought safety never failed to 
find it. These villages stood near the 
lower rapids. "During the long and dis- 
astrous contests, which preceded and fol- 



lowed the arrival of the Europeans, in 
which the Iroquois contended for victory, 
and their enemies for existence," says 
General Cass, "this little band preserved 
the integrity of their tribe and the 
sacred character of peacemakers. All 
who met upon their threshold met as 
friends, for the ground on which they stood 
was holy. It was a beautiful institution, a 
calm and peaceful island, looking out upon 
the world of waves and tempests." Father 
Segard says this Neutral Nation was in ex- 
istence when the French missionaries first 
reached the Upper Lakes. The details of 
their history and of their character and 
privileges are meagre and unsatisfactory. 
"And this," continues General Cass, "is 
the more to be regretted, as such a sanc- 
tuary among the barbarous tribes is not 
only a singular institution, but altogether 
at variance with the reckless spirit of cru- 
elty with which their wars are usually pros- 
ecuted. The Wyandot tradition repre- 
sents them as having separated from the 
parent stock during the bloody wars with 
their own tribe and the Iroquois, and hav- 
ing fled to the Sandusky River for safety." 
The tradition runs, that at the lower rap- 
ids two forts were erected, one for the Iro- 
quois or Six Nations, the other for their 
enemies. In these, war parties might find 
security and hospitality when they entered 
the country. Tradition does not tell why 
so unusual a proposition should be made 
or acceded to. General Cass thinks it 
probable that superstition lent its aid to 
the institiyiion, and that it may have been 
indebted for its origin to the feasts and 
charms and juggling ceremonies which 
constituted the religion of the natives. "No 
other motive was sufficient to restrain the 
hand of violence and to counteract the 
threat of vengeance." 

Major B. F. Stickney, for many years 
an Indian Agent in this part of Ohio, said 
in a lecture delivered in Toledo in 1845: 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



The remains of extensive works of defence are now 
to be seen near Lower Sandusky. The Wyandots 
have given me this account of them: At a period of 
two centuries and a-half ago* all the Indians west of 
this point were at war with those east. Two walled 
towns were built near each other and each were in- 
habited by those of Wyandot origin. They assumed 
a neutral character and all the Indians at war recog- 
nized that character. They might be called two 
neutral cities. All of the west might enter the west- 
ern city and all of the east the eastern. The inhabit- 
ants of one city might inform those of the other 
that war parties were there or had been there; but 
who they were, or whence they came, or anything 
more must not be mentioned. The war parties 
might remain there in security, taking their own time 
for departure. At the western town they suffered 
warriors- to burn their prisoners near it, but the east- 
ern would not. (An old Wyandot informed me that 
he recollected seeing, when a boy, the remains of 
a cedar post or stake at which they iised to 
burn prisoners). The French historians tell us that 
when tliey first came here these neutral cities were in- 
habited and their neutral character preserved. At 
length a quarrel arose between these two cities and 
one destroyed the inhabitants of the other. This put 
an end to neutrality. 

These traditions, handed down along 
the generations for nearly two centuries, 
are probably inaccurate in detail, but 
the general fact of the existence of two 
such cities, located near the headwaters 
of navigation on the Sandusky River, is 
entitled to as much consideration as any 
other fact of early Indian history. In 
view of the general historical events of 
the period the tradition is reasonable. A 
fierce and relentless attack was made upon 
the Wyandot Nation by the Confederated 
Iroquois. In the bloody contest which 
followed, the Wyandots were defeated and 
diiven from their native soil. While the 
body of the defeated nation soi*ght refuge 
in the high latitudes above Lake Huron, 
it IS not improbable that a tribe or com- 
pany crossed Lake Erie towards the south, 
found their way into Sandusky Bay and 
thence ascended the river to where rapids 
and shallow water prevented further pro- 
gress. Here, at the head of navigation, 

*This tradition places the time too early by more than 
half a centurj'. 



would be a natural place to settle, and ex- 
perience would dictate the propriety of 
building works of defence. E^xperience, 
too, would dictate the propriety of nutral- 
ity, when the Eries, among whom they had 
settled, were compelled, at a later period, 
to take up the weapons of war in defence of 
their country. Tliese refugee Wyandots, 
if we suppose the tradition to be true, had 
seen the Neutral Nation of the northern 
side of the lake escape the cruel invaders, 
on account of neutrality. A similar policy 
of neutrality shielded them during the 
equally savage contest which resulted in 
the extinction of the Eries. History and 
tradition authorize the belief that a neutral 
tribe once dwelt near the present city of 
Fremont, and also that they were de- 
stroyed; either in an internal dissension or 
by the hand of the invading warriors of the 
Iroquois Confederacy. Gist found, in 1750, 
on White-woman creek, a Wyandot vil- 
lage containing about one hundred fami- 
lies, named "Muskingum." This is sup- 
posed to have been an isolated govern- 
ment. There can be no doubt but that 
the Wyandot Nation was greatly scattered 
by the general war of 1655. 

We have now given the most trust- 
worthy information, so far as our knowl- 
edge of aboriginal history goes, of the 
Indian occupation of the region in which 
Sandusky county is included, prior to the 
period which historians have termed the 
second Indian occu])ation of Ohio. Pre- 
vious to 1650, nothing is known. The 
succeeding century may be called the 
first period of Indian history. At the 
opening of this period the Eries were un- 
doubtedly masters of the Sandusky River 
region. Accepting tradition as authority, 
a detached band of refugee Wyandots 
established themselves at the lower rapids, 
and probably became masters of the soil. 
Then followed the conquest of the Six 
Nations, and a half century of quiet, per- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



13 



haps undisturbed, preceded the second 
Wyandot occupation. 

The first authentic and accurate Icnowl- 
edge of Ohio Indians may be said to have 
had its beginning about 1750. About 
that time French and EngUsh traders 
sought out the denizens of the Ohio for-' 
ests, and from their accounts some knowl- 
edge of the strength and character of the 
Indian tribes and their location, can be 
gleaned. The most trustworthy and 
valuable accounts are to be found in the 
narrative of the captivity of Colonel James 
Smith, who, as a prisoner, tramped the 
forest from the lakes to the river, having 
been a captive from 1755 to 1759, and in 
the reports made in 1764 by Colonel 
Boquet, as the result of his observations 
while making a military expedition west 
of the Ohio. 

Accordmg to Boquet's report, the prin- 
cipal Indian tribes in Ohio about the 
middle of the last century were the Wyan- 
dots, the Delawares, the Shawnees, the 
Mingos, the Cliippewas and the Tawas 
(or Ottawas). The Delawares occupied 
the valleys of the Muskingum and Tus- 
carawas; the Shawnees, the Scioto Valley; 
the Miamis, the valleys of the two rivers 
which bear their name; the Wyandots 
occupied the country about the Sandusky 
River; the Ottawas were located on the 
valleys of the Sandusky and Maumee, or 
Miami of the Lake; the Chippewas in- 
habited the south shore of Lake Erie; 
and the Mingos, an off-shoot of the six 
Nations, were in greatest strength on the 
Ohio, below the present city of Steuben- 
ville. AUthe tribes,however, frequented the 
country outside their ascribed limits of ter- 
ritory, and at different periods, from the 
time when the first definite knowledge con- 
cerning them was obtained, down to the era 
of white settlement, occupied different lo- 
actions. Thus the Delawares, whom 
Boquet found in 1764 in greatest numbers 



in the Tuscarawas Valley, thirty years later 
mainly occupied the county which bears 
their name; and the Shawnees, w-ho were 
found strongest on the Scioto, had, by the 
time of St. Clair and Wayne's wars, con- 
centrated upon the Little Miami. As the 
natives saw white settlements encroaching 
upon their hunting grounds, a bond of 
sympathy and common danger united the 
nations. Tribal differences and jealousies 
were forgotten when they foresaw the des- 
truction of their loved domain by the 
white man's axe. 

The Delawares had their densest popu- 
lation on the Upper Muskingum and Tus- 
carawas. They were in possession of the 
greater part of the eastern half of the 
present territory of Ohio, their domain 
extending from the Ohio to Lake Erie. 
This tribe, which claimed to be the elder 
branch of the Lenni-Lenape, has, in tra- 
dition, in history, and in fiction, been ac- 
corded a high rank among the Indians of 
North America. The best accredited 
Indian historians have testified to the su- 
periority of the Delawares, and James 
Fennimore Cooper, in his charming ro- 
mances, has popularized the fame of the 
tribe. Long before the advent of Euro- 
peans upon the continent, according to 
tradition, the Delawares lived in the West, 
but separating from the rest of the Lenni- 
Lenape, they migrated slowly eastward. 
In alliance with the Iroquois they con- 
quered a race of giants, the Allegewi, and 
finally settled on the Delaware River, 
where European navigators found ih^m. 
After the Atlantic coast became settled 
by whites the Delawares again came West. 
A portion of the tribe having obtained 
permission from the Wyandots, then set- 
tled on the Muskingum. They called the 
Wyandots their uncles, thus acknowledg- 
ing the superiority of that Nation. They 
settled on the Muskingum about 1745, 
and the fact that permission was obtained 



14 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



frorrTthe Wyandots is an evidence that that 
Nation succeeded the Iroquois to the do- 
main of the conquered Eries. The most 
successful labors of the Moravian mis- 
sionaries were among the Delawares. 

The Shawnees are interesting to us, 
chiefly because of the nativity of the 
great war chief, Tecumseh, through whose 
influence the tribes of Ohio were drawn 
into an alliance with the British armies in 
1 812. The Shawnees were the only In- 
dians who had a tradition of foreign origin, 
and for some time after the whites became 
acquainted with them they celebrated the 
arrival of their remote ancestors. Little 
is known of the early history of this tribe. 
It is generally conceded, however, that at 
an early period they were overcome and 
scattered, some being carried by their 
conquerors into Pennsylvania, and others 
driven South into the Creek country. En- 
couraged by the Wyandots and French 
they returned, about 1740, and settled in 
the fertile valley of the Scioto. It is said 
that Tecumseh's mother was a Creek wo- 
man whom his father took for a wife dur- 
ing the southern residence of the tribe. 
The chief himself, who commanded the 
Indian forces during the attack on Fort 
Stephenson, was born in the Mad River 
Valley after the return of his tribe. 

Shawnee war parties frequently visited 
Lower Sandusky while this place was oc- 
cupied by the Wyandots. Their captives 
were brought here on the way to Detroit, 
and their friendly alliance with the Wyan- 
dots made the Indian power most formid- 
able during the early settlement of the 
Northwest. The four tribes of the Shaw- 
nees were the Piqua, Kiskapocke, Me- 
quachuke, and Chillicothe. They were 
a highly imaginative people as is shown 
by the abundance of fanciful traditions. 
Their account of the origin of the Piqua 
is a good example. According to the le- 
gend, the tribe began in a perfect man, 



who burst into being from fire and ashes. 
The Shawnees said to the first whites who 
mingled with them, that once, when the 
wise men and chiefs were sitting around 
the smouldering embers of a council fire, 
they were all startled with a great puffing 
of fire and smoke, and suddenly from the 
ashes and dying coals there arose before 
them a man of splendid form and mien. He 
was named Piqua to signify the manner 
of his coming into the world, — that he 
was born of fire and ashes. This legend 
of the origin of the tribe, beautiful in its 
simplicity, has been made the subject of 
much comment by several writers, as 
showing, in a marked degree, the roman- 
tic susceptibility of the Indian character. 
The Shawnees have been designated "the 
Bedouins of the American wilderness " 
by some writers, and "the Spartan of the 
race" by others. They are justly entitled 
to the former title by their extensive and 
constant wanderings; the latter title more 
properly belongs to the Wyandots. The 
Shawnees were vigorous warriors. They 
made frequent incursions into the white 
settlements; were the active allies of the 
French, and afterwards of the British dur- 
ing the Revolution; made constant war 
upon the frontier settlements of Ohio and 
Kentucky, and participated actively in the 
war against St. Clair and Wayne ; in the 
War of 18 1 2 a part of the Nation followed 
the celebrated Tecumseh.. It was during 
this long period of war that they frequent- 
ly visited Lower Sandusky with captives 
or for council. 

The Ottawas existed in the territory 
constituting the State of Ohio, in small 
numbers. They seem to have been infe- 
rior in almost every respect to the other 
great Indian nations of Ohio. The name 
of Pontiac alone renders them conspicu- 
ous in history. 

The Miamis, so far as is known, were 
the original inhabitants of the valleys 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



15 



bearing their name, and claimed to have 
been created in it. The Mingos had a 
few small villages along the Ohio River 
and the Lake basin. Drake mentions a 
Mingo village near Lower Sandusky. 
Logan has made the name Mingo famil- 
iar to every reader of western adventure. 
In our sketch of the first period of 
aboriginal history, we left the main stem 
of the Wyandot Nation, a weak band of 
refugees, under the protection of the 
Sioux, in the country west of Lake Supe- 
rior, where th^y enjoyed safety and tran- 
quility. But defeat and overthrow did 
not kill the proud spirit native to the tribe. 
A domain lost, left dominion to be gained. 
In a few years the power of the Iroquois 
Confederacy was crippled by their wars 
with the French. The Wyandots de- 
scended Lake Superior and occupied the 
lands about old Michilimackinac. When 
the French fort at Detroit was established 
they were invited to settle in its vicinity 
and their services were important in resist- 
ing the hostile operations which the 
Foxes continued against the infant colony. 
Their final migration was to the plains of 
Sandusky. Just when they came to San- 
dusky is not known. Colonel James Smith 
in the narrative of his captivity, claims to 
have visited, in 1757, a town on the "Little 
Lake" (which was the name given Sandusky 
Bay) named Sunyendeand, which was prob- 
ably located near the mouth of Cold creek,* 
in Erie county." This is spoken of as a 
village of considerable size, but, although 
he ascended the river, no mention is 
made of a village at the falls. "When 
we came to the fall of Sandusky," says the 
narrative, "we buried our birch bark ca- 
noes as usual, at a large burying place for 
that purpose, a little below the falls. At 
this place the river falls about eight feet 
over a rock, but not perpendicularly; with 
much difficulty we pushed up our wooden 

*Firelands Pioneer. 



canoes ; some of us went up the river and 
others by land on horses, until we came 
to the great meadows or prairies that lie 
between the Sandusky and Scioto." 

Colonel Smith describes the country 
from the mouth of the Sandusky to the falls 
as chiefly first-rate land, lying flat or level, 
intermixed with large bodies of clear mead- 
ows, where the grass is exceeding rank 
and in many places three or four feet high. 
" The timber is oak, hickory, walnut, cher- 
ry, black ash, elm, sugar-tree, buckeye, lo- 
cust, and beech. In some places there is 
wet timber land — the timber in these 
places is chiefly water-ash, sycamore, and 
button-wood. From the falls to the prai- 
rie the land lies well to the sun; it is nei- 
ther too flat or too hilly, but is chiefly first- 
rate; the timber nearly the same as below 
the falls, excepting the water-ash." 

Colonel Smith's narrative gives negative 
evidence that the seat of government of 
the Wyandots was yet at Dertoit, and that 
there were no villages on Sandusky River 
above the bay and below the prairies. 
The Nation, however, was acknowledged 
to be at the head of the great Indian 
family.* 

How this pre-eminence was acquired 
none now can tell. They were the 
guardians of the great council fire, and 
they alone had the privilege of sending 
their messengers with the well-known cre- 
dentials, wampum and tobacco, to sum- 
mon other tribes to meet their uncle, the 
Wyandot, when any important subject re- 
quired deliberation. In the calamities 
occasioned by the victories of the Iro- 
quois, the site of the council fire had 
often changed, but always with prescribed 
ceremonial and with due notice to all.f 
This fire was extinguished in blood at 
Brownstown, at the mouth of the Detroit 
river in 181 2. The Wyandots were the 

* Lewis Cass, in North American Review, 1827. 
■fGeneral Lewis Cass. 



i6 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



keepers of the grand calumet and per- 
formed that office in the unequal contest 
with General Wayne in which the allied 
tribes were hopelessly defeated. 

Lower Sandusky probably became the 
principal war seat of the Wyandots, al- 
though Upper Sandusky was the chief 
seat of government. Half King, the great 
chief, lived at Upper Sandusky, but Tarhe, 
the Crane, the principal war chief, lived 
at Lower Sandusky, at least until Wayne's 
victory and the treaty of Greenville, after 
which the office of Half King was abol- 
ished, and Crane, the great war chief and 
chief of the Porcupine tribe, became the 
head chief of the Nation. Crane led his war- 
riors from Lower Sandusky against Wayne, 
and he, himself, carried the grand calu- 
met. He was made custodian of the 
treaty of Greenville.* 

The first mention of an Indian village 
at Lower Sandusky is made by Boijuet, in 
his report, made in 1764, where he si)eaks 
of the Wyandot village Junqueindundeh, 
near the falls of Sandusky. When mis- 
sionaries first visited this county the plains 
along the river were planted in corn and 
the Wyandots of Upper Sandusky fre- 
quently sent down for supplies. 

An event of unusual consequence is 
hinted at by Captain Brant , the famous 
half-breed chief of the Mohawks and war 
chief of the Six Nations. In a council 
held at Buffalo Creek, in 1794, Brant, ad- 
dressing General Chapin, the United 
States Commissioner, said: "This idea 
(exerting ourselves to hold our territory,) 
we all entertained at our council at Lower 
Sandusky, for the purpose of forming gur 
confe deracy and to adopt measures for 
the general good of our Indian nations 
and people of our color." On another 
occasion Brant said: '"For several years 
we were engaged in getting a confederacy 
formed, and the unanimity occasioned 

* History of Fort Wayne. 



by these endeavors among our Western 
brethren enabled them to defeat two 
American armies." In 1785, after the 
formation of the confederacy, Brant went 
to England.* These fragments indicate 
that the present site of the city of Fre- 
mont is the ground on which the grand 
confederacy was formed, of which Brant 
was chief, and which enabled the Western 
tribes to defeat two American armies. 

The government of the Wyandots was 
reposed in a council of seven chiefs, and 
the Nation was divided into seven tribes, 
over each of which a chief presided. 
These were the three Turtle tribes, — the 
Little Turtle, the ^Vater Turtle, and the 
Large Land Turtle; the Porcupine tribe, 
the Deer tribe, the Bear tribe, and the 
Snake tribe. The office of chief was he- 
reditary in the female line. A chief was 
succeeded by his sister's son or by the 
nearest male relative in that line. After 
the office of Half King was abolished, the 
chief of the Porcupine tribe was the ac- 
knowledged head of the Nation. This 
honor belonged to Tarhe, or the Crane, 
as he was generally known. 

We cannot dismiss this subject without 
speaking of the character of this Nation, 
which but little more than half a century 
ago possessed and inhabited our soil, but is 
now well nigh extinct. General Harrison 
gives to the Wyandots unquestioned pref- 
erence among the Western Indians on the 
score of bravery. With other tribes, 
flight in battle, when occasioned by unex- 
pected resistance and obstacles, brought 
with it no disgrace, and was rather a i)art 
of their strategy, but otherwise with the 
AVyandots. In the battle of the Maumee 
Rapids, in which the confederated tribes 
were broken by General Wayne, of the 
thirteen Wyandot chiefs engaged, but one 
escaped, and he badly wounded. 

When General Wayne assumed his 

* Perkins's Annals of the West. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



17 



position at Greenville, in 1795, he sent 
for Captain Wells, who commanded a 
company of scouts, and told him that he 
wished him to go to Sandusky, and take a 
prisoner for the purpose of obtaining in- 
formation. Wells (who, having been 
taken from Kentucky when a boy and 
brought up by the Indians, was perfectly 
acquainted with Indian character,) an- 
swered that ''he could take a prisoner, but 
not from Sandusky." "And why not from 
Sandusky?" said the General. "Because," 
answered Captain Wells, "there are only 
Wyandots living at Sandusky." "Well, 
why will not Wyandots do?" "For the best 
of reasons," answered Wells; "because 
Wyandots will not be taken alive." 

Upper Sandusky had been the main 
station of the Wyandots, and probably 
after the treaty of Greenville was their 
only seat of government in Ohio. By the 
treaty of the Maumee Rapids, in 181 7, they 
relinquished all claim to the Sandusky 
Valley, except a reservation twelve miles 
square in the county, which bears their 
name. The center of this reservation was 
Fort Ferree, now the town of Upper 
Sandusky. An additional reservation, one 
mile square, was granted them for hunting 
purposes, on Broken Sword Creek. 

By the same treaty the Delawares re- 
ceived a reservation, three miles square, 
in Wyandot county. The Delawares 
ceded their reservation to the United 
States in 1829, the Wyandots in 1842, 
they being at that time the only Indians 
remaining in the State. They departed 
for the West in July, 1843, their number at 
that time being -seven hundred souls. 
Colonel John Johnson, the Indian Com- 
missioner at that time, says many of the 
old chiefs cried, and all regretted to leave 
their native land. 

During the later years of their residence 
in Ohio, William Walker was a leader 
among the Wyandots. He had been clerk 



on an Ohio river steamboat, but came 
among the Indians for purposes of specu- 
lation. He married a half-blood squaw 
at Upper Sandusky, who was one of the 
most intelligent women on the reservation. 
^V^alker became quite wealthy. He had 
several boys and girls whom he educated. 
One of the sons was William H. Walker, 
for some time Government interpreter. 
He had considerable poetical genius, as is 
shown by the following lines composed 
while at college : 

Oh, give me back my bended bow, 
My cap and feather, give them back. 

To chase o'er hill the mountain roe. 
Or follow in the otter's track. 

You took me from my native wild, 

Where all was bright, and free and blest; 

You said the Indian hunter's child 

In classic halls and bowers should rest. 

Long have I dwelt within these walls 
And pored o'er ancient pages long. 

I hate these antiquated halls; 
I hate the Grecian poet's song. 

Just before departing for the West, 
young Walker wrote the following song in 
the Wyandot tongue, but translated it into 
English : 

THE WYANDOT'S FAREWELL. 

Farewell, ye tall oaks, in whose pleasant green shade 
I've sported in childhood, in innocence played. 
My dog and my hatchet, my arrow and bow. 
Are still in remembrance, alas ! I miist go. 

Adieu, ye dear scenes which bound me like chains. 
As on my gay pony I pranced o'er the plains; 
The deer and the turkey I tracked in the snow, 
O'er the great Mississippi, alas ! I must go. 

Sandusky, Tyamochtee, and Broken Sword streams. 
No more shall I see you except in my dreams. 
Farewell to the marshes where cranberries grow. 
O'er the great Mississippi, alas ! I must go. 

Dear scenes of my childhood, in memory blest, 
I must bid you farewell for the far distant West. 
My heart swells with sorrow, my eyes overflow. 
O'er the great Mississippi, alas! I must go. 

Let me go to the wildwood, my own native home. 
Where the wild deer and elk and buffalo roam. 
Where the tall cedars are and the bright waters flow, 
Far away from the pale-face, oh, there let me go. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



There were along the Sandusky River 
scattered bands of other tribes — Mingos, 
Mohawks, Onondagas, Tuscarawas and 
Oneidas. Good Hunter, a leading Mingo 
chief, said his band was a remnant of 
Logan's tribe. By the treaty of Maumee 
Rapids in 1817, these scattered fragments 
of tribes, with a few Wyandots, were 
grouped together upon a reservation con- 
sisting of thirty thousand acres of land, 
which was increased to forty thousand the 
following year. This reservation extended 
two miles and an eighth northward of the 
south county line, and from the Sandusky 
River to Green Spring. The name Senecas 
of Sandusky was applied, because of the 
old Indian village of that name. Most of 
the inhabitants of this reservation were 
descendants of the six tribes composing 
the Iroquois confederacy of Six Nations. 
It should be remembered that the territory 
included within the limits of this reserva- 
tion was, before the treaty of 181 7, em- 
braced in the country of the Wyandots. 
By a treaty concluded at Washington in 
1 83 1, these Indians relinquished their 
land, and removed to the Neosho River. 



Like the Wyandots of Upper Sandusky, 
they came to Lower Sandusky to trade. 
Judge Olmstead being their favorite mer- 
chant. 

The principal chiefs of the Senecas 
were Coonstick, Small Cloud Spicer, 
Seneca Steel, Hard Hickory, Tall Chief, 
and Good Hunter. Many interesting 
episodes in their history are narrated in the 
chapters relating to Ballville and Green 
Creek townships. 

The Ottawas were a nation of hunters 
and trappers, and were always subjects of 
shame among their warlike neighbors. 
This last residence in Ohio was on the 
Maumee River. They never laid claim to 
any part of Sandusky county, but often 
followed both the Portage and Sandusky 
Rivers on hunting expeditions. 

The Delawares, after being forced from 
their seats on the Muskingum, occu- 
pied the western and central part of the 
State. The Muncies, the most warlike of 
the tribes of this Nation, established a 
village on the Sandusky River, about three 
miles below the Wyandot village at the rap- 
ids. Here Tecumseh visited them in 1809. 



CHAPTER II. 



OWNERSHIP OF THE NORTHWEST. 

The Claims of France, Founded on Discovery and Occupation— England's Claim Based Upon Discovery 
and Settlement of the Atlantic Coast and Treaties of Purchase— Treaty of Paris in 1763— Ohio as a 
Part of France and Canada— The "Quebec Bill"— Title Vested in the Confederated States by Treaty in 
1783— Conflicting Claims of States— Virginia's Exercise of Civil Authority— The Northwest Territory 
Erected as Botetourt County — Illinois County — New York Withdraws Claim — Virginia's Deed of Cession 
—Massachusetts Cedes Her Claim Without Reservation— "The Tardy and Reluctant Sacrifice of 
State Pretensions to the Public Good," Made by Connecticut— A Serious Evil Averted— The States 
Urged to their Action by New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland— Extinguishment of the Indian Title- 
Difficulty of Making Satisfactory Provisions— A Harsh and Unjust Policy — Washington's Influence 
Causes More Humane Treatment of the Indians— Treaty of Fort Stanwix— Treaty of Fort Mcintosh- 
George Rogers Clarke, General Butler, and S. H. Parsons Confer with Several Tribes at the Mouth of 
the Miami— Measures of the Treaty Ineffectual to Preserve Peace — Great Improvement in the Atti- 
tude of the Government— Indian Tribes Recognized as Rightful Owners — Appropriations Made to 
Purchase Title from Them. 



FRANCE, resting her claim upon the dis- 
covery and explorations of Robert Ca- 
valier de la Salle and Marquette, upon the 
occupation of the country, and later, upon 
the provisions of several European treaties 
(those of Utrecht, Ryswick, Aix-la-Chap- 
elle), was the first nation to formally lay 
claim to the soil of the territory now in- 
cluded within the boundaries of the State 
of Ohio as an integral portion of the valley 
of the Mississippi and of the Northwest. 
Ohio wa? thus a part of New France. 
After the treaty of Utrecht, in 17 13, it was 
a part of the French province of Louisiana, 
which extended from the gulf to the nor- 
thern lakes. The English claims were 
based, on the priority of their occupation 
of the Atlantic coast, in latitude corres- 
ponding to the territory claimed; upon an 
opposite construction of the same treaties 
above named; and last but not least, upon 
the alleged cession of the rights of the In- 
dians. England's charters to all of the 
original colonies expressly extended their 
grants from sea to sea. The principal 
ground of claim by the English was by 



the treaties of purchase from the Six Na 
tions, who, claiming to be conquerors of 
the whole country and therefore its posses- 
sors, asserted their right to dispose of it. 
A portion of the land was obtained through 
grants from the Six Nations and by actual 
purchase made at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 
in 1744. France successfully resisted the 
claims of England, and maintained control 
of the territory between the Ohio and the 
takes by force of arms until the Treaty of 
Paris was consummated, in 1763. By the 
provisions of this treaty Great Britain came 
into possession of the disputed lands, and 
retained it until ownership was vested in 
the United States by the treaty of peace 
made just twenty years later. We have 
seen that Ohio was once a part of France 
and of the French province of Louisiana, 
and as a curiosity it may be of interest to 
refer to an act of the British Parliament, 
which made it an integral part of Canada. 
This was what has been known in history as 
the "Quebec Bill," passed in 1774. By the 
provisions of this bill the Ohio River was 
made the southwestern, and the Missis- 



20 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



sippi River the western boundary of Can- 
ada, thus placing the territory now consti- 
tuting the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, 
Michigan, and Wisconsin under the local 
jurisdiction of the Province of Quebec. 

Virginia had asserted claims to the whole 
territory northwest of the Ohio, and New 
York had claimed title to portions of the 
same. These claims had been for the 
most part held in abeyance during the 
period when the general ownership was 
vested in Great Britain, but vvere after- 
wards the cause of much embarrassment 
to the United States. Virginia, however, 
had not only claimed ownership of the 
soil, but attempted the exercise of civil 
authority in the disputed territory as early 
as 1769. In that year the Colonial House 
of Burgesses passed an act establishing 
the county of Botetourt, including a large 
part of what is now West Virginia and the 
whole territory northwest of the Ohio, 
and having, of course, as its western 
boundary, the Mississippi River. This was 
a county of vast proportions — a fact of 
which the august authorities who ordered 
its establishment seem to have been fully 
aware, for they inserted the following 
among other provisions of the act, viz: 

Whereas, The people situated upon the Missis- 
sippi in the said county of Botetourt will be very re- 
mote from the court-house, and must necessarily 
become a separate county as soon as their numbers 
are sufficient, which will probably happen in a short 
time, be it therefore enacted by the authority afore- 
said that the inhabitants of that part of the said 
county of Botetourt, which lies on the said waters, 
shall be exempted from the payment of any levies to 
be laid by the said county for the purpose of building 
a court-house and prison for said county. 

It was more in name than in fact, how- 
ever, that Virginia had jurisdiction over 
this great county of Botetourt through 
the act of 1769. In 1778, after the splen- 
did achievements of General George 
Rogers Clarke — his subjugation of the 
British posts in the far West, and conquest 
of the whole country from the Ohio to the 



Mississippi — this territory was organized 
by the Virginia Legislature as the county 
of Illinois. Then, and not until then, 
did government have more than a nom- 
inal existence in this far extending but 
undeveloped country, containing a few 
towns and scattered population. The act, 
which was passed in October, contained 
the following provisions: 

All the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia 
who are already settled, or shall hereafter settle on 
the western side of the Ohio, shall be included in a 
distinct county which shall be called Illinois; and the 
Governor of this Commonwealth, with the advice of 
the council, may appoint a County Lieutenant or 
Commandant-in-Chief, during pleasure, who shall 
appoint and commission so many Deputy-Com- 
mandants, Militia officers and Commissaries, as he 
shall think proper, in the different districts, during 
pleasure, all of whom, before they enter into office, 
shall take the oath of fidelity to this Commonwealth, 
and the oath of office, according to the form of their 
own religion. And all officers to whom the inhabit- 
ants have been accustomed, necessary to the preser- 
vation of peace and the administration of justice, 
shall be chosen by a majority of citizens, in their re- 
spective districts, to be convened for that purpose 
by the County Lieutenant or Commandant, or his 
deputy, and shall be commissioned by the said 
County Lieutenant or Commandant-in-Chief. 

John Todd was appointed as County 
Lieutenant and Civil Commandant of 
Illinois county, and served until his death 
(he was killed in the battle of Blue Lick, 
August 18, 1782), being succeeded by 
Timothy de Montbrun. 

New York was the first of the several 
States claiming right and title in Western 
lands to withdraw the same in favor of the 
United States. Her charter, obtained 
March 2, 1664, from Charles II., em- 
braced territory which had formerly been 
granted to Massachusetts and Connecti- 
cut. The cession of claim was made by 
James Uuane, William Floyd, and Alex- 
ander McDougall, on behalf of the State, 
March 1, 1781. 

Virginia, with a far more valid claim 
than New York, was the next State to fol- 
low New York's example. Her claim was 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



founded upon certain charters granted to 
the colony by James I., and bearing date 
respectively, April lo, 1606, May 23, 
1609, and March 12, 161 1; upon the con- 
quest of the country by General George 
Rogers Clarke; and upon the fact that 
she had also exercised civil authority 
over the territory. The General Assembly 
of Virginia, at its session beginning Octo- 
ber 20, 1783, passed an act authorizing its 
delegates in Congress to convey to the 
United States in Congress assembled, all 
the right of that Commonwealth to the ter- 
ritory northwest of the Ohio River. The 
act was consummated on March 17, 1784. 
By one of the provisory clauses of this act 
was reserved the Virginia Military District, 
lying between the waters of the Scioto and 
Little Miami Rivers. 

Massachusetts ceded her claims with- 
out reservation, the same year that Vir- 
ginia did hers (1784), though the action 
was not formally consummated until the 
1 8th of April, 1785. The right of her 
title had been rested upon her charter, 
granted less than a quarter of a century 
from the arrival of the Mayflower, and 
embracing territory extending from the 
Atlantic to the Pacific. 

Connecticut made what has been char- 
acterized as "the last tardy and reluctant 
sacrifice of State pretensions to the com- 
mon good"* on the 14th of September, 
1786. She ceded to Congress all her 
"right, title, interest, jurisdiction, and 
claim to the lands northwest of the Ohio, 
excepting the Connecticut Western Re- 
serve," and of this tract jurisdictional 
claim was not ceded to the United States 
until May 30, 1801. 

The happy, and, considering all com- 
plications, speedy adjustment of the con- 
flicting claims of the States, and consolida- 
tion of all rights of title in the United 

* Statutes of Ohio; Chief Justice Chase. 



States, was productive of the best results 
both at home and abroad. The young 
Nation, born in the terrible throes of the 
Revolucion, went through a trying ordeal, 
and one of which the full peril was not 
realized until it had been safely passed. 
Serious troubles threatened to arise from 
the disputed ownership of the Western 
lands, and there were many who had 
grave fears that the well-being of the coun- 
try would be impaired or at least its prog- 
ress impeded. The infant Republic 
was at that time closely and jealously 
watched by all the governments of Europe, 
and nearly all of them would have rejoiced 
to witness the failure of the Ameri- 
can experiment, but they were not des- 
tined to be gratified at the expense of the 
United States. As it was, the most pal- 
pable harm, caused by delay, was the re- 
tarding of settlement. The movement 
towards the complete cession of State 
claims was accelerated as much as possi- 
ble by Congress. The National Legislature 
strenuously urged the several States, in 
1784, to cede their lands to the Confeder- 
acy to aid the payment of the debts in- 
curred during the Revolution, and to pro- 
mote the harmony of the Union.* 

The States of New Jersey, Delaware, 
and Maryland had taken the initiative 
action and been largely instrumental in 
bringing about the cession of State 
claims. The fact that they had no foun- 
dation for pretensions of ownership save 
that they had equally, in proportion to 
their ability with the other States, assisted 
in wresting these lands from Great Britain, 
led them to protest against an unfair 
division of the territory — New Jersey had 
memorialized Congress in 1778, and Del- 
aware followed in the same spirit in Jan- 
uary, 1779. Later in the same year 
Maryland virtually reiterated the principles 

* Albach's Annals of the West. 



22 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



advanced by New Jersey and Maryland, 
though more positively. Her represent- 
atives in Congress emphatically and elo- 
quently expressed their views and those 
of their constituents, in the form of instruc- 
tions upon the matter of confirming the 
articles of Confederation. 

The extinguishment of the Indian claims 
to the soil of the Northwest was another 
delicate and difficult duty which devolved 
upon the Government. In the treaty of 
peace, ratified by Congress in 1784, no 
provision was made by Great Britain in 
behalf of the Indians — even their most 
faithful allies, the Six Nations. Their 
lands were included in the boundaries se- 
cured to the United States. They had 
suffered greatly during the war, and the 
Mohawks had been dispossessed of the 
whole of their beautiful valley. The only 
remuneration they received was a tract of 
country in Canada, and all of the sover- 
eignty which great Britain had exercised 
over them was transferred to the United 
States. The relation of the new Govern- 
ment to these Indians was peculiar. In 
1782 the British principle, in brief that 
"might makes right" — that discovery was 
equivalent to conquest, and that therefore 
the nations retained only a possessory 
claim to their lands, and could only abdi- 
cate it to the government claiming sover- 
eignty — was introduced into the general 
policy of the United States. The Legisla- 
ture of New York was determined to expel 
the Six Nations entirely, in retaliation for 
their hostility during the war. Through 
the just and humane counsels of Washing- 
ton and Schuyler, however, a change was 
wrought in the Indian policy, and the 
Continental Congress sought henceforward 
in its action to condone the hostilities of 
the past and gradually to dispossess the 
Indians of their lands by purchase, as the 
growth of the settlements might render it 
necessary to do so. It was in pursuance 



of this policy that the treaty of Fort Stan- 
wix was made, October 22, 1784. By 
this treaty were extinguished the vague 
claims which the confederated tribes, the 
Mohawks, Onondagas, Senecas, Cayugas, 
Tuscarawas, and Oneidas had for more 
than a century maintained to the Ohio Val- 
ley. The commissioners of Congress in 
this transaction were Oliver Wolcott, 
Richard Butler, and Arthur Lee. The 
Six Nations were represented by tsvo of 
their ablest chiefs, Cornplanter and Red 
Jacket, the former for peace and the latter 
for war. La Fayette was present at this 
treaty and importuned the Indians to pre- 
serve peace with the Americans. 

By the treaty of Fort Mcintosh, ne- 
gotiated on the 2ist of January, 1785, by 
George Rogers Clarke, Richard Butler and 
Arthur Lee, was secured the relinquish- 
ment of all claims to the Ohio Valley 
held by the Delawares, Ottawas, Wyan- 
dots, and Chippewas. The provisions of 
this treaty were as follows: 

Article ist — Three chiefs, one from the Wyan- 
dot and two from the Delaware Nations, shall be de- 
livered up to the Commissioners of the United 
States, to be by them retained till all the prisoners 
taken by the said Nations or any of them shall be 
restored. 

Article 2d — The said Indian Nations and all of 
their tribes do acknowledge themselves to be under 
the protection of the United States and of no other 
sovereign whatever. 

.\rticle 3d — The boundary line between the 
United States and the Wyandot and Delaware Na- 
tions shall begin at the mouth of the river Cuyahoga 
and run thence up the said river to the portage be- 
tween that and the Tuscarawas branch of the Mus- 
kingum; then down the said branch to the forks at 
the crossing-place above Fort Laurens; then west- 
wardly to the portage of the Big Miami, which runs 
into the Ohio, at the mouth of which branch the 
fort stood which was taken by the French in the 
year one thousand seven hundred and fifty-two; then 
along the said portage to the Great Miami or Owl 
River, and down the southeast side of the same to 
its mouth; thence down the south shore of Lake 
Erie to the mouth of the Cuyhoga where it began. 

Article 4th — The United States allot all the 
lands contained within the said lines to the Wyan- 
dot and Delaware Nations, to live and to hunt on, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



23 



and to such of the Ottawa Nation as now live there- 
on; saving and reserving for the establishment of 
trading posts six miles square at the mouth of the 
Miami or Owl River and the same at the portage of 
that branch of the Miami which runs into the Ohio, 
and the same on the Cape of Sandusky, where the 
fort formerly stood, and also two miles square on 
the lower rapids of Sandusky River; which posts and 
the land annexed to them, shall be for the use and 
under the Government of the United States. 

Article 5th — If any citizen of the United States, 
or other person not being an Indian, shall attempt 
to settle on any of the lands allotted to the Wyan- 
dot and Delaware Natiofis in this treaty, except on 
tiie lands reserved to the United States, -in the pre- 
ceding article, such person shall forfeit the protection 
of the United States, and the Indians may punish 
him as they please. 

Article 6th — The Indians who sign this treaty, 
as well in behalf of all their tribes as of themselves, 
do acknowledge the lands east, south and west of 
the lands described in the third article, so far as the 
said Indians claimed the same, to belong to the 
United States, and none of the tribes shall presume 
to settle upon the same or any part of it. 

Article 7th — The post of Detroit, with a dis- 
trict beginning at the mouth of the River Rosine on 
the west side of Lake Erie and running west six 
miles up the southern bank of the said river; thence 
northerly, and always six miles west of the strait, 
till it strikes Lake St. Clair, shall also be reserved to 
the sole use of the United States. 

Article 8th — In the same manner the post of 
Michilimackinac with its dependencies, and twelve 
miles square about the same, shall be reserved to the 
use of the United States. 

Article 9th — If any Indian or Indians shall com- 
mit a robbery or murder on any citizen of the United 
States, the tribe to which such offenders may belong 
shall be bound to deliver them up at the nearest post, 
to be punished according to the ordinance of the 
United States. 

Article loth — The Commissioners of the United 
States, in pursuance of the humane and liberal views 
of Congress, upon the treaty's being signed, will di- 
rect goods to be distributed among the different 
tribes for their use and comfort. 

The treaty of Fort Finney, at the mouth 
of the Great Miami, January 31, 1786, 
secured the cession of whatever claim to 
the Ohio Valley was held by the Shawnees. 
George Rogers Clarke, Richard Butler, 
and Samuel H. Parsons* were the 

*i General Samuel H. Parsons, an eminent Revo- 
lutionarv character, was one of the first band of Ma- 
rietta pioneers, and was appointed first as Associate 



Commissioners of the United States. 
James Monroe, then a Member of Con- 
gress from Virginia and afterwards Presi- 
dent of the United States, accompanied 
General Butler, in the month of October 
preceding the treaty, as far as Limestone! 
(now Maysville, Kentucky). The party, 
it is related, stopped at the mouth of the 
Muskingum and (in the words of General 
Butler's journal,) "left fixed in a locust 
tree" a letter recommending the building 
of a fort on the Ohio side. By the terms 
of this treaty the Shawnees were confined 
to the lands west of the Great Miami. 
Hostages were demanded from the In- 
dians, to remain in the possession of the 
United States until all prisoners should be 
returned, and the Shawnees were com- 
pelled to acknowledge the United States 
as the sole and absolute sovereign of all 
the teritory ceded to them, in the treaty of 
peace, by Great Britain. The clause em- 
bodying the latter condition excited the 
jealousy of the Shawnees. They went 
away dissatisfied with the treaty, though as- 
senting to it. This fact, and the difficulty 
that was experienced even while the treaty 
was making, of preventing depredations 
by white borderers, argued unfavorably 
for the future. The treaty was productive 
of no good results whatever. Hostilities 
were resumed in the spring of 1786, and 
serious and wide-spread war was threat- 
ened. Congress had been acting upon 
the policy that the treaty of peace with 
Great Britain had invested the United 
States with the fee simple of all the Indian 
lands, but urged now by the stress of cir- 
cumstances the Government radically 

and then as Chief Judge of the Northwest Territory 
He was drowned in the Big Beaver River, November 
17, 1789, while returning to his home in Marietta 
from the North, where he had been making the 
treaty which secured the aboriginal title to the soil of 
the Connecticut Western Reserve. 

+ 2 General Butler's Journal in Craig's "Olden 
Time," October, 1847. 



24 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



changed its policy, fully recognizing the 
Indians as the rightful proprietors of the 
soil, and on the 2d of July, 1787, appro- 
priated the sum of twenty-six thousand 
dollars for the purpose of extinguishing 
Indian claims to lands already ceded to 
the United States, and for extending a 
purchase beyond the limits heretofore 
fixed by treaty. 

Under this policy other relinquishments 
of Ohio territory were effected through the 



treaties of Fort Harmar, held by General 
Arthur St. Clair, January 9, 1789, the 
treaty ofGreenville, negotiated by General 
Anthony Wayne, August 3, 1795, ^"^ vari- 
ous other treaties made at divers times 
from 1796 to 181 8.* But of these it is be- 
yond our province to speak in this chapter. 



* It is a fact worthy of note, and one of which we 
may well be proud, that the title to every foot of 
Ohio soil was honorably acquired from the Indians. 



CHAPTER III. 

ADVENT OF THE WHITE MAN. 

La Salle Upon the Ohio Two Hundred Years Ago — Possibility of His Having Explored the Muskingum— 
Tlie Griffin on Lake Erie — French Trading Stations — Routes Through the Wilderness — The San- 
dusky River — The English Supersede the French — Interest in the West Exhibited by Governor Spots- 
wood, of Virginia, in 1710 — TheTransmontane Order Founded — Licenses Issued for Trading with the In- 
dians, by the Governor of Pennsylvania, in 1740 — Systematic E.xploration of the Ohio Valley by Celeron 
de Bienville — Fort Sandusky Built by the French — Pickawillamy, the First Building Erected by the En- 
glish in Ohio — Organization of the Colonial Ohio Land Company, in Virginia, in 1748 — Preparation 
Made to Establish a Colony — French Resistance — War of Britain Against the French and Indians — Its 
Results — Franklin's Plans for Western Settlements — Pontiac's War — Fort Sandusky Destroyed— Proba- 
ble Effect of this Event Upon Lower Sandusky — Immense Schemes for Western Colonization — Colonel 
Boquet Wins a Bloodless Victory on the Upper Muskingum — Hostility of the Shawnees — Logan — Lord 
Dunmore's War — The Battle of Point Pleasant — An Event of Immeasurable Importance in the West — 
General George Roger Clarke's Conquest of the Northwest — Value of His Foresight and Decisive Ac- 
tion—His Services Unappreciated — Miscellaneous Military Invasions— The Establishment of the Mora- 
vian Missions on the Muskingum — The Massacre— Crawford's Campaign Against Sandusky. 



THE adventurous La Salle, there is every 
reason to believe, was the first white 
man who trod the soil of the destined 
State of Ohio, and the first whose eyes 
beheld the beautiful river. With a few 
followers and led by Indian guides he 
penetrated the vast country of the power- 
ful Iroquois until, as Parkman says, he 
reached "at a point six or seven leagues 
from Lake Erie, a branch of the Ohio, which 
he descended to the main stream," and 
so went onward as far as the "falls," or the 
site of Louisville. His men abandoning 



him there, he retraced his way alone 
This, according to the best authorities, was 
in the winter of 1669-70, over two hun- 
dred years ago. Indeed, there is some 
reason to believe that he made his way 
from Lake Erie to the Ohio by the Cuya- 
hoga, the Tuscarawas and Muskingum, 
though the preponderance of evidence 
points to the Alleghany as tlie route fol- 
lowed. Ten years later La Salle unfurled 
the first sail ever set to the breeze upon 
Lake Erie, and upon the Grififin, a 
schooner of forty-five tons burden, made 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



25 



the voyage to Lake Huron. In 1682 he 
reached the Mississippi, descended to its 
mouth, and there solemnly proclaimed 
possession of the vast valley in the name 
of his king. 

It is known that the Sandusky was a 
water route of travel for the early French 
traders and explorers from Canada to the 
Mississippi. They ascended the stream 
from the bay to the mouth of Little San- 
dusky, thence up that creek four miles to 
a portage, thence across the portage, about 
a quarter of a league to the Little Scioto, 
thence to the Scioto and the Ohio. "As- 
cending the Sandusky," writes William 
Walter to Mr. Butterfield, " to the mouth 
of the west branch, known as Little San- 
dusky, with a bark or light wooden canoe, 
you could in a good stage of water ascend 
that tributary four or five miles further; 
thence east across to the Little Scioto is 
about four miles further. This was the 
portage." Colonel James Smith estimates 
the distance, when he crossed, to be one- 
half mile. This was in the spring of 
1757. The Sandusky and Scioto was the 
path of travel of the northern Indians, 
when on excursions southin to Kentucky, 
and also the highways of the Shawnees to 
Detroit. In early history the term San- 
dusky is applied to the whole region 
which casts its waters into the bay. The 
origin of the name is given in another 
chapter. 

Governor Alexander Spotswood, of Vir- 
ginia, became interested in the Western 
country early in the eighteenth century; 
engaged in exploring the AUeghanies in 
1 7 10; discovered a passage through them 
in 1 7 14, and entered with great ardor 
upon the scheme of taking practical pos- 
session of the Ohio Valley. He founded the 
Transmontane order, whose knights were 
decorated with a golden horseshoe bear- 
ing the legend "6'/^ jurat transcendere 
monies^'' and urged upon the British Sove- 



reign the importance of securing a foot- 
hold in the West before the French 
had gained too powerful an ascendancy. 
His suggestions were not regarded, and 
many years later the British Government 
had cause to remember with regret the 
wise policy they had neglected to act 
upon. Although no systematic plan of 
exploration or settlement was followed, in- 
dividuals from time to time passed the 
great barrier and visited the valley of the 
la belle riviere. There have been handed 
down certain vague traditions that the 
English had trading posts on the Ohio as 
early as 1730, and it is known positively 
that they had soon after that time. In 
1744 the Governor of Pennsylvania issued 
licenses for trading with the Indians as 
far west as the Father of Waters. John 
Howard had descended the Ohio in 1742 
and been captured on the Mississippi 
by the French; and six years later Conrad 
Weiser, acting in behalf of the English, 
visited the Shawnees at Logstown (below 
the site of Pittsburgh,) bearing gifts with 
which to win their favor. About the same 
time George Crogan and Andrew Montour, 
the half-breed son of a Seneca chief, bore 
liberal presents to the Miamis, in return for 
which the Indians allowed the whites to 
establish a trading post and build a stock- 
ade at the mouth of Loramie Creek on 
the Great Miami (within the present 
county of Shelby). The fort, built in 
1 751, which was called Pickawillamy, has 
been cited by some writers as the first 
English settlement in Ohio. The building, 
which was undoubtedly the first erected 
by the British on the soil of the State, 
was destroyed in June, 1752, by a force of 
French and Indians. 

Prior to the middle of the century the 
French strenuously reasserted their owner- 
ship of the Northwest, and did actually 
take possession of what is now the north- 
ern part of Ohio, building a fort and es- 



26 



HISTORY OK SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



tablishing a trading station at Sandusky. 
This was probably the first trading sta- 
tion east of the Mauniee (Miami of the 
hike). The French looked upon the 
English traders with jealousy and made 
reprisals at every opportunity. The In- 
dians of the Lake basin were loyal to the 
French while those of the South accepted 
the friendship of the English. These 
events forecasted serious trouble and made 
the establishment of a military post on the 
lake a measure of expediency. Gist's 
Diary fixes the time under date of Decem- 
ber 1 7, 1750. At the village of Muskingum, 
on the Tuscarawas, he makes the follow- 
ing entry: 

Two traders belonging to Mr. Croghan came into 
town and inlormed us that two of liis people had 
been taken by forty Frenchmen and twenty Indians 
who carried them, with seven horse-loads of skins, to 
a new- fort the French were building on one of the 
branches of Lake Erie.* 

The location of Fort Sandusky has been 
a subject of much dispute. Taylor, in 
his excellent history of Ohio, concludes 
that the exact locality cannot be ascer- 
tained, but the probability is that the site 
was about three miles west of the city of 
Sandusky, near the village of Venice, on 
Sandusky Bay. The old trail from Fort 
Duquesne (Pittsburgh) to Detroit, struck 
the bay near this point and the fort was 
probably near the trail. All the Revolu- 
tionary treaties with the Indians, and the 
treaties of Fort Harmar and Greenville, 
reserve to the United States "six miles 
square upon Sandusky Lake, where the 
fort formerly stood."' On a map of Ohio, 
published in 1803, this tract is delineated 
as extending from the south shore of the 
bay, and includes the locality Taylor sup- 
poses to have been the location of the 
fort. In this opinion Parkman, in his 
"Chart of Forts and Settlements of Amer- 
ica, A. D. 1763," agrees; but Evans' map 

* Bancroft quotes Gist as saying the captives were taken 
' to a new French fort at Sandusky." 



of the British Colonies, 1755, places the 
fort on the peninsula, between the bay 
and lake, and marks Fort juandat (prob- 
ably a corruption of Wyandot) near the 
mouth of the Sandusky River, on the south 
side of the bay. This latter place is the 
same as the Indian village of Sunyendeand, 
visited by Colonel James Smith in 1757. 
This village was at the mouth of a small 
creek, but what creek is not known. 
Evans' Chait would locate it in the terri- 
tory now included in this county, but the 
weight of evidence is against that conclu- 
sion. There was another Wyandot village 
at the source of Cold Creek. Celeron de 
Bienville made a systematic exploration of 
the Ohio \'alley and formally declared by 
process verbal the ownership of the soil. 
On the 1 6th of August, 1749, he was at 
the mouth of the Muskingum. This fact 
was revealed in 1798 by the discovery of 
a leaden plate which had been buried by 
him and which set forth that the explorer 
sent out by the ^Llrquis de la (lallissoniere. 
Captain General of New France, agreeably 
to the wishes of His Majesty, Louis XV, 
had deposited the plate as a monument 
of the renewal of possession of la riviere 
OyiK otherwi; ^ la belle riviere^ and all those 
which empty into it, and of all the lands 
of both sides even to the sources of the 
said rivers, and which had been obtained 
by force of arms and by treaties, especially 
those of Ryswick, Utrecht, and Aix-la- 
Chapelle. A similar plate was found in 
1846 at the mouth of the Kanawha. They 
were doubtless deposited at the mouths 
of all the principal tributaries of the Ohio. 

The French had a very just claim to the 
Ohio Valley, but it was destined that they 
should not hold it, and already events were 
shaping which eventually led to the over- 
throw of their authority and the vesture of 
title and possession in the English crown. 

The Colonial Ohio Land Company was 
organized in \'irginia in 1748, by twelve 



HISl'ORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



27 



associates, among whom were Thomas 
Lee, and Lawrence and Augustine, brothers 
of George Washington. Under their 
auspices Christopher Gist explored the 
Ohio as far as the falls, travelling a portion 
of the time with Croghan and Montour. 
The company secured a royal grant of 
half a million acres of land in the Ohio 
Valley. In 1763 preparations were made 
to establish a colony. The French ex- 
hibited an intention of resistance, and the 
royal Governor of Virginia sent George 
Washington, then a young man, to the 
commander of the French forces to de- 
mand their reason for invasion of British 
territory. Washington received an answer 
that was both haughty and defiant. Re- 
turning to Virginia he made known the 
failure of his mission. The project of 
making a settlement was abandoned, and 
preparations were immediately made for 
the maintenance of the British claim to 
the western valley by force of arms. The 
result was the union of the colonies, tlie 
ultimate involvement of England in the 
war that ensued, the defeat of the French, 
and the vesture in the British crown of the 
right and title to Canada and of all the 
territory east of the Mississippi and south 
to the Spanish possessions, excepting New 
Orleans and a small body of land sur- 
rounding it. Benjamin Franklin had 
previously tried to effect a union of the 
colonies and had been unsuccessful. He 
had proposed a plan of settlement in 1754, 
and suggested that two colonies should be 
located in the West — one U])on the Cuya- 
hoga and the other ujjon the Scioto, "on 
which," he said, "for forty miles each side 
of it and quite up to its head is a body 
of all rich land, the finest spot of its big- 
ness in all North America, and has the 
peculiar advantage of sea C(jal in plenty 
(even above ground in tvv(j places) for 
fuel when the wood shall have been de- 
stroyed." 



The peace concluded by the treaty of 
Paris in February, 1763, was only a fan- 
cied settlement of difficulties in the North- 
west. P'or a few months war clouds shift- 
ed from the zenith and left a clear sky 
just long enough for the frontier farmer 
to plant his crop in the hope of harvest- 
ing in security; and for the industrious 
trader to begin his journey from village 
to village. But a storm of terrible fury 
was gathering on the horizon all around. 

The Northwestern Indians submitted 
sullenly to the British arms. They re- 
mained jealous of encroachments, and 
having been accustomed to receiving 
splendid presents from the French, they 
soon began to cherish those bitter feelings 
of resentment which neglect always in- 
spires. The organization of the Ohio 
Land Company,the multi]jlication of grants 
to settlers by the Government of Vir- 
ginia, the outrages of the English soldiery 
which dis[)iaced the gay French garrisons 
in the Northwestern forts, all contributed 
to bring on the war which is known in his- 
tory as "Pontiac's Conspiracy." The Ot- 
tawa chief, Pontiac, was the soul of a for- 
midable conspiracy which exploded in the 
spring of 1763, spreading desolation and 
death throughout the whole Northwest. 
He was a chief of great genius and pos- 
sessing qualities unsurpassed by the most 
distinguished of his race.* There is 
something lofty in the proud speech ad- 
dressed to the English traders who came 
to his camp for purposes of business: 

iLnglishmen ! Although you liave conquered the 
French, you have not yet conquered us. We are 
not your slaves. These lakes, these woods, these 
mountains were left to us by our ancestors. They 
are our inheritance, and we will part with them to 
none. Your Nation supposes that we, like the white 
people, cannot live without bread, pork and beef. 
But you ought to know that the Great Spirit and 
Master of Life has provided food for us on these 
lakes and in these mountains. + 

*Taylor's History of Ohio, 
f Writings of Perkins. 



28 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Bancroft styles Pontiac the colossal 
chief, whose "name still hovers over the 
Northwest, as the hero who devised and 
conducted a great but unavailing struggle 
with destiny for the independence of his 
race." He had taken a conspicuous part 
in the French war, having been in com- 
mand of the Indian forces in the defence 
of Fort Duquesne and at Braddock's de- 
feat. By some historians he is given the 
title of emperor. Like Tecumseh, a half 
century later, Pontiac appealed to super- 
stition to reach the Indian heart. He 
aroused the tribes from the Carolinas to 
Lake Michigan by interpreting the voice 
of the Great Spirit as saying to them: 
"Why do you suffer these dogs in the red 
clothing to enter your country and take 
the land I have given you? Drive them 
out! Drive them ! When you are in dis- 
tress I will help you." 

By incessant work and unsurpassed 
genius, Pontiac secretly formed a league 
which was to environ and enfeeble the 
garrisons, and by stratagem and force sim- 
ultaneously to destroy them. The fron- 
tiers were then to be swept by a general 
massacre. 

"At last the day came; traders every- 
where were seized, their goods taken from 
them, and more than one hundred put to 
death. Nine British forts yielded instant- 
ly, and the savages drank, — 'scooped up 
in the hollow of joined hands ' — the blood 
of many a Briton. The border streams of 
Pennsylvania and Virginia ran red again. 
' We hear,' says a letter from Fort Pitt, ' of 
scalpings every hour.' In western Vir- 
ginia more than twenty thousand people 
were driven from their homes. Detroit 
was besieged by Pontiac himself, after a 
vain effort to take it by stratagem, and 
for many months that siege was continued 
in a manner and with a perseverance un- 
exampled among the Indians. It was the 
8th of May when Detroit was first at- 



tacked, and on the 3d of the following 
November it was still in danger. As late 
as March of the next year the inhabitants 
were still sleeping in their clothes, expect- 
ing an alarm every night."* 

The destruction of Fort Sandusky and 
the consequent destruction of the neigh- 
boring Wyandot village, come within our 
legitimate field, for although the fort was 
beyond the east line of this county, and 
the village probably was, the burning of 
both had the effect of giving Lower San- 
dusky greater importance in Indian affairs. 
The destruction of the fort left no foreign 
military station nearer than Detroit, which 
gave to the Indians here confidence of 
greater security, for although in after years 
they received at the British headquarters 
pay for furs, bounty for scalps, and ran- 
som for prisoners, they never ceased to 
entertain a lurking suspicion of the white 
men. The destruction of the village 
on the bay had the effect of concentra- 
ting the population about the headwaters 
of navigation, a place more difficult for 
white expeditions to approach, superior 
for agriculture, nearer the centre of tribal 
dominion, and in almost every respectt bet- 
ter adapted for an Indian stronghold than 
any other point in the lake basin. Col- 
onel Smith's narrative speaks of visiting 
the "Little Lake," giving that locality 
considerable importance. After its de- 
struction it was never rebuilt, and Lower 
Sandusky is next described* as the home of 
the great war chief Tarhe, the Crane. 

From the report of Ensign Paully of 
the garrison, there has been compiled by 
Parknian and Bancroft detailed accounts 
of the siege of the fort. 

On the i6th of May (1763), Fort Sandusky was 
approached by a party of Indians, principally from 
the Wyandot village. Ensign Paully was informed 
that seven Indians were waiting at the gate to speak 
with him. They proved to be four Hurons or Wyan- 

* Perkins's Annals of the West. 
*By Heckewelder in 1782. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



29 



dots, and three Chippewas, and as several of them 
were known to him he ordered them to be admitted 
without hesitation. Arrived at his quarters two of 
the treacherous visitors seated themselves on each 
side of the commandant, while the rest were dis- 
posed in various parts of the room. The pipes were 
lighted and conversation began, when an Indian who 
stood in the door, made a signal by suddenly raising his 
head. Upon this the astonished officer was seized, dis- 
armed, and tied by those near him, while at the same 
moment a confused noise of shrieks and yells, firing of 
guns, and the hurried tramp of feet sounded from 
the area without. It soon ceased, however, and as 
PauUy was led from the room he saw the dead body 
of his sentry, and the parade ground was strewn with 
the corpses of the murdered garrison. The body of 
his sergeant lay in the garden where he was planting 
at the time of the massacre. Some traders who 
were stationed within or near the pickets were also 
killed and their stores plundered. At nightfall 
Paully was conducted to the margin of the lake, 
where several birch canoes lay in readiness, and as 
amid thick darkness the party pushed out from shore, 
the captive saw the fort, lately under his command, 
bursting on all sides into sheets of flame. 

The tragedy at Sandusky did not remain un- 
avenged. On the 26th of July a detachment of two 
hundred and si.xty men, under command of Captain 
Dalzell, arrived at Sandusky on their coastwise route 
to Detroit. Thence they marched inland to the Wy- 
andot village, which they burned to the ground, at 
the same time destroying the adjacent fields of stand- 
ing corn. After inflicting this inadequate retribution 
of the scene of May 16, Dalzell steered northward, 
and under cover of night effected a junction with the 
Detroit garrison. 

George Washington made a journey 
down the Ohio in 1770. He was accom- 
panied by Dr. Craik, Captain (afterwards 
Colonel) William Crawford (who was 
burned to death at the stake within the 
present limits of Wyandot county in 1782), 
and several other white men, also by a 
party of Indians. 

Largely through Washington was the 
interest in the West revived. Immense 
schemes for settlement and land specula- 
tion were projected. A huge company 
was organized which included the Old 
Ohio Company and the Walpole scheme 
as well as recognizing the bounties of the 
Virginia volunteers in the French war. 
Doubtless some of these plans for the de- 
velopment of the West would have suc- 



ceeded had it not been for Indian hostili- 
ties upon the border settlements already 
established, and the probability of a long 
continuance of the perturbed condition 
of affairs generally. Colonel Henry Bo- 
quet, who had the year before rescued the 
garrison of Fort Duquesne and dispersed 
Pontiac's warriors, made a military expe- 
dition into the Ohio country in 1764, his 
purpose being to punish and awe the In- 
dians and recover from them the captives 
they had taken during the previous years 
on the Pennsylvania and Virginia borders. 
He was successful in the accomplishment 
of each one of his objects. The expedi- 
tion was directed against the Delawares 
upon the Muskingum and Tuscarawas. 
No blood was shed, the Indians assenting 
to the terms of a treaty prepared by Colo- 
nel Boquet, and delivering to him over 
two hundred prisoners. Upon the 28th of 
November the army of about fifteen hun- 
dred returned to Fort Pitt, which point 
they had left on October 3d. This ex- 
pedition for a time tranquilized the Indi- 
ans of the Ohio country, and the next 
ten years passed peacefully and without 
the occurrence of any important event. 

But returning to the period from which 
we retrograded to speak of the Boquet 
expedition, we find in 1774 that the Shaw- 
nees have become bitterly hostile, princi- 
pally on account of the prospect of losing 
their land and because of the murder of 
the kindred of Logan, the famous Mingo, 
who was now dwelling with them at the 
Old Chillicothe town on the Scioto (where 
was afterward the village of Westfall, Picka- 
way county). Logan had "fully glutted his 
vengeance" upon the white settlements of 
the Monongahela country, and numerous 
atrocities had been committed all along 
the border. To quell the turbulence that 
prevailed Lord Dun more, the then royal 
Governor of Virginia, organized an army 
of invasion of the Indian country. He 



3° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



had a desire for military renown and de- 
cided to assume personal command of the 
large division, while he entrusted the 
other, consisting of about eleven hundred 
men raised west of the Blue Ridge, to 
General Andrew Lewis. The forces of 
the latter were attacked by the Indians on 
the loth of October, south of the Ohio, 
and the ensuing combat, known as the 
battle of Point Pleasant, was one of the 
most desperate and bloody in the annals 
of the West. The contending forces were 
very nearly equal, it is claimed by most 
writers, but there is strong probability that 
the Indians were much weaker in numbers 
than the army which they assailed. The 
whites lost half of their officers and fifty- 
two men killed, while the Indian loss was 
estimated at two hundred and thirty-three. 
Lord Dunmore's division passed through 
a bloodless campaign. They descended 
the Ohio to the mouth of the Hocking 
River, and there built Fort Gower. The 
Governor was here at the time of the bat- 
tle of Point Pleasant, and had sent mes- 
sengers to Lewis ordering him to march 
toward the Scioto towns. Dunmore 
marched through the territory includ- 
ed in Athens county and onward to 
the Pickaway (originally Piqua) plains, be- 
low the site of Circleville. There he was 
met by Lewis' decimated division, whom 
he could hardly keep from falling upon 
the Indians to avenge the death of their 
comrades at Point Pleasant. A treaty 
was held at Camp Charlotte, which was 
attended and acquiesced in by all of the 
leading chiefs of the villages except Lo- 
gan. Lord Dunmore dispatched John 
Gibson to confer with the haughty Mingo, 
and his visit elicited the famous speech, 
which Jefferson pronounced equal in elo- 
quence to any ever made by the great ora- 
tors of civilized nations. 

Already the premonitory signs of that 
discontent which developed into the Rev- 



olution and American independence were 
exhibiting themselves, and soon the con- 
flict was begun which riveted the atten- 
tion of the world upon the colonies. The 
Revolutionary period was almost barren of 
events in the West. There was one event, 
however, of immeasurable importance. 
The time had come when the destiny of 
the Great West — ^of the Northwestern Ter- 
ritory — was to be decided. The man who 
was to shape its destiny was, in 1774, an 
officer in Lord Dunmore's army, and in 
1776 a pioneer settler in Kentucky — 
George Rogers Clarke. He was a realiza- 
tion of the ideal soldier — cool, courage- 
ous, and sagacious, and at once the most 
powerful man and the most picturesque 
character in the whole West. It was his 
foresight and prompt, efficient action 
which at the close of the war made the 
Northwest Territory a portion of the 
United States instead of leaving it in pos- 
session of the British.* He foresaw that 
even if the colonies should be victorious 
in the War for Independence they would 
be confined to the eastern side of the Alle- 
ghanies, unless the West was a special 
field of conquest. After failing to inter- 
est the House of Burgesses he made an 
appeal to Patrick Henry, the Governor of 
Virginia, and from him he succeeded in 
obtaining the authority which he needed, 
viz.: commissions that empowered him to 
raise seven companies of soldiers, and to 
seize the British posts in the Northwest. 
In January, 1778, he was at Pittsburg se- 
curing provisions and ammunition; in June 
he was marching through the unbroken 
forest at the head of a small but valiant 
army, principally composed of his fellow 



*" The cession of that great territory, under the 
treaty of 1773, was due mainly to the foresight, the 
courage and endurance of one man, who never re- 
ceived from his country an adequate recognition of 
his great service." — Hon. James A. Garfield: Ad- 
dress, iS'jy 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



pioneers from Kentucky. His march was 
directed towards the Illinois country. His 
able generalship and courage soon placed 
the garrisons of Cahokia, Kaskaskia, and 
St. Vincent in his possession, and his 
equally great tact enabled him to win over 
the French inhabitants to the American 
cause and make of them warm allies. 
Two other expeditions were made by 
General Clarke — both against the Indians 
upon the Miamis — one in 1780 and the 
other in 1782. Other expeditions into or 
through Ohio territory were made as fol- 
lows: by Colonel Bradstreet (simultane- 
ously with Boquet's expedition — 1764) 
along Lake Erie to Detroit, accompanied 
by Major Israel Putnam (the Major-General 
of the Revolution); by Colonel Angus Mc- 
Donald (just prior to Dunmore's invasion); 
by General Lachlin Mcintosh in 1778 (to 
the Tuscarawas, where he built the first 
English fort, with a parapet and stockade, 
intended as a permanent work, in Ohio); 
by Colonel John Bowman in 1779; by 
General Daniel Broadhead in 1781; by 
Colonel Archibald Lochry in the same 
year; by Colonel Williamson in 1782; by 
Colonel Benjamin Logan in 1786; and 
still others of less importance by Daniel 
Boone, Simon Kenton, Colonel Edwards, 
and Colonel Todd, at various times dur- 
ing the decade preceding the settlement 
of the territory. 

Another topic to be touched upon 
briefly in this chapter is of painful and 
peculiar interest. We have in mind the 
Moravian missions on the Muskingum, 
and use the word painful, as the horrible 
massacre perpetrated there — the blackest 
stain on Ohio history — comes to mind. 
We say also a peculiar interest, and that 
phrase is suggested by the fact that the 
Moravians had better claims to be con- 
sidered as settlers than any other dwellers 
north of the Ohio, prior to the arrival of 
the New England colony, and however 



inadequate such claims may appear it 
must at least be admitted that these 
"monks of Protestantism"* presented to 
the Western world a phase of civilization 
and religion which was both picturesque 
and inspiring. 

As early as 1761 the Delaware Indians 
on the Tuscarawas branch of the Mus- 
kingum were visited by a Moravian mis- 
sionary, the Rev. Christian Frederick 
Post. In March of the following year 
John Heckewelder became his companion 
and assistant. Only a few months, how- 
ever, were spent in missionary labor, for 
in the fall the Indians who had first wel- 
comed them, became suspicious that their 
sojourn there was only a ruse through 
which a foothold was to be gained leading 
to settlement, and Post and Heckewelder 
were obliged to leave the country to save 
their lives. Not until ten years had passed 
by was another attempt made by the zeal- 
ous religionists to plant a mission among 
the savages. In 1772 Rev. David Zeis- 
berger founded Schoenbrunn (Beautiful 
Spring) on the west side of the river and 
near the site of New Philadelphia, Tus- 
carawas county, and twenty-eight persons 
located there. Gnadenhutten (Tents of 
Grace) was established the same year 
seven miles below Schoenbrunn. The 
Rev. George Jungman, Rev John Roth 
and Rev. John Etwin, came out as mis- 
sionaries from Pennsylvania the same 
year; and with the last named, immigrated 
to Zeisberger's Station a large company of 
converted Indians, bringing with them the 
implements of industry. Good log huts 
were built in the regularly laid out village, 
a large chapel reared in which to hold re- 
ligious services, the ground tilled, and 
every measure taken that was considered 
needful in the formation of a permanent 
settlement. The simple, quiet life went 
on very pleasantly, and all was peace and 
* Madame de Stael. 



32 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



prosperity. Much did the Delaware chiefs 
and the few traders who visited Schoen- 
brunn marvel to see so many Indians 
living together after the manner of the 
whites, and devoting themselves to agri- 
culture rather than the chase. They had 
abjured war and all savage customs. New 
converts were made almost daily, and the 
pious missionaries felt well rewarded for 
their patient toil, and gave praise to Him 
whom they regarded as the prime author 
of their success. So many accessions 
were made by the Moravians that in 1776 
Zeisberger formed another colony, village 
or station, near the present town of Cos- 
hocton, and gave it the name Lichtenan. 
In 1780 Salem was founded five miles be- 
low Gnadenhutten, and the Rev. John 
Heckewelder became its regular preacher. 
All went vvell with the mission stations 
until the British, fearing or pretending to 
fear, that they were performing various 
services for the Americans, forcibly re- 
moved them in September, 1781, to Up- 
per Sandusky. They were sorely distress- 
ed by lack of provisions, and in the latter 
part of the following winter obtained per- 
mission to return to their old stations and 
gather the corn which they had planted 
the summer before, and to secure if pos- 
sible any of the valuables they had been 
obliged to leave behind them when they 
were hurried away. They came down 
from Sandusky in February, and March i 
found them busily engaged in plucking 
the corn which had been left standing 
during the winter, and packing it for 
transportation to their famishing brethren. 
"The weather during the greater part of 
February," says Doddridge, "had been 
uncommonly fine, so that the war parties 
from Sandusky visited the settlements and 
began depredations earlier than usual. 
One of the parties fell upon a family 
named Wallace and murdered all of its 
members, exhibiting even greater brutality 



than usually characterized their atrocities. 
The early period at which the fatal visita- 
tion was made led to the conclusion that 
the murderers were either Moravians or 
that the warriors had their winter quarters 
at their towns on the Muskingum. In 
either case the Moravians being at fault, 
the safety of the pioneer settlements re- 
quired the destruction of their establish- 
ments at that place.* A force of eighty or 
ninety men was immediately organized, and 
led by Colonel David Williamson set out 
for the Muskingum. On their arrival at 
Gnadenhutten they found the Indians in 
the fields gathering their corn and with their 
arms by them as was the common custom, 
for the purpose of shooting game, and 
also to guard against attack. The unsus- 
pecting Indians hearing the whites' pro- 
testations of peace and good will, and be- 
ing informed that they had come to re- 
move them to Fort Pitt and place them 
under the protection of the Americans, 
gave up their arms and began with all 
speed to prepare food for the white men 
and themselves for the proposed journey. 
A party of men sent out for the purpose 
soon brought in the Indians from Salem, 
and with the Gnadenhutten Indians they 
were placed in block-houses and confined 
under an armed guard. Colonel William- 
son then coolly put the question to his men, 
should the prisoners be taken to Pittsburg 
or dispatched. Sixteen or eighteen men 
only out of the eighty or ninety men 
leaned toward the side of mercy. The 
majority were for murdering them and 
were impatient to begin their hellish work. 
The Moravians had foreseen their fate as 
soon as they had been placed in confine- 
ment, and in the hour of extremity exhib- 
ited the steadfastness of their simple faith 
by singing the hymns and breathing the 

*Notes on the Early Settlement and Indian Wars 
in Western Virginia and Pennsylvania by Joseph 
Doddridge. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



33 



prayers that Heckewelder and Zeisberger 
had taught them. Some of them appeal- 
ed for mercy when the murderers came 
among them to begin their work, but the 
greater number, sustained by their acquir- 
ed religious faith or natural stoicism, met 
death with majestic composure. The ex- 
ecutioners, with tomahawks, war-clubs, 
and knives, entering the crowded slaugh- 
ter-pens struck down the defenceless and 
innocent captives until their arms grew 
tired, and then their places were taken by 
others of those white savages who thirsted 
for blood; and the dreadful carnage went 
on until ninety-six lives had been taken. 
Of these sixty-two were grown persons, 
of whom one-third were women, and the 
remaining thirty four were children of 
various ages, from those just entering 
manhood or womanhood down to babes 
on their mothers' breasts. Neither the 
gray hairs of old age nor the mute, ap- 
pealing innocence of childhood_^were pro- 
tection from the fury and the brutality of 
these fiends in the form cf men. Of all 
these Indians gathered in the block-houses 
only two escaped. Those at Schoenbrunn 
fled before the approach of Williamson's 
men and none of them were taken. This 
massacre occurred on the yth of March, 
1782, just six years and one month before 
the landing of the pioneer colony of Ohio 
at the mouth of the Muskingum. 

The wanton butchery of these inoffen- 
sive Moravians, more than any other evf nt 
in Western history, had the effect of mak- 
ing ihe Indians hostile to the Americans, 
and, therefore, naturally inclining them to 
amity with the British. Tiiis was an end 
which the latter people constantly sought 
to effect by every method of intrigue. 
There is some reason, too, for the belief 
that Williamson's men were led to the 
Moravian towns and incited to the com- 
mission of the stupendous massacre 
through the shrewd wiles of the British. 



It seems to be authoritatively established 
that the murderers of the Wallace family 
retreated by way of Gnadenhutten, and 
that one of them bartered with an un- 
suspecting young woman there for food, 
and in payment gave her a garment which 
he had stripped from Mrs. Wallace or one 
of the other victims, and that this garment 
was seen and recognized by some of the 
pursuing party as one which had been 
familiar to them at their homes. This fact 
may partly explain, but cannot in the 
slightest measure justify, the murder of 
ninety-six persons. It is sufficient, at any 
rate, to suggest the suspicion that to a 
dark stratagem of the English emissaries 
in the West, was attributed the foulest 
deed in the history of the border. The 
Indians, wrought into frenzied passion, 
began that malignant, remorseless, and un. 
ceasing raiding of the borders which ter- 
rorized the frontiers from Fort Pitt to the 
falls of the Ohio. Their evil deeds were 
more numerous than ever before, and their 
treatment of prisoners more severe. One 
of the first acts of retaliation upon the 
Americans, strangely enough, was visited 
upon Colonel William Crawford, an in- 
timate friend and companion at arms of 
Colonel Williamson. But the diabolical 
cruelty that was practiced upon him was 
only one of the many horrible deeds which 
were the outgrowth of the white man's 
crime. 

Of Crawford's campaign we shall speak 
at greater length, because of its rela- 
tion to the legitimate field of this history. 
The object of this fated expidition was 
to destroy the Wyandot and Delaware 
towns on the Upper Sandusky plains, and 
to punish these Indians for border depre- 
dations. The border had suffered seri- 
ously, and when the object was announced 
volunteers were not found wanting to en- 
gage in a work of jjunishment and revenge. 
The War Department encouraged the 



34 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



movement in the hope of being able to 
strike a blow which would silence hostility 
from this quarter. 

On the 2oth of May, 1782, the volun- 
teers assembled at a deserted Mingo vil- 
lage on the west bank of the Ohio, seven- 
ty-five miles below Pittsburgh, their number 
being about four hundred and fifty. Here 
occurred the election of officers. The two 
candidates for colonel were William Craw- 
ford and David Williamson. The latter's 
recommendation was the murder of the 
Christian Indians two months before; the 
former was chosen because of his experi- 
ence as an Indian fighter in the French 
war and his activity as a Revolutionary 
patriot. He was a friend of General 
Washington, whose acquaintance he made 
in the French war. It was unfortunate for 
Crawford, as the sequel shows, that Wil- 
liamson, whom the Indians hated more 
than any other white man, was chosen to 
the position of second in command. On 
May 25 the army commenced the march 
in high spirits and sanguine of complete 
success. 

The Indians during this time were not 
inactive. Williamson had taught them the 
necessity of wakefulness, and spies daily 
visited the border hills along the Ohio. 
Before the organization of the volunteers 
on the Ohio side was complete, the whole 
Indian country, from the falls of the San- 
dusky far into the Scioto and Miami Val- 
leys was making hurried preparations for 
war. The objective point of the expedi- 
tion the Indians did not know, but the 
warriors of every tribe were in readiness, 
and swift spies promptly reported the on- 
ward march of the mounted volunteers. 
They read on the trees the inscription 
left by loungers of the advancing army, 
"No quarter is to be given to any Indian, 
whether man, woman, or child." They 
saw prominently in command the hated 
Williamson and had no reason to doubt 



the terrible and inhuman threat. Every 
patriotic, more than that, every generous 
feeling of the red man's heart was aroused. 
More than their beautiful valley and loved 
hunting ground was now at stake ; upon 
the issue of the battle hung the lives of 
their women and innocent children. We 
do not mean to imply that this threat was 
authorized by Colonel Crawford, or that 
in the event of success he would have 
permitted indiscriminate murder without 
mercy, as Williamson had at Gnadenhutten, 
but the Indians had both precedent and 
threat on which to base premonitions of 
the terrors of defeat, and their resolve to 
fight as long as a drop of blood remained 
to give them strength, is an evidence of 
real nobility of character. 

The northward course of the volunteers 
after crossing the Muskingum left no 
doubt as to the destination of the expedi- 
tion. The Shawnees of the Upper Scioto, 
the Delawares, and the Wyandots of the 
whole Sandusky Valley began to concen- 
trate their forces on the plains. Mean- 
while the mounted borderers were rapidly 
approaching, anxious for the fray. The 
sixth day the old Moravian village on one 
of the upper branches of the Sandusky 
was reached, but, as will be seen in a suc- 
ceeding chapter, the missionary band had 
been removed in March preceding, and 
the congregation dispersed by order of 
Governor DePeyster, commandant at De- 
troit. This was a fortunate circumstance, 
for it was the purpose of the invaders to 
destroy and plunder this village first. In 
place of meeting with Indians and plun- 
der they found nothing but vestiges of 
desolation. 

The army next moved to where the 
town of Sandusky formerly stood, but 
from which the Indians had lately moved 
to their new town eighteen miles below. 
Again disappointed at finding no Indi- 
ans or plunder, the volunteers became 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



35 



anxious to return, giving as a reason that 
only five days' rations remained and that 
the horses were jaded ; so a council 
was held and the officers decided to con- 
tinue the march one day longer; but just 
as the council was breaking up a scout re- 
ported that the advance guard had met 
the Indians in considerable numbers. 
The main line resolutely advanced over 
the plain covered with high grass, while the 
advance guard slowly retired before the 
enemy. The red warriors began to take 
shelter in an island of wood in the vast 
expanse of grassy plain. Crawford, seeing 
the advantage thus being gained by his 
enemy, ordered his men to dismount, tie 
their horses and force the Indians from 
their position, which they did. • The Indi- 
ans continued their fire from the high 
grass in the prairie. From 4 o'clock until 
dark the contest was animated. Some of 
the volunteers ascended into the thick tops 
of the trees, and from these aimed mes- 
sengers of death at the enemy sheltering 
in the grass, while others from behind 
trees and logs fired at the red warriors 
when they raised to shoot. The presence 
of Girty, the white savage, was noticed 
among the Indians, and Elliott, a runa- 
way Tory of Pennsylvania, who was given 
a captain's commission in the British 
army, was seen directing the battle. At 
night the enemy withdrew, and Crawford's 
soldiers slept on their arms expecting to 
resume battle the next morning. The at- 
tack was not resumed as was expected, as 
the Indians seemed to be awaiting rein- 
forcements. In large bodies they travers- 
ed the plains in every direction, apparently 
carrying off their dead. 

It was evident to the volunteers that 
the Indian forces were increasing rapidly 
and that their position was one of great 
danger. At nightfall a council was held 
and a retreat decided upon. 

The outposts were silently withdrawn, 



and the troops arranged in three parallel 
lines with the wounded in the centre. At 9 
o'clock the retreat began in good order. 
Scarcely a hundred paces had been 
traversed, when the report of several 
shots in the rear had the effect of a 
lightning shock upon the lines. The 
shrill voice of a man in front crying out 
that the design was discovered, and the 
"savages" would soon be upon them, 
precipitated a panic. Uproar and con- 
fusion made the command unmanageable. 
The wounded were abandoned, and strag- 
gling parties hurried in every direction. 
The Indians, abandoning the main body, 
pursued the stragglers, and few of them 
escaped. Less than three hundred reached 
the Ohio, thus making the number killed 
and captured more than one hundred and 
fifty, among whom was the commandant. 
The remnant of the army was conducted 
back to the frontier by Colonel Williamson. 
Colonel Crawford, when flight com- 
menced, tried to seek out from the panic- 
stricken soldiers his son, son-in-law and 
two nephews, and for this purpose remained 
till the last straggler had passed. He met 
the surgeon, Ur. Knight, but no trace of 
those for whom he was searching was found. 
Presently a heavy fire was heard in the 
distance, accompanied by yells, which in- 
dicated a fierce attack. Crawford, out of 
heart and anticipating the worst, set off 
with Ur. Knight and two others in a north- 
ward direction. After travelling about an 
hour they turned east, thus avoiding the 
enemy. They entered the forestand pushed 
their course eastward as fast as their horses 
could travel until morning, when the ex- 
hausted animals were abandoned, and the 
refugees hurried along on foot. Their 
company was increased to six in the course 
of the day, by casually meeting Captain 
Biggs and Lieutenant Ashley, to whom he 
had given his horse, Ashley being wounded. 
On the second day they came to the path 



36 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



which che txpediiion had followed on their 
advance. Here Crawford insisted on re- 
tracing the trail, and the other members of 
the party reluctantly followed. They had 
not travelled more than an hour, when a 
party of Delaware Indians sprang up 
within twenty yards of Crawford and 
Knight, who were one hundied and fifty 
yards in advance of their comrades. The 
Indians presented their guns, and in good 
English ordered the fugitives to stop. 
Crawford and Knight surrendered; the 
other members of the party escaped, but 
two of them. Biggs and Ashley, were cap- 
tured and killed the next day. 

It was an unfortunate circumstance for 
Crawford that he was cai)tured by Dela- 
wares, for the disposal of his case thereby 
fell to Captain Pipe, at whose hands little 
mercy could be expected. He was taken 
to Sandusky, where he was permitted an 
interview with Simon Girty, whom he 
had known. Girty promised to do all he 
could to procure his ransom, and it is sup- 
posed offered Captain Pipe three hun- 
dred and fifty dollars to release the pris- 
oner. The proud Delaware treated the 
proposition as an insult and threatened 
Girty with torture should it be renewed. 

On the morning of June ii, 1782, 
Crawford was taken to the old town, 
where he joined his companions in cap- 
tivity, whose faces had been painted black 
by Captain Pipe. Pipe, upon Crawford's 
arrival, painted him also, but was respect- 
ful and dignified in his manner. The 
party now proceeded toward Tymochtce, 
Crawford and Knight in charge of Win- 
gemand and Pipe, the other nine prisoners 
being sent on ahead. The two in the 
rear had the horror of seeing the bodies of 
four of the prisoners in the path, and of 
witnessing the slaughter of the other five. 
Now anticipating the worst, Crawford took 
advantage of an ojiportunity to make an 
appeal to Wingemand, whom he had 



long known and frequently drank punch 
with. The chief told him that nothing 
could save him ; that he had come 
with the cowardly Williamson to destroy 
the defenceless Christian Indians. Craw- 
ford tried to convince the chief that he was 
not responsible for the murder of the Mo- 
ravians, and would have prevented a repeti- 
tion of that atrocity. We quote the 
chief's reply, which shows the intense 
feeling of the Indian nature: 

Had Williamson been taken with you, I and some 
of my friends, by making use of what you have said, 
might, perhaps, have saved yuu; but as the matter now 
stands no man would dare interfere in your behalf. 
The King of England himself, were he to come to 
this spot, with all his wealth and treasure, 
could not effect this purpose. The blood of the in- 
nocent Moravians, more than half of them women 
and children, cruelly and wantonly murdered, calls 
for revenge. The relatives of the slain who are among 
us, cry out and stand ready for revenge. The na- 
tion to which they belonged will have revenge. The 
Shawnees, our grandchildren, have asked for your 
fellow prisoner (Dr. Knight). On him they will take 
revenge. All nations connected with us cry out, re- 
venge, revenge. The Moravians whom they came to 
destroy, having fled instead of avenging their breth- 
ren, the offence is become national, and the nation 
itself is bound to take revenge. 

The chief then tried to reconcile Craw- 
ford to his fate. When the crowd came 
to the pile he took an affectionate farewell 
of his old friend, and hid in the bushes. 
The fire was lighted, and no words can ex- 
press the three hours of excruciating tor- 
ture and pain which ended the ill-fated 
life. In vain the sufferer appealed to Girty 
for the mercy of a well aimed bullet, but 
that monster exulted at his writhing, and 
told Knight, the other prisoner, that a pie. 
cisely similar fate awaited him. After the 
last breath of life had passed away in the 
ascending smoke, Knight was placed in 
charge of a guide and hurried toward the 
Shawnee towns on INIad River. He made 
his escape, however, on the way, and re- 
turned to Virginia. 

Thus tnded the doomed expedition of 
Crawford. The Wyandois returned to 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



37 



their homes on the Sandusky with greater 
confidence in their own power and ability 
to resist invasion. The failure of the ex- 
pedition also preserved to the territory of 



the VVyandots of Sandusky a superstition 
that it was to be the inviolable scat of the 
nation. 



CHAPTER IV. 

LOWER SANDUSKY BEFORE FORT STEPHENSON. 

Sources of Information — Lower S.indusky Becomes a Trading Post — Geographical F'eatures of Ohio, Give 
the Place Its Importance in Indian History — Captain Brady's Adventure— The Moravian Missionaries 
Prisoners at Lower Sandusky — Description of Running the Gauntlet — Location of the Gauntlet Course — 
General Treatment of Prisoners — Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton, Captives — A Sentence to Torture 
Revoked— James Whittaker and Elizabeth Fulk, Captives; A Romantic Incident — Negro Captives — 
First Appearance of Bees in the Indian Country — Captivity of Major Goodale and Daniel Convers — 
Sarah Vincent Made a Captive — Her Marriage to Isaac Williams — The Williams Family — Tecumseh 
Visits Muncietown — His Plans of War Are Overheard — Expedition of Five Hundred Warriors from 
Muncietown — ^Tecumseh Visits Isaac Williams — The Ottawas and Death of Captain Pumpkin — Agricul 
ture Along the Sandusky. 



IN 1764 the village of Junquiindundeh 
(Lower Sandusky), located at the falls 
of the river, was on an Indian trail leading 
from Fort Pitt in a northwesterly direc- 
tion.* This part of the State was then lit- 
tle known to the whites, till a score of 
years later, and then the information was 
derived from ransomed Indian captives. 
Upon these same narratives we are com- 
pelled to rely for the greater part of our 
information relating to Lower Sandusky, 
and, by repeating a variety of incidents, 
we hope to be able to present an intelli- 
gible picture of life in the fertile Sandusky 
Valley, before the advent of white soldiers, 
in 1813. 

We have no satisfactory knowledge of 
the Indian village which occupied the hill 
rising toward the east from the head- 
waters of navigation, until about 1780, 
when the well-known borderer, Samuel 
Brady, at the instance of Washington, 

* Hutchins's History of Boquet's Expedition 



came here as a spy. About this time be- 
gan the general border war, which con- 
tinued until 1795, and in which the Wy- 
andots took a conspicuous part. This 
period was productive of the scenes which 
it is the object of this chapter to delineate. 
In 1795 '^he Wyandot Nation passed the 
summit of its power and glory. For more 
than a century the warriors of the tribes 
had gratified the vanity and avarice of the 
nation, but one defeat turned the tide of 
fortune, and twenty-two years more 
grouped the survivors of a haughty do- 
minion within the confines of a tract 
twelves miles square. The disaster of 
Fallen Timbers extinguished the council 
fire at Lower Sandusky. Crane, the 
great war chief, became the head of the 
nation, and only peace councils called the < 
wise men together until the close of the 
period to which we have allotted this 
chapter. 
shall frequi n'.ly have occasion to mention. 



38 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



The time of the advent of traders is not 
known. Arundel and Robbins, whom we 
were here in 1782. The Wyandot village, 
although il had lost its importance, main- 
tained its existence until troops formally 
took possession of the two miles square 
reserved for trading purposes by the 
treaty of Fort Mcintosh, and uncondition- 
ally reserved by the treaty of Greenville. 
The language of the former treaty, which 
is given in a preceding chapter, indicates 
that the commercial advantage of the 
place was fully appreciated as early as 
1785; the next ten years gave the author 
of the treaty of Greenville a knowledge of 
its military importance. 

The treaty of Greenville also had the 
effect of concentrating into the Northwest- 
ern Indian Reservation, of which this 
county was a part, representatives of all 
the tribes of Ohio. The Delawares, whose 
relations with the Wyandots had always 
been of the most cordial character, came 
into the Sandusky country in considera- 
ble numbers. They established a village 
about three miles below Lower Sandusky, 
on the east side ot the river. The white 
traders named this village Muncietown, 
most of its inhabitants being of the Muncie 
tribe of Delawares. 

Detroit, from the time the French estab- 
lished themselves at that point, was the 
leading trading post of all the tribes of the 
Northwest Territory. After the outbreak 
of the Revolution and during the whole 
period of border war, the British Govern- 
ment at that point encouraged hostility by 
paying a liberal bounty for scalps and ran- 
som for prisoners. The northwestern 
part of the State being almost an impene- 
trable swamp, the Sandusky River became 
the common thoroughfare of all the Ohio 
tribes. The favorite canoe of the Indians 
was made of birch bark. These were 
only used in water free from obstructions. 
Streams abounding in ripples and with 



dangerous bottoms were, however, avenues 
of travel but only with wooden canoes 
which were made by hollowing out the 
half of a log. A short distance below the 
falls at the side of the river, was a place 
for burying the bark canoes.* This was 
done, probably, for the purpose of keeping 
them from cracking. 

War parties usually came to this point 
on foot or on horses captured in the 
white settlements, and when captives were 
taken further, as most of them were, ca- 
noes were used for transportation. Horses 
were considered great prizes, and horse- 
racing indulged in without mercy to the 
poor animals. An interesting race is 
described by Captain Samuel Brady, a 
man well known in the border history of 
Northern Ohio. He is celebrated chiefly 
for his wonderful leap across Cuyahoga 
River. In 1780, Captain Brady was dis- 
patched, by direction of General Wash- 
ington, to Sandusky, to learn if possible 
the strength of the Indians in this quarter 
and the geography of the country. Bra- 
dy, with a tew choice soldiers and four 
Chickasaw Indians, set out from Fort Pitt 
and made a forced march through the 
wilderness. Soon after entering the Wy- 
andot country, the Chickasaw guides de- 
serted, and it was feared by the brave scout 
had gone over to the enemy. Knowing 
the penalty of detection, Brady proceeded 
with the greatest caution. He approached 
the village adjacent to the rapids under 
cover of night, and fording the river, 
secreted himself on the island just below 
the falls. When morning dawned a fog 
rested over the valley, which completely 
cut off from view the shore on either side. 
About II o'clock a bright sun quickly 
dispelled the mist, and the celebrated 
borderer became the witness of an unusu- 
ally interesting event. A war party had 
just returned from Kentucky with a num- 
* Colonel James Smith's Narrative, 1757. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



39 



ber of fine horses, a trial of whose speed 
was the feature of the day's amusement. 
The horses were all drawn up in line on 
the west side of the river a short distance 
above the head of the island. One heat 
after another always brought a white Ken- 
tucky mare out ahead. At first the In-, 
dians cheered heartily when the favorite 
pony reached the goal in advance of all 
competitors; but no amusement can last 
long without variety. The victorious 
mare was weighted down with two riders 
Dut even under this burden distanced her 
competitors. Another rider was added to 
the load, which accomplished the purpose 
of defeating her, and seemed to give the 
congregated warriors, children and squaws, 
great pleasure. All this time Brady was 
concealed on the island, disturbed only 
by the fear of being seen and made the 
subject of an evening's barbarous sport, 
around a stake of torture. That night 
he escaped and hastened rapidly toward 
the fort, which he reached after a perilous 
tramp of several days. 

In the preceding chapter, the history 
of the Moravian missions is reverted to : 
the labor of the converts, their perse- 
cution, and the final murder of more 
than ninety persons. Simultaneously 
with this event, in consequence of the 
misrepresentations of the dishonest Brit- 
ish agent Elliott and the white despe- 
rado Simon Girty, Captain Pipe and 
Half King applied persecution with such 
severity that in March, 1782, Governor 
De Peyster, fearing for the safety of the 
teachers, directed Girty and Half King to 
remove them and their families as pris- 
oners to Detroit; but as these two had 
just planned an expedition to the Ohio, a 
Canadian Frenchman, Francis Levallie, 
was directed to accompany them. The 
company consisted of four families, two 
single men, "with a number of brethren 
and sisters," children, and a number of 



Moravian Indians. Levallie was kind- 
hearted and well disposed toward his pris- 
oners, giving Zeisberger his own horse to 
ride, insistmg that the age and station of 
the missionary alike prompted the act. 

Heckewelder, in his narrative, says that 
after several days' travel through the .wil- 
derness and swampy grounds they arrived 
at Lower Sandusky, where they were hos- 
pitably received by two English traders — 
Arundel and Robbins. Arundel having 
a spacious house took in those who had 
families, and Robbins took in the single 
men and the guide. Boats were sent for 
at Detroit, and before they arrived two 
events took place, which are described by 
Heckewelder in such a way as to throw 
much light on the character of Indian life 
here at that time. 

The houses of Arundel and Robbins 
were about a mile apart, and were located 
upon high elevations; between them was 
the Indian village. During his stay, 
Heckewelder went to the house of Rob- 
bins to visit the brethren, and while there 
the yelling of two parties of Indians re- 
turning from expeditions against the 
whites, was heard. One of the parties 
had been in the neighborhood of Fort 
Mcintosh, at the mouth of Beaver, and 
was bringing with them three white pris- 
oners; the other party came from the 
opposite direction and had scalps. From 
the elevation of Robbins' house both par- 
ties could be seen, but from the village, 
which lay between one of the parties and 
the house, but one party could be seen. 
The people of the village ran to meet the 
one band of returning warriors. Hecke- 
welder, at the advice of Robbins, took ad- 
vantage of the occasion and returned to 
Arundel's house through the village, while 
it was thus deserted. He reached Arun- 
del's house before the people and the war 
party, with their prisoners, reached the 
place for running the gauntlet. Hecke- 



40 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



welder and his party saw this favorite 
treatment of prisoners and has given a 
faithful account of it. 

A certain class of writers who depend 
upon a vivid imagination to su])ply defi- 
ciencies of information, have made the In- 
dian gauntlet an institution of the most 
shocking cruelty. It is true, severe tor- 
tures Were often inflicted upon prisoners, 
the degree di. p i.ding much upon their 
fortitude and pics.nce of mind, for no 
people admired bravery as the Indians did. 
But the gauntlet was rather a place of 
amusement than punishment, rnless the 
offence has been one worthy of particular 
revenge. On entering the village, the 
prisoner is shown a painted post at a dis- 
tance of from twenty to forty yards, and 
told to run to it and catch hold of it as 
quickly as possible. On each side of 
the course stand men, women, and chil- 
dren, with axes, sticks, and other offensive 
weapons, ready to strike him as he passes. 
If he should be so unlucky as to fall or so 
frightened as to stop on the way, he is in 
danger of being dispatched by some one 
anxious to avenge the death of a relative 
or friend slain in battle; but if he reaches 
the goal safely, he is protected from fur- 
ther insult until his fate has been deter- 
mined by the^war council.* 

Heckewelder goes on to state that if a 
prisoner in such a situation shows deter- 
mined courage, and when bid to run for 
the painted post, starts with all his mi,i;ht, 
and e.Nerts all his strength and agility un- 
til he reaches it, he will most commonly 
escape without much harm, and some- 
times without any injury whatever; and 
on reaching the designated point will have 
the satisfaction of heai ing his courage 
and braveiy applauded. The coward who 
hesitates or shows symptoms ol fear does 
well if he escapes with his life. A brave 
youth who has succeeded in reaching the 

*Heckewelders Indian Nations. 



goal is almost certain to be. adopted into 
one of the families of the tribe and treated 
with the greatest kindness. In many in- 
stances youths left their adopted parents 
with regret, when peace procured them 
ransom, and we have in our own county 
two notable instances of permanent adop- 
tion into the tiil)e, as we shall see further 
along. 

But we have been digressing from the 
course of our narrative. The missionaries 
saw from Arun '.el's house the party of 
fourteen warriors, with their prisoners, ap- 
proach from the east, havmg come from 
Fort Mcintosh. As soon as they had 
crossed the Sandusky River, to which the 
village lay adjacent, they were told by the 
captain of the party to run as hard as they 
could to a painted post, which was shown 
them. The youngest of the three i:nme- 
diately started without a moment's hesita- 
tion, and reached the post without a single 
blow: the second hesitated for a moment, 
but recollecting himself, he also ran as fast 
as he could and reached the post unhurt; 
but the third, fri-htened at seeing so many 
men, women, and children, with weapons 
in their hands ready to strike him, kept 
begging the captain to spare his life, say- 
ing that he was a mason and would build 
him a large stone house or do any other 
work he should choose. "Run for your 
life," cried the chief to him, "and don't 
talk now of building houses." But the 
poor fellow still insisted, begging and 
praying to the cai)tain, who, at last, fearing 
the consequences, and finding his exhor- 
tations vain, turned his back upon him 
and would not hear him any longer. Our 
mason now began to run, but received 
manv a hard bluw, one of which nearly 
brought him to the ground, and which, if 
he had fallen, would have decided his fate. 
He, however, re.iched the goal, not with- 
out being sadly bruised, and besides he 
was bitterly scoffed at and reproached as 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



41 



a vile coward, while the others were hailed 
as brave men, and received tokens of uni- 
versal approbation. 

Hon. Isaac Knapp, a pioneer of the 
county, and for many years an honored 
citizen, has related an incident in this con- 
nection which locates the gauntlet track, 
and contrary to the impression given by 
Heckewelder, indicates that having passed 
the savage lines and reached the goal did 
not insure to the prisoner absolute safety 
from injury until the disposition of his case 
by the council. 

Some time before Wayne's campaign, 
three sisters and two brothers named Da- 
vidson were captured by a war party in 
Kentucky and brought to Lower Sandusky 
as prisoners. All were ordered to run the 
gauntlet. The brothers were stout, active 
men, and both succeeded in getting through 
without a scratch. John, the elder brother, 
seemed to be a mark of particular hatred. 
When he had reached the post exhausted 
and breathless, he sat down upon a log, hav- 
ing passed, as he supposed, the ordeal of his 
captivity. But an old squaw, dissatisfied 
with his easy escape, walked up behind, 
struck a tomahawk into his shoulder, and 
left him. The sisters were then ordered 
to run, but they refused, begging to be 
tomahawked where they sat. This conduct 
on their part probably made the sentence 
upon the whole family more severe. At a 
consultation of the chiefs and warriors it 
was decided to hold the prisoners as slaves. 
They were taken to Canada, where a Brit- 
ish trader paid their ransom. Mr. Knapp 
afterwards became acquainted with these 
persons and knew tliem well. They set- 
tled in northern Kentucky. He obtained 
from them a minute description of the 
bends of the river, the lay of the ground, 
and the surrounding hills, from which he 
was enabled to locate the gauntlet track. 
According to the description, the lines of 
the savages extended from the site of the 

6 



block now occupied by Wagner's store, to 
the Kessler House corner. The council 
was probably held on the site of the Buck- 
land block. 

In general the treatment of prisoners 
by the Indians was nut so severe as is 
popularly supposed. There were, of course, 
exceptions, among which the melancholy 
fate of Colonel Crawford is prominent. 
But few were burned, and nearly all who 
acted bravely were treated with kindness. 
We should not forget that the events which 
are grouped together in this chapter oc- 
curred during a state of active war, in 
which the Indians were fighting for the 
maintenance of the forest, and were en- 
couraged by British agents with British 
gold. Affairs at Lower Sandusky, during 
the long period of border war, extending 
from the opening of the Revolution to the 
celebrated victory of Wayne, possess a 
peculiar interest. This was an important 
military centre, and every narrative relating 
to the place is a glimpse into the enemy's 
camp. For many years before the first 
settlement of Ohio, a war both offensive 
and defensive was waged between the Ohio 
tribes and the frontiersmen of Pennsyl- 
vania and Virginia, and the Kentucky 
borders. When humanity is made an 
element of comparative consideration in 
the conduct of that war, the burden of 
shame hangs over the graves of our own 
countrymen. The contest itself could 
but be one of most barbarous cruelty 
on both sides, for the Indians were 
fully persuaded that it was the design of 
the whites to destroy their hunting grounds 
and ultimately exterminate them, while 
the borderers looked upon the Indian as 
little better than a wild beast, and a pest 
to be exterminated by any means what- 
ever. They attributed to him no rights 
which civilization was bound to respect. 

Some of the earlier outrages perpetrated 
against the Indian race by the white, were 



42 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



of the most perfidious character. While 
we are reading that cruel page of Ohio his- 
tory describing the tortures inflicted upon 
Colonel Crawford at Upper Sandusky, let us 
not forget the treacherous blows by which, 
previously, the kindred of Logan's tribe 
fell at Yellow Creek, or the expedition of 
Captain Williamson, which culminated 
in the cold-blooded murder of the Mora- 
vian Christians and the burning of their 
bodies. The whites took few prisoners, 
but the rifle industriously, often treacher- 
ously used, dispatched many brave war- 
riors on both sides of the Ohio. Revenge 
is a part of the Indian nature, and the 
tribes were not slow to retaliate every 
wrong, and full-measured retaliation it 
was. It is estimated that on the frontiers, 
south and west of the Ohio River, during 
the seven years preceding the outbreak of 
the war on the Ohio colony at the mouth 
of the Muskingum, the Indians killed and 
took prisoners fifteen hundred people, 
stole two thousand horses and other 
property to the value of fifty thousand 
dollars*. After the general war began in 
1 79 1, the annual destruction of life and 
property was much greater, until its close 
in 1795. Probably more captives were 
brought to Lower Sandusky than to any 
other place in Ohio. This was a retreat 
where prisoners were brought and dis- 
posed of, many being sent to Detroit and 
Canada. So far as is known, not a soli- 
tary prisoner was tortured here at the 
stake, and in a majority of cases captives 
who had passed the gauntlet safely and 
bravely were treated kindly. It should be 
remembered that this was in the heart of 
the Indian country, and a point which had 
never been visited by a military expedi- 
tion of whites. Under these circum- 
stances the events which we have narrated 
and are about to narrate can have no 
other effect than to create charitable ideas 
*Colonel Barker's Reminiscences, 



of Indian character, cruel as some of these 
occurrences might seem, did we not know 
the subjects were prisoners of bloody and 
relentless war. 

Among the notable characters who were 
brought to Lower Sandusky as captives 
were Simon Kenton and Daniel Boone. 
The former having been captured in 1778, 
was taken first to Piqua, where he ran the 
gauntlet; from there he was taken to Old 
Chillicothe, where he spent several days 
with Logan. He was sentenced to the 
stake at Wapitomika, but Logan, assisted 
by Girty and a Canadian Frenchman, suc- 
ceeded in having the decision of the coun- 
cil reversed. Kenton was then sent to 
Lower Sandusky and from here taken by 
water to Detroit.* 

The fact that Daniel Boone was brought 
through Lower Sandusky while in cap- 
tivity, is a fact worthy of mention because 
of the celebrity of that unequalled hero of 
border annals. The name of Boone is 
familiar and dear to every boy, and his 
heroic adventures interest, even in the 
years of more prosy manhood. In the 
proud old Commonwealth of Kentucky 
the name of Boone and the story of his 
life is more familiar than any other char- 
acter in American history. In the winter 
of 1778 Captain Boone, while with a party 
of salt-makers on the Licking River, was 
captured by Shawnee warriors who took 
him to Chillicothe and from there to 
Lower Sandusky on the way to Detroit, 
whereGovernor Hamilton, the British com- 
mander, was encouraging Indian depreda- 
tions by paying liberal premiums for scalps 
and prisoners. The Governor took a 
great fancy to Boone, and ofTered liberally 
for his ransom; he was an object of par- 
ticular interest among the officers at the 
garrison. But the Shawnees had also 
taken a special liking to the old hunter 
and said he must become one of them, 

* McDonald's Western Sketches. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



43 



and be a great chief. He returned with 
the Indians to Chillicothe, and remained 
with the tribe several months. 

It will be seen from these incidents that 
the Shawnees and other tribes made the 
Sandusky River a highway to Detroit, but 
probably none but the Wyandots brought 
their prisoners to Lower Sandusky for sen- 
tence and the infliction of penalties. 

Those of the captives whom the 
Indians took a liking to, on account of 
bravery or other qualities which they par- 
ticularly admired, were the only ones 
adopted into the tribe; other prisoners 
were either made slaves, as in the instance 
of the Davidson family above noted, or 
taken to Detroit. It should be noted to 
the credit of the Wyandots that they rare- 
ly burned prisoners at the stake. Colonel 
Crawford was captured by the Delawares 
and sentenced by a Delaware council, so 
that the Indians in whom we are especially 
interested are free from the odium of that 
savage sentence. 

But Wyandot captives were not secure 
against the liability of torture, as is shown 
by the following incident, which also 
proves the kind-heartednessof Arundel and 
Robbins, the two English traders, and the 
susceptibility of Crane, the great war 
chief, to flattery. 

In the spring of 1782, a young man 
was brought captive from Fort Mcintosh 
to Lower Sandusky, where he heroically 
passed the gauntlet ordeal. Crane ad- 
mired his bravery and sent him to 
Half King at Upper Sandusky, to be 
adopted into his family in place of a 
son who had been killed the preceding 
year while at war on the Ohio. The pris- 
oner having arrived at Upper Sandusky, 
was presented to Half King's wife, who 
refused to receive him, which, accord- 
ing to the unwritten law of the Wyandots, 
was a sentence of death. The prisoner 
was returned for the purpose of being tor- 



tured and burned. Preparations for the 
dreadful event were made near the village; 
warriors, squaws, and children gathered 
from all directions to witness the terrible 
execution. It fortunately happened that 
the two traders, Arundel and Robbins, 
were present, and, shocked with the hor- 
ror of the act about to be perpetrated, re- 
solved to make an effort to prevent it. 
They offered the war chief a liberal ran- 
som for the prisoner's life, which he re- 
fused, saying that it was an established 
custom among them that when a prisoner 
had been offered as a present and was re- 
fused, he was irrevocably doomed to the 
stake, and no one could save him. Besides, 
the chief further declared the numerous 
war captains who were on the spot had it 
in charge to carry out the execution. Fail- 
ing to move the great war chief by offers 
of money, they appealed to his vanity, 
which proved the vulnerable point of his 
character. "But," answered the generous 
but wily traders, "among all these chiefs 
you have mentioned, there is none equals 
you in greatness; you are considered not 
only the greatest and bravest, but at the 
same time the best man in the nation." 
The chief looked up with an expression of 
pride and gratification. "Do you really 
believe what you say ?" he queried. " In- 
deed we do," answered the traders. The 
object was accomplished. Without an- 
other word the great war chief blackened 
himself, and, taking knife and tomahawk 
in hand, forced his way through the crowd 
to the unhappy victim at the post. Crying 
with a loud voice, " What have you to do 
with my prisoner?" he cut the cords with 
which the prisoner was tied. The chief 
took him to his house, which was near Mr. 
Arundel's, and from there sent him with a 
safeguard to the commander at Detroit, 
who gave him his liberty.* This incident 

* Heckewelder's Indian Nations. 



44 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



clearly shows the supremacy of Crane 
among the Wyandot chiefs. 

We have spoken more than once in the 
preceding pages of the custom among the 
Indians of adopting into their families 
young men to whom they took particular 
liking. An instance of this kind is re- 
corded by Finley as having occurred in 
1786. Robert Armstrong, a young lad of 
four years, was captured near Pittsburgh, 
and brought here through the wilderness. 
He was adopted into an Indian family 
and grew up a perfect Wyandot.* But the 
most notable instances of this kind were 
the capture and adoption of the heads of 
two families, some of whose descendants 
are yet living in the county, and to whom 
were granted reservations in the treaty of 
Maumee Rapids, spoken of in a succeed- 
ing chapter. 

The narrative of the Whittakersf is a 
story possessing the elements of ideal ro- 
mance. We give the outhne, to which 
our imaginative reader can supply fic- 
titious coloring to suit his own taste, 
and thus complete the picture. In about 
the year 1780, two brothers. Quill Whit- 
taker and James Whittaker, in company 
with another young man, left Fort Pitt 
one morning on a hunting expedition. 
They wandered a considerable distance 
from the fort, intent upon securing game 
with which to gratify their friends, but 
at an unexpected moment a volley of rifle 
balls rattled among the trees. One took 
mortal effect in the body of the young 
man; another passed through the hat of 
Quill Whittaker, who saved himself by 
flight; a third ball shattered the arm of 
James, the younger brother, and in a few- 
minutes he was the prisoner of a band of 
painted Wyandot warriors. After several 
days' hard travelling, the Indians, with their 

* History of Moravian Missions. 
i-From an interview of Hon. Homer Everett with 
Mrs. Scranton, daughter of James Whittaker. 



captive, reached a village within the pres- 
ent boundaries of Richland county, Ohio. 
Here the lines were formed and Whit- 
taker's bravery and activity tested on the 
gauntlet course. The boy, wounded as he 
was, deported himself with true heroism. 
The first half of the course was passed 
without a single scratch, but as he was 
speeding on toward the painted goal, an 
old squaw, who cherished a feeling of deep 
revenge, mortified by the captive's suc- 
cessful progress, sprang forward and caught 
his arm near the shoulder, hoping to de- 
tain him long enough for the weapon of 
the ne.xt savage to take effect. The pris- 
oner instantly halted, and with a violent 
kick sent the vicious squaw and the next 
Indian tumbling from the lines. His bold 
gallantry received wild shouts of applause 
along the lines. Attention being thus di_ 
verted, he sprang forward with quickened 
speed and reached the post without ma- 
terial injury. Not satisfied that this favorite 
amusement should be so quickly ended, 
it was decided that the prisoner should 
run again. The lines for the second trial 
were already formed when an elderly and 
dignified squaw walked forward and took 
from her own shoulders a blanket which 
she cast over the panting young prisoner, 
saying, "This is my son; he is one of us; 
you must not kill him." Thus adopted, 
he was treated with all that kindness and 
affection which the savage heart is capable 
of cherishing. 

It is a saying as old as the institution of 
voluntary marriage itself, that "those who 
are born to go together will marry under any 
circumstances," which is but a particular- 
ization of the general doctrine "that to 
live is but to follow the path made by 
fate." Those philosophers who entertain 
this belief might find in the second part 
of this narrative an applicable illustration 
in support of their theory. 

About two years after the capture of 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



45 



Whittaker, another party of warriors made 
an incursion into Pennsylvania and cap- 
'tured at Cross Roads, Elizabeth Fulks, a 
girl eleven years old, whom they carried 
into captivity and adopted into a family of 
the tribe. Both captives lived contentedly 
and happily, having adopted the manners 
and customs of their wards. A few years 
after, somewhere in the vast expanse of the 
Northwestern wilderness, probably here on 
the Sandusky River, at a general council of 
their tribes, these two adopted children of 
the forest made each other's acquaintance. 
The brave boy who ran the gauntlet had 
become a well proportioned man, and the 
sweet, timid captive girl was now a bloom- 
ing maiden whose native beauty had never 
been destroyed by the torturing artifices 
of society dress. Perhaps this meeting 
occurred in the full light of an encourag- 
ing moon, while savage warriors were de- 
liberating cruel expeditions around a bright 
council fire in the distance. Who can 
think of the meeting being formal and re- 
served, or of a fashionable courtship? A 
marriage according to the customs of civil- 
ized life was at once arranged, and the 
couple, ardent in their love and happy in 
their expectations, set off for Detroit, where 
the Christian ritual was pronounced which 
made them man and wife. 

The Indians seemed well pleased by 
this conduct of their pale-face children. 
They gave them a choice tract of farming 
land in the river bottom, and here Rev. 
Joseph Badger visited the family in 
1806, where he found them living 
in perfect harmony with their Indian 
neighbors, but practicing the forms of civil- 
ized life.* Mr. and Mrs. Whittaker reared 
a large family, for whose education they 

*Whittaker's thorough adoption into the Wyan- 
dot tribe is shown by the fact that he joined their 
war parties. He was present at St. Clair's defeat and 
at the battle of Fallen Timbers. — McCliuigs Western 
Adventurer. 



expended considerable sums of money. 
In 1808 a teacher was secured who came 
to the residence, which was a short dis- 
tance below the falls on the west side of 
the river, and instructed the older children. 
The oldest daughter was subsequently sent 
to school in Pittsburgh, at an expense of 
eight hundred dollars a year, and there 
qualified to teach the younger children. 

Mr. Whittaker entered into mercantile 
business, for which he was well fitted. He 
established a store at his residence, one at 
Tymochtee, and one at Upper Sandusky. 
He accumulated wealth rapidly, having at 
the time of his death his goods all paid for 
and two thousand pounds on deposit with 
the Canada house where he made his pur- 
chases. At Upper Sandusky he had a 
partner, Hugh Patterson, with whom, in 
the year 18 16, he drank a glass of wine and 
died in a short time afterwards, his death 
being attributed to poison in the wine. Pat- 
terson was largely indebted to him, and, it 
was discovered afterwards, had forged an 
order on McDonald, proprietor of the 
Canada house,for the two thousand pounds 
on deposit. Mrs. Whittaker, to whom a res- 
ervation was granted in the treaty of 18 17, 
survived her husband many years, but as 
to the time and place of her death we are 
not informed.* 

A few prominent acts of kind-hearted 
benevolence on the part of Mr. Whitta- 
ker can not be omitted. A short time be- 
fore the war of 181 2, he went to the Mau- 
mee on business, and found among the 
Indians a young white woman who bore a 
strong resemblance to hi's own daughters. 
She was engaged at carrying wood and 
piling it up. Mr. Whittaker, after talking 
with her a short time, became convinced 
that she was preparing her own funeral 
pile, though herself ignorant of the fact. 



* Later events relating to this family are narrated 
in the sketch of Sandusky township. 



46 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.. 



He engaged to procure her freedom on 
condition she would never expose him in 
a he. Having been informed of the 
probable fate which awaited her she readi- 
ly assented. At the dictation of her res- 
cuer she sat upon a log while he went to 
the assembled Indians and asked them 
what they were doing with that young 
woman, to which they replied that prepa- 
rations were being made for a dance that 
night, and that she was to be burned. He 
then told them that she was his daughter, 
and the strung resemblance between her 
and his family, with whom the Indians 
were slightly acquainted, convinced them 
that the statement was true, and out of re- 
spect they gave her up. Whittaker 
brought her home and gave a guide sixty 
dollars to conduct her to her friends, who 
lived down the Ohio river. 

Near the time of the capture of Wliit- 
taker, and probably later, a party of negroes 
were captured in Virginia and brought to 
the Sandusky River, where they were held 
as slaves. They were placed in charge of 
a peninsular tract several miles below the 
falls, which they cultivated for the Indians, 
no doubt to the great satisfaction of the 
squaws, upon whom devolved all menial 
labor. The peninsula became known as 
Negro Point, a name which it has retained 
ever since — a period of about a century. 

There is a singular tradition relating to 
the first appearance of the honey-bee in 
the Northwest, which places that event 
within the field of our history. The late 
Mrs. Rachel Scranton, a daughter of 
James and Elizabeth Whittaker, is au- 
thority for the following statement, which 
was first published in i860: 

Previous to the time of Mrs. Whittaker's captivity 
the honey-bee and the plantain were unknown to 
the Indians. While she and her brother George 
who was also a captive, were yet children, and me- 
nial servants to the Wyandot tribe, they were hoeing 
corn in an Indian field, when they discovered a swarm 
of bees in a tree near by. They remembered some- 



thing of bees at home and conjectured what they 
were. The idea of white people was instantly sug- 
gested, and they talked with one another as to whether 
this might not be a sign that white people would 
come soon. Their discovery was communicated to 
the Indians, who flocked to the tree in great numbers 
to see the wonderful insects. The suggestion was 
made by George and Elizabeth, that bees belonged 
to white people and stayed with them, and that prob- 
ably this was a sign that the pale-faces were coming, 
and would bye-and-bye have the country. None of 
the tribes had ever seen the insect before, and their 
superstitious minds were affected to such a degree 
that, with the Wyandots especially, it became a 
settled conviction that the Indians would be driven 
out and the whites would take their country. 

The account continues: 

Henceforth this tribe, yielding to what they con- 
sidered inevitable fate, felt and said it was useless to 
contend against the pale-faces, and became a peace- 
ful people. It is true they joined the other tribes to 
fight Wayne, but they refused to join the e.xpedition 
until a confederation of all the other tribes of the 
Northwest plainly told them that if they did not send 
out warriors to fight Wayne, they unitedly would ex- 
terminate the Wyandots. There was no other way 
to save themselves, and they did send the best of 
their men to be slaughtered by "Mad" Anthony at 
the battle of Fallen Timbers. 

This latter statement is probably incor- 
rect in fact, although there may have been 
such a local sentiment. In the open war, 
which was commenced on the Ohio Com- 
pany's settlement in 1791, and terminated 
with Wayne's victory, the Wyandots took 
an active and conspicuous part, a part 
which justifies assigning to them leader- 
ship from the beginning to the end of that 
cruel contest. The first attack on the 
Ohio settlers at Big Bottom, in 1791, was 
made by the allied warriors of the Dela- 
wares and Wyandots. 

The Whittaker cabin and trading-house, 
which stood just above the head of the 
bay, was a usual stopping point for war 
parties when on their way from Lower 
Sandusky to Detroit with prisoners. The 
family always treated captives with the 
greatest kindness consistent with their sit- 
uation. Major Nathan Goodale, a promi- 
nent and valuable citizen of Belpre, the 



•HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



47 



second settlement in the Ohio Company's 
purchase, was captured by a band of Wy- 
andot warriors in 1793, while at work on 
his farm a short distance from the fort. 
They sprang out from the forest and seized 
him before he was aware of their presence, 
or could make any defence, threatening 
him with death if he made a noise or re- 
sisted. After securing him with thongs 
they made a hasty retreat, intending to 
take him to Detroit and get a large ransom. 
They got along as far as Whittaker's house, 
when he could go no further, in consequence 
of sickness. Mrs. Whittaker, in relating 
the account afterwards, testified that he 
had received no ill treatment while in cap- 
tivity, and that he ditd at her house in a 
few days after he had been left there, of a 
disease like pleurisy.* 

The narrative of the captivity of Daniel 
Convers* in 1793, throws considerable light 
on affairs here at that time. Convers was 
a boy sixteen years old, who lived at the 
Waterford garrison on the Muskingum 
River, twenty miles above Marietta. He 
afterwards became a wealthy merchant of 
Zanesville, Ohio. He was captured by a 
party of Indians lurking about the garri 
son, most of them being VVyandots. They 
travelled singly through the woods so as 
to leave no trail behind, until they struck 
the old Indian path leading from Lower 
Sandusky through Upper Sandusky to 
Fort Harmar. This was a plain, beaten 
track, used by the Indians for many years 
when going to Marietta to sell their pel- 
try. The evening was rainy and the night 
very dark, but they did not stop until 
late, fearing that the whites might be in 
pursuit. For the same reason, no fire was 
kindled. Before going to sleep they tied 
leather thongs around their prisoner's 
wrist, stretching out the ends upon the 
ground and passing them under the Indians 
who lay on each side of him, so as to 

* Pioneer History of Ohio. 



The Indians did not sleep much, but 
talked until almost morning. At day- 
break the journey was resumed. An old 
Ottawa was in the party, who complained 
of being sick and gave his pack to the 
prisoner to carry, which greatly wearied 
him. After he had borne the burden 
about three miles they cam§ to a creek 
where all stopped to drink. The brave 
lad threw the pack on the ground saying, 
"Me sick too." The Ottawa picked it up 
without saying a word, and his master, or 
at least the Indian who claimed him by 
right of capture, patted his young prison- 
er on the back exclaiming "Ho yee," a 
token of approval of the fearless act. The 
second evening, being more than fifty 
miles from any white settlement, they 
halted before night, killed a deer for sup- 
per and kindled a fire. They seasoned 
their venison with wild onions. That 
night they trimmed their bright young 
captive's hair in the Indian fashion, leav- 
ing a long lock on top which they braided 
into a queue. They also painted one of his 
eyelids. 

On the third day a place of considera- 
ble interest was reached, where two trails 
leading toward the north came together. 
A hieroglyphic tree stood at the junction, 
on which was painted, in a rude manner, 
a war i)aity, indicating their number and 
the direction of their course. The war- 
riors painted on the same tree their own 
number, indicating the capture of one boy 
prisoner by placing behind the warriors 
who bore arms a smaller figure without 
arms. 

From here they hurried on rapidly to 
Upper Sandusky, where the prisoner saw, 
for the first time, in a cabin, a number of 
scalps hung up to dry. This was the 
cabin of a crabbed old Indian, who wel- 
comed the lad with a cuff on the head. 
From Upper Sandusky the party pro- 
awaken them if he attempted to escape. 



48 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ceeded down the river, and in the course 
of the afternoon met a white trader and a 
negro. The white man paid little atten- 
tion to them, but the negro took the pris- 
oner kindly by the hand, and with evident 
interest inquired if any of his friends had 
been killed, and where he came from. 
This negro was probably one of the slaves 
from Negro Point, and hoped to find out 
something about his old friends in Vir- 
ginia. That night they had nothing for 
supper except a woodchuck, which was 
divided among eight persons. Here the 
Indians gave their prisoner a blanket and 
moccasins, he having been barefoot and 
thinly clad at the time of the capture. 
The next night they passed in a vacant 
hut by the river. Here Convers saw a cow 
which belonged to his mother, and had 
been stolen three months before. The 
narrative declares: "She directly knew 
her old friend Daniel; came up to him, 
and looked as if she felt sorry for his un- 
happy condition." 

The prisoner on this occasion was a lad 
whose appearance commanded admiration 
and excited sympathy, as is shown by the 
conduct of two boys at a village on the 
prairie. They caught him, one by each 
hand, and hurried through the town, thus 
shielding him from the ordeal of running 
the gauntlet. "On the tenth day of his 
captivity," says the narrative, "the party 
arrived at Lower Sandusky, where there 
was a large Indian village. Here they 
crossed the Sandusky River in a canoe. 
As soon as they had landed, an Indian 
came up, took Daniel by the hand and bid 
him go with him. He hesitated for a mo- 
ment, when one of the warriors motioned 
him to go. He ran with him up the river 
bank about twenty rods and stopped, ap- 
pearing very friendly, and no doubt took 
this course to keep the prisoner out of the 
sight of the other Indians living in the 
town. While waiting there for his party 



to join him, a large Indian who was drunk, 
came to him and struck him over the 
eye, knocking him down. The eye in- 
stantly swelled so that he could not see 
with it. As he repeated the blow, another 
Indian, who was much smaller, ran to the 
rescue, and, seizing the drunken one by 
the hair, jerked him to the ground and 
beat him severely. He then, in a very 
kind manner, took young Convers by the 
hand, calling him, in broken English, his 
friend. At the same time two squaws 
came up and expressed their pity for the 
young prisoner. "They went away, but 
directly returned, bringing him some hom- 
iny and meat to eat, thus showing that the 
female heart in the savage, as well as in 
the civilized races, is readily moved at the 
sight of distress, and ever open to com- 
passion and kindness. The party to 
which he belonged encamped near this 
spot, and during the night some of the 
party who had been present at the attack 
on the garrison at Waterford, hearing 
from their countrymen an account of this 
foray at the same place, and the ill-treat- 
ment of their prisoner by the drunken In- 
dian, came into the camp and passed the 
night to protect him from any further 
abuse." 

The next day the party, with their 
prisoners, proceeded on down the river 
on their way to Detroit. They stopped 
at Whittaker's cabin and there received 
from that kind-hearted man a loaf of 
sugar which the Indians divided, giving 
their prisoner a share. The Indians were 
very fond of sugar, and the present was 
highly appreciated by them, as well as by 
the captive. Whittaker dared say little to 
the prisoner, however, lest he should excite 
the jealousy of the Indians. At Detroit 
the prisoner was ransomed and sent with 
a party of horsemen to his friends in 
Connecticut. Colonel Convers in after 
years testified to the uniform humanity 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



49 



of his treatment. " His treatment was not 
only humane, but kind andgentlemanly." 

We have presented this incident to con- 
siderable length, because it is the most 
faithfully detailed account of Indian cap- 
tivity within our knowledge. Let those 
who have believed the Indian a beast in 
human form, whose only human element 
of character was treachery, follow Con- 
vers from the scene of his captivity to the 
place of ransom, and compare his treat- 
ment with that of the war prisoners of any 
Christian nation. 

The treatment of prisoners was very 
much similar in all cases, except when 
special weakness of character was betrayed, 
or the magnitude of a crime demanded 
severe punishment. We have chosen a 
variety of such incidents as are best cal- 
culated to give an idea of aboriginal life 
at Lower Sandusky, which was, during the 
period covered, the military centre of the 
most warlike of the Indian nations. An- 
other event more far reaching in its histor- 
ical consequences next demands our at- 
tention. 

The frontier posts of Kentucky suf- 
fered more from Indian incursions than 
the settlements of any other locality. 
There were two reasons for this: being the 
most western settlements they were re- 
garded as the most dangerous intruders 
on the red man's domain; and second, 
nowhere did the "Long-knives," as the 
Indians called the whites, treat the savages 
with so much cruelty. During one of 
these incursions, led by SJ^mpn Girtj against 
Boonesborough. Sarah Vincent, a little 
girl seven years old, was made captive 
and settled on the Sandusky River, where 
she became a Wvandot. 

Several years afterwards Isaac Williams, 
a trader at Upper Sandusky, made her 
acquaintance, and they were married. 
They settled at Upper Sandusky, and 
reared one son, Isaac Williams, who mar- 



ried Sarah Loveler near Pittsburgh, Penn- 
sylvania. They settled on the tract which 
his mother had occupied while a captive, 
located on the river, at the Chestnut 
grove, on the present estate of Sidney For- 
guson. It was to the widow of this Isaac 
Williams that a reservation of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres, on Negro Point, was 
granted. She died about 1830, leaving 
a family of five children — Alexander, 
George, Joseph, Rachel, and James. 

George married a Tawa (Ottawa) squaw, 
and never claimed any share in the estate. 
This woman, in 1809, overheard an in- 
terview between the Shawnee, Tecum- 
sehj_ and a Muncie, or Delaware chief, 
which, had it been properly communicated 
to the Federal authorities, would have fur- 
nished important information concerning 
the strange, mysterious movements of the 
wily chief who organized the Indian rebel- 
lion of 181 r, and consummated the 
British alliance of 181 2. 

Tecumseh was neither a peace chief, nor 
a war chief in his tribe, but he was a man 
of pre-eminent intellect, and attained to 
an influence, throughout the whole Indian 
country, which was well nigh imperial. He 
commenced the great work which he had 
long contemplated, in 1805. His first ob- 
ject was to unite the several nations, many 
of which were hostile to each other, and 
had often been at war. He sought to re- 
form their prejudices, and to reestablish 
original manners and customs. To this end 
all intercourse with the whites was to be 
suspended, and the use of ardent spirits 
abandoned. Professing to the American 
Government no other object than moral 
reform, he was unceasing in his toil. Hav- 
ing a wide reputation as a sagacious coun- 
sellor and warrior, he everywhere received 
considerate attention. His general plan 
of union being matured, he brought su- 
perstition to his aid. 

His brother, the Pro[)het, now began to 



5° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



dream dreams and see visions. The 
fame of his divine commission spread 
from the frozen North to the gulf on 
the South. While beHeving pilgrims were 
coming to the shrine of the Propliet, 
Tecumseh's activity was simply wonder- 
ful. He was pleading loyalty to the Amer- 
cans at Governor Harrison's office at 
Vinceiincs, and the same week arranging 
war plans on the Wabash and on tiie 
plains of Sandusky. His canoe crossed 
the Mississippi, and before any were 
aware, he was addressing Cherokee coun- 
cils in Georgia and Alabama. The whole 
West was thus aroused to war, which begun 
oi)enly at Tippecanoe in iSii. Until 
shortly before that time the Government 
was ignorant of the real designs of Te- 
cumseh^ and the power of the league 
which he had formed. In view of the 
consequences of the chiet'tain's move- 
ments, the tradition of his visit to Lower 
Sandusky will be of general interest. This 
brings us back again to the Williams 
family.* 

One afternoon in the autumn of 1S09, 
the wife of George Williams, who lived on 
Negro Point, made a visit to the Wyandot 
village, which was on the hill northeast of 
the present Fremont bridge. Her way 
home was through Muncietown, which 
she reached about dark in the evening. 
By a light in a wigwam she saw Tecuniseh 
in consultation with an Ottawa chief 
Her path passed close the wigwam, in 
which she heard a conversation in the 
Ottawa language. Being herself an Otta- 
wa, she understood what was said ; and 
the theme being war, curiosity induced 
her to listen. Mrs. Williams, on returning 
home, told her husband that Tecumseh 
said, the next year when corn was knee 
high, a war would commence bv the killing 
of all white people living on Indian terri- 



* This iniditiou is written from the recollections of 
Lorenzo Dow Williams, grandson of Isaac Williams. 



tory and along the river (the Ohio river), 
and that the British would join them in 
the war. This was the first information 
obtauied by any white settler that the 
roving Shawnees contemplated war. Alex- 
ander Williams,* a brother of George 
Williams, who lived in Virginiaj was at 
that time visiting his parents on Negro. 
Point. He slavled home the following 
morning, going by way of Pittsburgh and 
Philadelphia, where he announced what 
had been heard in tlie Indian country con- 
cerning Tecumseh's intentions. At Sweet 
Springs, Virginia, his fellow-townsmen pre- 
pared for the conflict. 

The following summer five hundred 
warriors gathered in Muncietown, whence 
they started on an expedition to plunder 
the frontiers of \'irginia. After they had 
been gone two days, Mrs. \\'illiams, who 
had heard the prediction of Tecumseh 
and knew the meaning of these hostile 
preparations, called two white prisoners, 
who had been at Muncietown for a long 
time, to her house, painted them as war- 
riors, and sent them on the trail of the war 
party with instructions to travel night and 
day and to pass around the warriors, if 
possible, before they reached the settle- 
ments, in order that the white peojile 
might prepare for an attack. The two 
young men, rejoiced to escape captivity, 
arrayed in the costume of the savages, with 
rifle, ammunition, tomahawk and scalping 
knife, hurried in the path as fast as possi- 
ble. At a place called Walker's Meadow, 
three miles from the village of Union, the 
two brave messengers entered the Indian 
camp. Carelessly they passed through, 
unnoticed by the redskins, who supposed 
them a coui>le of their own number, en- 
gaged in the enterprise. About three 
miles from the encampment they came 
to the house of a settler, where they re- 
mained quiet until morning. The first 

•Father of our informant. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



51 



person seen was a man who came out 
of the house, mounted a horse and rode 
away without seeing the messengers. A 
negro next came out and went to the 
barn. The two young men now entered 
the house where they found a woman and 
several children. The woman screamed 
terribly, supposing Indians with the war 
paint on their faces were in possession of 
her house, and that quick murder was sure 
to follow. The boys spoke to her in good 
English, explaining who they were and 
what they had come for. The woman's 
husband was Judge Donelly, who was hold- 
ing court two miles distant. They in- 
formed him of the danger to which the 
settlement was ex])osed. Judge Donelly 
was also colonel of militia, and on receiv- 
ing the information he adjourned court 
and collected the people of the settlement 
into the block-house, upon which an un- 
successful attack was made, and the war- 
riors left with one prisoner. This was one 
of the first acts of Indian hostility. Very 
few VVyandots participated in it, their na- 
tion being averse to war. Tecumseh's 
visits were mostly to the villages of other 
tribes. The Wyandots generally enter- 
tained the opinions expressed by Crane's 
confidential advisor, VValk-in-the-Water, in 
a council held at Brownstown in 1 8 1 2. He 
said : "No, we will not take up the hatchet 
against our father the Long-knife. Our two 
fathers are about to fight, but we have no 
concern in their quarrel; it is best for us 
to sit stilland remain neutral." 

The Wyandots on the American side of 
the lakes were not drawn into the war in 
any considerable numbers, although the 
British Government exhausted intrigue to 
effect an alliance. Tarhe, the Crane, ex- 
erted his powerful influence in favor of 
neutrality, and those of the tribe who had 
taken hold of the British hatchet deserted 
Proctor at the first opportunit.y* 
*North American Review, 1827. 



Tecumseh, at one time, while endeavor- 
ing to effect a union of the tribes, visited 
the house of Isaac WiUiams, on Negro 
Point. The visit, from Mr. Williams' 
standpoint, has an amusing feature, though, 
on part of the great Indian statesman and 
general, it was probably no more than an 
accident. We give the mcident, as it has 
become traditional in the Williams family. 

The Wyandots had cornfields all along 
the river bottoms, which were cultivated 
by the squaws and boys, each family hav- 
ing a small patch, and no fences between 
them. Isaac Williams owned a large 
number of hogs, and tried to enclose his 
premises with a brush fence, but they fre- 
quently found a way out and destroyed the 
corn, which greatly provoked the squaws. 
They urged their dogs upon the hogs, and 
killed several of them. One day Williams, 
hearing the dogs barking and the hogs 
squealing, grasped his gun, and, despite 
the importunities of his wife, rushed to the 
corn field, where two dogs were tearing to 
pieces one of the favorites of the herd, 
while an old squaw and her boy were 
looking on with amusement. Williams, 
still more enraged by this, aimed so as to 
bring both within the range of the shot, 
but the gun snapped and the squaw dis- 
covered her danger. She implored for- 
giveness, and promised that the injury 
should never be repeated. The family 
were, however, greatly annoyed by the fear 
that the event had excited the wrath of 
the Indians, who would seek revenge. 
This explains the uneasiness of Williams 
when, the next day, Tecumseh appeared 
at his door. This was during that chiefs 
earlier visits to the towns along the river. 
The magnitude of the indignity of the day 
before increased in Williams' mind a hun- 
dred-fold, and his first thought was that 
the great Tecumseh had come to revenge 
the insult. Suppressing all appearances of 
fear, the old trader asked his unwelcome 



52 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



guest to come in and be seated, himself, 
with seeming carelessness, taking a chair 
in that corner of the cabin in which the 
gun was standing. Both sat for some 
time without a word passing between them. 
The chief at length took his tomahawk 
from his belt and filled the end of it with 
tobacco. Stepping to the fire, he took a 
coal from the ashes, lighted his pipe and 
began smoking, continuing silent. Wil- 
liams also sat quiet, every moment ex- 
pecting to be reproved, or, peihaps, pun- 
ished, for attempting to shoot the squaw. 
The latter finally broke the spell by saying: 
"Tecumseh, what are you doing? I see 
the wampum is being carried from place 
to place and secret councils are being 
held. What is this for? Are you organ- 
izing war against the white people?'' Te- 
cumseh could speak and understand 
English well. He answered: "May be 
war with the white man. He is too 
saucy." ^^'illiams then informed the chief, 
who was afterwards termed monarch of the 
North American Indians, that he had bet- 
ter not go to war; that he had travelled 
through the white man's country, and they 
were too numerous for the Indians; that 
they would exterminate all the Indians in 
the country if a war should occur, and 
more such advice, to which the chief paid 
no attention. He sat moody for a long 
time, then knocked the ashes from his 
pipe and retired. Williams was agreeably 
surprised at there having been no allusion 
made to the attempt to shoot the squaw. 

The Ottawas are characterized by Indian 
writers as the hunters and trappers of the 
forest. They followed the Portage and 
Sandusky Rivers and came to Lower San- 
dusky to trade as late as 1833, Judge 
Jesse Olmstead being the favorite mer- 
chant. The story of the execution of an 
Ottawa warrior was given in a lecture by 
Hon. Homer Everett, delivered in 1S60. 

Wild, unlearned, and in many things repulsive as 



the Indians were, still, amongst them were found 
many noble specimens of men and women, who 
cherished anfl displayed the cardmal virtues of hu- 
manity: modesty, chastity, truth, sincerity, honesty 
and courage. In that stoic courage which coolly 
meets death without even the appearance of fear, 
the North American Indian never had a superior in 
any race of men on the earth. In illustration of this 
wonderful characteristic, two instances, well known 
to my informants, may be given. 

Among the Ottawas who f,equently visited our 
town to trade, was a warrior named Captain Pun- 
kin. He was by nature, as well as practice, a vi- 
cious, treacherous, cruel Indian; he was one of the 
company who captured the Snow fauiily, on Cold 
Creek, somewhere near Castalia; and the identical 
individual who took away Mrs. Snow's infant be- 
cause it hindered her march. In spite of all her 
entreaties, cries and resistance, he seized it by the 
feet and dashed its brains out against a tree before 
the mothers eyes. 

Long years after this event, Punkin was found 
guilty of violating the laws of his tribe, and sen- 
tenced to die, by a council. This decision was com- 
municated . to him, and he was asked when and 
where he would die. He informed them of the time 
and place at which he would choose to die and be 
buried; he went unguarded and at liberty for some 
time alone in the forest. No human eye watched him ; 
he was at liberty to flee if he chose. The time fixed 
came, and his e.vecutioneis repaired to the spot he 
had selected, and where his burial place had already 
been prepared. They found him ready, sitting at the 
verge of his own grave. Raising his bowed head 
as they approached, he said: "You have come; I 
am ready. Strike sure! " Instantly the tomahawk 
described a glittering circle and descended deep into 
his brain. He expired without a groan, and was 
buried there. 

The extent of the cornfields along the 
river remains to be spoken of The prai- 
ries bordering the bay were cultivated when 
Colonel James Smith visited the country 
as a captive, in 1757, but he mentions 
nothing about agriculture along the river. 
But at a later period the river prairies 
supplied the whole ^^'yandot country. 
This was, no doubt, owing to the exhaust- 
less fertility of the soil and the ease with 
which it was cultivated. The plains now 
covered by the lower part of the city of 
Fremont were cleared land when first seen 
by white men, and except the tract used 
for councils, gaming, racing, and the vil- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



S3 



lage, bore corn season after season. The 
squaws and boys attended to agriculture, 
and all other menial duties. To handle a 
hoe would have disgraced the strong In- 
dian, whose only business was war. 

That Lower Sandusky was celebrated 
among the Indians for the fertility of soil, 
is proved by an incident which, in 1807, 
occurred at Ogontz place, now Sandusky. 
The Indian title to the Firelands was ex- 



tinguished in 1805, but the Indians about 
the neck of the bay were slow to leave in 
obedience to the terms of the treaty. 
Complaint was made to Ogontz, to whom 
the commissioner put the question : " Why 
do you not raise your corn at Lower San- 
dusky ?" "Ugh!" retorted Ogontz, "Big 
corn grow at Lower Sandusky, but no 
papoose grow there." 



CHAPTER V. 

EARLY OHIO. 

Five Characteristic Centres of Settlement — First Measures After the Revolution for Selling Western Lands — 
Ordinance of 1785 — Revolutionary Bounties — Organization of the Ohio Company — Ordinance of 1787 
— The Ohio Company Land at the Mouth of the Muskingum — Formal Inauguration of Government — 
Growth of the Massachusetts Colony — Settlement Between the Miamis — ^john Cleves Symmes' Pur- 
chase — Founding of Cincinnati — French Settlement at Gallipolis — The Virginia Military District — Settle- 
ment of Manchester — Founding of Chillicothp — Character of Population — The Western Reserve — Sale 
to the Connecticut Land Company — Surveyed into Townships — Cleveland Founded — Slow Growth at 
First — Subsequent Rapid Growth — The Northwestern Indian Reservation — Frontier Line of Settlements 
in 1812 — Population in 1812 — Erection of Counties — Formation of State Government — Origin of the 
Northwest Boundary Difficulty — Open Conflict Between Ohio and the Territory of Michigan — Opening 
Wedge to Settlement in Northwestern Ohio — Causes of the War of 1812 — Attitude of the Wyandots — 
Results of the War Forecasted — Hull's Surrender — Ohio Exposed to the Enemy — Militia Volunteers 
— Victories Follow Defeat and Disaster — Ohio's Part in the War. 



THE fading picture of Wyandot Lower 
Sandusky calls to mind a more stir- 
ring scene. Lower Sandusky of Fort Steph- 
enson fame. This period, brief but 
crowded with tragic events, dates the be- 
ginning of white settlement in Sandusky 
county. What was Ohio then? is a ques- 
tion which naturally suggests itself, and 
one which this chapter is intended to 
answer. 

Historically Ohio is carved into seven 
distinct divisions, bearing five characteris- 
tic civilizations transplanted from different 
Eastern colonies, and tracing their an- 
cestry to antagonistic races or social castes. 
Out of these five elements has grown 
the Ohio of to-day — justly proud and suffi- 
ciently honored. 



The centres of early settlement, widely 
separated from each other by bridgeless 
streams and long reaches of untraversed 
forests, impressed the instincts and train- 
ing brought from Eastern homes upon 
their localities. That impress is still dis- 
cernible in the politics, religion, and cult- 
ure of the native population. The clash- 
ing of opinion which has been a necessary 
result of grouping five discordant ele- 
ments into one State, has been potent in 
developing native intellect and producing 
occasions for its exercise. It is further a 
proposition, proved by the inevitable logic 
of history, that the mingling and fusion 
of people of different races, temperaments 
and training, is productive of physical and 
mental strength. To these facts may be 



54 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



attributed in great measure the high po- 
sition which Ohio has taken in affairs. 

When the Revolution closed, the Con- 
gress of the Confederation found itself in 
possession of a vast Western domain of 
boundless fertility. Plans of emigration 
and colonization again revived. Congress, 
in May, 1785, passed "an ordinance for 
ascertaining the mode of disposing of the 
Western lands, and Thomas Hutchins, 
the United States geographer, was in- 
structed to lay off the territory into town- 
ships of six miles square, and each town- 
ship into thirty-six lots, containing six 
hundred and forty acres each. Congress 
had, in 1776, and by several succeeding 
acts, pledged bounties to the Continental 
soldiers. One-seventh of the land was to 
be reserved for this purpose. Lots eight, 
eleven, twenty-six, and twenty-nine were to 
be reserved for future sale; the remainder 
was to be divided among the several 
States and sold by them at not less than 
one dollar per acre, with the additional 
cost of the survey and sale. This system 
operated against the colonization plan, for 
the townships were to be drawn by the 
several States, making it impossible for a 
company to purchase a large tract in one 
body. This ordinance excepted an un- 
defined tract between the Scioto and the 
Little Miami, which had been reserved 
by Virginia in her act of cession, for the 
use of her own troops. Indian hostilities 
prevented individual settlement, and it 
was evident that Congress had placed too 
high an estim.ate on the value of the un- 
broken forest. 

From time to time, as circumstances 
suggested, this original ordinance was 
amended. The bounty claims of Revo- 
lutionary soldiers were the strongest agency 
in the settlement of the Northwest. A 
major-general were entitled to eleven hun- 
dred acres, a brigadier-general to eight 
hundred and fifty acres, colonel to five 



hundred acres, lieutenant-colonel to four 
hundred and fifty acres, major to four 
hundred acres, captain to three hundred 
acres, lieutenant to two hundred acres, 
ensign one hundred and fifty acres, non- 
commissioned officers and privates one 
hundred acres each. As early as 1783 
General Rufus Putnam, of Massachusetts, 
transmitted to Washington a memorial 
asking for an appropriation of Western 
lands to suijply these claims. The meas- 
ure was placed before Congress, but the 
question of ownership not being settled 
action was postponed. In 1775 Colonel 
Benjamin Tupper came West as a sur- 
veyor, but the survey being interrupted by 
Indian troubles he returned to the East 
the following winter with such favorable 
impressions of the country beyond the 
Ohio that he united with Putnam in form- 
ing a plan of association and settlement. 
They prepared a publication setting forth 
the project, and invitmg all who desired to 
promote the scheme to send delegates to 
a general convention to be held in Bos- 
ton, March i, 1786. 

An opportunity now seemed open to 
the hardy and resolute soldiers who had 
carried the war to a successful issue, to re- 
trieve their rumed estates. The conven- 
tion which met in pursuance to this call, 
represented the best elements of New 
England society. Articles of association 
were agreed upon, which made the capi- 
tal of the company one million dollars. 
Three directors — Samuel H. Parsons, 
General Rufus Putnam, and Dr. Manas- 
seh Cutler, were elected, with instructions 
to purchase a private grant of lands. Ma- 
jor Winthrop Sargent (second Territorial 
Governor) was elected secretary. 

About the time of the organization of 
the Ohio Company another land company 
was organized in New York, with William 
Duer at its head. Dr. Cutler, to whom 
was delegated the responsible office of 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



55 



making a contract with Congress, found 
that body averse to the New J^ngland 
scheme, but by combining with the New 
York company, in which several members 
of Congress were intert-sted, there was hope 
of success. It had been the hope of the 
Massachusetts company to have General 
Parsons, one of their own number, placed 
at the head of the new territorial govern- 
ment which colonization would make it 
necessary to establish; but his plan of 
purchase could not succeed without the 
support of General St. Clair, who was a 
representative from Pennsylvania and 
President of Congress. Cutler was a 
good lobbyist and yielded the choice of his 
associates in favor of St. Clair for the 
governorship. 

A contract was finally agreed upon in 
July, 1787, and confirmed the following 
October. 

The first ordinance directing the estab- 
lishment of a government for the Western 
territory, was submitted by Mr. Jefferson 
in 1784, and contained a clause against 
slavery. It also contemplated the divis- 
ion of the Territory into seveiiteen States. 
This ordinance, with the important omis- 
sion of the proviso against slavery, was 
passed by Congress in April, 1784. This 
act, owing to the divisions it contemplated, 
was thought inexpedient, and another act, 
applying only to the territory acquired by 
the cession to the United States by Mas- 
sachusetts, New York, Virginia, and Con- 
necticut, — all the territory at that time 
owned by the United States-^was submit- 
ted, which resulted in the passage on 
July 13, of the celebrated ordinance of 
1787, which is in fact the fundamental 
law of the States whose territory was com- 
prehended, — Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wis- 
consin, and Michigan. 

This enactment organized a single ter- 
ritory northwest of the Ohio and eastward 
of the Mississippi, subject to future divis- 



ion, if deemed expedient by Congress, m- 
to two districts. This fundamental law, 
enacted before a solitary freeholder raised 
his cabin on the territory it was intended 
to govern, has been characterized as a fit 
consummation of the glorious labors of the 
Congress of the old Confederation. It es- 
tablished in the Northwest, the important 
principles of the equal inheritance of in- 
testine estates, and the freedom of alinea- 
tion by deed or will. After prescribing a 
system of territorial civil government, it 
concludes with six articles of compact be- 
tween the original States and the people of 
the States in the Territory, which should 
forever remain unalterable unless by com- 
mon consent. The first declared that no 
person demeaning himself in a peacable 
and orderly manner, should ever be molest- 
ed on account of his mode of worship or 
religious sentiments. The second pro- 
hibited legislative interference with private 
contracts, and secured to the inhabitants 
trial by jury, the writ of habeas corpus^ a 
proportionate representation of the peo- 
ple in the Legislature, judicial proceedings 
according to the course of common law, 
and those guarantees of personal freedom 
and property which are enumerated in the 
bill of rights of most of the States. The 
third provided for the encouragement of 
schools and for good faith, justice, and 
humanity tow^ard the Indian. The fourth 
secured to the new States to be erected 
out of the Territory the same privileges 
with the old ones; imposed upon them 
the same burdens, including responsibility 
for the Federal debt, prohibited the States 
from interfering with the primary disposal 
of the soil of the United States, or taxing 
the public lands; from taxing the lands of 
non-residents higher than residents ; and 
established the navigable waters leading 
into the Mississippi and St. Lawrence, and 
the portages between them, common high- 
ways for the use of all the citizens of all the 



56 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



United States. The fifth article related 
to the formation of new States within the 
Territory, the divisions to be not less than 
three nor more than five. By this article 
the west boundary of Ohio became a line 
running northward from the mouth of the 
Great Miami, until it intersected a line 
running eastward from the southern bend 
of Lake Michigan, the northern boundary. 
The sixth article provided that, 

There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary 
servitude in the Territory, otherwise than in the 
punishment of crime whereof the party shall have 
been convicted. 

This ordinance gave the greatest en- 
couragement to immigration, and offered 
the fullest protection to those who be- 
came settlers, for "when they came in- 
to the wilderness they found the law 
already there. It was impressed upon the 
soil while yet it bore up nothing but the 
forest." * 

The Ohio Company, before the close of 
the summer, was rapidly formulating regu- 
lations for the government of their affairs, 
and the associates making hasty prepara- 
tions for the anticipated removal to the 
beautiful country of which they had formed 
most extravagant ideas. 

In October Congress ordered seven 
hundred troops for the protection of the 
frontiers, and on the 5th of the month 
appointed the territorial officers: Arthur 
St. Clair, Governor; Winthrop Sargent, 
Secretary; Samuel H. Parsons, James M. 
Varnum, and John Armstrong, t Judges. 

On the 7th of April, 1788, a company 
of forty-eight men, with General Rufus 
Putnam at their head, disembarked from 
their boat at the mouth of the Muskingum 
and planted the first American colony 
on the soil of Ohio. 

The civil government of the Territory 

*S. P. Chase, Statutes of Ohio. 

+Judge Armstrong declined the office and John 
Cleves Symmes was appointed to fill the vacancy. 



which had been created the fall before, 
was formally established upon Ohio soil, 
on the 15th of July. The Governor and 
Judges had arrived at Fort Harmar several 
days before. The ceremonies attending 
inauguration of government were highly 
impressive. The Judges, Secretary, and 
inhabitants assembled on the site of Ma- 
rietta, where the Governor was welcomed 
by Judge Parsons. Under a bower of foli- 
age contributed by the surrounding forest, 
the ordnance of 1787 was read, congratu- 
lations exchanged, and three hearty cheers 
echoed and re-echoed from the waters of 
two rivers, the high hills, and thick forests. 

Marietta, the town founded by the 
Massachusetts colony, became an impor- 
tant centre of settlement. Conceived on 
the soil of the loyal old Bay State, the 
story of its birth was heralded throughout 
all New England. Reinforcements came 
from the best homes and the best com- 
munities, not from Massachusetts alone, 
but of Connecticut and Rhode Island also. 
The course of emigration from the im- 
poverished States, once opened, widened 
and deepened until temporarily closed by 
an unfortunate conflict with the red na- 
tives, a little less than three years after the 
arrival of the first company of pioneers. 
Early in 1789 two colonies branched off 
from Marietta, one settling on the Ohio, 
opposite the mouth of the Little Kanawha, 
known as the Belpre Association; the 
other on the Muskingum, twenty miles 
above its mouth, which still bears the 
name of Waterford. During the same 
summer a third colony branched off from 
the parent town, and located on Big Bot- 
tom, in Morgan county. The attack on 
the Big Bottom block-house, January 2, 
1 791, and the indiscriminate slaughter of 
its inhabitants, was the opening of a gen- 
eral Indian war along the whole border. 

New England had little more than com- 
menced to plant her civilization at the 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



57 



mouth of the Muskingum when a people 
of different stock cut into the forest, and 
raised their cabins between the Miamis of 
the Ohio. In October, 1788, John Cleves 
Symmes, one of the judges of the Terri- 
tory, and a native of New Jersey, nego- 
tiated with Congress on behalf of himself 
and associates for the purchase of one 
million acres extending northward from 
the Ohio, between the Great and Little 
Miamis, but in consequence of failure to 
make payment the greater part of the pur- 
chase reverted to Congress, the patent 
when issued covering but about three 
hundred thousand acres. Judge Symmes 
sold the large, natural amphitheater op- 
posite the Licking River, to Mathias Den- 
man, of New Jersey, who entered into a 
contract with Colonel Patterson and Mr. 
Filson, of Kentucky, for laying out a 
town. Mr. Filson was killed by the 
Indians, and his interest became the prop- 
erty of Israel Ludlow. Patterson and 
Ludlow, accompanied by a small party, 
arrived on the site of Cincinnati December 
26, 1788. This may be considered the 
date of the founding of Cincinnati. A 
few block-houses had been erected the 
preceding month at the mouth of the 
Little Miami. In February following the 
arrival of Patterson's party, Judge Symmes, 
with a party of citizens and soldiers, 
descended the Ohio, and disembarked at 
the mouth of the Great Miami, where it 
was proposed to found a city destined to 
become the metropolis of the West, but 
unfortunately the site was inundated by 
spring floods, necessitating abandonment 
of the cherished project. Judge Symmes, 
determined to be the founder of a 
city, then laid out a town extending 
from the Ohio to the Miami, But nature 
had formed another place for the Western 
metropolis, which, unfortunately for the 
projector of the Miami settlement, he had 
sold. 



North Bend was the name given by 
Symmes to his town, Losantiville to the 
town in the amphitheater, which was soon 
changed to Cincinnati, and the town at 
the mouth of the Little Miami founded 
by Colonel Stiles, was named Columbia. 
The three villages were rivals for a short 
time, but the establishment of Fort Wash- 
ington in June, 1789, and its occupation 
by three hundred soldiers under command 
of General Harmar probably turned the 
tide in favor of Cincinnati. The original 
settlers of these villages were mostly from 
New Jersey, and recruits for a number of 
years came from the same place. Thus 
was planted in the Miami Valleys the 
civilization, temperament and hereditary 
bias of the "Red Sand State," — Hollander 
and English tinctured with Swedish blood. 

The third settlement* in Ohio, and the 
first foreign colonization, was made oppo- 
site the Big Kanawha in the summer of 
1 79 1. We have mentioned the joint ne- 
gotiations of William Duer of New York, 
and Mannasseh Cutler, for the purchase 
of an extensive tract, bounded by the 
Ohio River on the south and extending 
northward betwen the first seven ranges 
to the Scioto. A patent for the whole 
tract was issued to the Ohio Company; 
but two days afterward, all of the tract ly- 
ing west of the seventeenth range was trans- 
ferred to the Scioto Company, of which 
Duer was chief The Scioto Company at 
once took measures for the disposition of 
its lands, foreign colonization being the 
favoriteand novel scheme. Joel Barlow, the 
poet, was sent to France, then in the days 
of its discontent and revolution. His rose- 
ate descriptions pictured an Arcadia, of 
which Fair Haven was the destined capital. 
Attentive listeners saw noble forests, consist- 
ing of trees that spontaneously produce 
sugar, and a plant that yields ready made 

* By the term "settlement" we mean the clusters 
of related posts and villages. 



58 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



candles, gracefully rising from la belle 
riviere^ a pure stream abounding in excel- 
lent fish of vast size. To live in a land of 
plenty with no taxes to pay and no mili- 
tary services to perform, was the fair vision 
of this trancendent land which influenced 
a large company, composed chiefly of carv- 
ers and gilders, coach-makers, friseurs, and 
other artistes. Less than a dozen heavy la- 
borers embarked in the enterprise. Deeds 
for their land, handsomely printed in high 
colors, raised still higher the delusive an- 
ticipation that their journey was to a Fair 
Haven in fact as well as in name. 

The Scioto Company employed Gen- 
eral Rufus Putnam, of the Ohio Company 
association, to locate a village and prepare 
homes for the immigrants. Fair Haven, 
located opposite the mouth of the Kanaw- 
ha, was found to be below the high-water- 
mark, which induced General Putnam to 
locate Gallipolis (City of the French) four 
miles below upon a high bank. A detail 
of forty laborers, under Maj(jr Burnham, 
cleared a small tract of land, and built 
block-houses and cabins, arranged in four 
rows, twenty in each row. The Company 
had also contracted with the Ohio Com- 
pany to furnish the colony with provisions, 
but having failed to make payment for 
labor already discharged, the French were 
left in a pitiful condition. The disheart- 
enment of disappointment on their arrival 
at the promised paradise became utter de- 
jection when they learned that the Scioto 
Company had never ]jaid for the land, and 
in consequence could give no title. 
These deluded foreigners, enured to ten 
der handed employments, were thrown into 
the jjioneer battle under the greatest dis- 
advantages. In constant danger of an 
attack from Indians, suff"ering from sick- 
ness, and without money, they were una 
ble to do for themselves as settlers at the 
other openings along the river were doing. 
They were provided for by an act of Con- 



gress, in 1798, which set apart for them a 
tract of land known as the French Grant, 
east of the mouth of the Scioto. Many 
remained at the original place of settle- 
ment; others, disgusted with the imposi- 
tion practiced upon them, found homes at 
other places — Vincennes, St. Louis, Kas- 
kaskia, and St. Genevieve. We have not 
included Gallipolis as one of the centres 
of settlement because the original colony, 
although it has left its impress upon its 
own locality has never asserted itself in 
affairs of the State. 

TheVirginia Military District is one of the 
most interesting historical divisions of the 
State. It became practically an extension 
of Virginia into Ohio, between the Scioto 
and the Little Miami, as far north as the 
centre of the State. As has been noticed 
in a preceding chapter, Virginia, of which 
Kentucky was a part, reserved in her act 
of cession of all claims to lands northwest 
of the Ohio, this extensive tract to be ap- 
propriated as bounty to her own troops in 
the war of the Revolution. General Na- 
thaniel Massie was appointed by the State 
Government to make a survey of the District, 
and for some time carried on the work by 
making expeditions with his party through 
the present territory of Kentucky. In the 
winter of 1790-91, encouraged, no doubt, 
by the flourishing progress of the settle- 
ments at the mouth of the Muskingum 
and at the Miamis, Massie determined to 
plant a colony on Virginia soil. Such a 
settlement would afford his party protec- 
tion from danger and exposure while pros- 
ecuting the survey. The site of Manches- 
ter was chosen and a town laid off" in lots. 
The adjoining tracts were surveyed into an 
equal number of out-lots of larger size. 
He gave general notice through Kentucky 
of his intention to found a town, and of- 
fered to the first twenty-five families one 
out-lot and one in-lot, and one hundred 
acres of land. His terms were quickly 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



59 



accepted by upwards of thirty families. 
The company arrived in March, 1791, and 
went to work with a will. In a short tune 
each family had a cabin, and the whole 
village was enclosed with a strong stock- 
ade, with block-houses at each angle. The 
Indian war was at its hottest when this 
colony crossed the river and built their 
fort, but "it suffered less from depredation 
and even interruption by Indians than any 
settlement previously made on the Ohio 
River. This was, no doubt, due to the 
watchful band of brave spirits who guarded 
the place — men who were reared in the 
midst of danger, and inured to peril, and as 
watchful as hawks."* 

This settlement was known as Massie's 
Station for a few years. The name was 
changed to Manchester. 

A general border war, which had been 
waged industriously on both sides between 
the Ohio tribes and the Pennsylvania and 
Virginia borderers for a long term of years, 
assumed more alarming proportions with 
the opening of the year 1791. The first 
attack on the north side of the Ohio was 
at Big Bottoai, on the 2d of January. 
That bloody surprise, in which fourteen 
persons were slain and five taken captive,! 
marks the opening of a period of distress 
and peril for the pioneers of Ohio. Lower 
Sandusky's part in the history of that pe- 
riod has been shown. For four years im- 
migration was almost at a standstill, and 
at the settlements unceasing danger from 
a clandestine enemy held in check mate- 
rial improvement. 

The report of Wayne's decisive victory 
on the Maumee was a joyful message to 
the garrisoned settlers along the Ohio. 
That event marks the beginning of the 
second epoch of Ohio history, an epoch 
full of activity and one which moulded the 

* McDonald's Western Sketches. 
•|- One of the captives was the father of a highly re- 
spected citizen of this county, Charles Choate. 



political destinies of the State. The 
boundless possibilities of the West was no 
longer a speculation. Colonization and 
war together had disseminated through 
the East a knowledge of the fertility of the 
soil and transportation facilities. Peace 
opened the garrisons, and the valleys of 
every river resounded with the woodman's 
axe. "Never since the golden age of the 
poets," says an old writer, "did the 'siren 
song of peace and harmony ' reach 
so many ears or gladden so many 
hearts as after Wayne's treaty in 1795." 
Never did a people, we may add, engage 
with such earnestness of purpose in the in- 
calculable task of hewing a great State out 
of an unbroken forest. 

The village of Cincinnati, which in 
1792 had a population of about two hun- 
dred, increased to upwards of six hundred 
souls before the close of 1796. Popula- 
tion spread northward from Cincinnati, 
and was characteristically Jersey, but there 
was a considerable mixture of people from 
other Eastern States. 

Hamilton, Butler county, was laid out 
in 1794, and settled soon afterward. 

Dayton, Montgomery county, and 
Franklin, Warren county, were settled in 
1796. 

An attempt was made by Massie, in 
1795, to found a town in the heart of the 
Virginia Military District, but Indian hos- 
tilities defeated his scheme. The follow- 
ing year the attempt was repeated with a 
more favorable result. Chillicothe was 
laid out early in 1796, and became by far 
the largest town in the District, and first 
capital of the State of Ohio. The pioneers 
of the military tract came through the 
passes of the Blue Ridge, bringing with 
them the institutions of the Old Dominion, 
except slavery, which was fortunately 
barred beyond the Ohio by the ordinance 
of 1787. The contrast between the Vir- 
ginian ot the Scioto and his Eastern neigh- 



6o 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



bor, the New Englander of the Muskingum, 
was as marked as the difference in the 
character of their native States. The 
Virginian proudly traced his ancestry to 
Enghsh nobility, and claimed the blood of 
Norman and Cavalier; his neighbor at 
Marietta turned to the New England Reg- 
ister of Genealogy, and followed his line 
of descent to the Puritan Nonconformist 
who came to America for religious free- 
dom. These two elements have been, 
since before the formation of the State 
Constitution, opposing forces in State pol- 
itics, at times on the floors of legislation, 
fighting each other as bitterly as the re- 
spective States from which they sprung. 

We have now hurriedly sketched the 
founding and growth of the three southern 
and oldest centres of settlement. The 
fourth division in order of settlement, but 
first entered by Federal surveyors, was 
the seven ranges. The survey of these 
ranges was commenced in compliance 
with an ordinance of Congress passed in 
1785. The seven ranges extend seven 
townships west from the Pennsylvania line, 
and from the Ohio River to the fortieth par- 
allel of latitude. Most of the settlers came 
over the AUeghanies from Eastern Pennsyl- 
vania. Many are of Quaker descent, but a 
larger proportion are of German origin. 
Some of the counties were partially settled 
from other States. There is less homogenity 
of race and training in this than in any 
other of the five centres of early settle- 
ment. In this respect it is like the 
United States Military Reservation lying 
just west of it and extending to the Scioto. 
This tract was set apart to satisfy Revolu- 
tionary bounties, and inconsequence drew 
its population from all the States. Settle- 
ments were made simultaneously in several 
parts of the seven ranges as soon as 
Indian hostilities were suppressed. Steu- 
benville, one of the oldest of the towns 
which flourished, was founded in 1798. 



The county of Jefferson was erected in 

1797- 

The Northwestern Indian Reservation, 
of which Sandusky county is a part, drew 
largely from the seven ranges and from 
the Military Reservation. These two di- 
visions are coupled together as one centre 
of settlement, the character of the mixed 
population being about the same in each. 

The Connecticut Western Reserve is 
the largest tract in the State possessing 
a homogeneous population. Extending 
westward from the Pennsylvania line to 
the east line of Sandusky county, and from 
the forty-first parallel to the lake, it con- 
tains an area of more than three million 
three hundred thousand acres, and is set- 
tled even to this time almost wholly by 
people of Connecticut stock. 

In a previous chapter relating to the 
ownership of the Northwest, it was seen 
that the dispute between the States aris- 
ing from indefinite colonial titles to West- 
ern lands, was finally settled by the States 
ceding their claims to the Federal Govern- 
ment. "The last tardy and reluctant sac- 
rifice" was made by Connecticut, in 1786, 
with this extensive reservation, which it 
was supposed by the Legislature would 
eventually become a new State — New 
Connecticut — almost commensurate with 
the parent Commonwealth. Another dis- 
pute arose, when, in 1788, Governor St. 
Clair, in obedience to the ordinance of 
1787, organized the Territory into counties, 
constituting all that part east of the Cuya- 
hoga, the Tuscarawas and the Scioto, 
Washington county, with Marietta as the 
county seat. This proclamation was 
deemed by Connecticut an interference 
with territory over which she had sole juris- 
diction. 

The first tract of land disposed of by 
the State, .was sold in 1786 to General 
Samuel Parsons. It consisted of twenty- 
four thousand acres, lying partly in each of 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



61 



the present counties of Mahoning and 
Trumbull. He had heard that there were 
available saline springs on the tract, and 
made the purchase for speculative pur- 
poses. His expectations were never 
realized, and he was drowned in the 
Beaver River, three years afterward. He 
never paid for the land and it reverted to 
the State of Connecticut, the original 
grantee of the patent. 

The Firelsinds, embracing the present 
counties of Huron and Erie, was the next 
section carved off from her Western posses^ 
sions by the State. During the Revolution, 
British invading parties were the special 
terror of Connecticut. Most of her able- 
bodied men were in the army, leaving the 
State with a feeble guard against hasty ex- 
ploits from the royal headquarters at New 
York. Nine towns were thus plundered 
and laid waste, mostly by fire, and the in- 
habitants of one of them massacred. The 
sufferers, after the war appealed to the 
Legislature for relief, and, after several 
years discussion and delay, they were voted 
an appropriation of five hundred thousand 
acres, to be surveyed off from the western 
part of the Reserve, and distributed in 
proportion to their losses. The settlement 
of this district did not commence until 
about 1 80S, owing to Indian occupation 
and fear of hostilities. 

The Legislature of Connecticut took 
the first measures towards the sale of the 
State's Western lands in October, 1786, 
when a resolution was passed directing a 
survey of all that part of the Reserve east 
of the Cuyahoga and the portage leading 
from the Cuyahoga to the Tuscarawas. 
The resolutions also directed the sale of 
the land at fifty cents an acre, in the pub- 
lic securities of that day. No sales were 
made, except to Parsons, under this reso- 
lution, which was displaced by another 
resolution changing the method of sale, 
in 1795. The Company plan, which had 



proved successful in the southern part of 
the Territory, was finally adopted by Con- 
necticut. In May, 1795, ^ committee was 
appointed to receive propositions for the 
purchase of all the unappropriated lands 
in the Reserve, and to make the best con- 
tract possible for the State, the committee 
being empowered to give deeds to the 
purchasers. One million dollars in specie 
was the minimum price fixed by the Legis- 
lature, and specie or specie notes only 
were to be received as payment. The 
committee succeeded in making the sale 
in September, 1795, to a company of 
thirty-five persons, at the sum of one 
million two hundred thousand dollars. 
This sum became the basis of the Con- 
necticut school fund, which now amounts 
to about two million dollars. The trans- 
fer was made to the Connecticut Land 
Company, which was incorporated under 
the laws of Connecticut. An act was also 
passed incorporating the proprietors of 
the Fire-lands. These acts granted politi- 
cal jurisdiction over transferred lands, 
under authority of the State of Connecti- 
cut. It will be seen that by this act prac- 
tically a dual government was created in 
Northeastern Ohio. The Reserve, by the 
ordinance of 1787, was made a part of 
the Northwest Territory, the United States 
recognizing the reservation, by Connecti- 
cut, of a proprietary right to the soil, but 
claiming absolute political jurisdiction. 
This intricate conflict of claims was finally 
settled in 1800, by Connecticut abandon- 
ing her pretensions and recognizing the 
political authority of the Territorial Gov- 
ernment. 

The leading man in the Connecticut 
Land Company, and the heaviest stock- 
holder, was Oliver Phelps. A deed was 
made by the State to each purchaser, giving 
him absolute title to a number of acres 
proportional to the amount of stock sub- 
scribed. The buyers, for convenience. 



62 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



transferred the whole tract to three trus- 
tees. The company was enlarged to four 
hundred shares at three thousand dollars 
a share. I'he management of its afr:iirs 
was entrusted to a board of eight directors. 
General Moses Cleavelandwasappointed 
surveyor of the Company, with instructions 
to lay off all that part of the Reserve east 
of the Cuyahoga in townships of not less 
than sixteen thousand square miles, and 
to lay out a town at the mouth of the 
Cuyahoga. Washington, Jefferson, and 
other statesmen of the times, who took a 
live interest in Western settlement, lo(jked 
upon the mouth of the Cuyahoga as des- 
tined to become an important commercial 
point. This j^rediction, widely entertained, 
led to the selection of the site of the pros- 
pective capital of New Connecticut, fur 
the authority of the Noithwest Territory 
had not yet been accepted. The survey- 
ing party commenced early in July, 1796, 
and reached the mouth of the Cuyahoga 
in October, where a town was laid out in 
accordance with the direction of the com- 
pany, and named Cleaveland, in honor of 
the veteran chief of the corps. A small 
settlement was made that fall, but the 
growth of the village was slow, discourag 
ingly slow, in comparison with the flour- 
ishing towns on the Ohio. At the end of 
the first year the population was fifteen. 
Three years later there were but seven 
residents, and in 1810 only fifty seven. A 
feeble settlement was made at Conneaut 
the next year afterCleaveland was founded, 
and several openings were made in the 
Mahoning Valley during the next few years. 
The Mahoning country was more accessi- 
ble, and consequently grew faster than the 
northern part. Warren was the most im- 
portant point on the Reserve for a number 
of years, and contained, in 1801, thir- 
ty-five families. Trumbull county was or- 
ganized in 1800, with Warren as the county 
seat. 



If the growth of the Reserve at first was 
slow, the superiority of its soil finally 
became know-n, and New Connecticut 
has grown within the last seventy years, 
with remarkable rapidity. Chillicothe, 
the principal town of the far famed 
Scioto Valley, founded but a few^ months 
before Cleveland, became the first capital 
and second city of the State, while the 
Reserve was yet scarcely a factor in pol- 
itics. In 1880 there were within the 
Reserve four cities outrivalling in size and 
industry the Virginian city of the Scioto. 

The seventh di\ision into which pa- 
tents, grants, and treaties carved the terri- 
tory of Ohio, is the one including San- 
dusky county. It was almost without white 
habitation at the opening of the period 
which closes this brief outline of the 
growth of Ohio. It was upon the native 
population of this Northwestern Indian 
reservation that the British arms, in 181 2, 
depended for their chief assistance. 

The frontier line of settlements, at the 
opening of that struggle, extended from 
Lake Erie at Huron, southward through 
Richland, Delaware, and Champaign coun- 
ties, thence westward to beyond the Miami 
and Indiana line. 

The early settlers of Ohio, without ex- 
ception, were superior men. The dangers 
of the frontier kept back all who were 
lacking in courage or incapable of endur- 
ing physical hardships. Even in the lull 
of supposed peace there was constant 
danger of an attack from red warriors, 
kindled to vengeance by a real or sup- 
posed injury. In 1810 the population of 
the State was 230,760; the vote for 
governor, in 181 2, was 19,752, and at 
different times during the war, then actu- 
ally in progress, more than twenty thou- 
sand Ohio troops were in the field, more 
than the entire number of votes cast at 
an important State election. 

The fir.it county proclaimed by the 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



63 



Governor was Washington, embracing 
about half the present territory of Ohio, 
and reaching from the mouth of the Cuy- 
ahoga to the mouth of the Scioto. Ham- 
ihon county was proclaimed in 1790. De- 
troit was occupied by Arserican troops in 
1796, and made the seat of a new county 
: — Wayne — which embraced the whole ter- 
ritory of Michigan, Northwestern Ohio 
and Northern Indiana. The Virginia 
Military District was erected into a county 
in 1797. The same year Washington 
county was divided, the northern half be- 
ing set off as Jefferson county, with 
Steubenville as the county seat. Adams 
was divided by the erection of Ross in 
1798, and Jefferson by the erection of 
Trumbull in 1800. Trumbull was the 
first county of the Reserve. Several coun- 
ties were foimed in the Reserve between 
1800 and 1809, when Huron was erected. 
The treaty of Maumee Rapids, the in- 
evitable sequence of the issue of the War 
of 181 2, brought into market all North- 
western Ohio except the Indian reserva- 
tions, and by an act of the Legislature 
the tract thus fully acquired was carved 
into counties in 1820. 

Indiana Territory was set off by an act 
of Congress in 1800, and in 1802 an enab- 
ling act was passed authorizing the people 
of Ohio to elect delegates to a convention 
for the formation of a State constitution 
as a preliminary step to admission into the 
Union. The act admitted delegates only 
from that part of the Territory compre- 
hended by the ordinance of 1787, as the 
most eastern of the five States into which 
it was proposed to divide the Northwest. 
This act cut off the northern county of 
the Territory (now the eastern part of 
Michigan), and brought upon Congress 
the charge of endeavoring to erect the 
State for partisan purposes. 

One of the duties of the convention 
was to define the boundaries of the new 



State. The ordinance made the western 
boundary a line running due north from 
the mouth of the Miami River, and the" 
northern boundary a line running east 
from the southern bend of Lake Michi- 
gan. This line was not yet surveyed in 

1802, but the convention, acting on the 
hypothesis that it was the intent of the 
ordinance to include Maumee Bay in the 
Eastern State, resolved that the northern 
boundary should be a line running from 
the most northerly cape of NLaumee Bay 
to the southern bend of Lake Michigan. 

The Constitutional Convention finished 
its labors in November, and the document 
became the fundnmental law of the State 
without being submitted to the people. 
Congress recognized Ohio as a member 
of the Federal Union in February, 1803.* 
It is not tlie purpose of this chapter to 
trace the civil history of the State, but 
only to present such a vitw as will show 
the chronological and ethnological rela- 
tions of Sandusky county, and the events 
of a general character which have affected 
its history. 

The Constitutional Convention's defi- 
nition of the northern boundary was for 
many years the subject of serious dispute 
and eventually threatened to involve the 
State in war ; indeed more than threatened 
— war was actually begun. The convention 
determined the line on the principles on 
which courts of chancery construe con- 
tracts. The map on file in the State De- 
partment, and used by the committee 
which framed the ordinance of 1787, 
marked the southern extreme of Lake 
Michigan far north of its real position, 
and a line was drawn due east which in- 
tersected the western coast of Lake Erie 
north of the Raisin River. This line was 

*The date of admission is variously given as 
April, 1802, (the date of the passage of the en- 
abling act), November, 1802, and February, 19, 

1803. The latter date has the best claim. 



64 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



manifestly intended to be the boundary 
of the new State when formed. The ap- 
prehension caused among the members 
by an old hunter's statement that a line 
drawn due east would cut off Maumee 
Bay, which .was manifestly intended by 
Congress to belong to Ohio, induced the 
convention to change the line prescribed 
by the language of the ordinance in order 
to make certain of saving to the State the 
valuable harbor at the mouth of the Mau- 
mee.* 

The question of jurisdiction over the 
territory lying between the line prescribed 
by the Ohio Constitution and the line 
prescribed by the ordinance, first came up 
in 1812, the population of the disputed 
tract at that time being fifty families. 
Nearly all desired the jurisdiction of Ohio, 
except a few officers serving under the 
government of Michigan, and determined 
to enforce the laws of that Territory.! 

Conflicting claims in 1835 caused an 
open rupture in which Sandusky county 
participated. This conflict is detailed in 
another chapter. Its origin was in the in- 
terpretation and definition by the State 
Convention, of an act of the Federal Con- 
gress. 

It remains to close ihis chapter with a 
summary of an episode in National his- 
tory and an epoch of pre-eminent con- 
sequence in local history. We say an epi- 
sode in National history, for although the 
blood of America's bravest citizens and 
England's trained soldiers stained the 
hardly contested battlefields of three cam- 
paigns, although the Federal Treasury 
was depleted, private estates bankrupted 
and the occupations of peace well nigh de- 
stroyed, the result in an international 
sense was negative. We have called the 
war an epoch in local history because it 
was the opening wedge to white settle- 

*Burnei's Notes. 
f Burnet's Notes. 



ment, from the Sandusky Valley to the 
Maumee. Nearly all the able-bodied men 
of Ohio were brought into the field, and 
the expanse of forest inhabited only by 
rebellious Indians, which lay between the 
British western headquarters and the 
Ohio settlements, was an important part of 
that field. Men of sufficient sturdiness, 
self-respect and courage to volunteer in 
defense of their homes bivouacked in the 
heavy forests of the Northwest, perceived 
the unbounded wealth of the soil and dis- 
cussed around cheerful camp fires the 
probable future of the wilderness and ad- 
vantages of early settlement. Many even 
blazed on the trees the chosen locality of 
their future home. Forts and permanent 
camps made openings in the wilderness, 
were the centres of army trails, attracted 
traders and tradesmen, and thus became 
incipient villages. The complementary 
local result of the war was its weakening 
and demoralizing effect upon the Indians 
to whom this region had been guaranteed 
a home inviolable as long as they main- 
tained peace with the United States. 

In the previous chapter we called atten- 
tion to the ambition of Tecimiseh^ and 
his operations looking toward the estab- 
lishment of an Indian empire in the West. 
He was encouraged and aided in his 
scheme by agents of the British Govern- 
ment, who desired to have an organized 
force of braves ready to follow the stand- 
ard of the crown in the event of probable 
conflict with the United States. The 
European powers had, for a long time, 
been engaged in war, and successive mil- 
itary decrees involved serious commercial 
complications. England, as a war meas- 
ure, claimed the right to search all neutral 
vessels, and under this pretense hundreds 
of American seamen were impressed on 
board British ships. Congress threatened 
war, but the threat only made English 
agents more active in spreading the fire- 



HISTORY OF Sx\NDUSKY COUNTY. 



65 



brands of discontent and rebellion among 
the Western tribes. 

The attitude of the \\'yandots has al- 
ready been touched upon. Crane and 
his cabinet of chiefs foresaw in the ap- 
proaching conflict certain destruction for 
their nation, and exercised their utmost 
efforts to prevent the calamity by main- 
taining neutrality. The disaster to Te- 
cumseh's cause at Tippecanoe, in 181 1, 
further impressed them with the futility of 
war, and threatened to crush the confed- 
eracy before it had been completed. It 
was Tecumseh's^ plan to refrain from at- 
tack upon the white settlements until the 
conflict with Great Britain should be in 
actual progress, but the battle of Tippe- 
canoe was precipitated by the Prophet 
while Tecumseh was on a diplomatic mis- 
sion among the Creeks, in the South. That 
battle disclosed to the Americans the dan- 
gers of the situation, and the extent to 
which British influence had been exerted 
among the Indians. 

Interference with American trade, en- 
forced by the blockade system, the im- 
pressment of American sailors, and the 
encouragement given the Indians supple- 
mented by supplying them with arms, 
induced Congress in June, 181 2, to de- 
clare war. Although this ultra measure 
had long been contemplated, our Govern- 
ment was totally unprepared for the con- 
flict, which accounts for the disgraceful 
series of blundering during the first year 
of its progress. 

To General Hull, Territorial Governor 
of Michigan, with headquarters at Detroit, 
was given the important commission to 
make an invasion of Upper Canada; but, 
through the imbecility of that officer, the 
project was a total failure, and for the 
same reason Detroit fell into the hands of 
the British, without a blow, on the 15th 
of August. This disaster spread the 
greatest apprehension throughout Ohio. 



The Northwestern army, composed of 
fourteen hundred brave men, were now 
prisoners of war; the British command of 
the lakes was absolute; the Territory of 
Michigan was in the possession of foreign 
troops and their Indian allies, and nothing 
was left to prevent an invasion into Ohio. 
The militia of the Reserve, under General 
Wadsworth, turned out almost to a man, 
and in little more than two weeks from the 
first announcement of Hull's surrender at 
Cleveland, an army of raw farmers and 
woodsmen were encamped on the Huron 
River. 

Before the close of the summer British 
arms presided over the Upper Lakes, Fort 
Dearborn, the last American post, falling 
victim to a most horrid Indian massacre. 
During the winter of 18 12-13 warlike 
preparations were pushed in the Northwest 
with the spiiit of self-defence. Harrison, 
with an army of volunteers, occupied the 
northwest of Ohio, constructed forts and 
garrisoned every strong point, so that at 
the opening of spring a greater feeling of 
security prevailed, and able-bodied men 
followed the army with less apprehension 
concerning the safety of their homes. It 
is not within our province to follow this 
conflict, which opened with defeat, disas- 
ter and disgrace, except one desperate 
scene, which is fully treated in a separate 
chapter. Croghan's gallant and success- 
ful defence of Fort Stephenson turned the 
tide in favor of the volunteer arms. Perry 
followed by making the flag of the Re- 
public master of Lake Erie, and Harrison 
complemented these achievements by to- 
tally defeating Proctor and extinguishing 
the allied Indian force under Tecumseh 
on the Thames. The bullet which mor- 
tally wounded Tecumseh killed British in- 
fluence over the Northwestern Indians, 
and secured the people of Ohio perpetu- 
ally against incursions from that source. 
Jackson, at New Orleans, crowned the 



66 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



series of brilliant victories, and gave per- 
petual luster to American arms. 

During the whole contest the conduct 
of the State Government was as patriotic 
and honorable as the devoted bravery of 
her troops was eminent. When the ne- 
cessities of the National Treasury com- 
pelled Congress to resort to a direct tax, 
Ohio, for successive years, cheerfully as- 



sumed and promptly paid her quota out of 
the State Treasury.* There was, at first, 
a difference of opinion with regard to the 
expediency of war, out when a foreign 
army landed on our shores her citizens 
cheerfully volunteered, and Ohio's blood 
stained every important battle-field in the 
Northwest. 



♦CHAPTER VI. 

PRE-HISTORIC RACES. 

The Cave-Dwellers— Mound Builders— Their Fortifications and Works in the County— Description and 
Location of the Works — The .Stone Workers. 



THE CAVE-DWELLERS. 

THAT there was a race of men who 
dwelt in caves made in the rocks, 
who inhabited this continent, or parts of 
it, is now pretty well settled among those 
who search for ancient traces of man- 
kind. Much inquiry has been made in 
this direction by earnest and learned men, 
and the facts gathered furnish strong 
circumstantial, if not positive evidence 
that some of the Cave-dwellers inhabited 
different parts of Ohio, and that they were 
the first inhabitants. Among the proofs 
adduced to establish the existence of the 
Cave-dwellers, we find that some time ago 
Colonel Whittlesey, who was President of 
the Northern Ohio Historical Society, 
made an exploration along the Cuyahoga 
River, from its source to its mouth, and 
reported that he found artificial habitations 
made in the rocks forming the north side 
of the river, which, though narrow, has 

*The following chapters, up to and including parts 
of the history of Fremont, were written by Hon. 
Homer Everett, 



cut a channel down the north side of the 
dividing ridge between that river and the 
Tuscarawas. He found that in some 
places the chasm was made deeper than 
the stream is wide at its head, and on the 
sides were caves containing human bones 
and bones of animals, showing that they 
were once inhabited by human beings. 

General Bierce, who published a history 
of Summit county, corroborates, from 
personal observation, the statements of 
Colonel Whittlesey as to the caves. Gen- 
eral Bierce also shows that in Green 
township, formerly of Stark county, now 
of Summit, on the east side of the Tusca- 
rawas River, great numbers of stones were 
found by the white settlers of Stark coun- 
ty on an elevated plateau. These stones 
varied from four to six feet in circumfer- 
ence and were elevated a little above the 
earth's surface, with a cotnparatively even 
surface on top. On these stones it was 
supposed sacrifices of human beings were 
made to appease the wrath or propitiate 

*S. P. Chase. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



67 



the favors of some ancient god or gods. 
Near by the place where these stones were 
found was the Indian trail used in passing 
from the Sandusky country to the Ohio 
River. The trail ran along the elevated 
ridge on which these stones were found. 
But no evidence was found about these 
stone altars either of calcined bones of 
burnt prisoners, or of charred wood, or of 
implements to indicate that the altars had 
been made use of for any purpose by the 
modern Indians; and in the absence of 
other evidence, the conclusion is that the 
altars were erected by the ancient race 
domiciled in the caves, and who were 
probably the first of mankind in Ohio. 
Mr. Whittlesey, in passing down the Cuya- 
hoga, found earthworks and other evi- 
dences of a later race than the Cave- 
dwellers, and further on toward the lake 
he found what approaches to be regular 
fortifications, evincing a still higher civili- 
zation than the earthworks already men- 
tioned; but he leaves his readers to form 
their own conclusion. 

From the facts given here by Colonel 
Whittlesey and General Bierce, taken in 
connection with the better and the un- 
doubted testimony wliich the Mound 
Builders have left of their existence, and 
interpreting the works each race has left 
on the earth, as they came and passed in 
successive ages, we may quite reasonably 
conclude that first came the Cave-dwellers 
into this land to inhabit it. Second, there 
succeeded them at some time another 
race who had invented implements, and 
could erect earthworks for defences, and 
who piled it up into great mounds for 
burial, sacrificial, or military purposes. 
Thirdly, came a race who worked stone 
and earth and with their improved imple- 
ments, made regular fortifications and 
places of abode or worship. Fourthly 
came a race of red men who afterwards 
kicked down the stone altars and de 



stroyed the earthworks of their predeces- 
sors, struck fire from flint, burned all they 
could of the structures of the more an- 
cient races, using for themselves the bow 
and arrow and stone hatchets and stone 
arrow heads, with bark canoes and thongs 
of the hides of animals for fishing and 
hunting purposes, while the mounds of 
earth raised by the more ancient races 
were left unharmed, as places for lookout, 
or of burial for their chiefs and warriors. 
Thus seems to read the inscriptions made 
by the ancient races on the surface of the 
earth, as far as they have been yet inter- 
preted by observation, science and reason. 

WHENCE CAME THE CAVE-DWELLERS. 

Where these most ancient of the inhab- 
itants of our continent, the Cave-dwellers, 
came from, is a question which perhaps 
may never be satisfactorily answered. But 
certain geological facts may help to con- 
jecture whence they came. First, it is 
said by the most learned geologists of the 
time, that certain portions of this conti- 
nent are the oldest portions of the earth's 
surface, and contain its Eozoic crust with- 
out evidence of marine beds or other 
proofs of submergence by any floods since 
that day. Certain areas in northern New 
York, Canada, Labrador, and west of the 
Mississippi, in Missouri, Arkansas, Dako- 
ta, and Nebraska remain as in the Eozoic 
time, or time when there was no life. 
Second, from the Mississippi River to the 
Atlantic Ocean no sea has ever overflowed 
these parts of the continent since the 
close of the carboniferous age or the age 
which produced the plants and forests out 
of which coal was formed.* Third, at the 
time the carboniferous sea disappeared 
the water-shed holding back the mass of 
waters of the lake existed and on which 
dry land first appeared in Ohio. This 
water-shed traversed the State from south- 

^See Dana's Geology, 135, 136, 137, and 138. 



68 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



west to northeast, in the direction of the 
Canadian highlands. 

Mr. Atwater,the antiquarian, in his work 
on the antiquities of America, holds the 
opinion that the people who put up stone 
altars, earthworks, and fortifications, com- 
menced that work at the head of the north- 
ern lakes, thence moved along their borders 
into what is now western New York, thence 
in a southwestern direction, following the 
rivers to the Ohio River and down the Ohio 
and Mississippi, thence to the city of Mex- 
ico, as now known, where they had their 
central power, and from which locality 
they radiated colonies into what is known 
as South America, and other countries. 
But whence came the Cave-dwellers is a 
question still unsolved. Some specdlations 
are found about it, such as that at one 
time the islands in the Atlantic, North or 
South were once so approximate as to al- 
low convenient transit from continent to 
continent, and that afterwards upheavals 
in the ocean and the sinking of these 
islands left a greater expanse of water. 
That crossing was once effected by way of 
Greenland, and thereby a race was planted 
on this continent — others claiming that 
man was as indiginous fo this continent as 
to the Eastern hemisphere. These specu- 
lations are of little value in settling the 
query, and leave the question still unan- 
swered and surrounded with that mist and 
darkness which bounds the region of ascer- 
tained facts. There are as yet no discov- 
ered traces of this race in Sandusky 
county; still, the nearness of them to 
us makes the mention of them pertinent, 
while the facts discovered are interesting 
to all. 

MOUND BUILDERS AND THEIR W'ORKS. 

The subsidence of the waters of the 
glacial period of the earth, which geologists 
say formed the great chain of lakes whose 
waters flow over the Falls of Niagara in 
such awful grandeur, sending the lowest 



bass of perpetual thunder against the re- 
verberating hills around, left the region 
of country called Northwestern Ohio, of 
which Sandusky county is a part, a great 
plain slightly inclined from the south to- 
wards the north, its northern termination 
but little elevated generally above the 
level of the lake which bounds it at the 
present time. The region was generally 
almost level, and, though swampy, was 
chiefly covered with a dense giowth of 
large forest trees of considerable variety. 

The singular absence of high hills, low 
valleys, high rocks, and intervening ra- 
vines, which made this country ineligi- 
ble to the Cave-dwellers, rendered it also a 
rather uninviting location to the Mound 
and Fort Builders. The works of the suc- 
cessors to the Cave dwellers are therefore 
not as numerous nor as striking to the be- 
holder as they are in many other localities. 
But, notwithstanding this unfavorable fea- 
ture in the surface of the county, there 
are yet found within its limits sufficient of 
these works to prove that this ancient 
race, or these ancient races of men, were 
once here. 

There were, a few years ago, the re- 
mains of a line of earthen forts, supposed 
to be for defence, extending from Muskash 
Point, now in Erie county, along south 
and eastward on the solid lands along the 
marshes of Sandusky Bay to the Sandusky 
River, striking the river in section twelve, 
township five, range fifteen; thence up the 
river to Negro Point, on the Williams Re- 
serve, in section fourteen, and along up 
the river on the high bank or hill along 
the river on the east side, up to near the 
north line of Seneca county. 

Mr. Michael Stull, an aged farmer now 
residing in section twelve, Riley township, 
says that in 1820 he came to Muskash 
and owned a piece of land there on 
which were the remains of a considerable 
ancient fort. The walls were of earth, 



History of sandusky county. 



69 



with openings or gates. The fort was in 
a circular form and inclosing several acres 
of ground. In this fort he found flint 
arrow-heads, stone axes, and numerous 
specimens in various forms of rude pottery 
which appeared to have been made of 
burnt clay, largely mixed with pounded 
shells of clams or oysters. 

Another similar fort, with similar re- 
mains in and about it, was found in sec- 
tion one, Riley township. Then another 
on the farm now owned by Mr. Stall in 
section twelve in the same township. This 
fort or ancient structure is now entirely 
obliterated, and was, when the writer 
visited the place in August, 1879, part of 
a beautiful clover field, not reveahng even 
a trace of its walls or form. Mr. Stull 
levelled it himself It was, according to 
his description of it, circular in form, 
with two gates or openings opposite each 
other. The circle was about twenty rods 
in diameter. A distinguishing feature of 
this fort was that a part of the wall on the 
west side' was made by piling soft lime- 
stones, which were found in plenty on the 
surface of the land a short distance from 
its structure. The walls of this fort, when 
first seen by Mr. Stull, were about four 
feet high. The ridge of soft limestone 
had been covered on the sides and on 
top by earth to a considerable height; the 
other portions of the wall were composed 
of a ridge of earth only. 

Another ancient fort was found on the 
premises now or lately owned by Mr. J. 
Longan, in section twelve, township five, 
range fifteen. 

Another on land owned by Charles 
Werth, in the same section, and a little 
further up the river than that last men- 
tioned. 

Another a little further up the river on 
the land now owned by Jacob Thorn, in 
the same section. 

Another on the Williams Reserve, still 



further up the river, in section fourteen, 
same township. This fort included five 
or six acres of land, and is situated partly 
on the land now owned by L. D. Williams, 
and partly on another tract. The five 
last mentioned of these ancient forts are 
in the form of semi-circles, the river form- 
ing the arc. The bank of the river where 
these remains are found, is composed of 
earth which readily dissolves and washes 
away by the action of the water, and these 
works are on the side of the river on which 
the current and the motion given to the 
water by the winds spend their force, and 
where these forces have for a long time 
been encroaching upon the land, which, in 
times past, was some distance away from 
the river. It is quite plain, therefore, that 
these, like the one at Muskash Point and 
the one on the Stull farm, were originally 
circular in form, and some distance from 
the perpendicular, low bank of the river, 
for all the remains of the other forts in 
this chain, unaffected by the wash of a 
stream, are in that form complete. 

There are evidences of another fort of 
the same kind above the Williams Reserve 
a short distance, on the high bank of the 
river, in section thirteen, township five, 
range fifteen. This work is different in 
form from those heretofore mentioned, be- 
ing nearly square, and is supposed to in- 
clude about three acres of land. It is 
situated at a place where there was once 
an Indian village called Muncietown, 
about three miles below the city of Fre- 
mont. 

Another and larger ancient fort was 
found a little down the river from the res- 
idence of Mr. L. D, Williams, which, he 
says, was a circle and inclosed about ten 
acres of land. 

A MOUND. 

Near the fort next above the residence 

of Mr. Williams, and not far from it, was 

' found a mound about fifty feet in diam- 



70 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



eter, which must originally have been 
raised to a considerable altitude, and must 
have been of very ancient construction. 
Mr. Williams says that about the year 
1820 he assisted in cutting down a white- 
oak tree which stood on the very summit 
of the mound, for the purpose of captur- 
ing a swarm of bees which had long been 
in the tree, and that this tree was then 
near three feet in diameter. At the time 
this tree was cut the elevation of the mound 
was about eight feet above the general level 
of the surrounding land. The mound was 
afterwards opened by Mr. John Shannon, of 
this county, and his brother, about the year 
1840. The mound had then attracted 
considerable observation and much specu- 
lation among the obseivers as to what it 
was raised for, and what might be in it. 
One night Mr. Shannon's brother dreamed 
that there was a large wedge of gold 
buried under this mound, and communi- 
cated his dream as a profound secret, 
and the two were so strongly impressed 
with the belief that the gold wedge was 
there that they, being then young men, re- 
solved to dig open the mound at all events, 
and see what was in or under it. The 
stump of the oak had then so far decayed 
that it was removed without much diffi- 
culty. On removing the earth from a con- 
siderable space and a little below the gen- 
eral level of the surface around the mound, 
they found, not the gold wedge dreamed 
of, but the teeth of a human being in 
good preservation. Upon further carefully 
removing the earth they found, marked in 
a different colored earth from that sur- 
rounding it, the figure of a man of giant 
size, plainly to be seen. Where the breast 
of the buried man had lain were found 
two oval-shaped plates of white mica. 
One of these plates had been, or appeared 
to have been, perforated, as there was a 
round hole in it near the centre, such as 
might have been made by a rifle ball. On 



the other i)late were dark streaks and spots, 
which the discoverers supposed might be 
characters or letters, understood at the 
time, recording the name and rank of the 
man who had been buried, and the cir- 
cumstances of his death; but these infer- 
ences can only be entitled to the rank of 
conjectures. 

Following the river up about two miles 
from the location of the mound above 
mentioned, the remains of another ancient 
fortification were found on the hill over- 
looking the valley of the river of 
the op|:)osite side below and both 
sides above. It included the block 
of lots once called the Whyler prop- 
erty, on which he many years ago erected 
a brick cottage, which is still standing. 
Here the hill or bluff trends quite sharply 
to the east for some distance, and then 
curves southward, meeting the river again 
near where it is crossed by the Lake Shore 
railroad in the southern portion of the 
city. No more advantageous point for a 
fort and lookout can be found along the 
whole course of the Sandusky River than 
this one. Our informant"*^ saw this fort 
before improvements had obliterated it. 
According to his description of the loca- 
tion of these remains this fort was in the 
original plat of the town of Croghans- 
ville, on lots 649, 650, 667, 668, 669, 670, 
as now numbered on the present map of 
the city, and perhaps other and parts of 
other lots. 

There were a few years ago the remains 
of another fortification about two miles 
from the last mentioned, on the bluff com- 
monly known as the Blue Banks, in sec- 
tion ten, township four, range fifteen, in 
Ballville township. 

The remains of another ancient fort 
were discovered by our informant some 
distance from the river, on Sugar Creek, 

*Mr. Julius Patterson. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



7i 



in the south part of Ballville township, 
on the east side of the river.* 

There was also found a considerable 
mound on what is now out-lot thirty-three, 
a little to the left or east side of the road 
leading from the south end of Front 
street in the city of Fremont, to Ballville 
village. This mound was levelled and 
plowed over many years ago. In it were 
found some human bones, pottery, arrow- 
heads, and stone axes, so common in 
these tumuli, but the fact that human 
skulls and other bones were found indi- 
cated that the human remains had been 
placed there at a later date than that of 
the age of the Mound Builders. 

WHY DID THESE ANCIENT RACES COME 
AND FORTIFY HERE? 

If any one is curious enough to inquire 
what inducements existed to bring these 
ancient races to the region of country 
through which this line of ancient fortifica- 
tions is found; why they should settle and 
fortify themselves along the marshes bor- 
dering the Sandusky Bay, and the dry land 
along the banks of the Sandusky River, 
the answer could rationally be, that they 
were attracted hither by the health, beauty, 
or the grand scenery; or by advantageous 
localities for strong fortifications for de- 
fence or aggressive war. The most ra- 
tional and acceotable answer to these 
questions may be found in the fact 
that those races obtained their supplies 
of food by capturing the game in the 
woods and prairies, and in the waters in 
their vicinity. Credible accounts given 
by the early settlers of countries where 
the remains of these fortifications were 
found, all tend to prove that in all the re- 
gions of the Northwest, there could be 
no point found where the locality afforded 
such a superabundance of superior game 
and fish in close proximity, as this. The 

*Mr. L. Leppelman. 



great abundance of deer, bear, turkeys and 
wild fowl of the woods; and of water- 
fowl, such as swan, geese, brant, and crane, 
and ducks of great variety ; and such ani- 
mals as beaver, otter, mink, etc., which 
the Indians and early white settlers de- 
scribe as once being here, and the im- 
mense quantity of excellent fish, show 
that no better point could be found for a 
race of men to locate who depended on 
the chase for food. 

THE STONE WORKERS. 

The evidence of the existence of a race 
of men who worked stone into weapons 
and clay into utensils, is abundant in the 
county. There are also proofs showing 
the great antiquity of this race. Mr. 
Albert Cavalier, residing on Mud Creek, 
in Rice township, this county, on section 
twenty-five, township six, range fifteen, 
a few years ago cleared a part of his land, 
which was level — no sign of mound or 
fort was perceptible. The trees were of 
white oak, very large and fine; some two 
and some as large as three feet in diame- 
ter. On plowing the land, his plow threw 
up a great number of flint arrow-heads, 
stone axes, stone pipes, and pieces of pot- 
tery composed of burnt clay mixed with 
pounded shells. These could not be 
seen on the surface, but were covered 
nearly to the depth of a furrow, and some 
were found under the stumps of the trees he 
had cut, when the stumps were removed. 
Mr. Cavalier deposited a variety of these ar- 
ticles with the Historical Society, and they 
are now in Birchard Library. Mr. Lewis 
Leppelman, of this city, has been for some 
years gathering specimens of the same 
kind. He is entitled to great credit for 
the time, energy, and money he has spent 
to collect the largest variety and finest 
specimens of this kind of relics known in 
Nortwestern Ohio, and placing them also 
in Birchard Library, where they can be 
seen by all visitors. A description of all 



72 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



the varieties of this interesting collection, 
and where found, would alone make a 
volume. Mr. Leppelman would lay the 
public under still greater obligation by 
placing with them a descriptive catalogue, 
showing where each of the important 
pieces was found. This collection con- 
tains not only stone arrow-heads, axes, and 
pipes in great variety, but a large number 
of specimens of other forms of stone, 
showing equal or more skill in their make, 
of which it is difficult to conjecture the 
use. Many of the specimens of Mr. 
Leppelman have the same form, and are 
of like material as those found in the lakes 
of Switzerland, and described and lith- 
ographed in the Smithsonian Report of 



1876, on page 356 and the four succeed- 
ing pages. This valuable work proves very 
clearly that in Europe there were distinct 
periods marked by man's use of different 
material: first, the age of stone; second, 
the age of bronze; third, the age of iron. 
The age of stone seems to have for a long 
time been co-extensive with the races of 
men. The writer was lately informed by 
Mr. Samuel Ickes, now residing at Dead- 
wood, that some of the Western Indians 
still use the flint arrow-point for some 
purposes, such as killing small game with 
the arrow, and skinning deer and prepar- 
ing the skin for various uses with the 
stone axe. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE INDIANS. 

Indian Wars — General Wayne's Campaign — Battle of Fallen Timbers — Treaties — Grants of Land. 



THERE is, of course, no written history 
of the races of men who were here 
previous to the red men, found here when 
the whites first came. There is a blank 
of untold ages in the history of this Con- 
tinent, and for many years after the 
country had been visited by white men, 
all the information concerning the race 
then occupying the country rests upon 
traditions. These traditions reach back 
to about the year 1790, or nearly one 
hundred years ago. They throw a dim 
light, but are sufficiently definite to be 
interesting, and to give some idea of the 
manners and customs of the people. 

NEUTR.-VL GROUND THE TWO FORTS. 

That this locality was considered valu- 
able and important by the Indians seems 



to be pretty well established. Hon. Lewis 
Cass, who was early familiar with all the 
Indian tribes of the Northwestern Terri- 
tory, and had great facilities for obtaining 
information from and about them, as In- 
dian agent of the United States, may be 
regarded as good authority. In a dis- 
course before the Historical Society of 
Michigan, delivered September 18, 1829, 
he gives some interesting statements re- 
specting a tribe called the Neutral Nation. 
The following is an extract from this in 
teresting and valuable paper: 

This Neutral Nation, so called by Father Sequard, 
was still in existence two centuries ago, when the 
French missionaries first reached the Upper Lakes. 
The details of their history and of their character 
and privileges are meagre and unsatisfactory, and 
this is to be the more regretted, as such a sanctuary 
among the barbarous is not only a singular institu- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



73 



tion, but altogether at variance with that spirit of 
cruelty with which their wars were usually prose- 
cuted. The Wyandot tradition represents them as 
having separated from the parent stock during the 
bloody wars between their own tribe and the Iro- 
quois, and having fled to the Sandusky River for 
safety; that they here erected two forts within a 
short distance of each other, and assigned one to the 
Iroquois and the other to the Wyandots and their 
allies, where their war parties might find security and 
hospitality whenever they entered their country. 
Why so unusual a proposition was made and ac- 
ceded to, tradition does not tell. It is probable, 
however, that superstition lent its aid to the institu- 
tion, and that it may have been indebted for its 
origin to the feasts and dreams and juggling cere- 
monies, which constituted the religion of the aborig- 
ines. No other motive was sufficiently powerful to 
restrain the hand of violence and to counteract the 
threat of vengeance. An internal feud finally arose 
in this Neutral Nation, one party espousing the 
cause of the Iroquois and the other of their enemies; 
and like most civil wars, this was prosecuted with re- 
lentless fury. Our informant says, that since his 
recollection the remains of a red cedar post were yet 
to be seen, where prisoners were tied previous to 
being burned. 

The informant above alluded to by Gov- 
ernor Cass, we have reason to believe, was 
Major B. F. Stickney, of Toledo, long an 
Indian agent in this region. That there 
may have been such a tradition among the 
Indians we are unable to gainsay, but of 
its truth we have doubts. 

Major Stickney, in a lecture (as yet un- 
published,) delivered February 28, 1845, 
before the Young Men's Association, of 
Toledo, says : 

The remains of extensive works of defence are 
now to be seen near Lower Sandusky. The Wyan- 
dots have given me this account of them : At a pe- 
riod of two centuries and a half or more since, all the 
Indians west of this point were at war with all the In- 
dians east. Two walled towns were built near each 
other, and each was inhabited by those of Wyandot 
origin. They assumed a neutral character, and the 
Indians at war recognized that character. They 
might be called two neutral cities. All of the West 
might enter the western city, and all of the East the 
eastern. The inhabitants of one city might inform 
those of the other that war parties were there or had 
been, there ; but who they were or whence they 
came, or anything more must not be mentioned. 
The war parties might remain there in security, tak- 
ing their own time for departure. At the western 



town they suffered the warriors to burn their prison- 
ers ; but those at the eastern would not practice this 
cruelty. (An old Wyandot informed me that he rec- 
ollected, when a boy, the remains of a cedar post or 
stake at which they used to burn prisoners.) The 
French historians tell us that these neutral cities were 
inhabited and their neutral character respected when 
they first came here. At length a quarrel arose be- 
tween the two cities, and one destroyed the inhabit- 
ants of the other. This put an end to the neu- 
trality?* 

WHERE WERE THESE ANCIENT FORTS OR 
CITIES? 

There is good reason to believe that 
one of them was at Muncietown, and that 
if the ancient fort, the remains of which 
were found there, was the work of a pre- 
ceding race, the Wyandots, or rather a 
portion of the Wyandots called the Neu- 
tral Nation, adopted and used it as a de- 
fensive position and city of refuge as 
above suggested by Governor Cass and 
Major Stickney. Where the western fort 
or city of refuge was located is a matter 
not now so easily determined. Close in- 
quiry of the oldest inhabitants about Fre- 
mont at this time (1881) fails to obtain 
any tradition or account of any remains 
of any ancient fortification on the west 
bank of the river, nor can any such re- 
mains be discovered at the present time. 

THE IROQUOIS OR SIX NATIONS. 

This name is used to designate a body 
of Indians, consisting at first of five, then 
of six and afterwards of eight nations, 
who planted themselves in Western New 
York and on the shores of Lakes Orftario 
and Erie. These nations forined a con- 
federacy prior to 1722, but the precise 
date of its formation is not recorded. 
The confederacy consisted, when first 
known, of the following Nations of red 
men — Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, 
Cayugas, and Senecas, to whom the Tus- 
caroras were added as a sixth Nation in 
1722, and after that the organization was 

* Howe's History of Ohio. 



74 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



called the Six Nations. In 1723 the 
Huron tribes were received; and as an 
eighth Nation the Algonquin Massassa- 
guas, from Canada. This Confederation 
was remarkable in many respects. It 
was the most permanent and powerful of 
the savage governments found in North 
America. 

Seeing the other tribes destroying them- 
selves by internal discords, the Iroquois 
formed themselves into a confederacy, in 
which the principles of military glory and 
tribal union were carried to the. highest 
Indian perfection. They pursued war and 
hunting but returned to their fixed villages. 
Each canton or tribe was independent, 
and each bound to the others of the con- 
federacy by ties of general interest and 
honor. Matters of a" general interest were 
decided in a general meeting of the sa- 
chems of all the nations, commonly held 
at Onondaga, New York. Tliey followed 
the maxim used by the ancient Romans, 
of encouraging other nations to incorpo- 
rate, and adopted captive people into their 
confederacy. In this way they became 
so strong that in the early part of the 
seventeenth century they had conquered 
all the neighboring tribes. Their sachems 
were chosen by the general voice, admit- 
ting their courage and wisdom; these 
chiefs, in a true Roman simplicity, accept- 
ing no salary, disregarding profit, and giv- 
ing away their share of the plunder of war 
or the perquisites of peace, and thought 
them'selves fully rewarded by the love and 
respect of the people. The Iroquois Na- 
tion possessed conservative power in the 
State, being represented in the public 
councils and exercising a veto influence in 
the declaration of war. This was certainly 
very remarkable in a government found- 
ed on military principles. Slavery was 
unknown among them. As in other re- 
publican confederations, where no single 
person has power to compel, the arts of 



persuasion were highly cultivated. The 
Iroquois were celebrated for their elo- 
quence; in proof of this we need only 
mention the Cayuga, Logan; the Seneca, 
Red Jacket; the Oneida, Skenandoah; and 
the Onandaga, Garangula. The famous 
Brandt was a half-breed Mohawk. The 
tradition of Hiawatha (a person of very 
great wisdom), who advised the union of 
the Five Nations, is given in Schoolcraft's 
History of the Indian Tribes, Volume III. 
The Iroquois took part with Great 
Britain during the war of the Revolution, 
and greatly annoyed the frontier settle- 
ments of New York and New Jersey. A 
powerful expedition was sent against them 
in 1779, under command of General Sul- 
livan, and their country was ravaged, 
and eighteen of their villages burned. 
This movement effectually broke their 
power, though their incursions did not im- 
mediately cease. After the war treaties 
were made with them, by which extensive 
cessions of land were made to the United 
States. Other treaties followed until their 
title has been extinguished to all, or nearly 
all the land in the Northern, Eastern, 
Middle and Southern States. In the War 
of 181 2 their few remaining warriors 
assisted the Americans against the British, 
and were organized for military service 
under the command of General Porter. 
Repeated cessions of land have reduced 
their territory from the dimensions of an 
empire to that of a plantation. At the 
time the French missionaries found the 
Wyandots on the Georgian Bay, and, as 
Schoolcraft says, when the Canadas were 
first settled, they were found on the Island 
of Montreal, and probably about the time 
the great confederacy was formed, num- 
bered forty thousand. The number of 
the Senecas is not given, but they were 
called "a powerful tribe occupying west- 
ern New York and a part of northwestern 
Pennsylvania." Of course, the other na- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



75 



tions of the confederacy must have been 
quite numerous. In 1855 the total re- 
maining population of all the tribes be- 
longing to the confederacy was only six 
thousand souls, scattered in New York, 
Wisconsin, Arkansas and Missouri.* 

The historian says, after describing this 
powerful confederacy: 

In this way their strength became such that in the 
early part of the seventeenth century they had con- 
quered all the neighboring tribes, and doubtless, in a 
hundred years, had the whites not colonized America, 
would have absorbed all the nations from Canada to 
the Gulf of Mexico. 

It is interesting to notice that in the 
formation of the confederacy we find in 
this organization of the red men of North 
America, the model of the confederation 
of the subsequent colonies of white men to 
resist the oppressions of Great Britain. 
This great and powerful confederacy of 
the North American Indians is broken, 
and the people are few and scattered. 
The confederation of the white men 
served well so long as a common danger 
threatened the colonies, but our fathers 
saw its weakness, and met and formed "a 
more perfect union," by which we were 
made a Nation, one and indissoluble, 
under a written constitution, securing the 
right of the Nation, of the people and the 
States ; and neither the wild waves of civil 
discord, nor the power of external force 
have been able to break it. 

THE NAME. 

The different names by which men be- 
longing to this Indian confederacy have 
been designated in history, has given rise 
to much confusion and misunderstanding. 
It is therefore proper to state that the 
French called them Iroquois; the Dutch, 
Maquas; by other Indians, Mengive, and 
thence by the English, Mingoes or Mo- 
hawks, so that when we read the story 
about Logan, the Mingo 'chief, and his 

■* American Cyclopedia. 



famous speech, the word Mingo does not 
signify his tribe or nation, but that he was* 
of the confederacy. In fact, he was of 
the blood of the Mohawks, a nation who 
joined the confederacy. 

EXTENT OF THE CONQUESTS OF THE 
SIX NATIONS. 

Before 1680 the Six Nations had over- 
run the Western lands, and were dreaded 
from Lakes Erie and Michigan to the 
Ohio and west to the Mississippi. In 
1673 Allouez and Dablon found the Mi- 
amis upon Lake Michigan fearing a visit 
from the Iroquois. It .appears that in 
1684, by treaty, and again in 1701 the 
Six Nations conveyed this vast domain to 
Great Britain, "in trust to be defended by 
his Majesty the King, to and for the use 
of the grantors and their heirs." The 
title to this vast domain, or so much of it 
as lay west of the AUeghanies, was dis- 
puted by the French, who claimed it by 
discovery made by their early voyagers 
and missionaries, who had traversed the 
great chain of lakes and descended the 
Mississippi many years before. This con- 
test gave rise to the war between the two 
powers, in which hostilities were actually 
commenced early in 1752. After much 
bloodshed the British took by conquest 
this territory, and it was ceded by France 
to Great Britain in the treaty of Paris, in 
1763. 

It should be remembered that in treat- 
ies and conveyances of the Great West by 
the Indians to Great Britain they did not 
part with their title to the land. They 
themselves, and their lands, were placed 
under the care and protection of Britain ; 
the land was to be held "in trust for the 
Indians and their heirs." Hence the In- 
dians were justified in contending for the 
possession of their inheritance. Let us 
now briefly consider how we obtained 

OUR TITLE TO THE LANDS IN OHIO. 

At the close of the war of the Revolu- 



16 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



tion this whole region was in the posses- 
•sion of the Indians. It was no longer 
claimed or occupied exclusively by the Six 
Nations; they had sided with Great Britain 
in that war and their power was broken. 
Other tribes had, during the war, settled 
on the territory and occupied it in common 
with them. 

These red men claimed title to the land. 
True it is, they had no parchment or paper 
title signed and sealed by man or any 
human authority, but they believed and 
felt that the Great Spirit, the Lord of 
Lords and King of Kings, and Lord para- 
mount of all things, had in his goodness 
given these happy hunting grounds to his 
red children. No wonder then, that when 
he saw the " pale face " settling and build- 
ing on his domain and killing the game 
which was given him to live upon, he was 
roused to resistance. He had no court to 
try his title but that court of last resort, 
the court of force, a trial by wager of bat- 
tle. Their arguments were not made by 
attorneys. In this court of force the red 
men argued with the rifle, tomahawk, and 
scalping-knife, and with fire. His cruelty 
to his enemy knew no bounds; helpless 
infancy and non-resisting woman appealed 
in vain. The recital of his cruelties curdle 
the blood with horror. The burning of 
Colonel Crawford, near Upper Sandusky, 
and the massacre of his men, in 1782; 
the destruction of St. Clair's army, on a 
branch of the Wabash, in 1791; the 
butchery of Harmar's men in 1790, were 
attended with scenes and incidents of 
indescribable cruelty in almost every form 
in which cruelty could be inflicted. But 
there came at last an end to those terrible 
conflicts about title to the land. The final 
contest over the right to occupy the 
Northwest took place on the bank of the 
Maumee River, in 1794, in the battle of 
Fallen Timbers, and as it had a powerful 
influence to settle the title to the land in 



Sandusky county, a notice of it seems 
proper in this work. 

Wayne's victory on the maumee. 

Before the defeat of Crawford at Upper 
Sandusky, in 1782, the United States had 
acquired, by treaty with certain separate 
tribes, a portion of the land north of the 
Ohio River. After this the Indians were 
induced by the notorious half-breed Mo- 
hawk, Brandt, and the white renegade, 
Simon Girty, to confederate together and 
insist that the Ohio River should be the 
boundary line between the lands of the two 
races. They cunningly insisted that the 
territory was the common property of all 
the tribes, and that no single tribe could 
give title to any portion of it. President 
Washington, by commissioners appointed 
at different times, strenuously endeavored 
to convince them of the wrong they were 
insisting upon; that the lands ceded to the 
United States were acquired in good faith, 
and some of it sold to actual settlers; and 
that the Government had no right to de- 
prive these settlers of their land or remove 
the owners from it. He offered to make 
peace and to protect the Indians' occu- 
pancy of all their land not ceded to the 
Government. But the Indians had al- 
ready destroyed two armies sent to punish 
them for their murders of frontier settlers, 
and they felt strong enough to resist any 
force that would follow them into the wil. 
derness. To this feeling may be added 
{hat love of war, cruelty, and plunder so 
characteristic of the North American Ind- 
ian. 

While these efforts for peace were being 
made, President Washington, who so well 
understood the character of the natives, 
made preparation for the other alternative 
in case pacific overtures should fail. The 
concluding paragraph of the answer of the 
confederated Indians to the offers of peace 
and protection will show the reader how 
determined they were to have the Ohio 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



77 



River for the southern boundary of their 
lands. The extract is taken from "Annals 
of the West," by James H. Perkins, pub- 
lished at Cincinnati in the year 1847, and 
is as follows : 

Brothers, we shall be persuaded that you mean to 
do us justice, if you agree that the Ohio shall remain 
the boundary line between us. If you will not con- 
sent thereto, our meeting will be altogether unneces- 
sary. This is the great point which we hoped would 
have been explained before you left your homes, as 
our message last fall was principally directed to ob- 
tain that information. 

Done in general council at the foot of the Maumee 
Rapids, the 13th day of August, 1793. 

NATIONS: 
WYANUOT.S, MASSASSAGOES, 

Seven Nations of Can- C'hippewas, 

ada, muncies, 

pottawatomies, mohicans, 

Senegas of the Glaize, Connoys, 
Shawnese, Delawares, 

MiAMis, Nanta-Kokies, 

Ottawas, Creeks. 

ENGLISH INFLUENCE TO PREVENT PEACE. 

It was suspected at the time that the 
British emissaries, or some indirect influ- 
ence from that source, was employed to 
prevent the peace so much desired by the 
United States. The histories of the time 
inform us that Brandt^ said, in speaking 
about efforts for peace : 

That for several years we were engaged in getting 
a confederacy formed, and the unanimity occasioned 
by these endeavors among our Western brethren en- 
abled them to defeat two American armies. The 
war continued without our brothers, the English, 
giving any assistance, except a Httle ammunition, and 
they seeming to desire that a peace might be con- 
cluded, we tried to bring it about at a time that the 
United States desired it very much, so that they sent 
commissioners from among their first people to en- 
deavor to make peace with the hostile Indians. We 
assembled for that purpose at the Miami River in 
the summer of 1793, intending to act as mediators 
in bringing about an honorable peace, and if that 
could not be obtained, we resolved to join our West- 
em brethren in trying the fortunes of war. But to 
our surprise, when upon the point of entering upon 
a treaty with the commissioners, we found that it was 
opposed by those* acting under the British Govern- 
ment, and hopes of further assistance were given to 
our Western brethren, to encourage them to insist on 
the Ohio as the boundary between them and the 
United States.* 

■^ Stone's Life of Brandt. 



The talented and wily Brandt no 
doubt knew whereof he spoke, and his 
testimony puts a grave responsibility upon 
the British Government for those terrible 
Indian wars. 

President Washington knew the Ind- 
ian character and his mode of warfare. 
Early in life he, as a surveyor, had seen 
the red men in their homes, and knew 
their domestic habits and propensities 
from actual observation. He had seen 
the defeat of Braddock and the destruc- 
tion of his army at Pittsburgh, then called 
Fort Duquesne; as commander-in-chief of 
the American forces in the Revolutionary 
War he had witnessed their cunning du- 
plicity and cruelty as exhibited under the 
employment of the British Government in 
that war, and with his usual discernment 
and wisdom calculated all chances. 
Therefore, while he hoped for peace he 
was busy preparing for war. Accordingly, 
after St. Clair's defeat on the Wabash, the 
President allowed that general to with- 
draw from the service without a court- 
martial, and appointed Anthony Wayne, 
who had served so well in the war of the 
Revolution, to the command of the army 
to conquer the allied tribes of Indians in 
the Northwest. He instructed Wayne to 
organize an army at Pittsburgh, with spe- 
cial reference to the subjugation of the 
Indians. In June, 1792, Wayne moved 
westward to Pittsburgh, and proceeded to 
organize the army which was to be the 
ultimate argument of the Americans with 
the Indian Confederation. Through the 
summer of 1792 the preparation of the 
soldiers was steadily attended to. "Train 
and discipline them for the service they 
are meant for," said Washington, "and do 
not spare powder and lead, so the men be 
made marksmen." 

In December, 1792, the forces now re- 
cruited and trained, were gathered at a 
point twenty-two miles below Pittsburgh, 



7^ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



on the Ohio, called Legionville. The 
army itself having been christened The 
Legion of the United States, was divided 
into four sub-legions and provided with 
legionary and sub-legionary ofHcers. 
While these wise j^reparations were going 
on, the peace propositions above men- 
tioned were offered and urged upon the 
savages, and resulted in their final reply 
above given — that nothing short of an 
agreement that the Ohio River should be 
the boundary of the land to be occupied 
on the south by the whites and on the 
north by tlie Indian tribes. Freeman, 
who left I'ort Washington April 7th, Tru- 
man, who left on May 2 2d for Maumee, 
and Colonel Hardin, who on the same 
day started for Sandusky with proposals 
for peace, were all murdered. The par- 
ticulars of their deaths will be found in 
the Western Annals. 

The final reply to all these overtures for 
peace is contained in the last clause of 
the answer of the tribes, which is quoted 
above, and closed the attempts of the 
United States to make peace. Some 
few further attempts were made to secure 
the Iroquois to the cause of America, but 
they ended in nothing; and from the 
month of August the preparations for a 
decision by arms of the pending ques- 
tions between the white and the red men, 
went forward constantly. 

Wayne's Legion moved from Legion- 
ville about the last of April, 1793. It was • 
taken down the Ohio River to Cincinnati, 
where it encamped near Fort Washington, 
and there it continued until October, en- 
gaged merely in drilling and preparation. 
Legionville was situated on the Ohio 
River, about twenty-two miles below Pitts- 
burgh; Fort Washington was at Cincin- 
nati; Fort Jefferson was located about six 
miles south of the town of Greenville, in 
Darke county. 



(iENERAI. WAYNE EXPLAINS THE SITUA- 
TION. 

On the 5th of October, 1793, General 
Wayne wrote from Cincinnati that he could 
not hope to have, deducting the sick and 
those left in garrison, more than two 
thousand six hundred regular troops, three 
hundred and sixty mounted volunteers, 
and thirty-six guides and spies to go with 
him beyond Fort Jefferson. He further 
said, in the same communication to the 
Secretary of War: 

This is not a jileasant picture, but something must 
be done immediately to save the frontier from im- 
pending savage fury. I will therefore advance to- 
morrow with the force I have, in order to gain a 
strong position in front of Fort Jefferson, so as to 
keep the enemy in check (by exciting a jealousy and 
apprehension for the safety of their own women and 
children) until some favorable opportunity may pre- 
sent to strike with effect. The present apparent 
tranquility on the frontiers and at the head of the 
line is a convincing proof to me that the enemy aie 
collected or collecting in force to oppose the legion, 
either on its march or in some unfavorable position 
for the cavalry to act in. Disappoint them in this 
favorite plan or manoeuvre and they may probably 
be tempted to attack our lines. In this case I trust 
they will not have much reason to triumph from the 
encounter. They cannot continue long embodied 
for want of provisions, and at their breaking up they 
will most certainly make some desperate effort upon 
some quarter or other. Should the mounted volun- 
teers advance in force we might yet compel those 
haughty savages to sue for peace before the ne.xt 
opening of the leaves. Be that as it may, I pray you 
not to permit present appearances to cause too much 
an.xiety, either in the mind of the President or your- 
self, on account of the army. 

Knowing the critical situation of our infant Nation, 
and feeling for the honor and reputation of Govern- 
ment (which I will support with my latest breath) 
you may rest assured that I will not commit the le- 
gion unnecessarily; and unless more powerfully sup- 
ported than I at present have reason. to expect, will 
content myself by taking a strong position advanced 
of Jefferson, and by exerting every power, endeavor 
to protect the frontiers, and to secure the posts and 
army during the winter, or until I am honored with 
your further orders. 

This manly and patriotic letter, while it 
indicates the danger of the situation, ex- 
presses no fear, for Anthony Wayne never 
knew what fear was. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



79 



On the yth of October the legion left 
Cincinnati, and on the 13th of the same 
month, without any accidents, encamped 
on the strong position referred to in his 
letter, afterwards called Fort Greenville. 
The town of Greenville now covers the 
site of the fort. Here, on the 24th of 
October, 1793, he was joined by one thou- 
sand mounted Kentucky volunteers under 
General Scott, to whom he had written 
pressing requests to hasten forward with 
all the men he could muster. This re- 
quest Scott had hastened to comply with, 
and upon the 28th of September, 1793, 
the Governor, in addition to these vol- 
unteer forces, had ordered a draft of militia. 
The Kentucky troops, however, were soon 
dismissed until spring, but their march had 
not been in vain, for they had seen enough 
of Wayne's army to give them confidence 
in it and in him, so that the full number 
of volunteers was easily procured in the 
spring. 

One attack had been made upon the 
troops previous to the 23d of October, 
and only one. A body consisting of two 
commissioned officers and ninety non- 
commissioned officers and soldiers, con- 
voying twenty wagons of supplies, was as- 
saulted on the 17th of that month, seven 
miles beyond Fort St. Clair, which was 
built in 1791-92, about one mile west of 
Eaton, now the county seat of Preble 
county. In this attack by the savages 
Lieutenant Lowry and Ensign Boyd, with 
thirteen others, were killed. Although so 
little opposition had thus far been encoun- 
tered, General Wayne determined to stay 
where he was during the winter, and hav- 
ing seventy thousand rations on hand in 
October, with the prospect of one hun- 
dred and twenty thousand more, while the 
Indians were sure to be short of provis- 
ions, he proceeded to fortify his position, 
which he named Fort Greenville, and 
which was situated on ground now occu- 



pied by the town of that name. This be- 
ing done, on the 23d of December a de- 
tachment was sent forward to take posses- 
sion of the field of St. Clair's defeat, in 
the now county of Darke. On Christmas 
day this detachment reached the ground 
on which St. Clair's army was slaughtered 
November .4, 1791, or a little more than 
two years before. "Six hundred skulls," 
says one present, "were gathered up and 
buried. When we went to lay down we 
had to scrape the bones together and carry 
them out to make our beds." Here Fort 
Recovery was built, properly garrisoned, 
and placed in charge of Captain Alexan- 
ander Gibson. Thus situated, during the 
early months of 1794 General Wayne was 
steadily engaged in preparing everything 
for a sure blow when the time to strike 
should come. By means of Captain Gib- 
son and his various spies, he kept himself 
informed of the plans and movements of 
the savages. All this information showed 
that the Indians were relying on British 
assistance, and this reliance animated the 
doomed race of red men to resist offers of 
jjeace, and stealthily prepare to fight. 

On the 5th of June, 1794, Captain Gib- 
son captured two Indians of the Potta- 
watomie tribe, and had them examined, 
and their examination showed reports to 
them that the British were then at Roche 
de Boeuf, on the Maumee River, on their 
way to war against the Americans; that 
the number of British troops there was 
about four hundred, with two pieces of 
artillery, exclusive of the Detroit militia, 
and that they had made fortifications 
around McKee's house and store at that 
place, in which they had deposited all 
their stores of ammunition, arms, clothing, 
and provisions, with which they promised 
to supply the hostile Indians in abund- 
ance. They further reported that there 
were then collected there not less than 
two thousand warriors, and were the Pot- 



8o 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



vM 



tawatomies to join, the whole would 
amount to upwards of three thousand 
hostile Indians; that the British troops 
and militia that will join the Indians to 
go to war would amount to fifteen hun- 
dred according to the promise of Gov- 
ernor Simcoe, of Canada. To the ques- 
tion, "At what time and at what place do 
the British and Indians mean to advance 
against this army?" these prisoners an- 
swered, "About the last of this moon or 
the* beginning of next they intend to 
attack the legion at this place" (Fort 
Trumbull). Two Shawnee warriors cap- 
tured on the 2 2d of June, substantially cor- 
roborated the statements of the Pottawato- 
mies. The conduct of the savages proved 
these reports of the Indian prisoners not 
to be fables. 

On the 30th of June Fort Recovery, 
the advanced American post, was assault- 
ed by Little Turtle at the head of more 
than one thousand warriors, and, although 
repelled, the assailants rallied and returned 
to the charge and kept up the attack 
through the whole day and part of the 
day following. Nor was this assailing 
force composed entirely of natives. White 
men, and some in scarlet coats were there 
advising and directing the savages. 
ST. clair's cannon. 

When St. Clair was defeated in 1791 
^"^ (DecerHber 4), his guns were left on that 
field of slaughter. Some time afterwards 
General Wilkinson dispatched Captain 
Bunting from Fort Washington to the field 
of St. Clair's defeat. The captain, in his 
report, says, among other things: "We 
found three whole carriages; the other 
five were so much damaged that they were 
rendered useless." This indicates clearly 
that St. Clair had left eight pieces of artil- 
lery on the ground. It was winter when 
Bunting examined the battlefield. He 
did not believe the Indians had taken off 
the cannon, and it was his opinion that 



they had been thrown into the creek, which 
was then frozen over and so thickly covered 
with snow that it was vain to look for them. 
The next recorded notice is found in Gen- 
eral Wayne's dispatch after the assault on 
Fort Recovery. After asserting that there 
were British ofificers and privates engaged 
with the Indians in the assault, the dis- 
patch continues: 

It would also appear that the British and savages 
expected to find the artillery that was lost on the 
4th of November, 1791, and hid by the Indians, in 
beds of old fallen timber or logs which they turned 
over and hid the cannon in, and then turned the 
logs back into their former places. It was in this 
artful manner that we generally found them de- 
posited. The hostile Indians turned over a great 
number of logs during the assault, in search of these 
cannon and other plunder which they had probably 
hid in this manner after the action of the 4th of No- 
vember, 1791. I therefore have reason to believe 
that the British and Indians depended much on this 
artillery to assist in the reduction of the post ; for- 
tunately they served jn its defence. 

WAYNE MOVES HIS LEGION FOUVVARD. 

On the 26th of July, 1794, Scott, with 
about one thousand six hundred men 
from Kentucky, joined Wayne at Green- 
ville, and on the 28th the legion moved for 
ward. On the 8th of August the army 
was near the junction of the Auglaize and 
Maumee Rivers, at Grand Glaize, and 
proceeded at once to build Fort Defiance, 
where the rivers meet. At the place had 
been the Indian headquarters, and Wayne 
expected to surprise them there, but a 
deserter from his army had informed them 
of his approach, and they were gone. It 
had been Wayne's plan to reach the head- 
quarters of the savages undiscovered, and 
in order to do this he had cut two roads, 
one towards the foot of the rapids (Roche 
de Boeuf), the other to the junction of the 
St. Mary's and St. Joseph Rivers, while 
he in fact pressed forward between the 
two, and this stratagem General Wayne 
believed would have succeeded but for 
the deserter above referred to, who was in 
his quartermaster's department, when he 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



left and went to the Indian headquarters. 
While engaged upon Fort Defiance, the 
American commander received full and 
accurate accounts of the Indians and the 
aid they would re'ceive from the volunteers 
of Detroit and elsewhere; he learned the 
nature of the ground and the circum- 
stances favorable and unfavorable; and 
upon the whole, considering the spirit of 
his troops, ofificers and men, regulars and 
volunteers, he determined to march for- 
ward and settle matters at once. But still 
true to the spirit of compromise and peace 
so forcibly taught by Washington, on the 
13th of August he sent Christopher Miller, 
who had been naturalized among the Shaw- 
nees, then taken prisoner by Wayne's spies, 
as a special messenger, offering terms of 
friendship. To aid the reader in forming 
a correct judgment upon Wayne's sub- 
sequent dealing with the savages and to 
vindicate the United States against any 
charge of deception or cruelty, it seems 
necessary to give in full the message sent 
by Miller on this occasion. It is found in 
Perkins' Annals of the West, on page 
404, and is as follows: 

To THE Delawares, Shawnees, Miamis, and 
Wyandots, ANn TO each and every of 

THEM, AND TO ALL OTHER NATIONS OF INDIANS 
NORTHWEST OF THE OHIO WHOM IT MAY CON- 
CERN : 

I, Anthony Wayne, Major General and Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the Federal Army, now at Grand 
Glaize, and Commissioner Plenipotentiary of the 
United States of America, for settling the terms upon 
which a permanent and lasting peace shall be made 
with each and every of the hostile tribes or na- 
tions of Indians northwest of the Ohio, and of the 
United States, actuated by the purest principles of 
humanity, and urged by pity ipr the errors into 
which bad and designing men have led you, from the 
head of my army now in possession of your aban- 
doned villages and settlements, do hereby once more 
extend the friendly hand of peace towards you, and 
invite each and every of the hostile tribes of Indians 
to appoint deputies to meet me and my army, without 
delay, between this place and Roche de Bceuf, in or- 
der to settle the preliminaries of a lasting peace, which 
may eventually and soon restore to you — the Dela- 
wares, Miamis, Shawnees, and all other tribes and 



nations lately settled in this place and on the margin 
of the Miami and the Glaize Rivers — your late grounds 
and possessions, and to preserve you and your dis- 
tressed and hapless women and children from danger 
and famine during the present fall and ensuing 
winter. 

The army of the United States is strong and 
powerful, but they love mercy and kindness more 
than war and desolation. And to remove any doubts 
or apprehension of danger to the persons of the dep- 
uties whom you may appoint to meet this army, I 
hereby pledge my sacred honor for their safety and 
return, and send Christopher Miller, an adopted 
Shawnee warrior, whom I took prisoner two days 
ago, as a flag, who will advance in their front to meqt 
me. 

Mr. Miller was taken prisoner by a party of my 
warriors si.x moons since, and can testify to you the 
kindness which I have shown to your people, my 
prisoners; that is, five warriors and two women, who 
are now all safe at Greenville. 

But should this invitation be disregarded, and 
my flag, Mr. Miller, be detained or injured, I will 
immediately order all those prisoners to be put to 
death without distinction, and some of them are 
known to belong to the first families of your nations. 

Brothers, be no longer deceived or led astray by 
the false promises and language of the bad white men 
at the foot of the rapids ; they have neitlierthe power 
nor inclination to protect you. No longer shut your 
eyes to your true interest and happiness, nor your 
ears to this overture of peace ; but, in pity to your 
innocent women and children, come and prevent the 
further effusion of your blood ; let them experience 
the kindness and friendship of the United States of 
America, and the invaluable blessings of peace and 
tranquility. Anthony Wayne. 

Grand Glaize, August 13, 1794. 

Wayne's qualifications to fight the 

INDIANS. 

Wayne had seen enough of the Indian 
character in the Revolutionary War in the 
Northern colonies and in Georgia, whither 
he had been sent to fight Indians almost 
exclusively, to be a judge of them. Per- 
haps no man had a better understanding 
of the war capacity and traits of the 
North American Indian than he. If the 
Indians were silent he read unerringly 
their intent; in their speech he detected 
with great accuracy what was true and 
what was intended to deceive. He had 
no superior as a character reader of the 
red men he was contending with. Neither 



82 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



their shams, feints or false pretenses ever 
mislead him. Braddock at Fort Du- 
quesne, Crawford at Upper Sandusky, 
Harmar at the Maumee, and St. Clair at 
the Wabash, all failed for want of those 
high qualities which gave such great su- 
periority and success to Wayne. 

NARRATIVE OF WAYNE's CAMPAIGN RE- 
SUMED. 

Let it be remembered that General 
Wayne dispatched Miller with his peace 
proposition on the 13th of August, 
1794, from Fort Defiance. No doubt in- 
tending that if either party must be sur- 
prised it should be the Indians and not 
himself, Wayne moved his troops forward 
on the 15th, and before he had received 
any report from Miller. On the i6th he 
met Miller returning with the message 
that if the Americans would wait ten days 
at Grand Glaize they, the Indians, would 
decide for peace or war. Wayne was not 
to be deceived into giving the Indians 
their choice of the time and place when 
and where to strike. He understood this 
proffered delay to mean that he should 
wait until the Indians were more com- 
pletely prepared for the decisive conflict, 
and he replied to their wily answer to his 
message by marching straight on towards 
them. 

On the 18th the legion had advanced 
forty-one miles from Grand Glaize, and 
being now at Roche de Boeuf and near 
the long looked for foe, began to throw up 
some light works called Fort Deposit, 
wherein to place the heavy baggage during 
the expected battle. During the 19th the 
army still labored on their works. 

WAVNE's REPORT OF THE BAITLE. 

On the 20th, at 8 o'clock, all baggage 
having been left behind, the white forces 
moved down the north bank of the Mau- 
mee ; the legion on the right, its flank 
covered by the river ; one brigade of 



mounted volunteers on the left, under 
Brig::'.dier-General Todd, and the other 
in the rear under Brigadier-General Barbee. 
A select battalion of mounted volunteers 
moved in front of the legion, commanded 
by Major Price, who was directed to keep 
sufficiently advanced so as to give timely 
notice for the troops to form in case of 
action, it being yet undetermined whether 
the Indians would decide for peace or 
war. After advancing about five miles 
Major Price's corps received so severe a 
fire from the enemy, who were secreted 
in the woods and grass, as to compel him 
to retreat. The legion was immediately 
formed into two lines, principally in a 
close, thick wood which extended for miles 
on our left and for a very considerable 
distance in front; the ground being covered 
with fallen timber, probably occasioned by 
a tornado, and which rendered it imprac- 
ticable for the cavalry to act with effect 
and afforded the enemy the most favorable 
covert for their mode of warfare. The 
savages were formed in three lines within 
supporting distance of each other, and ex- 
tending near two miles at right angles 
with the river. 

I soon discovered (says General Wayne, in his re- 
port of the battle), from the weight of the fire and 
e.Ktent of their lines, that the enemy were in full force 
in front, and in possession of their favorite ground, 
and endeavoring to turn our left flank. I therefore 
gave orders for the second line to advance and sup- 
port the first, and directed Major-General Scott to 
gain and turn the right flank of the savages with the 
whole of the mounted volunteers, by a circuitous 
route. At the same time I ordered the front line to 
advance and charge with trailed arms and rouse the 
Indians from their cover at the point of the bayonet, 
and when up to deliver a close and well-directed fire 
on their backs, followed by a brisk charge so as not 
to give them time to load again, I also ordered 
Captain Campbell, who commanded the Legionary 
cavalry, to turn the left flank of the enemy next the 
river, and which afforded a favorable field for that corps 
to act in. All these orders were obeyed with spirit 
and promptitude; but such was the impetuosity of 
the charge by the first line of infantry, that the Indi- 
ans and Canada militia and volunteers were driven 
from all their coverts in so short a time, that although 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



83 



every possible exertion was used by the officers of the 
second line of the legion, and by Generals Scott, Todd, 
and Barbee, of the mounted volunteers, to gain their 
pioper positions, but part of each could get up in 
season to participate in the action; the enemy being 
driven in the course of an hour more than two miles 
through the thick wood already mentioned, by less 
llian one-half their number. From every account the 
enemy amounted to two thousand combatants. The 
troops actually engaged against them were short of 
nine hundred. This horde of savages, with their 
allies, abandoned themselves to flight and dispersed 
with terror and dismay, leaving our victorious army 
in full and quiet possession of the field of battle, 
which terminated under the influence of the guns of 
the British garrison. The bravery of every officer 
belonging to the army, from the generals down to 
the ensigns, merit my highest approbation. There 
were, however, some whose rank and situation placed 
their conduct in a very conspicuous point of view, 
and which I observed with pleasure and the most 
lively gratitude. Among these I must beg leave to 
mention Brigadier-General Wilkinson and Colonel 
Hamtramck, the commandants of the right and 
left wings of the legion, whose brave example 
inspired the troops. To these I must add Lieuten- 
ant Harrison, who, with Adjutant-General Major 
Mills, rendered the most essential service by com- 
municating my orders in every direction, and by their 
conduct and bravery e.xciting the troops to press for 
victory. 

The loss of the Americans in this action 
was thirty-three killed and one hundred 
wounded; that of the enemy was reported 
much greater, but the number is not given. 
It is said, however, the woods were strewn 
for a considerable distance with the dead 
bodies of the Indians and their white aux- 
iliaries, the latter armed with British mus- 
kets and bayonets. 

INCIDENTS OF THE BATTLE. 

Contrary to the articles of peace between 
Great Britain and the United States in 
1783, the British erected and garrisoned 
Fort Miami, on the Maumee River, on the 
present site of South Toledo. This was 
done within the acknowledged boundaries 
and jurisdiction of the United States, and 
no solution of the motive for the act but 
a determination on the part of the British 
to aid the Indians in their wars to drive 
the whites south of the Ohio River. 



Wayne's troops had followed the retreating 
Indians under the guns of this fort, and 
expected to see them take refuge in it, but 
the gates were shut against them and the 
fort fired no gun. The day following the 
battle a spicy correspondence took place 
between Major Campbell, commander of 
the fort, and General Wayne, in which 
Major Campbell expressed his surprise 
that Wayne would deliberately insult his 
King and country by approaching so near 
the fort in a hostile attitude. Wayne re- 
plied, in substance, that he was no less 
surprised to find Campbell fortifying him- 
self on American soil, and intimated that 
had the Indians taken refuge in the fort, 
or had a gun been fired from it, he could 
not have restrained his troops from an as- 
sault which would have carried it. In 
this sharp dispute both Wayne and Camp- 
bell seem to have been restrained from 
striking a blow which would have re- 
kindled the war between Great Britain 
and the United States, and the question 
was referred to diplomacy between the 
two governments. 

At the time Captain Campbell, under 
Wayne, was endeavoring to turn the left 
flank of the enemy, three Indians, hemmed 
in by the cavalry and infantry, plunged 
into the river and endeavored to swim to 
the opposite side. Two negroes of the 
army on the opposite bank concealed 
themselves behind a log to intercept them. 
When within shooting distance one of 
them shot the foremost Indian through 
the head. The other two took hold of 
him to drag him to the shore, when the 
second negro fired and killed another. 
The remaining Indian, being now in shoal 
water, endeavored to tow the two dead 
bodies to the bank. In the meantime the 
first negro had reloaded, and firing upon 
the survivor, mortally wounded him. On 
approaching them, the negroes judged 
from their striking resemblance and de- 



84 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



votion that they were brothers. After 
scalping them they let their bodies float 
down stream. 

Another circumstance shows with what 
obstinacy the conflict was waged by in- 
dividuals of both armies. A soldier who 
had become detached a short distance 
from the army, met a single Indian in the 
woods, when they attacked each other, the 
soldier with his bayonet, and the Indian 
with his tomahawk. Two days after they 
were found dead, the soldier with his 
bayonet in the body of the Indian — the 
Indian with his tomahawk in the head of 
the soldier. 

Several months after the battle of the 
Fallen Timbers a number of Pottawat- 
omie Indians arrived at Fort Wayne, 
where they expressed a desire to see "The 
Wind" as they called Wayne. On being 
asked for an explanation of the name, they 
replied that at the battle of the 20th of 
August he was exactly like a hurricane, 
which drives and tears everything before 
it. 

General Wayne was a man of most 
ardent impulses, and in the heat of action 
apt to forget that he was a general and 
not a private soldier. When the attack 
on the Indians who were concealed behind 
the fallen timbers was commenced by 
ordering the regulars up, the late General 
Harrison, then being Lieutenant with the 
title of Major, addressing his superior, 
said: 

General Wayne, I am afraid you will go into the 
fight yourself and forget to give me the necessary 
field orders. Perhaps I may, replied Wayne, and 
if I do, recollect that the standing order for the day 
is, Charge the d — d rascals with the bayonet. 

As a further illustration of Wayne's im- 
petuosity in battle, which Harrison seemed 
to understand, the writer will give an inci- 
dent related to him by his father, who 
heard the circumstance from one who was 
in the battle. The narrative was briefly, 
that when General Wayne saw his regulars 



obey his order to charge with the bayonet 
and shoot afterwards, the General, seeing 
the promptness and effect with which his 
order was obeyed, became so excited that 
he was about to dash personally into the 
conflict and do duty as a common soldiery 
his attendants, seeing a strange fire in his 
countenance, and that he reined up his 
horse for a dash, two men seized his reins 
near the bridle bits, and held the bounding, 
foaming horse, while Wayne, grinding his 
teeth and driving his spurs into the horse's 
flanks, frothing at the mouth with rage, 
hissed from between his grinding teeth, 
"Let me go, d — n them; let me go! 
Give it to them, boys," etc., etc. This in- 
cident gave him the appellation of "Mad" 
Anthony, a name which ever after struck 
terror to the Indians, collectively and in- 
dividually. 

After the battle, an Indian being asked 
if he did not think General Wayne a good 
general and great man, replied, "He no 
man, he Devil." No doubt the Indians, 
after the battle of the Fallen Timbers, 
entertained a superstitious dread of "Mad" 
Anthony, which exercised a powerful influ- 
ence over them in making treaties of peace 
and grants of land afterwards. 

We quote turther from General Wayne's 
report of the battle. He says: 

We remained three days and nights on the banks 
of the Maumee, in front of the field of battle, dur. 
ing which time all the houses and cornfields were 
consumed and destroyed for a considerable distance, 
both below and above Fort Miami, as well as within 
pistol shot of the garrison, who were compelled to 
remain tacit spectators to this general devastation 
and conflagration, among which were the houses, 
stores, and property of Colonel McKee, the British 
Indian agent, and principal stimulator of the war 
now (then) existing between the United .States and 
the savages. The army returned to this place (Fort 
Defiance) on the 27th of August,, by easy marches, 
laying waste the vilkges and cornfields for 
about fifty miles on each side of the Maumee. . . 
There remains (he says) yet a great number of vil- 
lages and a great quantity of corn to be consumed 
or destroyed, upon Auglaize and Maumee, above 
this place, which will be effected in a few days. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



85 



General Wayne, after strengthening his 
works at Fort Defiance, on the 14th of 
September established Fort Wayne, now 
in Indiana, of which, on the 2 2d of Octo- 
ber, 1794, he placed in charge Colonel 
Hamtramck, who so distinguished himself 
in the battle of the Fallen Timbers. 
Meantime, the troops suffered greatly 
from sickness and want of provisions, 
such as flour, salt, and whiskey. Whiskey 
sold at eight dollars a gallon, and salt was 
held at six dollars a pint. 

THE LEGION RETURNS TO GREENVILLE. 

The legion began to march back to 
Greenville on the 28th of October, 1794, 
the volunteers, who had become dissatis- 
fied and troublesome, having been started 
for that place on the 12th of that month 
for dismissal. 

The Indians were terribly defeated and 
disorganized by the battle of Fallen Tim- 
bers. Their crops and provisions for the 
coming winter were destroyed, and starva- 
tion was before them — and they would 
have promptly made sincere overtures for 
a treaty of peace but for British influence, 
which was at once brought to bear against 
such a movement. 

BRITISH EFFORTS TO PREVENT A TREATY. 

Governor Simcoe, of Canada, Colonel 
McKee and Captain Brant, met at Fort 
Miami September 30 of that year, and at 
once began plotting to prevent a treaty 
of peace. They invited the hostile 
chiefs Blue Jacket, Backongelies, the Lit- 
tle Turtle, Captain Johnny, and other 
chiefs of the Delawares, Miamis, Shaw- 
nees, Tawas, and Pottawatomies, to meet 
at the mouth of Detroit River about the 
first of October, 1794, and together they 
set off for that place, about eighteen miles 
below Detroit. 

It appears that about the loth of Octo- 
ber the Indians did meet the British at 
Big Rock, and were advised that their 



griefs would be laid before the King of 
England, and, in connection with this, as 
General Wayne learned from the friendly 
Wyandots, Governor Simcoe insis'ted that 
the Indians should not listen to any terms 
of peace from the Americans, but to pro- 
pose a truce or suspension of hostilities 
until spring ; that a grand council would 
then be held of all the warriors and tribes 
of Indians for the purpose of compelling 
the Americans to cross the Ohio. He 
also advised every nation to sign a deed 
or conveyance of all their lands on the 
west side of the Ohio River to the King 
of Great Britain, in trust for the Indians, 
so as to give the British a pretext or color 
for assisting them in case the Americans 
refused to abandon all their posts and pos- 
sessions on the west side of that river, and 
which the Indians should immediately 
warn them to do after they, the Indians, 
had assembled in force in the spring, and 
then call upon the British to guarantee the 
lands thus ceded in trust, and to make a 
general attack upon the frontiers at the 
same time; that the British would be pre- 
pared to attack the Americans also in 
every quarter, and would compel them to 
cross the Ohio and give up the lands to 
the Indians. 

The wily Captain Brant also told the 
Indians to keep a good heart and be 
strong to do as their father (Simcoe) had 
advised them, and he would return home 
with his warriors and come again early in 
the spring with an additional number so 
as to have the whole summer before them 
to fight, kill, and pursue the Americans, 
who could not stand against such num- 
bers as would be brought against them ; 
that he had been always successful and 
would ensure them victory. But he 
would not attack the Americans at this 
time, as it would only put them upon their 
guard and bring them upon the Indians 
in this quarter during the winter; there. 



86 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



fore he advised them to amuse the Ameri- 
cans with a prospect of peace until they 
could collect'in force, and fall u|)on them 
early in the spring and when least ex- 
pected. That, agreeably to this plan, the 
hostile tribes would frequently send flags 
with propositions of peace during the 
winter to put jhe Americans off their 
guard. 

The British then made large presents 
to the Indians, and continued t'rom that 
time to furnish themjvith provisions from 
Colonel McKee's new stores at the mouth 
of the Miami of Lake Eric (Maumee 
River), wliere all the Indians whose towns 
and property had been destroyed by 
Wayne's army were located in tents and 
huts, and where those who promised to 
sign away their lands and in all res|)ecls 
comply with the British proposition, were 
kept. 

WAYNE COUNTERACTS THE BRITISH INFLU- 
ENCE. 

Several causes operated to counteract 
the British influence and finally to prevent 
the execution of their plans. First, the 
fort at'Maumee had been built and gar- 
risoned by the British while at peace with 
the United States, for the express purpose 
of aiding and protecting the Indians in 
their war against the Americans. The In- 
dians, in good faith, believed that if they 
should be'^compelled to retreat before 
Wayne's army they would find shelter and 
protection in Fort Miami; but when they 
did retreat and were pursued under the 
guns of the fort, they found the gates shut 
and not a gun fired for their protection. 
A large part of the Indians who saw this 
treacherous act of Major Campbell, the 
British commander, lost faith in all British 
promises of protection and assistance, and 
would not sincerely listen to subsequent 
overtures. Thus the influence of the 
British over the Indians was broken by 
their own perfidy. If Major Campbell 



had fired a gun at Wayne's forces the act 
would have been cause for another war 
between the United States and Great Brit- 
ain; or if he had opened his fort to protect 
the enemies of the United States, the same 
result might have followed. The respon- 
sibility for such an act was too grave to be 
hastily incurred, and beside this, Wayne 
was at his gates with a victorious army, 
which if once assailed by the British was 
able to, and would have taken good care 
that that fort and those within would not 
again make aggressive war on the' United 
States. These powerful reasons compelled 
him to an act of treachery to the Indians 
which finally brought an end to the war. 

Another cause was, that while the Ind- 
ians were suffering under the sore distress 
which before the fight Wayne plead with 
them to avoid, by meeting and preparing 
for peace, he again made and kept be- 
fore them the same kind offer of peace 
and protection. 

Another, and perhaps the most potent 
of all considerations which operated to 
destroy British influence over the Indians 
at this time, was a superstitious fear of 
"Mad" Anthony. They had found his 
cunning superior to their own; they realized 
that he thoroughly understood their char- 
acter and mode of warfare, that he could 
not be baffled or deceived by any of their 
devices; they witnessed his personal brav- 
ery and his awful fierceness and passion 
in battle; they were starving and dying 
under the consequences of his wrath, and 
their superstitious minds clothed him in 
many instances with supernatural powers. 

The circumstances above mentioned so 
operated on the minds of the Indians'that 
on the 28th and 29th days of December, 
1794, proffers of peace were made by the 
chiefs of several tribes. Messages were 
sent to Colonel Hamtramck at Fort Wayne, 
from the Chippewas, Ottawas, Sacs, Eel 
Rivers, Kickapoos, Kaskaskias, Pottawato- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



»7 



mies, and Miamis. The result of these 
overtures was a meeting of the chiefs and 
sachems of the above named tribes, and 
three other tribes, namely: the Delawares, 
Wyandots, and Shawnees, with General 
Wayne at Greenville, on the 24th of Jan- 
uary, 1795. At this meeting preliminary 
articles for a treaty of peace were entered 
into. The basis of the intended treaty 
was that hostilities should cease and pris- 
oners be exchanged. 

TREATY OF GREENVILLE. 

About the i6th of June, 1795, the 
tribes began to gather at Greenville to 
make a complete treaty of peace. They 
had become convinced that they could 
not successfully resist the American arms, 
and General Wayne dictated the terms of 
the treaty, although there was much de- 
bate, and at times the Indians manifested 
much angry excitement while talking of 
their wrongs. But while General Wayne 
knew he had the tribes in his power, and 
could compel them to almost any terms, 
he was eminently just and humane in his 
demands. The conference lasted until 
the 3d day of August, when the treaty was 
engrossed and signed. 

By this treaty the Indians ceded to the 
United States small parcels of land, evi- 
dently wisely selected by Wayne for military 
posts, covering most of the advantageous 
points for such purpose in various parts 
of the Northwestern Territory, and stretch- 
ing with intervals from Lake Huron east- 
ward to Lower Sandusky (now Fremont). 
"Two miles square at the lower rapids of 
the Sandusky River," is the language of 
the treaty as to this parcel of land. Ex- 
cepting the Maumee and Western Reserve 
road land, this two miles square was the 
first land within the present limits of San- 
dusky county ceded by the Indians to the 
United States. The tract was afterwards 
surveyed by the United States and the 



lines of that survey are now the boundary 
lines of the city of Fremont. 

In this treaty the United States engaged 
to protect the Indians against the aggres- 
sions of other nations, and also in the en- 
joyment of their other lands. The closing 
articles are as follows: 

Article 6. The Indians or United States may- 
remove and punisli intruders on Indian lands. 

Article 7. Indians may hunt within ceded 
lands. 

Article 8. Trade shall be opened in substance 
as by the provisions of the treaty of Fort Harmar. 

Article 9. All injuries shall be referred to law, 
not privately avenged, and all hostile plans known 
to either shall be revealed to the other party. 

Article 10. All previous treaties are annulled. 

TITLE TO OTHER LANDS; TREATY OF 
MAUMEE. 

The title to the other lands in the North- 
west, including Sandusky county, had first 
been claimed by France on the ground of 
discovery by the pioneer Jesuits sent by the 
church of that Nation. But in the war 
between England and France about the 
possessions, preceeding the Revolutionary 
War, England had obtained all the title 
France had. The United States, by the 
treaty of Paris in 1783, after the Revo- 
lution, had obtained the British title to all 
the vast Northwestern Territories. But 
the red men were in possession, and each 
country claimed subject to the Indian 
title, and each in succession undertook to 
protect the Indians in the enjoyment of 
these great hunting grounds. The United 
States held them, therefore, subject to the 
same incumbrance. Wayne's treaty of 
Greenville, August 3, 1795, recognized 
the rights of the Indians as the rightful 
owners of the soil. Therefore it was only 
by treaty or purchase that the United 
States could honorably obtain title to the 
vast domain. To effect this, many treaties 
and purchases have been made at differ- 
ent times and places. To mention -all of 
these would be foreign to the object of this 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



work. But in giving a history of our 
land titles in Sandusky county, which 
shall be satisfactory to the conscience of 
the present enlightened occupants of the 
land, it seems proper here to state the fol- 
lowing further facts in the chain of title. 
About seventeen years after the treaty of 
Greenville above mentioned, the war 
commonly called the War of 1812, between 
the United States and Great Britain, was 
declared. 

In this struggle for " free trade and 
sailors' rights," as Henry Clay denom- 
inated it in his great speech, the British 
hired and enlisted all the Indian tribes of 
the Northwest they could induce to join 
them. Under, the lead of Tecumseli^and 
the Prophet, his brother, a powerful force 
of Indians joined the British in that war, 
and made it, on the frontier settlements, 
most bloody and cruel. At the battle of 
Fort Stephenson, August 2, 1813, there 
were, according to history, five hundred 
British and eight hundred Indians. The 
Indians formed a large part of the forces 
encountered at Fort Meigs, at Tippecanoe, 
and at the battle of the Thames, in Can- 
ada, where Tecumseh fell and General Har- 
rison obtained a decisive victory, October 
5, 1 81 3. These two victories, with Perry's 
victory on Lake Erie, September 10, 181 3, 
virtually settled the War of 181 2, which 
was closed by General Jackson's victory 
at New Orleans, January 8, 18 15, although 
virtually settled before the last named bat- 
tle. After the close of the War of 18 12, 
which brought a cessation of Indian hos- 
tilities, the white settlers began to push for 
new homes in the West, and it was diffi- 
cult to keep the peace between the white 
pioneers and the Indians, as the former 
often encroached upon the lands of the 
latter. The necessity for extinguishing 
the title of the Indians to Western lands 
became daily more urgent and apj)arent to 
the United States Government. 



To accomplish this a commission was 
appointed on behalf of the United States, 
consisting of Lewis Cass and Duncan 
McArthur, who met the chiefs and sachems 
of the tribes occupying the Northwestern 
Territory, at Maumee, and, after due de- 
liberation, a treaty was there signed on the 
29th day of September, 181 7. By the 
agreement there made the United States 
purchased from the Indians all Northwest- 
ern Ohio, except a few parcels reserved by 
some of the tribes. Among these reserva- 
tions was one of the Seneca tribe, of forty 
thousand acres, located east of the San- 
dusky River, and on the south part of 
Sandusky and north part of Seneca coun- 
ties, as since surveyed and named. 

The Senecas sold this reservation and 
moved West about the year 1832. This 
reservation was soon after surveyed and 
sold by the United States, and is now a 
wealthy portion of the counties in which 
the lands were situated. 

The other lands were surveyed and put 
in market about 1820, and all have since 
been sold to individuals, who directly or 
indirectly derive their titles from the 
United States, with the exception of two 
parcels. 

THE WHITTAKER and' THE WILLIAMS RES- 
ERVATIONS. 

These two reservations were located 
nearly three miles north of Fremont, the 
Whittaker on the west and the Williams on 
the east side of and both bounded by the 
Sandusky River. The persons who held 
these reserves in fee simple were not to 
sell the land unless consent of the Presi- 
dent of the United States should be first 
obtained. 

The Whittaker Reserve, originally con- 
taining twelve hundred and eighty acres, 
long since passed to purchasers, and is 
now owned by several persons in distinct 
and separate parcels. 

The Williams Reserve, of one hundred 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



89 



and sixty acres, is still occupied by de- 
scendants of the original owner. 

There is an interesting narrative con- 
nected with the last two reservations, 
which will be found in a sketch of the 
Whittaker family in another [)art of this 
history. 

Thus we have traced the general title to 
the lands in Sandusky county from the 
aborigines to the United States, and from 
the United States the present owners have 
derived their title, excepting the Williams 
Reserve, and Maumee and Western Re- 
serve Road, and the lands given for its 
construction, which latter will form the 
subject of another chapter. 

SURVEYS. 

The first surveying in this then -wilder- 
ness was done by William Ewing, Deputy 
Surveyor, in 1807, who surveyed the reser- 
vation, or rather grant, by the Indians at 
Greenville to the United States. The two 
miles square was then by him divided into 
sections, as other lands were surveyed, but 
afterwards, in 18 16, the reservation was 
divided into tracts, running from the river 
each way to the line of the two miles 
square. This method of sub-division did 
not, however, include the whole square. 
The northeast part was then surveyed into 
in-lots and out-lots for city purposes, and as 
such put on sale by the United States. 
This survey was called the town of 
Croghansville, (pronounced Crawnsville,) 
and now forms a part of the city of Fre- 
mont. 

THE OTHER GOVERNMENT LANDS 

in the county were all surveyed in 1820, as 
appears by the recorded surveys and plats, 
as follows : 

The lands composing the townships of 
Ballville, Sandusky, Rice, Riley, and 
' Green Creek by Sylvanus Bourne ; York 
and Townsend townships by P. F. Kel- 
logg ; Woodville by Charles Roberts; 



Washington and Jackson by James Worth- 
ington, and Madison and Scott townships 
by J. Glasgow. 

The reservation of the Seneca Indians 
— forty thousand acres — was surveyed into 
sections by C. W. Christmas, in 1832. All 
these surveyors were employed by the 
United States, and are official surveys. 
The lands, excepting villages and the two 
miles square at the lower rapids of the 
Sandusky River, were surveyed by ranges ; 
townships of six miles square and sections 
of one mile square divided into quarters. 
Trees were used to designate the corners 
of these surveys, and the kind of timber, 
size of tree, and the distance and course 
of them from the corner, accurately 
measured and recorded with the plat. 
Perhaps no better plan for the convenient 
description of land has ever been devised. 
Each township contained thirty-six sec- 
tions, and each section contained six hun- 
dred and forty acres, which can readily be 
subdivided into any smaller quantities. 
Sections on lakes and rivers were some- 
times not complete; such are denominated 
fractional sections. 

SCHOOL LANDS. 

Let the fact be ever remembered with 
gratitude, that the wise men of the Repub- 
lic foresaw that our form of government 
rested on the intelligence of the people. 
The desire to advance the intelligence of 
the common people, and thereby better 
fit them for the maintenance of liberty by 
perpetuation of a republican form of gov- 
ernment, induced our statesmen of an early 
day to promote the education of the peo- 
ple. To this end, in surveying this part 
of the State they set apart every sixteenth 
section of land for the support of common 
schools. These school lands were en- 
trusted to the State for the purpose of ed- 
ucation. The State in an early day pro- 
vided by law for the leasing of these lands 



9° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



at an interest of six per cent, on the ap- 
praisment value, the leases running ninety- 
nine years, renewable forever, with a 
provision for a re-appraisment every thirty- 
three years. The sub-division and leasing 
of these school lands (section sixteen in 
each surveyed township of thirty-six sec- 
tions) was given by the State to the county 
commissioners of counties respectively in 
which the lands were situated. It is now 
a matter of interest, and will be still more 
interesting in the future, to place in this 
history a brief notice of the renting and 
final disposition of these school lands. 
Such a record will serve to show the in- 
crease in the value of lands in the county, 
and thus furnish evidence of the general 
advancement in wealth since the early 
settlements. 

EARLY LEASING OF SCHOOL LANDS, PRICES, 
ETC. 

In the book containing a record of the 

leasing of school lands in the county, on 

the first page, appears the following entry: 

Secretary of State's Office, ) 

Columbus, Ohio, March i, 1821. j 
I certify that Jaques Hulburd, esq., was, on the 
3d day of February last, duly appointed by a reso- 
lution of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, 
Auditor of the county of Sandusky, to continue in 
office according to law. 

Jeremiah McLane, 

Secretary of State. 

Under this authority Auditor Hulburd 
proceeded in the performance of his du- 
ties. 

On the next leaf of the same book 
appears the record of a lease of great 
length, made and concluded on the 14th 
day of April, 182 1, between Jaques Hul- 
burd, Auditor of Sandusky county, Ohio, 
and his successors in ofiice, of the first 
part, and Joel Chaffin, of the same [)lace, 
of the second part, etc. 

This lease demised and let to the said 
Chafifin fifty-three acres of section sixteen 
in township No. i, north of range fif- 



teen east, for the term of ninety-nine years- 
renewable forever, and subject to be re- 
appraised every thirty-three years there, 
after, and a stipulation to pay as rent 
six per cent, annually on the amount of 
such re-appraisement. The said Chaffin 
agreed to pay as rent for the land yearly 
and every year to the treasurer of the 
county and his successors in office "the 
sum of four dollars." This land, if there 
is no mistake in the description, was lo- 
cated about twenty miles south of Fre- 
mont, and is now in Seneca county, which 
was organized April i, 1824. 

A tract of one hundred and sixty acres, 
being the southeast quarter of section 
sixteen in township four, range seventeen, 
now York township, was in like manner 
leased "by Jaques Hulburd as Auditor, to 
Jacob Dagget, for the yearly rent of seven 
dollars and twenty cents for the whole 
tract. This lease bears date July 14, 
182 1, and the land is in one of the richest 
townships in Sandusky county, and is 
worth now — A. D. 1881 — not less than 
one hundred dollars per acre, and each 
acre of the one hundred and sixty would 
rent for almost as much as the whole one 
hundred and sixty acres rented for then. 

On the 2ist day of July, 182 1, a like 
lease was made by Auditor Hulburd to 
Morris A. Newman, for a part of section 
sixteen, in Riley township, being a parcel 
of prairie land and a wood-lot of twenty 
acres, together containing one hundred 
and ten acres, for the annual rent of six 
dollars and eighteen and three-fourth cents 
for the whole tract. 

AN OUT-LOT IN CROGHANSVILLE LEASED. 

When the reservation of two miles 
square at the lower rapids of the Sandusky 
River was last surveyed by authority of 
the United States, as mentioned in a for- 
mer chapter, the town of Croghansville 
was laid out and surveyed into in-lots and 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



91 



out-lots. Certain of these lots were set 
apart as school lands. Among them were 
a number of in-lots and out-lots. Out-lot 
No. II, containing four acres, was one of 
them. On the 21st day of July, 182 1, Au- 
ditor Hulburd leased this out-lot, eleven, to 
Josiah Rumery, by a lease similar to those 
above mentioned, for ninety-nine years, 
for the yearly rent of one dollar and 
ninety-two cents. 

This lot eleven, by the re-numbering of 
lots in Fremont, is now designated as lot 
No. 52 on the map of the city, and con- 
stitutes a part of the estate of the late 
James Park, and is known as the Park 
tannery property; and the lot, exclusive of 
improvements, is worth at least two thou- 
sand df)llars, the simple 'interest on which 
sum would under the lease make one 
hundred and twenty dollars rental value of 
the lot at this time, against one dollar and 
ninety-two cents in 182 1, and for thirty- 
three years thereafter. 

We give the above facts about the leas- 
ing of the school lands in the county, to 
set before our readers the rental value of 
lands in 182 1. 

Although Congress had set apart and 
reserved these lands for the purpose of sup- 
porting common schools, the General Gov- 
ernment conferred the trust of managing 
and disposing of them on the State. 

LEGISLATION ABOUT SCHOOL LANDS AND 
THE SALES OF THEM. 

After the law providing for leasing the 
school lands was passed, various other 
laws were enacted, and, amongst ' other 
things, it was provided that when the lands 
were appraised those not leased might be 
sold by the auditors of the respective 
counties at not less than the appraised 
value, and that the lessees had the option 
to either pay six percent on the valuation, 
or pay the appraised value in thirteen an- 
nual instalments with annual interest, and 
receive an absolute title from the State on 



final payment on or before the expiration 
of the thirteen years. 

As the different townships came to be 
inhabited by people who appreciated the 
benefits of education, they desired the aid 
of the fund to be derived from these lands 
to support their respective schools. The 
law, be it remembered, provided that the 
fund arising from the sale of sections six- 
teen should be applicable only to the sup- 
port of schools in that particular surveyed 
township of thirty-six sections, or the 
fractional township in which it chanced to 
be located. 



SALES OF SCHOOL LAND PRICES 

DATES OF SALES. 



AND 



We do not propose to give a full and 
d-etailed account of all the sales of school 
lands in the county, but sufificient speci- 
mens to enable the reader to judge fairly 
of the whole, may prove interesting and 
perhaps valuable information. 

SALE OF BALLVILLE, SECTION SIXTEEN. 

The first sale of section sixteen was 
made in 1831, and disposed in fee simple 
of part of section sixteen in surveyed town- 
ship No. 4, range 15, in what is now 
Ballville township. 

Lot fifty of that section, containing one 
hundred and seven acres, was sold to 
Isaac Prior, June 6, 1831, for one hundred 
and seven dollars. 

Lot fifty-two, containing one hundred 
and one acres, to Joel Strawn, for one 
hundred and twenty-six dollars, September 
4, 1833. 

Lot fifty-one, containing" one hundred 
and thirty acres, to R. Dickinson and 
Sardis Birchard, for one hundred and 
sixty-three dollars, October 3, 1833. 

SANDUSKY. 

Section sixteen, township five, range 
fifteen, Sandusky township, was sold in 
1846 for five dollars per acre, excepting 



92 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



one lot of eighty acres which sold for six 
dollars. 

TOWN SEND. 

The school land, section sixteen, town- 
ship four, range seventeen, Townsend 
township, was sold, chiefly in 1847, for five 
dollars per acre. One lot was sold to 
Nelson Taylor in January, 1849. The lot 
contained eighty acres, and was sold for 
three dollars and fifty cents per acre. 

MADISON. 

Section sixteen, township five, range 
thirteen, Madison township, was sold, 
chiefly in 1847, fo'' prices ranging from 
five dollars and thirty-seven cents to eight 
dollars and twenty-five cents per acre. 

SCOTT. 

The section sixteen in township four, 
range thirteen, Scott township, was sold in 
1854 for prices per lot ranging from five 
dollars and fifty cents to seven dollars and 
forty-five cents per acre. 

RILEV. 

The section sixteen in township five, 
range sixteen, was sold in May, 1862, at 
prices per lot ranging from three to twelve 
dollars per acre. The average i)rice would 
be near ten dollars. This section had all 
been under the ninety-nine year leases 
from 1 82 1, before it was sold to the lessees 
for the appraised value. 

GREEN CREEK. 

Section sixteen, township four, range 
sixteen was sold in 1850 at prices ranging 
from ten dollars and fifty cents to five 
dollars per acre — averaging about eight 
dollars for the section. 

YORK. 

Section sixteen, township four, range 
seventeen, was sold in June, 1849, for a" 
average of eight dollars per acre, and had 
been in part previously under the ninety- 
nine years lease. 



WOODVILLE. 

Section sixteen, township six, range 
thirteen, was sold in 1856 by lots, the 
prices ranging from five dollars to seven 
dollars and fifty cents per acre. 

JACKSON. 

Section sixteen in township four, range 
fourteen, Jackson township, was sold in 
September, 1837, for an average price of 
two dollars and sixty cents per acre. 

THE SALE OF SCHOOL LOTS IN CROGHANS- 
VILLE 

took place in 1850, and produced a fund 
amounting to eleven hundred and twenty- 
six dollars and seventy-five cents. 

HOW PROCEEDS OF SALES ARE DISPOSED 
OF. 

The proceeds of all these sales are paid 
into the State Treasury and constitute an 
irreducible debt or fund on which the 
State pays six per cent, interest annually 
to the county; the interest is then credited 
to the county school fund, and by the 
county auditor the amount arising from 
each section sixteen sold is credited to 
the township school fund of each surveyed 
townshi]), and then distributed to the sub- 
school districts according to the respective 
enumerations of the children entitled to 
the privileges of the common schools re- 
siding therein. 

The total amount of the proceeds aris- 
ing from the sale of school lands, now in 
the State Treasury to the credit of San- 
dusky county, is thirty-three thousand two 
hundred and fifteen dollars and fifty cents, 
producing annually one thousand nine 
hundred and ninety-two dollars and 
eighty-seven cents to be applied to the sup- 
port of schools and distributed as above 
mentioned. 

There is yet to be paid over to the 
State the further sum of three hundred 
and seventy-five dollars and twenty-two 
cents, being amounts due from purchasers 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



93 



who are delinquent in payment for their 
lands. When this delinquency shall be 
paid over to the State, as doubtless it 
soon will be, the total amount on which 
the county can draw interest will be thircy- 
three thousand five hundred and eighty- 
nine dollars and twenty-two cents. The 
annual interest then to be drawn from the 
State for the support of schools, as long 
as the State may exist, will be two thou- 
sand and fifteen dollars and thirty-eight 
cents. This fund, under the law, is ap- 
plied to the payment of teachers only, 
and as the law stands cannot be applied 
to any other purpose. The cost of build- 
ing school-houses and all expenses of 
public or common schools, excepting 
wages of teachers, are paid out of money 
raised by taxation on the localities re- 
spectively. A further mention of this 
subject will fall properly under the chapter 
on schools, and may be mentioned there. 

If these school lands had remained un- 
disposed of until the present time, and 
were sold at present prices they would 
have brought not less than an average 
price of twenty dollars per acre, or an ag- 
gregate of seventy thousand four hun- 
dred dollars, yielding annually, at six per 
cent., the sum of four thousand two hun- 
dred and four dollars. 

Whether the early selling of these 
lands was wise or unwise is a question 
useless to discuss at this time, but if any- 



one should feel inclined to charge impru- 
dence on the pioneers and early settlers 
in the disposition of the land, there are 
some considerations in mitigation of any 
blame to be charged, if indeed there be 
not a complete justification. 

The early settlers were poor; they de- 
sired to have their children educated, and 
needed the help which the interest on 
these sales afforded, in the support of 
schools. They were here making the 
roads, clearing away the forests, and un- 
dergoing many hardships not experienced 
by the present inhabitants. These early 
inhabitants might be compared to a young 
man in possession of a little sum of 
money, which, if invested at good inter- 
est, would make him an ample fortune in 
old age, but he has no other means, and 
is hungry; bread he must have even if it 
costs all he has, and though he give all 
and save himself, his money is well spent, 
even if his anticipation as to a future for- 
tune must be all dissipated. These pio- 
neers did well to begin as they did, to start 
the cause of education at an early 
day, though they sacrificed prospective 
pecuniary gain in doing so. Another fact 
should be considered, which is, that with 
the obligation on the part of the State to 
pay annual interest at six per cent., there 
is a time coming when, if summed up, 
the payments will overtake and far surpass 
any value the land can ever attain. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



COUNTY ORGANIZATION. 
The Name — The County Organized — First Court-House — How Built. 



THE NAME. 

SANDUSKY is derived from the lan- 
guage of the Wyandot tribe of In- 
dians, who for a long time possessed the 
country along the Sandusky River to its 
source, and along Tymochtee Creek, one 
of its principal tributaries. The Wyandot 
pronunciation of the word was Sa-un-dus- 
tee; as spoken by the luiglish interpreters, 
it was compressed and pronounced San- 
dusky, and thus the word was changed 
from a word of four syllables to one of 
three. 

The signification of the word has been 
a matter of some question and dispute. 
It is, according to the best authority: 
"water within water pools." In the discus- 
sions about the name, it seems to have 
been claimed that it was derived from 
"Sowdousky," the name of an early In- 
dian trader among the Wyandots. But the 
correctness of this claim is put in great 
doubt, if not entirely overcome, by 
the explanation of William Walker, 
the head chief of the Wyandots, and 
a man of learning and great intelli- 
gence, and fully competent to give a cor- 
rect definition of the word in both lan- 
guages. In 1S35 Mr. Walker was at Co- 
lumbus, Ohio, and in that year had a con- 
versation with Mr. John H. James on the 
precise question. In this conversation 
Mr. James asked Mr. Walker the meaning 
of the word Sandusky. Mr. Walker re- 



plied that it meant "at the cold water, 
and should be sounded Sandoos-tee; that 
it carried with it the force of a preposi- 
tion." The Upper Coldwater (Upper 
Sandusky) and Lower Coldwater (Lower 
Sandusky) then were descriptive Indian 
names, given long before the presence of 
the trader Sowdousky. 

The word, then, taking these statements 
together, seems to mean a river or water- 
course, where cold water stands in pools. 
The name having this peculiar significa- 
tion, in early times was used to designate 
the whole country along the Sandusky 
River and Bay. Hence, in order to give S 
more specific designation to different lo- 
calities along the river and bay, we had 
in the earlier days of the white settlements 
of the region, Sandusky, now Sandusky 
City on the bay ; Lower Sandusky at the 
lower rapids of the Sandusky River, now 
Fremont; Upper Sandusky, Little San- 
dusky and Big Sandusky, located nearer 
the sources of the river, and on different 
branches of it. The county derives its 
name from the Sandusky River, which 
runs through it nearly from north to south, 
but inclining to the east as it approaches 
the Sandusky Bay, into which it empties 
its waters. 

ORGANIZ.^TION OF THE COUNTY. 

The county was for a number of years 
within the boundaries of Cuyahoga county, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



95 



which for some time extended over nearly 
all the north part of the State, and Cleve- 
land was the seat of justice. Afterwards 
Huron county was organized, and Nor- 
walk was for a time the seat of justice for 
all the territory west of it. The sale of 
the lands in the reservation of two miles 
square at the lower rapids of the Sandusky 
River, which took place in 1817, induced 
emigrants to settle at the place, and soon 
sufficient settlements were made to require 
a county organization. Accordingly, the 
county was formed by an act of the Gen- 
eral Assembly, dated April i, 1820, and 
then included in its boundaries not only 
the present county of Sandusky, but also 
the territory which now forms the counties 
of Seneca and Ottawa. 

At this time (1820) a number of men 
associated for the purpose, called the 
Kentucky Company, had purchased that 
portion of the Reserve, or nearly all of it, 
west of the river, and had laid out a large 
part into city lots. The plat denominates 
this survey as "the town of Sandusky." 
The United States had before kiid out the 
land upon the hill east of the river into 
city lots, and called it Croghansville, in 
honor of Colonel George Croghan, the 
hero of Fort Stephenson. 

In the county auditor's office of this 
county is an old, rather small record book, 
faded and worn but quaint and interest- 
ing in appearance as well as in the matter 
it contains. In a few years it may be lost 
amongst the rubbish of the office, or con- 
sumed by fire, and all it contains pass be- 
yond tlie historian's reach, and all the 
facts recorded in it be forgotten. This 
old record is interesting, because it con- 
tains the names of men who were pioneers 
indeed, and who were active in organiz- 
ing the county; it also gives some idea of 
the poverty of the early settlers, and their 
method of transacting public business, 
and at the same time is so pertinent to the 



subject of this chapter that we incorporate 
in this collection the following extracts 
from it. 

The title of the book is in large, coarse 
hand-writing, entirely covering the first 
page, and reads as follows: 

commissioners' book. 
The following documents of the Commissioners 
Record are transcribed from the organization of San- 
dusky county up to January the 5th, in the year 
1822, byjosiah Rumery,'auditor of Sandusky county 
by order of the conmiissioners. 

Test by JosiAH Rumery, Auditor. 

Such is the title of this record, from the 
first two pages of which we take the fol- 
lowing entries : 

At the first meeting of the Commissioners, held at 
the house of Morris A. Newman, in the town of 
Croghansville, on Saturday, the 8th day of April, 
one thousand eight hundred and twenty. 

No. I. — Ordered tliat Jesse W. Newman be ap- 
pointed Clerk of the Commissioners. 

No. 2. — Ordered, that Nicholas Whitinger be ap- 
pointed Treasurer of Sandusky County. 

No. 3. — Ordered, that there be two blank bookg 
purchased for the use of the County. 

No. 4. — Ordered that Charles B. Fitch be ap- 
pointed collector for Sandusky County for the year 
1820. 

No. 5. — Ordered that this meeting be and is hereby^ 
adjourned until Monday, the loth instant, at four 
Oclock p. M., on said day, at the house of Israel 
Harnngton, in Sandusky, 

No. 6. — Met in pursuant to adjournment at the 
house of Israel Harrington, on monday, the tenth 
day of April, 1820, when Jesse W. Newman was 
qualified and took the oath required by law, as Clerk 
of the Commissioners. 

No. 7. — Be it remembeied that this day personally 
caine Jaques Hulburd, County Clerk pro-tem, Willis 
E. Brown, Sheriff, Nicholas Whitinger Treasurer for 
the County of Sandusky, and severally gave bonds 
conditioned for the faithful discharge of their several 
duties as required by law. 

No. 8. — Ordered that this meeting be and is here- 
by adjourned until the 25th day of •April, 1820, at 
I O'clock p. M., at the house of Morris A. Newman, 
in the town of Croghansville. 

No. 9. — Commissioners met in pursuance to ad- 
journment at the house of Morris A. Newman, on 
tuesday, the 25th of April, in the year 1820, in the 
town of Broghansville. 

No. 10. — Ordered that Joseph Chafey be paid 
eleven dollars for Blank Books to be paid out of the 
county treasury. 



96 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



No. II. — Organization of Thompson Township. 
Ordered that a township be detaclied from the town- 
ship of Croghansville by the name of thompson; 
boundaries as follows: Beginning at the northeast 
corner of the Seneca Reservation, thence north from 
the Cinica Reservation to the present trailed road 
from Croghansville to Strong's settlement till it shall 
intersect the Fire-Lands, thence South with said line 
to the Rase Line, thence west along said line till a line 
due north will strike the place of beginning. 

Order to elect officers. — The qualified electors of 
the township of thompson are ordered to meet on 
Saturday, the 6th of May next, at the house of 
Joseph parmeter, for the purpose of electing their 
township officers, at lo O'clock a. m. on said day, 
and then and there proceed to elect said officers us 
the law directs. 

The foregoing extracts are a com pit te 
transcript with figures, capital letters, and 
spelling found on the first two pages of 
the old record. 

The county commissioners at the time, 
April 8, 1820, were Moses Nichols, Jere- 
miah Everett, and Morris A. Newman. 
They met, it seems, at different places, 
sometimes in Croghanville, on the east 
side, and at other times at Sandusky, on 
the west side of the river. 

In 1824 the statutes of the State re- 
quired merchants and tavern-keepers to 
pay a license, and this old record shows 
the revenue of the county from these 
sources to have been as follows : 

A list of treasurer's receipts from tavern and store 

licenses and permits since March i, 1882, in my 
office to wit : 

To George Reynolds, jiermit to keep tavern, $r 70 

To Calvin Leezen, tavern license 10 00 

To M. -A. Newman, tavern license 5 00 

To James McCollister, tavern license 10 00 

To Samuel Baker, permit to keep tavern i 50 

To Laurence Gynal, permit to keep tavern. . . 4 00 

To Jacob Millions, permit to keep tavern. ... i 00 

To Jacob Millions, permit to keep tavern. ... 4 co 

To J. S. & G. G. Olmstead, store license 15 00 

To Richard Sears, store license 15 00 

To Abram Courtright, tavern license 5 00 

To Samuel Cochran, tavern license 5 00 

To Bartholomew Rossoms, tavern license. ... 5 00 

To Israel Harrington, tavern license 10 00 

To Nicholas Whi linger, tavern license 10 00 

To Speeks, permit to vend merchandise i 00 

Full amount $ 103 20 



All which is respectfully submitted March 4, 1823. 
B. F. Drake, 

Clerk C. P. 

The exhibit of receipts from March 5, 
1822, to June, 1823, on this record is as 
follows : 

Received for store, tavern and ferry licenses. .$152 59 
from county collection of taxes. .. . 166 10 
from fines of fishermen and fighting 
men 1 1 70 

$330 39 

The record of expenditures for the year 
1823 shows the following items: 

Seth Cochran, for wolf scalps $34 00 

Henry Cochran, for wolf scalps 12 00 

J. Spank.ioble, for wolf scalps 3 00 

S. Baker, for wolf scalps 1500 

Caleb Rice, for wolf scalps 4 00 

D. Cochran, for wolf scalps 6 00 

W. White, for wolf scalps 3 00 

S. Root, for wolf scalps 3 00 

T. Wood, for wolf scalps 3 00 

J. Parrish, for wolf scalps 3 00 

J. Guinale, for wolf scalps 3 00 

A. Switzer, for wolf scalps 6 00 

A. Courtright, for wolf scalps 12 00 

Total $107 00 

In 1824 horses and cattle over three 
years old were listed and taxed by the head. 
Seneca county had then been organized, 
but what is now Ottawa county was still a 
part of Sandusky. 

The record above mentioned gives the 
number of horses and cattle over three 
years old in the different town.ships as fol- 
lows : 

H()K.SE!S. CATTI.IC. 

Sandusky township 33 83 

Croghan township 21 46 

Portage tow nship 26 151 

Riley township .' 26 169 

Ballville township 35 122 

Green Creek township 28 165 

Townsend township 10 123 

York township 22 153 

Total in the county 201 1012 

The total amount of taxes charged on 
the tax duplicate for the year 1824 was two 
hundred and ninety-five dollars and eighty- 
two cents. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



97 



HOW THE FIRST COURT HOUSE WAS BUILT. 

October 27, 18 17, the proprietors of 
land on the west side of the river laid out 
and recorded the plat of the town of San- 
dusky on the west side of the river. The 
location of the county-seat became a ques- 
tion of hot contest between Croghansville 
and the new town of Sandusky. After 
much discussion, commissioners to settle 
the question of difference were appointed 
by the General Assembly of the State. On 
viewing the ground and hearing the argu- 
ments and propositions of each party, these 
commissioners finally decided in favor of 
the west side. In platting the town of 
Sandusky the proprietors had set apart on 
their plat a square containing about half an 
acre of land, and dedicated it to the coun- 
ty for a court house, and another square 
of equal size (marked B) for jail and of- 
fices. Sandusky county not then having 
been organized, the plat of this survey was 
recorded in Huron county, of which San- 
dusky then formed a part. The proprie- 
tors who signed this plat of the town of 
Sandusky were: Thomas L. Hawkins, for 
self and Thomas E. Boswell; Morris A. 
Newman ; William Oliver, for self and 
company; Israel Harrington, for self and 
E. P.; Josiah Rumery. 

The following extract, from the county 
commissioners' record in the book above 
referred to, is interesting for several rea- 
sons, among which are : that it shows the 
manner of doing public business in those 
days, and also the names of a number of 
the pioneers who settled at Lower San- 
dusky and vicinity, and who were leading 
men in public affairs in 1822: 

SUBSCRIPTIONS FUR PUBLIC BUILDINGS. 

We, the undersigned, citizens of the county of 
Sandusky, do hereby bind ourselves, our heirs, ex- 
ecutors and administrators, firmly, to pay unto the 
commissioners of said county the following sums set 
opposite our names respectively, for the purpose of 
building a court-house, etc., provided the permanent 
seat of justice shall be located in the village of San- 




dusky, the same 10 be paid as follows, by the first 
day of April, 1823. 



Cyrus Hulburd 

Harvey J . Harmon. . 
Benjamin Wheat. . . . 
Israel Harrington... 

Calvin Leezen 

E. W. Howland 

Richard Se.irs 

William Andrews. . . . 
William McClellan.. . 
George and J. .S. Olmstead. 

David Gallagher 

Lysander C. Ball 

Nicholas Whitinger 

Moses Nichols 

Thomas L. Hawkins 

Jacob Bowlus 

Charles B. Fitch 

Joseph Loveland 

Daniel Brainard 

Asa B. Gavit 

Ezra Williams 

John Drury 

John W. Tyler 

Morris Tyler 

Daniel Tindall 

Sylvanus Bi.xby 

John Custard 

Martin Baum, ofCincinnati, 

by M. T. Williams 

David Chambers 

Ebenezer Granger & Co., 

by C. Hulburd 





r 




c 
c 


a 

5] 


$50 


$50 


$100 


$200 


5 


5 
20 


5 


5 






50 


SO 


5 


10 


SO 


4S 
25 


25 


10 


25 






25 


25 


SO 

2S 


10 








5 


5 


5 


5 




25 




25 


5 


25 


SO 


75 


50 










10 


10 
10 
10 




5 


5 


20 


5 


5 


5 
5 


S 


S 




5 


5 


5 




5 


5 




5 


5 
5 






5 








50 


50 


100 


200 


5 




10 









30 




$235 $305 


$515 


$745 



S '^ 



$400 



100 
100 



25 
50 



100 

25 



50 

155 

so 



35 



400 
15 



35 



Now let the reader realize, if possible, 
the actual surroundings of the few people 
in it when the county was organized. To 
do this, it must be remembered that at 
that time its surface, like that of north- 
western Ohio generally, was an almost un- 
broken wilderness, and with the exception 
of a few small spots of wet praiiie, covered 
by a dense forest of tall trees, — here and 
there a lonely, tortuous foot-path or bridle- 
way through the woods made by the In- 
dians in travelling from stream to stream, 
— no wagon-ways but those through the 
woods along the river, made for the move- 
ment of troops during the wars; no road- 
beds on these but the soft, wet, earth walled 
on each side and covered overhead by 
tall forest trees, among and around which 
the road was continually winding. As to 
the means of subsistence, the. cornfield 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COTNTY. 



and garden furnished bread and vegeta- 
bles; fish were very abundant and con- 
veniently procured from the rivers and 
creeks. Probably half the meat used by 
the inhabitants was obtained by the use 
of the rifle among the deer and turkeys in 
the woods, and ducks and geese along the 
streams. For a number of years during 
the early settlement on the Sandusky 
River, corn bread made of meal of Indian 
corn, was the only bread, and the meal 
was made in two ways : One was, by grat- 
ing the corn before it entirely hardened, 
on a grater made by punching a sheet of 
tin full of small holes, and taking the rough 
side for the grater. The tin was bent into an 
arch, rough side out, and the sides nailed 
to a shingle or piece of wood. On this 
rou^h surface the fresh ear of corn was 



rubbed until the corn was grated from the 
cob. The other method was to dry the 
shelled corn until it was hard and brittle 
and then placing it m a wooden mortar 
pound it to meal with a wooden pestle. 

These brief statements may give some 
idea of the condition of the country and 
of the people who launched Sandusky 
county into civil life and power, and laid 
the foundations of her prosperity, and the 
happiness of her people. 

We place these statements on record 
here, so that when years shall have rolled 
past, and the county shall be thickly 
peopled and all its resources fully de- 
veloped, the curious may be able to com- 
pare the county from the beginning, and 
reckon the course and distance of her 
progress. 



CHAPTER YIII (a). 

FORT STEPHENSON. 



Fk^mont, Ohio, August 22, 1877. 
Hon. Homer Eveiett: 

Df.akSir: You are hereby requested by the cUy 
council of this city to furnish for pubhcation an his- 
torical account of the defence of Fort Stephenson, 
and the purchase and dedication of the site of the 
fort for a public park. Hoping this request will meet 
with your approbation, we remain, 

Yours, etc., 
C. R. McCi'i.LoCH, 

President of the Council. 
W. W. Stine, City Clerk. 

In compliance with the rec|uest in the foregoing 
resolution, I submit to the Mayor and council of the 
city of Fremont the following memoranda of events 
connected with Fort .Stephenson (or Fort .Sandusky). 

THE N.A.ME. 

The histories of the War of 1812 use 
two names to designate this fort. In an 
account of the battle here, published in 
March, A. D. 1815, Volume V., of the 
Port-Folio, a monthly pamphlet published 



by Oliver Oldschool, it is called Fort San- 
dusky. In late publications and histories 
both names are used to designate the 
place, as "Fort Stephenson or Lower San- 
dusky." [Western Annals, by James 
H. Parker, page 544 ; Historical Collec- 
tions of Ohio, by Henry Howe, pages 
448 and 449; History of the Maumee 
Valley, by H. S. Knapp, page 183.] 

The name of Fort Sandusky was natur- 
ally derived from the river, near which it 
was situated. The other appellation of 
Fort Stephenson (or Stevenson, for it is 
spelled both ways in published histories,) 
was probably given to the place because 
Colonel Stevenson at one time command- 
ed the post. The following general order 
shows that he was in command on and 
before the 14th of May, 1813 : 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



99 



GENERAL ORDERS. 

Headquarters, Lower Sandusky, \ 
14th May, 1813. ) 

The troops which now form the garrison at Lower 
Sandusky will be relieved to-day by a detachment 
furnished by His Excellency, General Meigs, to the 
senior officer of which Colonel Stevenson will deliver 
the post and public property in his possession. 

The militia belonging to General Wadsworth's di- 
vision, now at this place, will, as soon as relieved, 
commence their march for Cleveland, where they 
will remain for the protection of that town. 

Colonel Stevenson will furnish the senior officer of 
this detachment with a copy of this order, and the 
quartermaster here will provide the means of a trans- 
port for them. By order, 

R. Graham, .Adjutant. 

The following report is the first instance 
I have found where the name "Fort Steph- 
enson" was authentically used. It seems 
to be a report on the transportation to be 
furnished under the preceding order, but 
the spelling of Stevenson, I notice, is 

changed: 

Fort Stephenson, \ 
May 22, 1813. J 
May it Please Your Excellency: 

Sir: Agreeably to your orders, sent by Mr. Bishop, 
I have forwarded all the articles specified therein. 
The carriages on which they are to be mounted have 
not yet arrived, but are daily expected, as teams 
have been sent from this place under an escort from 
the garrison. If you deem it necessary that one of 
the carriages should be forwarded to Cleveland, the 
same will be done, on your order. Considerable 
manual lator has been done on the garrison since 
you left this place, and improvements are daily mak- 
ing. 

The troops in general in the garrison are afflicted 
with bad colds. No epidemic or contagious disorder 
prevails. One person has been buried since you left 
this post. He came from Fort Meigs with a part of 
the baggage of Major Todd. 

No news, or any apprehension of danger. 

By order of Major Commanding. 

R. E. Post, .Adjutant. 
R. J. Meigs, Governor State of Ohio. 

My memory holds, clearly, events as 
early as 1S25, and events earlier. I have 
lived here since the year 1815, and ever 
since my earliest recollection the fort has 
been known in the locality as "Fort 
Stevenson." 



WHEN AND BY WHOM CONSTRUCTED. 

I am unable to find any data by which 
to determine the exact time when the con- 
struction of the fort was begun. By the 
treaty of Greenville, between the United 
States, represented by Anthony Wayne, 
and the hostile tribes of Indians in the 
territory northwest of the Ohio River, 
August 3, 18 15, the United States obtained 
title to a number of tracts of land, called 
afterwards reservations, in different parts 
of the territory. Among those was a 
tract of land two miles square at the lower 
rapids of the Sandusky River. They also 
obtained by the same treaty the right of 
way to and from each of these several 
tracts. Wayne was an experienced Ind- 
ian fighter, and had then effectually subr 
dued them ; and knowing their character, 
no doubt anticipated further hostilities. 
His wise foresight is remarkably displayed 
in the selection of these parcels of land 
for advantageous military posts and forts. 

The next we know of military opera- 
tion here was on the 18th of January, A. 
D. 1813, when General Harrison hastened 
here from Upper Sandusky, and on that 
morning sent forward a battalion of troops 
to the support of Winchester in his march 
to Detroit. 

The next mention of the place in mili- 
tary history is found in a general report to 
United States Secretary of War John 
Armstrong, under date of " Headquarters, 
foot of the Miami Rapids, nth February, 
1813," in which, while giving his intended 
disposition of his forces, he wrote: "A 
company will be placed at Upper San- 
dusky, and another at Lower Sandusky." 

He does not in this communication 
apply the term "fort" in connection with 
either place. Hence, a fair inference that 
at the date of this report no fort had been 
constructed. 

I therefore conclude that the fort was 
built between the nth of February, 1813, 



I oo 



HISTORY OF SANJDUSKY COUNTY. 



and the 14th of May following, by Colonel 
Stevenson, who was relieved at the date 
last mentioned, by the order first above 
quoted. 

That it was improved by the detach- 
ment sent to his relief, as shown by the 
foregoing report of Adjutant R. PI Post, 
under date of May 22, 1813, and was 
completed by Major Croghan (pronounced 
Croh-an) after he took command of it, 
which was on or about the 15th of July, 
1813. [Portfolio, Vol. v., page 216, 
published March, 1815.] The same com- 
munication to the Portfolio has the fol- 
lowing: 

No doubt was entertained that the enemy would 
visit Sandusky. Accordingly Colonel Croghan 
labored day and night to place the fort (which had 
received no advantages from nature or art) in a 
State of defence. The necessity of cutting a ditch 
round the fort immediately presented itself to him. 
This was done; but in order to render the enemy's 
plans abortive, should they succeed in passing the 
ditch (which was nine feet wide and six feet deep), 
he had large logs placed on top of the fort, and so 
adjusted that an inconsiderable weight would cause 
them to fall from their position, and crush to death 
all who might be situated below. 

The walls of the fort were made of 
logs, some round and some flat on one 
side, being half of larger pieces of tim- 
ber, averaging about eighteen inches in 
thickness, set firmly in the earth, perpen- 
dicularly, each picket crowded closely 
against the other and about ten feet high, 
sharpened at the top. The walls inclosed 
about one acre of ground on a bluff 
formed by the hills, bounding the valley 
of the river on the east of the fort, and a 
ravine running in a northeasterly direc- 
tion, cutting through the bluff north of 
the fort. 

After Croghan arrived at the fort he 
had a ditch six feet deep and nine feet 
wide, dug around it outside, throwing 
about half the earth against the foot of 
the pickets, and grading it sharply down 
to the bottom of the ditch. The other 
portion of earth was thrown on the outer 



bank of the ditch, thus increasing the 
depth from the top of the outer bank. 

Our esteemed citizen, J. P. Moore, in- 
formed the writer a few years since that he 
had a conversation with one James Kirk, 
then of Michigan, but since deceased. 
Kirk was then on a visit to Fremont, and 
guest of Mr. Moore. He informed Mr. 
Moore that he (Kirk) was here in the 
spring of 181 3, and worked on the fort, 
and, being a blacksmith by trade, put the 
hinges on the gate of an addition to the 
fort ; that an additional area was en- 
closed that spring and fore part of the 
summer equal to the area of the original 
fort. 

This fact accounts for what might other- 
wise appear singular, viz: A block-house 
or bastion near the middle of the north 
ditch. Kirk also mentioned a store- 
house then erected, built of peeled logs, 
which, being higher than the other build- 
ings and not so strong, was battered down 
by the enemy's cannon during the siege. 
In this house. Kirk said, was stored a 
quantity of hard bread intended for the 
support of the men in Perry's fleet, which 
was expected up the lake about that time. 
Kirk was sent to Fort Seneca shortly be- 
fore the battle, and was, consequently, 
not present during the engagement. But 
he returned shortly after, and for many 
years worked at his trade in this place. 
He was long known to the writer when a 
boy, and was a good citizen and an honor- 
able, truthful man. 

THE ATTACK AND DEFENCE OF THE FORT. 

Having raised the siege of Camp Meigs, 
the British sailed around into Sandusky 
Bay, while a competent number of their 
savage allies marched across through the 
swamps of Portage River, to co-operate in 
a combined attack on Lower Sandusky, 
expecting, no doubt, that General Harri- 
son's attention would be chiefly directed 
to forts Winchester and Meigs. The Gen 



\ 




Plan Of Fort Stephenson and Battle of Lower Sandusky. 



'FoK Description See History.) 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



loi 



eral, however, had calculated on their 
taking this course, and had been careful 
to keep patrols down the bay, opposite the 
mouth of the Portage, where he supposed 
their forces would debark. 

Several days before the British had in- 
vested Fort Meigs, General Harrison, with 
Major Croghan and some other ofificers, 
had examined the heights which sur- 
rounded Fort Stephenson; and as the hill 
on the opposite or southeast side of the 
river was found to be the most commanding 
eminence, the General had some thoughts 
of removing the fort to that place, and 
Major Croghan declared his readiness to 
undertake the work. But the General did 
not authorize him to do it, and he believed 
that if the enemy intended to invade our 
territory again, they would do it before the 
removal could be completed. It was then 
finally concluded that the fort, which was 
calculated for a garrison of only two hun- 
dred men, could not be defended against 
the heavy artillery of the enemy; and that 
if the British should approach it by water, 
which would cause a presumption that 
they had brought their heavy artillery, the 
fort must be abandoned and burnt, pro- 
vided a retreat could be effected with 
safety. In the orders left with Major 
Croghan, it was stated: "Should the Brit- 
ish troops approach you in force with 
cannon, and you can discover them in 
time to effect a retreat, you will do so im- 
mediately, destroying all the public stores." 

"You must be aware that the attempt 
to retreat in the face of an Indian force 
would be vain. Against such an enemy 
your garrison would be safe, however great 
the number." 

On the evening of the 2gth General 
Harrison received intelligence, by express, 
from General Clay, that the enemy had 
abandoned the siege of Fort Meigs; 
and as the Indians on that day had 
swarmed in the woods round his camp, he 



entertained no doubt but that an immedi- 
ate attack was intended either on Sandus- 
ky or Seneca. He therefore immediately 
called a council of war, consisting of Mc- 
Arthur, Cass, Ball, Paul, Wood, Hukill, 
Holmes and Graham, who were unani- 
mously of the opinion that Fort Stephen, 
son was untenable against heavy artillery, 
and that as the enemy could bring with fa- 
cility any quantity of battering cannon 
against it, by which it must inevitably fall, 
and as it was an unimportant post, con- 
taining nothing the loss of which would be 
felt by us, that the garrison should there- 
fore not be reinforced, but withdrawn, and 
the place destroyed. In pursuance of this 
decision, the General immediately dis- 
patched the order to Major Croghan, di- 
recting him immediately to abandon Fort 
Stephenson, to set it on fire and repair with 
his command to headquarters — cross the 
river and come up on the opposite side, 
and if he should find it impracticable to 
reach the (General's quarters, to take the 
road to Huron, and pursue it with the ut- 
most circumspection and dispatch. This 
order was sent by Mr. Conner and two 
Indians, who lost their way in the dark, 
and did not reach Fort Stephenson until 
1 1 o'clock the next day. When Major 
Croghan received it, he was of the opinion 
that he could not then retreat with safety, 
as the Indians were hovering round the 
fort in considerable force. He called a 
council of his ofificers, a majority of whom 
coincided with him in opinion that a re- 
treat would be unsafe, and that the post 
could be maintained against the enemy, 
at least till further instructions could be 
received from headquarters. The Major, 
therefore, immediately returned the follow- 
ing answer: 

Sir : I have just received yours of yesterday, lo 
p. M. , ordering me to destroy this place and make 
good my retreat, which was received too late to be 
carried into execution. We have determined lo 
maintain this place, and, by heavens, we can. 



lOZ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



In writing this brief note Major Cro- 
ghaii had a view to the piobaability of 
its falhnp; into the hands of the ene- 
my, and on that account made use of 
stronger language than would otherwise 
have been consistent with ])ropiiety. It 
reached the General on the same day, 
who did not fully understand the circum- 
stances and motives under which it had 
been dictated. The following order was 
therefore immediately prepared and sent 
with Colonel ^Vells in the morning, es- 
corted by Colonel Ball, with his corps of 
dragoons : 

July 30, 1813. 
Sir : Tlie General has just received your letter of 
this date, informing him that you had thought proper 
to disobey the order issued from this office, and de- 
livered to you this morning. It appears that tlie in- 
formation which dictated the order was incorrect; 
and as vou did not receive it in the night, as was ex- 
pected, it might have been proper tliat you should 
have reported the circumstance and your situation, 
before you proceeded to its execution. This might, 
have been passed over; but I am diiected to say to 
you, that an officer who presumes to aver that he has 
made his resolution, and that he will act in direct op- 
position to the orders of the General, can no longer 
be entrusted with a separate command. Colonel 
Wells is sent to relieve you. You will deliver the 
command to him, and repair with Colonel Ball's 
squadron to this place. By command, etc. 

A. H. Hoi.MES, 
Assistant .Adjutant-General. 

Colonel Wells being left in the com- 
mand of Fort Stephenson, Major Croghan 
returned with the squadron to headquar- 
ters. He there explained his motive for 
writing such a note, which was deemed 
satisfactory; and having ren)ained all 
night with the General, who treated him 
politely, he was permitted to return to his 
command in the morning, with written or- 
ders similar to those he had received be- 
fore. 

A reconnoitring parly which had been 
sent from headquarteis to the shore of the 
lake, about twenty miles distant from Fort 
Stephenson, discovered the approach of 
the enemy, by water, on the 31st of July. 



They returned by the fort after 12 o'clock 
the next day, and had passed it but a 
few hours when the enemy made their 
appearance before it. The Indians showed 
themselves first on the hill over the 
river, and were saluted by a six-pounder, 
the only piece of artillery in the fort, which 
soon caused them to retire. In half an 
hour the British gun-boats came in sight, 
and the Indian forces displayed themselves 
in every direction, with a view to intercept 
the garrison, should a retreat be attempted. 
The six-])ounder was fired a few times at 
the gun-boats, which was returned by the 
artillery of the enemy. A landing of their 
troops with a five and a half inch howitzer 
was effected about a mile below the fort, 
and Major Chambers, accompanied by 
Dickson, was dispatched towards the fort 
with a flag, and was met on the part of 
Major Croghan by Ensign Shipp, of the 
Seventeenth regiment. After the usual 
ceremonies. Major Chambers observed to 
Ensign Shipp that he was instructed by 
General Proctor to demand the surrender 
of the fort, as he was anxious to spare the 
effusion of human blood, which he could 
not do should he be under the necessity 
of reducing it by the powerful force of ar- 
tillery, regulars, and Indians under his com- 
mand. Shipp replied that the commandant 
of the fort and its garrison was determined 
to defend it to the last extremity; that no 
force, however great, could induce them to 
surrender, as they were resolved to main- 
tain their ])ost, or to bury themselves in 
its ruins. Dickson then said that their 
immense body of Indians could not be 
restrained from murdering the whole gar- 
rison in case of success ; of which we have 
no doubt, rejoined Chambers, as we are 
amply jjrepared. Dickson then proceeded 
to remark, that it was a great pity so fine 
a young man sliould fall into the hands of 
the savages — Sir, for God's sake, surren- 
der, and prevent the dreadful massacre 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



103 



that will be caused by your resistance. 
Mr. Shipp replied, that when the fort was 
taken there would be none to massacre. 
It will not be given u|) while a man is able 
to resist. An Indian at this moment came 
out of the adjoining ravine, and advancing 
to the ensign, took hold of his sword and 
attempted to wrest it from him. Dickson 
interfered, and having retained the Indian, 
affected great anxiety to get him safe into 
the fort. 

The enemy now opened fire from their 
six-pounder in the gunboats and the how- 
itzer on shore, which they continued 
through the night with but little intermis- 
sion and with very little effect. The forces 
of the enemy consisted of five hundred 
regulars, and about eight hundied Indians 
commanded by Dickson, the whole being 
commanded by General Proctor in person. 
Tecumseh was stationed on the road to 
Fort Meigs with a body of two thousand 
Indians, expecting to intercept a reinforce- 
ment on that route. 

Major Croghan, through the evening, 
occasionally fired his six-pounder, at 
the same time changing its place, to in- 
duce a belief that he had more than 
one piece. As it produced very little ex- 
ecution on the enemy, and he was desir- 
ous of saving his ammunition, he soon 
discontinued his fire. The enemy had di- 
rected their fire against the northwestern 
angle of the fort, which induced the com- 
mander to believe that an attempt would 
be made to storm his works at that point. 
In the night Captain Hunter was directed 
to remove the six-pounder to a block- 
house, from which it would rake that 
angle. By great industry and personal ex- 
ertion. Captain Hunter soon accomplished 
this object in secrecy. The embrasure 
was masked and the piece loaded with a 
half-charge of powder, and double-charge 
of slugs and grape-shot. Early in the 
morning of the 2d the enemy opened 



their fire from their howitzer and three 
six-pounders, which they had landed in 
the night, and planted in a point of woods 
about two hundred and fifty yards from 
the fort. In the evening, about 4 o'clock, 
they concentrated the fire of all their guns 
on the northwest angle, which convinced 
Major Croghan that they would endeavor 
to make a breach and storm the works at 
that point ; he therefore immediately had 
that place stiengthened as much as possible 
with bags of flour and sand, which were so 
effectual that the jiicketing in that place 
sustained no maltrial injury. Sergeant 
Weaver, with five or six gentlemen of the 
Petersburg volunteers and Pittsburgh 
Blues, who happened to be in the fort, was 
intrusted with tlie management of the six- 
pounder. 

Late in the evening, when the smoke of 
the firing had completely enveloped the 
fort, the enemy proceeded to make the 
assault. Two feints were made toward 
the southern angle, where Ca])tain Hun- 
ter's lines were formed; and at the same 
time a column of three hundred and fifty 
men was discovered advancing through 
the smoke, within twenty paces of the 
northwestern angle. A heavy, galling fire 
of musketry was now opened upon them 
from the fort, which threw them into some 
confusion. Colonel Short, who headed 
the principal column, soon rallied his 
men, and led them vvfith great bravery to 
the brink of the ditch. After a moment- 
ary pause he leaped into the ditch, calling 
to his men to follow him, and in a few 
minutes it was full. The masked port- 
hole was now opened, and the six-pounder, 
at the distance of thirty feet, poured such 
destruction among them that but few who 
had entered the ditch were fortunate 
enough to escape. A precipitate and 
confused retreat was the immediate conse- 
quence, although some of the officers 
attempted to rally their men. The other 



I04 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



column, which was led by Colonel War- 
burton and Major Chambers, was also 
routed in confusion by a destructive fire 
from the line commanded by Captain 
Hunter. The whole of them fled into 
the adjoining wood, beyond the reach of 
our fire-arms. During the assault, which 
lasted half an hour, the enemy kept up 
an incessant fire from their howitzer and 
five six-pounders. They left Colonel 
Short,* a lieutenant and twenty-five pri- 
vates dead in the ditch; and the total 
number of prisoners taken was twenty-six, 
most of them badly wounded. Major 
Muir was knocked down in the ditch, and 
lay among the dead till the darkness of 
the night enabled him to escape in safety. 
The loss of the garrison was one killed 
and seven sHghtly wounded. The total 
loss of the enemy could not have been 
less than one hundred and sixty killed and 
wounded. 

When night came on, which was soon 
after the assault, the wounded in the ditch 
were in a desperate situation. Complete 
relief could not be brought to them by 
either side with any degree of safety. 
Major Croghan, however, relieved them 
as much as possible — he contrived to 
convey them water over the picketing in 
buckets, and a ditch was opened under 
the pickets, through which those who 
were able and willing, were encouraged 
to crawl into the fort. All who were able 
preferred, of course, to follow their de- 
feated comrades, and many others were 
carried from the vicinity of the fort by the 
Indians, particularly their own killed and 
wounded; and in the night, about three 

*Colonel Short, who commanded the regulars 
composing the forlorn hope, was ordering his men 
to leap the ditch, cut down the pickets and give the 
Americans no quarter, when he fell mortally wounded 
into the ditch, hoisted his white handkerchief on the 
end of his sword, and begged for that mercy which 
he had a moment before ordcied to be denieil to his 
enemy. 



o'clock, the whole British and Indian 
force commenced a disorderly retreat. So 
great was their precipitation that they left 
a sail-boat containing some clothing and 
a considerable quantity of military stores- 
and on the next day, seventy stand of 
arms and some braces of pistols were 
picked up about the fort. Their hurry 
and confusion was caused by the appre 
hension of an attack from General Harri- 
son, of whose position and force they had 
probably received an exaggerated account. 
It was the intention of General Har- 
rison, should the enemy succeed against 
Fort Stephenson, or should they endeavor 
to turn his left and fall on Upper San- 
dusky, to leave his camp at Seneca and 
fall back for the protection of that place. 
But he discovered by the firing on the 
evening of the ist, that the enemy had 
nothing but light artillery, which could 
make no impression on the fort ; and he 
knew that an attempt to storm it without 
making a breach, could be successfully 
repelled by the garrison; he therefore de- 
termined to wait for the arrival of two 
hundred and fifty mounted volunteers 
under Colonel Rennick, being the advance 
of seven hundred who were approaching 
by the way of Upper Sandusky, and then 
to march against the enemy and raise the 
siege, if their force was not still too great 
for his. On the 2d he sent several scouts 
to ascertain their situation and force; but 
the woods were so infested with Indians 
that none of them could proceed suffi- 
ciently near the fort to make the necessary 
discoveries. In the night the messenger 
arrived at headquarters with the intelli- 
gence that the enemy were preparing to 
retreat. About nine o'clock Major Crogh- 
an had ascertained, from, their collecting 
about their bf)ats, that they were pre- 
paring to embark, and had immediately 
sent an exi)ress to the commander-in-chief 
with this information. The General now 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



105 



determined to wait no longer for the rein- 
forcements, and immediately set out with 
the dragoons, with which he reached the 
fort early in the morning, having ordered 
Generals McArthur and Cass, who had 
arrived at Seneca several days before, to 
follow him with all the disposable infantry 
at that place, and which at this time was 
about seven hundred men, after the nu- 
merous sick, and the force necessary to 
maintain the position, were left behind. 
Finding that the enemy had fled entirely 
from the fort, so as not to be reached by 
him, and learning that Tecumseh was 
somewhere in the direction of Fort Meigs, 
with two thousand warriors, he immedi- 
ately ordered the infantry to fall back to 
Seneca, lest Tecumseh should make an at- 
tack on that place, or intercept the small 
reinforcements advancing from Ohio. 

In his official report of this affair. Gen- 
eral Harrison observes that: "It will not 
be among the least of General Proctor's 
mortifications, that he has been baffled by 
a youth, who has just passed his twenty- 
first year. He is, however, a hero worthy 
of his gallant uncle, General George R. 
Clarke." 

Captain Hunter, of the Seventeenth 
regiment, the second in command, con- 
ducted himself with great propriety; and 
never was there a set of finer young fel- 
lows than the subalterns, viz : Lieuten^ 
ants Johnson and Baylor of the Seven- 
teenth, Meeks of the Seventh, and En- 
signs Shipp and Duncan, of the Seven- 
teenth. 

Lieutenant Anderson, of the Twenty- 
fourth, was also noticed for his good con- 
duct. Being without a command, he 
solicited Major Croghan for a musket and 
a post to fight at, which he did with the 
greatest bravery. 

"Too much praise," says Major Cro- 
ghan, "can not be bestowed on the officers, 
non-commissioned officers, and privates 



under my command, fox their gallantry 
and good conduct during the siege." 

The brevet rank of Lieutenant-Colonel 
was immediately conferred on Major Cro- 
ghan, by the President of the United 
States, for his gallant conduct on this oc- 
casion. -The ladies of Chillicothe also 
presented him an elegant sword, accom- 
panied by a suitable address. 

The following sketches of Colonel 
George Croghan are taken from the Port- 
folio, published in 18 15: 

Frankfort, July 22, 1814. 
To the Editor of the Port-folio: 

Sir : Upon receiving the letter which you did me 
the honor to address to me by Mrs. B., I imme- 
diately took such measures as were necessary to pro- 
cure the information you requested. 1 now transmit 
to you the result of my inquiries, regretting that it 
was not in my power to do it sooner. 

At the time when Colonel Croghan and myself 
were inmates of the same house, he was injhis four- 
teenth year. No incident occurred during that early 
period sufficiently interesting to find a place in his 
history; yet, even then, his conduct exhibited a 
happy combination of those talents and principles 
which have already procured him the admiration and 
gratitude of his country. 

Though ingenuous in his dispositiijn and unassum- 
ing and conciliating in his manners, he was remarka- 
ble for discretion and steadiness. His opinions, 
when once formed, were mamtained with modest but 
persevering firmness ; and the propriety of his decis- 
ions generally justified the spirit with which they 
were defended. Yet, though rigid to his adherence 
to principle, and in his estimate of what was right 
or improper, in cases of minor importance he was 
all compliance. I never met with a youth who would 
so cheerfully sacrifice every personal gratification to 
the wishes or accommodation of his friends. In 
sickness or disappointment he evinced a degree of 
patience and fortitude which could not have been ex- 
ceeded by any veteran in the school of misfortune or 
philosophy. Were I asked, what were the most 
prominent features of his character? (or rather, what 
were the prevailing dispositions of his mind?) at the 
period of which I am speaking, — I would answer, 
decision and urbanity ; the former, resulting from 
the uncommon and estimable qualities of his under- 
standing — the latter, from the concentration of all 
the sweet "charities of life," in his heart. Thus far 
from my own observation. I have seldom seen Col- 
onel Croghan for the last eight years ; but subjoin 
the testimony of those to whose observation he has 
been exposed during the whole of that period. 



io6 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



An intelligent young gentleman, who was his asso- 
ciate in study and in arms, has given me a brief 
sketch of his military career, which I herewith trans- 
mit, together with such corroborative and additional 
circumstances as I have collected from other sources, 
and which in substance amount to this : 

Lieutenant-Colonel George Croghan was born at 
Locust Grove, near the falls of Ohio, on the 15th of 
November, 1791. His father, Major William Cro- 
ghan, left Ireland at an early period of life ; was ap- 
pointed an officer in our Revolutionary army, and 
discharged his duties as such, to the satisfaction of 
the commander-in-chief. His mother is the daugh- 
ter of John Clarke, esq., of Virginia, a gentleman of 
worth and respectability, who exerted himself greatly, 
and contributed largely towards the support of our 
just and glorious contest. He had five sons, four of 
whom were officers in the Revolutionary army. Gen- 
eral William Clarke, who, together with Captain 
Lewis, explored, and is at present the Governor of 
Louisiana, was too young to participate with his 
brothers in the achievement of our liberties ; but his 
conduct since is a sufficient demonstration of the part 
he would have taken, had he been riper in years. 
The military talents of General George R. Clarke 
have obtained for him the flattering appellation of 
"the father of the western country." 

Colonel Croghan has always been esteemed gener- 
ous and humane; and, when a boy, his manly ap- 
pearance and independence of sentiment and action 
commanded the attention and admiration of all who 
knew him. 

The selection of his speeches for scholastic exer- 
cises tended in some measure to mark his peculiar 
talent. They were of a nature entirely military. 
He read with delight whatever appertained to mili- 
taiy affairs, and would listen for hours to conversa- 
tions respecting battles. His principal amusements 
were gunning and fox-hunting. He would frequent- 
ly rise at 12 o'clock at night, and repair to the woods 
alone (or with no attendant but his little servant), 
either to give chase to the fox, or battle to the wild 
cat and raccoon. 

Nothing offended him more than for any one, even 
in jest, to say a word disrespectful of General Wash- 
ington. 

While in the State of Kentucky his time was 
principally occupied by the study of his native 
tongue, geography, the elements of geometry, and 
the Latm and Greek languages. In these different 
branches of literature he made a respectable progress. 

In the year 1808 he left Locust Grove for the pur- 
pose of prosecuting his studies in the University of 
William and Mary. Iii this institution he graduated 
as A. B. on the 4th of July, 1820; and delivered, on 
the day of his graduation, an oration on the suljject 
of expatriation. This oration was deemed by the 
audience, concise, ingenious, and argumentative, and 
was pronounced in a manner which did great credit 



to his oratorical powers. The ensuing autumn he 
attended a course of lectures on law, and upon the 
termination of the course returned to his father's 
where he prosecuted the study of the same profes- 
sion, and occasionally indulged himself in miscel- 
laneous reading. Biography and history have always 
occupied much of his attention. He is an enthusias- 
tic admirer of the writings of Shakespeare, and can 
recite most of the noted passages of that great poet 
and philosopher. He admires tragedy but not 
comedy. He is (as his countenance indicates) rather 
of a serious cast of mind; yet no one admires more 
a pleasant anecdote, or an unaffected sally of wit. 
With his friends he is affable and free from reserve; 
his manners are prepossessing; he dislikes ostenta- 
tion, and was never heard to utter a word in praise 
of himself. 

In the autumn of 181 1 was fought the battle of 
Tippecanoe. This was the first opportunity which 
offered for the display of his military talents. He 
embraced it with avidity — left his father's house in 
the character of a volunteer, and w as appointed aid 
to General Harrison. On the 7th of November an 
attack was made on the troops under the command 
of that officer; the enemy were repulsed with valor; 
and during the engagement young Croghan evinced 
the greatest courage, activity, and military skill. 
His services were acknowledged by all; and he ex- 
hibited such proofs of a genius for war that many of 
his companions in arms remarked that "he was bora 
a soldier." A cant saying among the troops at Tip- 
pecanoe was " to do a main business;" and during 
the battle he would ride from post to post, exciting 
the courage of the men by exclaiming, "Now, my 
brave fellows, now is the time to do a main business." 
Upon the return of the troops from Tippecanoe, they 
were frequently met by persons coming to ascertain 
the fate of their children or friends. Among the 
number of these was a very poor and aged man, 
whose son was slain in the battle. Colonel Croghan, 
having ascertained the situation of the old man, and 
observing his inability to perform much bodily labor, 
regularly made his fires every morning, and supplied 
him with provisions, clothes, and money. Many 
acts of this kind are related of him by the soldiers 
and officers of Tippecanoe. 

After the battle of Tippecanoe, his military ardor 
greatly increased, and, upon the prospect of a speedy 
declaration of war, he expressed a desire to join the 
army. Recommendatory letters of the most flatter- 
ing kind were written by Generals Harrison and 
Boyd to the Secretary of War; and upon the com- 
mencement of hostilities against Great Britain, he 
was appointed captain in the Seventeenth regiment 
of infantry. He was stationed some time at Clark 
Cantonment, near the Falls of Ohio, but had not 
been long in command there before he was ordered 
to march, with what regulars he had, to the head- 
quarters of the Northwestern Army, then at Detroit. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



107 



His countenance beamed Avith delight upon receiving 
this order. There were large bodies of militia and 
volunteers on their march to Detroit, but before they 
had proceeded far they heard of Hull's surrender. 

Shortly after this the command of the North- 
western Army was given to General Harrison. Col- 
onel Croghan commanded a short time at Fort De- 
fiance, on the Miami, but upon the defeat of 
General Winchester he was ordered to Fort Meigs. 
His conduct during that memorable siege is hand- 
somely noticed in General Harrison's official report, 
and he was shortly afterwards promoted to a ma- 
jority, and stationed with his battalion at Upper 
Sandusky. While there he received information, by 
e.xpress, of an attack upon Lower Sandusky. It 
was late in the afternoon when the intelligence 
reached him — the road between the two places was 
intolerably bad — the distance thirty-six miles, and 
the rain descending in torrents; yet he proceeded at 
the head of his battalion to its relief, and continued 
his march until 12 o'clock at night, by which 
time he had advanced twenty miles. It then became 
so dark that he and his men were obliged to lie 
down in the road, and wait the return of light rather 
than run the risk of losing their way. 

He arrived at Fort Ball (twelve miles distant) be- 
fore sunrise the ne.xt morning, having waded through 
mud and mire frequently waist" deep, and having 
been e.xposed to a heavy rain during the whole night. 
He was there informed that the report of an attack 
upon Lower Sandusky was unfounded, but after re- 
maining a few days at Fort Ball he proceeded 
thither, having received orders to take the command 
at that post. He arrived there about the 15th of 
July. A few days after this Fort Meigs was be- 
sieged by a large British and Indian force. No 
doubt was entertained that the enemy would visit 
Sandusky. Accordingly, Colonel Croghan labored 
day and night to place the fort (which had received 
no advantages from nature or art) in a state of de- 
fence. The necessity of cutting a ditch round the 
fort, immediately presented itself to him. This was 
done; but in order to render the enemy's plans 
abortive, should they even succeed in leaping the 
ditch (which was nine feet wide, and six deep), he 
had large logs placed on the top of the fort, and so 
adjusted that an inconsiderable weight would cause 
them to fall from their position, and crush to 
death all who might be situated below. This im- 
provement in the art of fortification took place but 
a few days before the attack. It is novel, and origi- 
nated with himself. 

A short time before the action, he wrote 
the following concise and impressive let- 
ter to a friend: 

The enemy are not far distant — I expect an at- 
tack — I will defend this post till the last extremity — 
I have just sent away the women and children, with 



the sick of the garrison, that I may be able to act 
without incumbrance. Be satisfied. I shall, I hope, 
do my duty. 1 he example set me by my Revolution- 
ary kindred is before me — let me die rather than 
prove unworthy of their name. 

The following extract of a letter, written 
by a fellow-student and fellow-soldier of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Croghan, is here in- 
troduced as throwing additional light on 
the military character of that distinguished 
young officer: 

Lieutenant-Colonel George Croghan is a native of 
Kentucky, and the second son of Major William 
Croghan, near Louisville. He is the nephew of the 
gallant hero and accomplished general, George 
Rogers Clarke, the father of the western country, 
and of General William Clarke, the present enterpris- 
mg Governor of Missouri. His father is a native of 
Ireland, and having early embarked his fortunes in 
America, was a distinguished officer in the war of the 
Revolution. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Croghan was born on the 15th 
of November, 1791, and received all the advantages 
of education the best grammar schools in Kentucky 
could afford, until in his seventeenth year, when he 
commenced a scientific course in the ancient college 
of William and Mary, in Virginia. Both at school 
and at college he was remarked for an open manli- 
ness of character, and elevation of sentiment, and 
a strength of intellect, connected with a high and 
persevering ambition. 

In July, 1810, he graduated at William and Mary 
college, and soon afterwards commenced the study 
of law. With this view, he continued to visjt that 
university until the fall of i8ir, when he volunteered 
his services as a private in the campaign up the 
Wabash. A short time before the action of Tippe- 
canoe, he was appointed aid-de-camp to General 
Boyd, the second in command : and, although from 
his situation, he was not enabled to evince that ac- 
tivity which has since so much distinguished him, he 
exhibited a soul undaunted in one of the most san- 
guinary conflicts of the present day, and accordingly 
received the thanks of the commanding general. 

In consequence of his services on the Wabash ex- 
pedition, he was appointed a captain in the provi- 
sional army directed to be raised and organized in 
the spring of 1812. In August he marched with the 
detachment from Kentucky, under General Winches- 
ter, destined to relieve General Hull in Canada; and 
to those acquainted with the movements of that 
gallant but unfortunate litde army, the caution, zeal, 
and military capacity of Captain Croghan was con- 
spicuous. Upon visiting the various encampments 
of the army on its march along the Miami of the 
Lake, both before and after the attack on Fort 
Wayne, the ground occupied by Captain Croghan 



io8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



was easily designated by the judicious fortifications 
erected for the night. On the movement of the army 
towards the Rapids, he was entrusted with the com- 
mand of Fort Winchester, at the junction of the 
Auglaize and Miami Rivers, where he manifested his 
usual military arrangement. After the defeat at the 
River Raisin he joined General Harrison at the 
Rapids, previous to the erection of Fort Meigs. 

It is creditable to the discernment of General 
Harrison, that he relied with the utmost confidence 
on the judicious arrangements of Captain Croghan, 
in the trying, brilliant, and ever memorable siege of 
Fort Meigs. In ihe sortie under that gallant soldier, 
Colonel Miller, on the 5th of May, to the companies 
led by Captains Croghan, Langhan, and Bradford 
was confided the storming of the British batteries, 
defended by a regular force and a body of Indians, 
either of them superior in number to the assailants. 
Here Captain Croghans gallantry was again noticed 
in general orders. 

At a very critical period of the last campaign (that 
of 1813,) young Croghan, now promoted to a ma- 
jority, was appointed to the command of Fort San- 
dusky, at Lower Sandusky. On his conduct in the 
defence of that post, the official documents of the 
time, and the applause of a grateful country, are the 
most honorable commentary. The character of the 
campaign was changed from defensive to offensive 
operations, and its issue very materially influenced 
by the achievement. For his valor and good conduct 
on this occasion, Major Crogan was made, by brevet, 
a Lieutenant-Colonel. 

Colonel Croghan was made Inspector 
General of the army, with the rank of 
Colonel, December 21, 1825, and in that 
capacity served with General Taylor in 
Mexico. 

Congress presented him with a gold 
medal February 13, 1835, '^s a recognition 
of his gallant services in the defence of 
Fort Stephenson. 

I close this sketch with an incident 
which pithily illustrates the character of 
President Jackson and the esteem in 
which Colonel Croghan was held. 

Colonel Miller, the gallant "I'll try, sir," 
of the War of 181 2, was the first to make 
known to President Jackson that George 
Croghan, the splendid hero of the Fort 
Stephenson fight in 1813, who, with a 
handful of men, maintained against a 
thousand British and Indians a position 
that involved all the communication and 



defences of the Northwest, that George 
Croghan, with this gallant record, was to 
be court-martialed on a charge of "intem- 
perance in alcholic drinks." The old 
General listened impatiently to the infor- 
mation, but heard it through, and then he 
laid down his paper, rose from his chair, 
smote the table with his clenched fist, and, 
with his proverbial energy, declared: 
"Those proceedings of the court-martial 
shall be stopped, sir! George Croghan 
shiiU get drunk every day of his life if he 
wants to, and by the Eternal, the United 
States shall pay for the whiskey." 

PURCHASE OF THE GROUND BY THE CITY. 

At an early day after the village of 
Lower Sandusky was chartered — a few 
men suggested and desired that the village 
should purchase and preserve the fort. 
The purchase was talked of from time to 
time. While it was owned by Chester 
Edgerton, esq., he verbally agreed to sell 
it to the city for four thousand dollars. 
General R. P. Buckland, then represent- 
ing this district in the Ohio Senate, about 
the year 1856 procured the passage of an 
act empowering the village to purchase 
at that price, on the majority vote of the 
inhabitants. The vote was taken and car- 
ried in favor of the purchase. But by 
this time Mr. Edgerton had changed his 
mind, and declined, for some reason, to 
sell to the city, but afterwards sold to 
Mr. Lewis Leppelman. 

Among those who were always desirous 
the city should purchase, was Mr. Sardis 
Birchard, uncle of President Hayes. Fre- 
mont in the meantime became a city of 
the second class. Mr. Birchard, while 
alive, determined to found a public library 
in the city, where he had resided and ac- 
cumulated considerable wealth. He ac- 
cordingly donated property valued at fifty 
thousand dollars for the purpose, and ap- 
pointed as trustees of the library and the 
fund : The Mayor of the city of Fre- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



109 



mont, the Superintendent of the city 
schools, R. B. Hayes, R. P. Buckland, 
Rev. Ebenezer Bushnell, James W. Wil- 
son, Thomas Stihvell, William E. Haynes, 
and L. Q. Rawson. On meeting, the 
Board of Trustees chose the following of- 
ficers, who still hold their respective posi- 
tions : President, R. B. Hayes ; Vice- 
President, R. P. Buckland ; Secretary, 
W. W. Ross; Treasurer, James W. Wilson. 

It was the earnest wish of Mr. Birchard 
that the library should be located on the 
site of the fort, and that the city should 
own that ground for a park. Hence, when 
the owner, Lewis Leppleman, esq., offered 
four lots embracing the fort ground prop- 
erty for eighteen thousand dollars, and 
Mr. Claghan and Dr. W. V. B. Ames, 
each a lot on the south, which connect 
the ground from Croghan to Garrison 
streets, consented to sell for nine thous- 
and, Mr. Birchard authorized the trus- 
tees of the library to divert six thousand 
dollars of the library fund to the purchase. 
This not being sufficient with the funds 
appropriated by the city, General Hayes, 
to complete its purchase of the whole 
block, guaranteed three thousand dollars 
more out of the library fund, and the 
whole was purchased, and deeded to the 
city with condition that the library build- 
ing should be erected therein. 

THE GUN CALLED BETSEY CROGHAN. 

The gun used by Colonel Croghan with 
such good efifect, in defence of the fort, 
naturally became an object of inquiry 
with a view to having it placed in the fort 
as a relic of the past. 

Brice J. Bartlett, a citizen and promi- 
nent lawyer of the place, father of Colonel 
J. R. Bartlett, and then mayor of the vil- 
lage, was untiring in his efforts to find and 
preserve the gun. By correspondence 
with the War Department and inquiry 
through members of Congress, he ascer- 



tained that the identical gun was stored 
at Pittsburgh. 

Aided by other citizens, he procured 
the passage of a resolution by Congress, 
directing that the gun be forwarded to this 
place and given to the village authorities. 

It was forwarded, but by some misdi- 
rection was carried to Sandusky City. The 
authorities of that place desired to keep 
it, and when it was traced theie and 
claimed by Mayor Bartlett, it was con- 
cealed by being buried. 

He set a detective on the search, who, 
after several days, succeeded in finding 
where it was buried and informed Mayor 
Bartlett. 

The Mayor sent a force of several men 
with a team, who found the gun and 
brought it away. There was much re- 
joicing over the arrival of the gun, and the 
people still hold it as a sacred relic of the 
past and a witness of the bravery of 
Colonel Croghan and his one hundred and 
sixty brave Kentuckians. 

This gun is now placed on the site of 
Fort Stephenson, to be there kept as a 
memento and a reminder to future genera- 
tions, of the heroism and bravery of the 
fort's defenders. 

The following communication was writ- 
ten by Clark Waggoner, who formerly 
edited the Lower Sandusky Whig, and was 
published in the Fremont Journal of Au- 
gust, 1879. It seems so pertinent to the 
history of the fort and the people of 
Lower Sandusky, that we give it entire: 

FORTY YEARS AGO — FORT STEPHENSON CELEBRA- 
TION OF 1839. 

The history of Fremont and vicinity is especially 
rich in events and associations, some of which have 
been gathered for record, while many others remain 
unwritten and liable to the oblivion which sooner or 
later overtakes tradition. Most prominent of all now 
stands, and must stand, the thrilling story of the 
heroic and successful defence of Fort Stephenson by 
Major George Croghan and his gallant little band of 
one hundred and sixty-nine men, August 2, 1813, 



110 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



from the combined attack of five hundred British 
regulars and eight hundred Indians, under command 
of General Proctor. After a furious cannonading of 
twenty-four hours, the assault was made, which re- 
sulted in complete repulse, with a loss to the assail- 
ants of two hundred men m killed and wounded, and 
to the brave defenders of one man killed and seven 
slightly wounded. We need not stop here to repeat 
the many features and incidents of that notable event, 
so highly important in staying the advance into Ohio 
of the confident leader of that mongrel command' 
our present object being rather to refer to the notable 
commemoration of that great victory, which took 
place here on the twenty-sixth anniversary of the 
same, .August 2, 1839. This is made the more fitting 
at this time by the occurrence to-morrow of the sixty- 
sixth anniversary of that event. 

Since the celebration of 1839, forty years have 
passed. Forty years ! Two score of the earth's 
cycles ! How few, of the hundreds who participated 
in the exercises of that occasion, remain to have its 
pleasant memories revived by this reference thereto. 
Not one in a hundred of the present population of 
Fremont and vicinity have any information of that 
event, except as received from others. And yet there 
are some who have all these long years of intervening 
time kept the matter in mind, and these will take 
special pleasure in a brief review of some of the inci- 
dents of the occasion. It is proper here tt) state tiiat 
in 1B39 there still remained some who were either 
here or in the immediate vicinity at the time of the 
tragic scenes of 1813. 

The celebration of 1839 was the first formal recog- 
nition made of the anniversary of the battle, and 
was entered into by all classes of citizens with a 
spirit and an energy which indicated the deepest in- 
terest in the chief local event of the town. Action 
looking thereto was inaugurated by a preliminary 
meeting of citizens, held at the court house on the 
evening of July 6, when Thomas L. Hawkins was 
called to the chair and Ralph E. Buckland appointed 
secretary. On the motion of Dr. Frank Williams, 
it was resolved to take measures for the celebration 
of the then approaching anniversary, when a com- 
mittee of arrangements therefor was appointed, to 
consist of the following named citizens, to-wit: Gen- 
eral John Bell, James'justice, N. B. Eddy, John R. 
Pease, Ralph P. Ruckland, Dr. Frank Williams, 
Isaac Knapp, Andrew Morehouse, James Vailette, 
Dr. L. Q. Hawson, William Fields, Dr. Daniel 
Brainard, Rodolphus Dickinson, General Samuel 
Treat, General John Patterson, Captain Samuel 
Thompson, Major James A. Scranton, Jesse S. Olm- 
sted, General Robert S. Rice, Thomas L. Hawkins, 
and Jeremiah Everett. This list will call up many 
memories among the readers of thcjournal. It em- 
braces the names of most of the prominent citizens 
of old Lower Sandusky then living, nearly all of 
whom, one by one, have passed from earth. Of the 



twenty-one named, but three remain — General Buck- 
land, Dr. Rawson, and William Fields. 

The committee at once entered upon its duties, the 
discharge of which must be judged from results. Suf- 
fice it here to say that the undertaking committed to 
their hands was not then what it would be now. At 
that time nearly everything of ways and means had 
to be improvised for the occasion, while the popula- 
tion was small, with resources limited. The design 
of the committee was of the most liberal kind, and 
included, besides the usual procession, music, ora- 
tions, etc., a grand barbecue dinner, something en- 
tirely new in this section. The people co-operated 
zealously and liberally with the committees' plans in 
the supply of money and other assistance, while 
business was wholly given up to the festivities of the 
day. Special invitations were sent to a large number 
of distinguished men throughout the country, from 
many of whom letters were received. A splendid ox 
was neatly and admirably roasted whole, after the best 
Kentucky style, and was supported by several smaller 
animals cooked in the same manner. The dinner 
was served under a capacious arbor especially pre- 
pared on the liill, in full sight and within a few rods 
of the old fort. 

A SUGGESTIVE INCIDENT. 

In his letter to the committee, Hon. 
Elisha Whittlesey gives, upon the authority 
of the person named, for whom he vouches 
as "a gentleman of respectability and of 
strict veracity," the following statement, 
which has not otherwise been made public. 
Mr. Whittlesey wrote: 

Aaron Norton, then a resident of Tallmadge, 
Portage county, on the 2d of August, 1813, left 
Huron county to visit Fort Stephenson on business. 
He had furnished supplies for the Northwestern 
Army at different times after Hull's surrender, and 
was very well acquainted with the country east of 
the Maumee River. He arrived in the vicinity of 
Fort Steplienson in the afternoon, and without 
knowing that the British and Indians had effected a 
landing, he rode about half-way from the high bank 
to the place for fording the Sandusky River, when 
he discovered the British on the left bank, and that 
the Indians were on each side of him and in his 
front. The road descended from the high bank 
south of the present turnpike, and followed the 
river bank to the ford, which, according to rny recol- 
lection, was south of the present bridge. To gain 
the fort was impossible, while a safe retreat was 
doubtful. The parties discovered each other at the 
same instant, and each were alike astonished. Mr. 
Norton wheeled his horse and pressed him to the 
top of his speed. .As soon 'as the Indians recovered 
from their surprise and regained their rifles, they 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



shot at the fugitive, who reached the hill and the 
woods without injury. 

Immediately after this active preparations were 
made to attack the fort. Mr. Norton supposed the 
enemy, apprehending that reinforcements were 
marching to the fort, made the attack sooner and 
with less caution than they otherwise would. With- 
out detracting in the least from the brilliant merits 
of Major Croghan and his brave companions-in- 
arms, he looked upon the incident as having, under 
the guidance of Providence, contributed to the 
signal defeat of the enemy. He claimed no merit, 
and was thankful that he possessed the presence of 
mind that enabled him to make his escape. 

On reading this statement the mind 
cannot wholly resist the view taken by 
Mr. Norton, that his timely appearance 
may have operated to precipitate the at- 
tack on the fort, which Droved so disas- 
trous to the assailants. 

With some readers the memories re- 
vived by this reference will be of mingled 
pleasure and sadness. It is always grati- 
fying to review the past in its pleasant as- 
pects; but in proportion to the lapse of 
time involved, we associate thoughts of 
those who contributed to such memories, 
but who no longer remain to share there- 
in. But it is profitable at times to stop 
in life's activities, to give s])ecial thought 
to departed sharers in our joys and sor- 
rows, for thereby we are lifted out of, if 
not above, the engrossing cares of every- 
day life, which too often shut out thoughts 
which ennoble and elevate. 

After dinner the company adjourned to 
the old fort, a few relics of which still re- 
main, where Hon. Eleutheros Cooke, of 
Sandusky, from the steps of the residence 
of General John Patterson (which was the 
wooden building lately removed from the 
centre of Fort Stephenson), delivered an 
able, eloquent, and appropriate address, 
which was published at the time. Letters 
were received from a large number of 
persons invited, including Colonel Crogh- 
an, General W. H. Harrison, Henry Clay, 
Colonel R. M. Johnson ( then Vice- 
President), Governor Shannon, Hon. 



Thomas Ewing, Hon. Elisha Whittlesey, 
John A. Bryan (Auditor of State), Hon. 
John W. Allen, General James Allen, and 
Dr. John G. Miller, of Columbus. Be- 
sides the regular, volunteer toasts were of- 
fered by General John Patterson, B. J. 
Bartlett, William B. Craighill, Josiah 
Roop, Dr. Niles, Henry Spohn, Sidney 
Smith (subsequently by special legislative 
act, Sidney Sea), Colonel E. D. Bradley, 
Dr. A. H. Brown, Clark Waggoner, Cap- 
tain Samuel Thompson, Pitt Cooke, and 
John N. Sloan, of Sandusky. One of the 
volunteer toasts was this : 

By a citizen : Colonel Bradley, Assistant Marshal 
of the Day, the dauntless hero and friend of liberty. 
When another victory like the one we celebrate is to 
be won, his country will know on whom to call to 
achieve it. 

"Another victory," and many of them, 
have since been "won" for "liberty," and 
the sentiment of the "citizen's" toast has 
been met in the heroic part taken therein by 
Colonel Bradley, the brave commander of 
the Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteers in the 
Union army. That gentleman, still at 
Stryker, Williams county, Ohio, survives 
the battles of Point au Pelee and of the 
Rebellion. 

Of those from whom letters were re- 
ceived, only Hon. John W. Allen, of 
Cleveland, and ex-Governor Shannon 
(now of Kansas), are living; while, of the 
volunteer toasters named, only Colonel 
Bradley, Pitt Cooke, and Clark Waggoner 
are known now to survive. 

COLONEL CROGHAN's LETTER. 

The letter of Colonel Croghan was as 
follows : 

St. Louis, Mo., 26th July, 1839. 

Gentlemen : I have had the honor to receive 
your letter of the 8th inst., inviting me, on the part of 
tlie citizens of Lower Sandusky, to be present with 
them in the coming anniversary of the defence of 
Fort Stephenson., 

It is with regret that I am, on account of official 
duties, unabl? to comply with your flattering invita- 
tion. In communicating this, my reply, I cannot 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



forbear to acknowledge with deep gratitude, the 
honor you confer. To have been with those gallant 
men who served with me on the occasion alluded to, 
permitted by a kind Providence to perform a public 
duty which has been deemed worthy of a special no- 
tice by my fellow-citizens, is a source of high gratifi- 
cation, brightened, too, by the reflection that the 
scene of conflict is now, by the enterprise and in- 
dustry of your people, the home of a thriving and 
intelligent community. 

I beg to offer to you, gentlemen, and through 
you to the citizens of Lower Sandusky, my warmest 
thanks for the remembrance which you have so flat- 
teringly expressed. 

With every feeling of respect and gratitude, 

I am yours, G. Ckoghan. 

Dr. Frank Williams and others, Committee. 

NAMES OF THE DEFENDERS OF FORT 
STEPHENSON. 

Mr. Webb C. Hayes has expended 
much time and great care in his endeavors 
to obtain the names of the men who so 
bravely defended Fort Stephenson. The 
results of his labors have been a partial, 
but not a complete success. Ey his cor- 
respondence and inquiry at different de- 
partments at Washington and elsewhere, it 
appears that the American force at Fort 
Stephenson, August 2, 181 3, consisted of 
detachments from Captain James Hunter's 
company of the Seventeenth regiment of 
United States Infantry; from Captain 
James Duncan's company of same regi- 
ment; also a detachment from the Twen- 
ty-fourth United States Infantry, and from 
the Pittsburgh Blues, Petersburgh \'olun- 
teers, and Greensburg Riflemen, in all 
amounting to one hundred and fifty men. 

Mr. Hayes' correspondence reveals the 
fact that there was not found in the Adju- 
tant-Cieneral's office in Washington, any 
rolls of volunteers in the A\'ar of 1812, all 
of them having been sent to the Third 
Auditor's office many years before he 
made the inquiry. 'I'he Auditor's office 
failed to show the names of these detached 
volunteers. But there were records of 
the regulars, and from these Mr. Hayes 
obtained tb.e following lists, which he has 



very kindly furnished the writer, to be used 
in this history, and which are as follows: 

DEFENDERS OK FOKT STEl'HENSON. 

Major George Croghan, Seventeenth United States 
Infantry, commanding. 

Captain James Hunter, Seventeenth United States 
Infantry. 

First Lieutenant Benjamin Johnson, .Seventeenth 
United States Infantry. 

Second Lieutenant Cyrus A. Baylor, Seventeenth 
United States Infantry. 

Ensign Edmund Shipp, Seventeenth LTnited States 
Infantry. 

Ensign Joseph Duncan, .Seventeenth United States 
Infantry. 

First Lieutenant Joseph Anthony, Twenty-fourth 
United States Infantry. 

Second Lieutenant John Meek, Seventh United 
States Infantry. 

Petersburg Volunteers. 

Pittsburg Blues. 

Greensburg Riflemen. 

C.-VPT.'VIN JAMES HUNTER'S COMPANY, SEVENTEENTH 
UNITED ST.'VTES INFANTRY. 

Captain James Hunter, commanding. 
Sergeant Wayne Case. 
Sergeant James Huston. 
Sergeant Obadiah Norton. 
Corporal Matthew Burns. 
Corporal William Ewing. 
Corporal John Maxwell. 

PRIVATES. 

Pleasant Bailey, Samuel Brown, Elisha Condiff, 
Thomas Crickman, Ambrose Dean, Leonard George, 
Nathaniel Gill, John Harley, Jonathan Hartley, 
William McDonald, Joseph McKey, Frederick 
Metts, Rice Millender, John Mumman, .Samuel 
Pearsall, Daniel Perry, D.ivid Perry, William Ralph, 
John Rankin, Elisha Rathburn, Aaron Ray, Robert 
Row, John Salley, John Savage, John Smith, 
Thomas Striplin, William Sutherland, Martin Tan- 
ner, John Zctt. 

CAPTAIN JAMES DUNCAN'S COMPANY, SEVENTEENTH 
UNITED STATES INFANTRY. 

First Lieutenant Benjamin Johnson, commanding. 

.Second Lieutenant Cyrus A. Baylor. 

Sergeant Henry Lawell. 

Sergeant Thomas McCaul. 

Sergeant John M. Stotts. 

Sergeant Notley Williams. 

PRIVATE.S. 

Henry L. Bethers, Cornelius S. Bevins, Joseph 
Blamer, Jonathan C. Bowling, Nicholas Bryant, 
Robert Campbell, Samuel Campbell, Joseph Klink- 
enbeard, Joseph Childers, Ambrose Dine, Jacob 
Downs, James Harris, James Heartley, William 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



113 



Johnson, Elisha Jones, Thomas Linchard, William 
McClelland, Joseph McKee, John Martm, Ezekiej 
Mitchell, William Rogers, David Siidderfield, Thomas 
Taylor, John Williams. 

DETACHMENT TWENTY-FOURTH UNITED STATES 
INFANTRY. 

First Lieutenant Joseph Anthony, commanding. 

PRIVATES. 

William Gaines, John Foster, Jones, Samuel 

Riggs, Samuel Thurman. 

GKEENSBUR(; RIFLEMEN. 

Sergeant Abraham Weaver. 

PETERSBURG VOLUNTEERS. 

Private Edmund Brown. 

PITTSBURG BLUES. 

Mr. Hayes has also furnished us, for 
use, the following correspondence rel- 
ative to the battle and the proceedings of 
Congress on the subject, which we place 
before our readers, with thanks, to Mr. 

Hayes : 

Lower Sandusky, 25th July, 1813. 
General Harrlson: 

Dear Sir: — Mr. Connor has just arrived with 
the Indians which were sent by you to Fort Meigs a 
few days since. To him I refer you for information 
from that quarter. 

I have unloaded the boats which were brought 
from Cleveland, and shall sink them in the middle 
of the river (where it is ten feet deep) about one-half 
mile above the present landing. My men are en- 
gaged in making cartridges, and will have, in a short 
time, more than sufficient to answer any ordinary 
call. I have collected all the most valuable stores 
in one house. Should I be forced to evacuate the 
place, they will be blown up. 

Yours with respect, 

G. Croghan, 
Major Commanding at Lower Sandusky. 
Major-General Harrison. 

general HARRISON TO MAJOR CROGHAN. 

July 29, 1813. 
Sir: — Immediately on receiving this letter, you 
will abandon Fort Stephenson, set fire to it, and re- 
pair with your command this night to headquarters. 
Cross the river and come up on the opposite side. 
If you .should deem and find it impracticable to 
make good your march to this place, take the road 
to Huron, and pursue it with the utmost circumspec- 
tion and dispatch. 

MAJOR CROGHAN TO GENERAL HARRISON. 

July 30, 1813. 
Sir: — 1 have just received yours of yesterday, 10 
o'clock p. M. , ordering me to destroy this place and 



make good my retreat, which was received too late to 
be carried into execution. We have determined to 
maintain this place, and by heavens we can. 

July 30, 1813. 

Sir: — The General has just received your letter of 
this date, informing him that you had thought 
proper to disobey the order issued from this office, 
and delivered to you this morning. It appears that 
the information which dictated this order was incor- 
rect; and as you did not receive it in the night, as 
was e.xpected, it might have been proper that you 
should have reported the circumstances, and your 
situation, before you proceeded to its e.xecution. 
This might have been passed over; but I am directed 
to say to you, that an officer who presumes to aver 
that he has made his resolution, and that he will act 
in direct opposition to the orders of his General, can 
no longer be entrusted with a separate command. 
Colonel Wells is sent to relieve you. You will de- 
liver the command to him, and repair with Colonel 
Ball's squadron to this place. 

By command, &c., 

A. H. Holmes, 
Assistant Adjutant-General. 
Lower Sandusky, 3d August, 1813. 
General Harrison. 

Dear Sir: — The enemy made an attempt to 
storm us last evening, but was repulsed with the 
loss of at least two hundred killed, wounded, and 
prisoners. 

One lieutenant-colonel,* a major, and a lieutenant, 
with about forty privates, are dead in our ditch. I 
have lost but one in killed and but few wounded. 

Further statements will be piade you by the bearer. 
George Croghan, 
Major Commanding Fort Sandusky. 

P. S. — Since writing the above, two soldiers of 
the Forty-first regiment have gotten in, who state 
that the enemy have retreated — in fact, one of their 
gunboats is within three hundred yards of our works, 
said to be loaded with camp equipage, etc., which 
they in their hurry have left. 

George Croghan. 

A true copy. 
John O'Fallow, Aid-de-Camp. 

He.'\dquarters, Seneca Town, ) 
4th August, 1813. j 

Sir : — In my letter of the first instant I did my- 
self the honor to inform you that one of my scouting 
parties had just returned from the Lake Shore and 
had discovered, the day before, the enemy in force 
near the mouth of the Sandusky Bay. The party 
had not passed Lower Sandusky two hours before 
the advance, consisting of Indians, appeared before 
the fort, and in half an hour after a large detach 
ment of British troops ; and in the course of the 
night commenced a cannonading against the fort 

*(Lieutenant-Colonel Short.) 



114 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



with three six-pounders and two howitzers, the lat- 
ter from gun-boats. The firing was partially an- 
swered by Major Croghan, having a six-pounder, the 
only piece of artillery. 

The fire of the enemy was continued at intervals 
during the second instant, until about half after five 
p. M., when finding that their cannons made little 
impression upon the works, and having discovered 
my position here and apprehending an attack, an at- 
tempt was made to carry the place by storm. Then 
troops were formed in two columns. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Short headed the principal one, composed of 
the light and battalion companies of the Forty-first 
regiment. This gallant officer conducted his men to 
the brink of the ditch, under the most galling and de- 
structive fire from the garrison, and leaping into it 
was followed by a considerable part of his own and 
the light company. At this moment a masked port- 
hole was suddenly opened and a six-pounder, with 
an half load of powder and a double charge of 
leaden slugs, at the distance of thirty feet, poured 
destruction upon them and killed or wounded nearly 
every man who had entered the ditch. In vain did 
the British officers exert themselves to lead on the 
balance of the column ; it retired in disorder under 
a shower of shot from the fort, and sought safety in 
the adjoining woods. The other column, headed by 
the grenadiers, had also retired, after having suffered 
from the muskets of our men, to an adjacent ravine. 
In the course of the night the enemy, with the aid of 
their Indians, drew off' the greater part of the 
wounded and dead, and embarking them in boats, 
descended the river with the utmost precipitation. 
In the course of the 2d instant, having heard the 
cannonading, I made several attempts to ascertain 
the force and situation of the enemy. Our scouts 
were unable to get near the fort from the Indians 
which surrounded it. Finding, however, that the 
enemy had only light artillery, and being well con- 
vinced that it could make little impression upon the 
works, and that any attempt to storm it would be re- 
sisted with effect, I waited for the arrival of two hun- 
dred and fifty mounted volunteers, which on the 
evening before had left Upper Sandusky. But as 
soon as I was informed that the enemy were retreat- 
ing, I set out with the dragoons to endeavor to over- 
take them, leaving Generals McArthur and Cass to 
follow with all the infantry (about seven hundeed) 
that could be spared from the protection of the stores 
and sick at this place. I found it impossible to come 
up with them. Upon my arrival at Sandusky I was 
informed by the prisoners that the enemy's forces 
consisted of four hundred and ninety regular troops, 
and five hundred of Dixon's Indians, commanded by 
General Proctor in person, and that Tecumseh, with 
about two thousand warriors, was somewhere in the 
swamps between this and Fort Meigs, expecting my 
advance or that of a convoy of provisions. As there 
was no prospect of doing anything in front, and Ije- 



ing apprehensive that Tecumseh might destroy the 
stores and small detachments in my rear, I sent 
orders to General Cass, who commanded the re- 
serve, to fall back to this place, and to General Mc- 
Arthur, with the front line, to follow and support 
him. 

I remained at Sandusky until the parties that were 
sent out in every direction, returned — not an enemy 
was to be seen. 

I am sorry that I cannot transmit you Major Crogh- 
an's official report. He was to have sent it to me 
this morning, but I have just heard that he was so 
much exhausted by thirty-six hours of continued 
exertion as to be unable to make it. It will not be 
amongst the least of General Proctor's mortifications 
to find that he has been baffled by a youth who has 
just passed his twenty-first year. He is, however, 
a hero worthy of his gallant uncle. General G. R. 
Clarke, and I bless my good fortune in having first 
introduced this promising shoot of a distingushed 
family to the notice of the Government. 

Captain Hunter, of the Seventeenth regiment, the 
second in command, conducted himself with great 
propriety," and never were a set of finer young fel- 
lows than the subalterns, viz: Lieutenants Johnson 
and Baylor, of the Seventeenth, Anthony, of the 
Twenty-fourth, Meeks, of the Seventh, and Ensigns 
Shipp and Duncan, of the Seventeenth. 

The following account of the unworthy artifice and 
conduct of the enemy will excite your indignation. 
Major Chambers was sent by General Proctor, ac- 
companied by Colonel Elliott, to demand the sur- 
render of the fort. They were met by Ensign Shipp. 
The Major observed that General Proctor had a 
number of cannon, a large body of regular troops, 
and so many Indians whom it was impossible to con- 
trol, and if the fort was taken, as it must be, the 
whole of the garrison would be massacred. Mr. Shipp 
answered, that it was the determination of Major 
Croghan, his officers and men, to defend the garrison, 
or be buried in it, and that they might do their best. 
Colonel Elliott then addressed Mr. Shipp, and said. 
"Vou are a fine young man; I pity your situation; for 
God sake, surrender and prevent the dreadful 
slaughter that must follow resistance." Shipp turned 
from him with indignation, and was immediately 
taken hold of by an Indian, who attempted to wrest 
his sword from him. Elliott pretended to exert him- 
self to release him, and expressed great anxiety to 
get him safe in the fort. 

In a former letter I informed you, sir, that the post 
of Lower Sandusky could not be defended against 
heavy cannon, and that I had ordered the Command- 
ant, if he could safely retire upon the advance of the 
enemy, to do so after having destroyed the fort, as 
there was nothing in it that could justify the risk of 
defending it, commanded as it is, by a hill on the op- 
posite^side of the river, within range of cannon, and 
having on that side old and illy constructed block- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



"5 



houses and dry, friable pickets. The enemy, ascend- 
ing the bay and river with a fine breeze, gave Major 
Croghan so little notice of their approach that he 
could not execute the order for retreating. Luckily 
they had no artillery but si.\-pounders and five-and- 
a-half-inch howitzers. 

General Proctor left Maiden with the determina- 
tion of storming Fort Meigs. His immense body of 
troops were divided into three commands, (and must 
have amounted to at least five thousand); Dixon 
commanded the Mackinaw and other Northern 
tribes; Tecumseh, those of the Wabash, Illinois and 
St. Joseph; and Round Head, a Wyandot chief, 
the warriors of his own nation, and those of the 
Ottawas, Chippewas and Pottawatomies of the 
Michigan Territory. Upon seeing the formidable 
preparations to receive them at Fort Meigs, the idea 
of storming was abandoned, and the plan adopted 
of decoying the garrison out, or inducing me to come 
to its relief with a force inadequate to repel the at- 
tack of his immense hordes of savages. Having 
waited several days for the latter, and practising in- 
effectually several stratagems to accomplish the 
former, provisions began to be scarce, and the Ind- 
ians to be dissatisfied. The attack upon Sandusky 
was the dernier resort. The greater part of the 
Indians refused to accompany him, and returned to 
the River Raisin. Tecumseh, with his command, re- 
mained in the neighborhood of Fort Meigs, sending 
parties to all the posts upon Hull's road, and those 
upon the Auglaize to search for cattle. Five hundred 
of the Northern Indians, under Dixon, attended 
Proctor. I have sent a party to the lake to ascertain 
the direction that the enemy have taken. The 
scouts which have returned, saw no signs of Indians 
later than those made in the night of the 2nd inst. , 
and a party has just arrived from Fort Meigs, who 
make the same report. I think it probable that they 
have all gone off. If so, this mighty armament, 
from which so much was expected by the enemy, 
will return covered with disgrace and mortification. 
As Captain Perry was nearly ready to sail from Erie 
when I last heard from him, I hope that the period 
will soon arrive when we shall transfer the laboring 
oar of the enemy, and oblige him to encounter some 
of the labors and difficulties which we had under- 
gone in waging a defensive warfare and protecting 
our extensive frontier against a superior force. I 
have the honor to enclose you a copy of the first note 
received from Major Croghan. It was written before 
day. He was mistaken as to the number of the 
enemy that remained in the ditch; they amounted to 
one lieutenant-colonel (by brevet), one lieutenant and 
twenty-five privates; the number of prisoners to one 
sergeant and twenty-five privates, fourteen of them 
badly wounded. Every care has been taken of the 
latter, and the officers buried with the honors due to 
their rank and their bravery. All the dead that were 
not in the ditch, were taken off in the night by the 



Indians. It is impossible from the circumstances of 
the attack that they should have lost less than 
one hundred; some of the prisoners think that it 
amounted to two hundred. A young gentleman, a 
private in the Petersburg volunteers, of the name of 
Brown, assisted by five or six of that company and 
the Pittsburgh Blues, who were accidentally in the 
fort, managed the six-pounder which produced such 
destruction in the ranks of the enemy. 

I hive the honor to be, with great respect, sir. 
Your obedient servant, 

William Henky Harrison. 

N. B. Of our few wounded men there is but one 
that will not be well in less than six days. 

Headquarters, Seneca Town, ) 
5th August, 1813, 6 o'clock a. m. J 

Sir : — I have the honor to enclose you Major Crogh- 
an's report of the attack upon his post, which has 
this moment come to hand. Fortunately the mai 
has not closed. 

With great respect, I have the honorjto be, sir, 
Your humble servant, 

William Henry Harrison. 

P. S. — The new ship was launched at Maiden on 
the 17th ult. I have apprised Commodore Periy of it. 

Hon. General Armstrong, 

Secretary of War. 
Lower Sandusky, August 5, 1813. 

Dear Sir: — I have the honor to inform you that 
the combined force of the enemy, amounting to at 
least five hundred regulars and seven or eight hun- 
dred Indians, under the immediate command of Gen- 
eral Proctor, made its appearance before this place 
early on Sunday evening last; and so soon as the 
General had made such disposition of his troops as 
would cut off my retreat, should I be disposed to 
make one, he sent Colonel Elliott, accompanied by 
Major Chambers, with a flag, to demand the surren- 
der of the fort, as he was anxious to spare the effu- 
sion of blood, which he should probably not have in 
his power to do, should he be reduced to the necessity 
of taking the place by storm. My answer to the sum- 
mons was, that I was determined to defend the place 
to the last extremity, and that no force, however large, 
should induce me to surrender it. So soon as the flag 
was returned a brisk fire was opened upon us from the 
gun-boats in the river, and from a five-and-one-half 
inch howitzer on shore, which was kept up with little 
intermission throughout the night. At an early hour 
the next morning, three sixes (which had been 
placed during the night within two hundred and fifty 
yards of the pickets,) began to play upon us, but with 
little effect. About 4 o'clock p. M., discovering that 
the fire from all his guns was concentrated against 
the northwestern angle of the fort, I became confi- 
dent that his object was to make a breach , and at- 
tempt to storm the works at that point. I therefore 
ordered out as many men as could be employed, for 
the purpose of strengthening that part, which was so 



ii6 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



effectually secured by means of bags of flour, sand, 
etc., that the picketing suffered little or no injury, 
notwithstanding which the enemy, about five hun- 
dred, having formed in close column, advanced to as- 
sault our works at the expected point, at the same 
time making two feints on the front of Captain Hun- 
ter's lines. The column which advanced against the 
northwestern angle, consisting of about three hun- 
dred and fifty men, was so completely enveloped in 
smoke as not to be discovered until it had approached 
within fifteen or twenty paces of the lines, but the 
men being all at their posts and ready to receive it, 
commenced so heavy and galling a fire as to throw 
the columns into a little confusion. Being quickly 
rallied, it advanced to the centre works and began to 
leap into the ditch. Just at that moment a fire of 
grape was opened from our si.\-pounder (which had 
been previously arranged so as to rake in that direc- 
tion,) which, together with the musketry, threw 
them into such confusion that they were compelled 
to retire precipitately to the woods. During the as- 
sault, which lasted about half an hour, an incessant 
fire was kept up by the enemy's artillery (which con- 
sisted of five si.xes and a howitzer), but without effect. 
My whole loss durmg the siege was one killed and 
seven wounded, slightly. The loss of the enemy in 
killed, wounded and prisoners, must exceed one hun- 
dred and fifty. One lieutenant-colonel, a lieuten- 
ant, and fifty rank and file were found in and about 
the ditch, dead or wounded. Those of the remain- 
der who were not able to escape, were taken off dur- 
ing the night by the Indians. Seventy stand of arms 
and several brace of pistols have been collected near 
the works. About three in the morning the enemy 
sailed down the river, leaving behind them a boat 
containing clothing and considerable military stores. 
Too much praise cannot be bestowed on the offi- 
cers, non-commissioned officers, and privates under 
my command for their gallantry and good conduct 
during the siege. 

Yours with respect, 
[Signed.] G. Croghan, 

Major Seventeenth United States Infantry, Com- 
manding Lower Sandusky. 
Major General Harrison, Commanding Northwestern 

Army. 

Lower Sandu.sky, August 27, 1813. 
I have, with much regret, seen in some of the pub- 
ic prints such misrepresentations respecting my re- 
fusal to evacuate this post, as are calculated not only 
o injure me in the estimation of military men, but 
also to excite unfavorable impressions as to the pro- 
priety of General Harrison's conduct relative to this 
affair. 

His character as a military man is too well estab- 
lished to need my approbation or support, but his 
public services entitle him at least to common justice. 
This affair does not furnish cause of reproach. If 



public opinion has been lately misled respecting his 
]ate conduct, it will require but a moment's cool, dis- 
passionate reflection, to convince them of its propri- 
ety. The measures recently adopted by him, so far 
from deserving censure, are the clearest pi oofs of his 
keen penetration ajid able generalship. It is true 
that I did not proceed immediately to execute his 
order to evacuate this post, but this disobedience w as 
not, as some would wish to believe, the result of a 
fixed determination to maintain the post contrary to 
his most positive orders, as will appear from the fol- 
lowing detail, which is given in explanation of my 
conduct: 

About 10 o'clock on the morning of the 30th ulti- 
mo, a letter from the Adjutant-General's office, dated 
Seneca Town, July 29, 1813, was handed me by Mr. 
Connor, ordering me to abandon this post, burn it, 
and retreat that night to headquarters. On the re- 
ception of this order of the General I called a council 
of officers, in which it was determined not to aban- 
don the place, at least until the further pleasure of 
the General should be known, as it was thought an 
attempt to retreat in the open day, in the face of a 
superior force of the enemy, would be more hazard- 
ous than to remain in the fort, under all its disad- 
vantages. 1 therefore wrote a letter to the General 
Council in such terms as I thought were cal- 
culated to deceive the enemy, should it fall into 
his hands, which I thought more than probable 
as well as to inform the General, should it be 
so fortunate as to reach him, that I would wait 
to hear from him before I should proceed to ex- 
ecute his order. This letter, contrary to my expec- 
tations, was received by the General, who, not know- 
ing what reasons urged me to write in a tone so de- 
cisive, concluded, very rationally, that the manner of 
it was demonstrative of the most positive determina- 
tion to disobey his order under any circumstances. 
I was therefore suspended from the command of the 
fort, and ordered to headquarters. But on explain- 
ing to the General my reason for not executing his 
orders, and my object in using the style I had done, 
he was so perfectly satisfied with the explanation that 
I was immediately reinstated in the command. 

It will be recollected that the order above alluded 
tt) was written on the night ptevious to my receiving 
it. Had it been delivered to me, as was intended, 
that night, I should have obeyed it without hesita- 
tion. Its not reaching me in time was the only rea- 
son which induced me to consult my oflicers on the 
propriety of waiting the General's further orders. 

It has been stated, also, that "upon my represen- 
tations of my ability to maintain the post, the Gen- 
eral altered his determination to abandon it." This 
is incorrect. No such representation was ever made. 
And the last order I received from the General was 
precisely the same as that first given, viz: "That 
if I discovered the approach of a large British force 
by water (presuming tliat they would bring heavy 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



117 



artillery), time enough to effect a retreat, I was to do 
so; but if I could not effect a retreat with safety, to 
defend the post to the last extremity." 

A day or two before the enemy appe-ired before 
Fort Meigs, the General had reconnoitred the sur- 
rounding ground, and being informed that the hill 
on the opposite side of Sandusky completely com- 
manded the fort, I offered to undertake, with the 
troops under my command, to remove it to that side. 
The General, upon reflection, thought it best not to 
attempt it, as he believed that if the enemy again ap- 
peared on this side of the lake it would be before the 
work could be finished. 

It is useless to disguise the fact that this fort is 
commanded by the points of high ground around it; 
a single stroke of the eye made this clear to me the 
first time I had occasion to e.xamine the neighbor- 
hood, with a view of discovering the relative strength 
and weakness of the place. 

It would be insincere to say that I am not flattered 
by the many handsome things which have been said 
about the defence that was nyade by the troops under 
my command; but I desire no plaudits which are be- 
stowed upon me at the expense of General Harrison. 

I have at all times enjoyed his confidence so far as 
my rank in the army entitled me to it, and on proper 
occasions received his marked attention. I have 
felt the warmest attachment for him as a man, and 
my confidence in him as an able commander remains 
unshaken. I feel every assurance that he will at all 
times do me ample justice; and nothing could give 
me more pain than to see his enemies seize upon this 
occasion to deal out their unfriendly feelings and ac- 
rimonious dislikes; and as long as he continues (as 
in my humble opinion he has hitherto done,) to make 
the wisest arrangements and most judicious disposi- 
tion which the forces under his command will justify, 
I shall not hesitate to unite with the army in be- 
stowing upon him that confidence which he so richly 
merits, and which has on no occasion been withheld. 

Your friend, GEORGE Croghan, 

Major 17th Infantry, Commanding Lower Sandusky. 
Lower Seneca Town, August 29, 1813. 

The undersigned, being the general, field and staff 
officers, with that portion of the Northwestern Army 
under the immediate conmiand of General Harrison, 
have observed with regret and surprise that charges, 
as improper in the form as in the substance, have 
been made against the conduct of General Harrison 
during the recent investment of Lower Sandusky. 
At another time, and under ordinary circumstances, 
we should deem it improper and unmilitary thus pub- 
licly to give an opinion respecting the movements of 
the army. But public confidence in the commanding 
general is essential to the success of the campaign, 
and causelessly to withdraw or to withhold that con- 
fidence is more than individual injustice; it becomes 
a serious injury to the service. A part of the force of 
which the American Army consists will derive its 



greatest strength and efficiency from a confidence in 
the commanding general, and from those mora 
causes which accompany and give energy to public 
opinion. A very erroneous idea respecting the num- 
ber of the troops then at the disposal of the General, 
has doubtless been the primary cause of those unfor- 
tunate and unfounded impressions. A sense of duty 
forbids us from giving a detailed view of our strength 
at that time. In that respect we have fortunately ex- 
perienced a very favorable change. But we refer the 
public to the General's official report to the Secretary 
of War, of Major Croghan's successful defence of 
Lower Sandusky. In that will be found a statement 
of our whole disposable force; and he who believes 
that, with such a force, and under the circumstances 
which then occurred. General Harrison ought to 
have advanced upon the enemy, must be left to cor- 
rect his opinion in the school of experience. 

On a review of the course then adopted, we are de- 
cidedly of the opinion that it was such as was dicta- 
ted by military wisdom, and by a due regard to our 
own circumstances and to the situation of the enemy. 
The reasons for this opinion it is evidently improper 
now to give, but we hold ourselves ready at a future 
period, and when other circumstances shall have in- 
tervened, to satisfy every man of its correctness who 
is anxious to investigate and willing to receive the 
truth. And, with ready acquiescence beyond the mere 
claims of military duty, we are prepared to obey a 
general whose measures meet our most deliberate ap- 
probation and merit that of his country. 
Lewis Ca.ss, 
Brigadier General, U. S. A. 
Samuel Wells, 
Colonel Seventeenth R. U. S. I. 
Thomas D. Owings, 
Colonel Twenty-eighth R. U. S. I. 
George Paul, 
Colonel Seventeenth R. U. .S. I. 

J. C. Bartlett, 
Colonel, Quartermaster-General. 
James V. Ball, 

Lieutenant Colonel. 
Robert Morrison, 

Lieutenant Colonel. 
George Todd, 
Major Nineteenth R. U. S. I. 
WiLLL\M Trigg, 
Major Twenty-eighth R. U. S. I. 

James Smiley, 
Major Twenty-eighth R. U. S. I. 
R. Graham, 

Major Seventh R. U. S. I. 
George Croghan, 
Major Seventeenth R. U. S. I. 

L. HUKILL, 

Major and Assistant Inspector General. 
E. D. Wood, 

Major Engineers. 



ii8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



In the House of RepreseMtatives, 1 
8th February, 1815. ) 

THE REWARD OF VALOR. 

Mr. Troup, from the Committee on Military Affairs, 
reported the following resolutions, the adoption of 
which is recommended by the said committee, viz: 

Resolved, .... 

(2) Resolved, That the thanks of Congress be, and 
they are hereby presented to Major-General Harri- 
son, and to Governor Shelby, and through them to 
the officers and men under their command, for their 
gallantry and good conduct in defeating the com- 
bined British and Indian forces under Major-General 
Proctor, on the Thames, in Upper Canada, the 5th 
of October, 1813, capturing the entire British army, 
with their baggage, camp equipage, and artillery, 
and that the President of the United States be 
requested to cause gold medals to be struck, emblem- 
atical of this triumph, and presented to General 
Harrison and Governor Shelby. 

(3) Resolved, .... 

(4) Resolved, That Congress entertain a high sense 
of the merit of Colonel Croghan, and the officers 
and men under his command, for the gallant defence 
of Fort Stephenson, on the Lower Sandusky, on the 
ist and 2d of August, 1813, repelling with great 
slaughter the assault of a British and Indian army 
much superior in number; and that the President be 
requested to present an elegant sword to Colonel 
Croghan. 

(5) Resolved, .... 

(6) Resolved, .... 

(7) Resolved, .... 

(8) Resolved, .... 
The resolutions were twice read, and referred to a 

committee of the whole. 

Hon. George M. Troup, of Georgia, reported the 
above resolutions. 

[See Annals of Congress, Thirteenth Congress, 
Volume III.J 

No action was taken on the resolutions. 

In the Senate of the United State,s, ) 
January 21, 1835. j 

gold medal to colonel croghan. 

The joint resolution to present a gold medal to 
Colonel Croghan, for his gallantry in the defence of 
Fort Stephenson, was taken up and considered as in 
committee of the whole. 

Mr. Bibb observed that the brave and noble de- 
fence of this fort had been the cause of saving all 
the Western country from the hostile and destructive 
incursion of the British and Indians. To Colonel 
Croghan's valiant defence of Fort Stephenson, this 
and other advantages equally great and beneficial 
were owing. As a reward for the gallant and daunt- 
less spirit exhibited by our brave soldiers in time of 
imminent danger, he hoped this bill would pass. It 
should be borne in mind that Colonel Croghan 



might, without any dishonor, have preferred a course 
safer, indeed, to himself, but disastrous to his coun- 
try, by not persevering in a defence which appeared 
so difficult, nay, so impossible; that to have aban- 
doned the fort, to have left the West open to the 
enemy, would have been deemed a necessary, a 
prudent, and not a pusilanimous proceeding; yet, in 
the face of every obstacle, under the weight of every 
discouragement, he, with a handful of brave men, 
presented a bold and undaunted front to the enemy, 
arrested them on the threshold of the West, and 
saved Ohio and the adjoining States from invasion, 
from desolation, from plunder, and from bloodshed. 
For such a noble and deserving exploit, for such an 
eminent service, this bill provided a just, but a mod- 
erate compensation. As far as regarded the value 
given, the bill was not of any great importance; but, 
sir, said Mr. B. with great animation, as a tribute to 
deeds of noble daring, as a reward of services per- 
formed at the peril of life, as an encouragement for 
soldiers who bared their bosoms in defence of their 
country, and offered them as a shield to the defence- 
less homes of their fellow-citizens, in this point of 
view the provision is of the first importance. He 
hoped, therefore, that no difliculties would be offered 
to the bill; it had already undergone the closest ex- 
amination, and the report of the committee estab- 
lishing the goodness and propriety of the bill was 
full and satisfactory. 

Mr. Hill wished to know whether all the officers 
were included in the bill. 

Mr. Bibb replied that they were all, with one sin- 
gle exception, in the case of an individual, whose 
name he should not mention, but who, he regretted 
to say, had not performed his duty on that memor- 
able occasion. 

Mr. Preston suggested the insertion of the words, 
"heirs and representatives," by which the benefit of 
the bill might be extended to the children, in case of 
the decease of the original grantees, which was ac- 
ceded to; and the bill, as amended, was read a sec- 
ond time. 

In the House of Representatives. ) 
Tuesday, January 27th, 1835. ) 

gold medal, etc., to colonel croghan. 

Mr. Speight, from the Committee on Military Af- 
fairs, reported a joint resolution, which had been 
referred to that committee, with an amendment, 
authorizing the President to present a gold medal to 
Colonel Croghan, and swords to several officers under 
his command, for their gallant conduct in the de- 
fence of Fort .Stephenson, during the late war. 

Mr. Speight said, as he believed that no opposi- 
tion would be offered to the resolution, he would 
move its third reading. 

Mr. Parker, of New Jersey, said he had no doubt 
as to the gallantry of these officers; not the least; 
but if they conferred these distinctions in the pres- 
ent case, why not in others, it would be asked, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



119 



which occurred during the last war? It was his im- 
pression also that some acknowledgment had been 
already made to these officers. 

Mr. Mercer said such was not the case. Mr. 
Mercer briefly explained the nature and importance 
of the services rendered by these officers. 

The joint resolution, as amended, was read a third 
time, and passed. 

In the Senate of the I'nited States, ) 
February 3, 1835. J 

The amendments of the House to the bill making 
an appropriation for presenting a gold medal to 
Colonel George Croghan, and swords to the officers 
who served under him at the defence of Fort San- 
dusky, during the late war, were concurred in; and a 
further verbal amendment having been made, on 
motion of Mr. Preston, the bill was sent to the House 
of Representatives for concurrence. 

This debate was participated in by Senator George 
M. Bibb, of Kentucky; Senator Isaac Hill, of New 
Hampshire, and Senator William C. Freston, of South 
Carolina, in the Senate; and by Honorable Jesse 
.Speight, of North Carolma; Honorable James Par- 
ker, of New Jersey, and Honorable Charles F. Mer- 
cer, of Virginia, in the House of Representatives. 

[See Congressional Debates, Vol. XI. 
Part I.J 

RESOLUTIONS, TWENTY-THIRD CONGRESS, 

SECOND SESSION. 
No. 2 — A Resolution Presenting a Gold 
Medal to George Croghan, and a Sword 
TO Each of the Officers under his Com- 
mand, FOR their Gallantry and Good Con- 
duct IN the Defence of Fort Stephenson, 
IN Eighteen Hundred and Thirteen. 
Resolved, etc., That the President of the United 
States be requested to cause a gold medal to be 
struck, with suitable emblems and devices, and 
presented to Colonel Croghan, in testimony of the 
high sense entertained by Congress of his gallantry 
and good conduct in the defence of Fort .Stephenson, 
and that he present a sword to each of the following 
officers engaged in that affair: to Captain James 
Hunter, to the eldest male representative of Lieuten- 
ant Benjamin Johnson, and to Lieutenant Cyrus A. 
Baylor, John Meek, Ensign Joseph Duncan, and 
the nearest male representative of Ensign Edmund 
Shipp, deceased. 

Approved, February 13, 1835. 

INDIAN MURDERS IN THE VICINITY OF 
^FORT STEPHENSON PREVIOUS TO THE 
BATTLE, WHICH ILLUSTRATES THE DAN- 
GERS TO THE EARLY SETTLERS ALONG 
THE SANDUSKY RIVER, AT THE TIME. 

Albert Cavalier, esq., who is noticed in 
the history of Rice township, and who 



came to Lower Sandusky from the Mau- 
mee, in January, 181 2, in an interview 
with Homer Everett on the 6th of Sep- 
teniDer, 1878, amongst other things nar- 
rated some events connected with Fort 
Stephenson, which seem proper in the his- 
tory of the fort. Mr. Cavalier said: 
"After arriving here, the families who 
came lived in the government barracks 
during the remainder of the winter. In 
the spring the whole country about the 
fort was infested with Indians in small 
bands, who were giving information to 
the British of the condition of the in- 
habitants, and also of military preparations, 
and plundering, murdering, and scalping 
such inhabitants as they found in a de- 
fenceless condition. And it soon became 
evident that no family or person was safe 
from the scalping-knife and tomahawk of 
the savages, except those who were under 
cover of military protection. When the 
planting season came, we lived in a log 
house near the fort, and planted some 
corn and potatoes on the bottom-land, 
within a short distance from the fort, ready 
to flee into it on the first alarm. A few 
other settlers or pioneers were in like 
manner attempting to raise a living from 
the soil. 'Although but a boy at the time" 
said Mr. Cavalier: "I recollect vividly 
one or two incidents which occurred that 
summer." 

" Mr. George Shannon, a son-in-law of 
Mrs. Elizabeth Whittaker, with a man 
named Pomroy, were at work on the 
flats below the fort, and near where the 
shops of the Lake Erie & Louisville 
Railroad now stand. I think they were 
working in a field, or gathering some veget- 
ables. While they were engaged, a third 
man, named Isaac Futy, with rifle in hand, 
was on the lookout for Indians. They 
were startled by the crack of a rifle in an 
adjoining cornfield, or of two rifles fired 
at the same instant. Both Shannon and 



I20 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Pomroy were hit and wounded, but not 
mortally. Futy instantly fired in the di- 
rection of the smoke, and then the three 
men made a hasty run for the river bank, 
to conceal themselves in the thick bushes 
which then margined the river. The Ind- 
ians, losing sight of these men, then pro- 
ceeded to a log cabin near the place, where 
a family resided consisting of two elderly 
people, a son and a daughter. On hear- 
ing the firing on Shannon and Pomroy, 
and the return fire of Futy not far off, the 
son and daughter left the old people and 
fled to a corn-field near by to hide, but 
here they were njet and tomahawked and 
scalped by the savages, who then followed 
the father and mother, who had fled to the 
river bank, and murdered and scalped 
them there as they were in the act of get- 
ting into a small boat or canoe to cross the 
river. 

" On hearing the crack of the rifles one 
Francis Navarre, a Frenchman, and a 
hunter as well as an Indian fighter, also a 
dead shot with his rifle, scaled the pickets 
of the fort, rifle in hand, and ran down 
the river toward the scene of trouble. 
Navarre discovered two Indians chasing a 
soldier, who had ventured from the fort 
and was now running toward it. Navarre 
quickly shot the foremost Indian, con- 
cealed himself by squatting in the high 
grass, reloaded his rifle while thus con- 
cealed, and then shot the remaining sav- 
age. 

"Navarre was familiar with the habits of 
the Indians, and though he knew he had 
killed them both, on returning to the fort 
with the rescued soldier told the men that 
if they would go where he shot they 
would not find any dead Indians, but 
they each had a pack on their back, and 
they would find the packs there with the 
bullets in them or a bullet-hole through 
each pack, for he had shot them in 
front through the breast right opposite 



the packs, and the bullets went through 
or lodged in the packs. He also said 
they would find that the family had been 
murdered and scalped. 

"A detachment was at once sent from 
the fort, and found Navarre's words true. 
There were the Indians' two packs and 
the bullets in them, but the bodies of 
their dead owners had been carried away by 
other Indians lurking near. The detach- 
ment also found the bodies of the family 
of four, and also the bodies of two sol- 
diers, all of whom had been murdered 
and scalped. 

"Shannon, Pomroy and Futy were dis- 
covered in their hiding places under the 
river bank. They and the dead bodies 
were all brought to the fort." 

Mr. Cavalier says: 

"I heard these facts from men and 
women at the time, and I saw the six dead 
bodies when they were brought into the 
fort. The alarm and the sight of these 
six bloody and mutilated bodies made an 
impression on me, though young at the 
time, which I can never forget, nor ex- 
press in words." 

chillicothe's testimonial. 
Eleven days after Croghan's splendid 
victory, the ladies of Chillicothe, then the 
State capital, presented to the gallant 
commandant a sword, accompanied by an 
address, as a public acknowledgment of 
his bravery and military skill. The names 
attached to the address show that the 
wives of the most prominent men of the 
time anxiously watched affairs, and were 
ready to reward and praise gallantry. 

Chiixicothf:, August 13, 1813. 
Sik: — In consequence of the gallant defence whicli, 
under the influence of Divine Providence, was 
effected by you and the troops under your command, 
of Fort Stephenson, at Lower Sandusky, on the 
evening of the second instant, the ladies of the 
town of Chillicothe, whose names are undersigned, 
impressed with a high sense of your merit as a sol- 
dier and a gentleman, and with great confidence in 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



your patriotism and valor, present you with a sword. 
To Major George Croghan. 
(Signed by) 

Catharine Fullerton, 
Rebecca M. Orr, 
Susan Wai.ke, 
Ann M. Dun, 
Margaret Keys, 
Charlotte James, 
Esther Doolittle, 
Eleanor Buchannon, 
Margaret McFarland, 
Deborah Ferree, 



Mary Finley, 

Mary Sterret, 

Ann Ckaighton, 

Eleanor Lamb, 

Nancy Waddle, 

Eliza Carlisle, 

Mary A. Southard, 

Susan D. Wheaton 

RuHAMMA Irwin, 

Judith Delano, 

Marg't McLanburgh.Jane M. Evans, 

Margaret Miller, Frances Brush, 

Elizabeth Martin, 

Nancy McArthur, 

Jane McCoy, 

Lavinia Fulton, 

Martha Scott, 



Mary Curtes, 
Mary P. Brown, 
Jane Heylan, 
Nancy Kerr, 
Catharine Hough, 



Eleanor Wokthington, Sally McLane. 



To this letter Major Croghan made the 
following reply, dated at Lower Sandusky, 
August 25 : 

Xadies of Chillicothe: — I liave received the 
sword which you have been pleased to present to 
me, as a testimonial of your approbation of my con- 
duct on the second instant. A mark of distinction 
so flattering and une.xpected has exxited feelings 
which I can not express. Yet while I return you 
thanks for the unmerited gift you have bestowed, I 
feel well aware that my good fortune, which was 
bought by the activity of the brave soldiers under 
my command, has raised in your expectations in my 
future efforts, which must, sooner or later, I fear, be 
disappointed. Still, I pledge myself, even though 
fortune may not be again propitious, that my exer- 
tions shall be such as never to cause you in the least 
to regret the honors you have been pleased to con- 
fer upon your "youthful soldier." 



CHAPTER IX. 

CIVIL HISTORY.' 

Erection of Townships — Names on Tax Duplicate of 1823 — Civil Register — Representatives in Congress — 
Representatives in the Ohio Senate and House— Common Pleas Judges— Associate Judges — Clerks of 
Court — Sheriffs — Prosecuting Attorneys — .Auditors — Treasurers — Surveyors— Commissioners. 



THE erection of Sandusky county out 
of the territory to which the United 
States acquired an undisputed title by the 
treaty of 18 17, has already been noticed. 
Although Seneca county was erected by 
the same act (1820), local government was 
not organized until four years later. Dur- 
ing the interval, Sandusky county's au- 
thority extended over Seneca. Sandusky 
county proper then included all the terri- 
tory between the Fire-lands and Wood 
county, as far north as Lake Erie. All 
this tract was originally divided into two 
townships — Croghan (or Croghanville), 
east of the river; and Sandusky, west of 
the river. 

Note — "Prepared by direction of the publishers. 



At the first meeting of the county com- 
missioners, in 1820, Thompson township 
was set off from Croghan, and soon after 
Seneca township from Sandusky. Both 
these divisions, as originally constituted, 
are now mainly included in Seneca county. 
Portage township was next set off from 
Sandusky. The petition placed before 
the commissioners by residents of the pro- 
posed town, is characteristic of official 
papers of the early period of the county's 
history. It reads: 

to the Honorable Commissioners of Sandusky, 
Gr. 

the inhabitants of the under Signed Residance of 
Sandusky county humbly Shueth that they with the 
other Residance of saide county Leighbour under 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



many seorious defficults and disadvantiages in con- 
ciquence of the distance they have to go to the place 
of holding their elections, in fact the Great Bounds 
of said township and the distance we reside one 
from another tends greatly to retard publick business 
in our quarter of the township, under these con- 
ciderations your pratitioners therefore pray that you 
may direct a new town to be Laid off to be Cald 
portage. 

The township of Portage, as erected in 
1820, included portions of the present 
townships of Sandusky, Washington, and 
Woodville, all of Ottawa county, and a 
corner of Lucas, and all of Rice town- 
ship. 

Townsend was established in 1S20; 
Green Creek, York, and Ballville in 1822, 
and Riley in 1824. Other townships were 
organized from time to time in that part 
of the county now included in Ottawa. 
The Black Swamp region was organized 
into townships as follow: Jackson, 1829; 
Washington, 1830; Scott, 1833; Madison, 
1833; and Woodville, 1840. Bay town- 
ship was divided by the erection of Ottawa 
county, in 1840, and that part remaining 
in Sandusky county, together with several 
sections of Sandusky township, was con- 
stituted a new township named Rice, in 
1840. Fremont was set apart as a sepa- 
rate township, in 1878. 

The following names appear on the tax 
duplicate for 1822:* 

Sandusky: Jacob Bowlus, jr. ; Jacob Bowlus, sr. ; 
George Boyles, Louis Gouts, James McColIister, 
William Christie, Jacob Ciine, William Dew, E. F. 
Disbro, Cyrus Hulbard, Peter Holbrook, Robert 
Harvey, Thomas L. Hawkins, Israel Harrington, 
Nathaniel Holbrook, George Kemp, James Kirk, 
Calvin Leezen, Joseph Loveland, Alexander Mcll- 
roy, Sanford Marn, J. & G. G. Olmstead, Reuben 
Patterson, George Shannon, John W. Tylor, Mor- 
ris Tylor, Nicholas Whittinger, Elizabeth Whittaker, 
Benjamin Wheat, Isaac Whittaker, Isaac Ward. 

Total ta.\ of Sandusky township, $19.20. 

Croghan : Jacob Ash, John Ash, Eldridge Bris- 
tol, Seth Cochran, Peleg Cooley, Andrew Courtright, 
Richard Guinall, G. Davis, Josiah Gate, James 

Note. — Fm boundaries see township histories. 
* Town.ships properly belonging to Seneca county 
are omitted. 



Hopkins, L. Hulbard, Anny lerey. Rural Looniis. 
Israel Markham, Moses Nicholas, Joseph Parish, 
Joel Risdon, S. Sutton, Aley Harris, Isaac Knapp, 
Boswell Lomice, M. A. Newman, W. & R. Ross, 
Philip Sutton, William Stull, -Samuel P. Newman. 

Total ta.x of Croghan township, $18.70. 

Portage ; Pascal Bisnette, J. Ballard, Samuel 
Cochran, G. Cuture, Lewis Cuture, Benjamin Drake, 
B. Dishetter, Lewis Deoo, Archibald Easter, George 
McFarland, Thomas & H. Forguson, A. Fuller, 
Joseph Phelps, Stephen Grissell, John Holmes, 
Thomas Herold, Thomas Demas, A. Jerman, Ga- 
briel Lepoint, S. M. Lockwood, A. Mominna, Jas- 
per Mitchell, Francis Mominna, William Manor, 
Wilford Norris, G. S. Brinald, R. Rossman, Valen- 
tine State, Almond Sands, Samuel Scribner. 

Total tax of Portage, $19.40. 

Ballville : Samuel Bond, David Chambers, John 
Custard, David Cochran, James Chard, Jeremiah 
Everett, Phineas Frary, Charles B. Fitch, William 
Chard, Asa B. Gavitt, Lord P. Hastwell, Thatcher 
Lovejoy, Joseph Moore, Moses Nicholas, Adam. 
Nuff, George G. Olmstead, Isaac Prior, John Prior, 
John Preslet, Theodore A. Rexford, John Thomp- 
son, Giles Thompson, Elizabeth Tindall, Sarah 
Woolcutt, William Wirt, Peter Wirt, David Chard. 

Total tax of Ballville, $17.20. 

York: Allison Abby, Augustus Beebe, John Da- 
venport, Benjamin George, Zeby George, Joseph 
George, H. Knox, Martin Knott, Abram Marks, 
Thesion Moore, Rufus Nichols, Andrew Sluson, 
Simon Root, Joseph Will, Peter Wallace, Lans- 
ford Wood, Martin Powell, Benjamin Follett. 

Total tax of York, $8.20. 

Green Creek : Samuel Baker, Ephraim Bennett, 
Silas Bennett, Clark Cleveland, Thomas Emerson, 
Thomas J. Emerson, Silas Dewey, Joshua Fairchild, 
Hugh Graham, Joseph George, Coonrad Hawks, 
Elisha Johns, William Jinks, Jared H. Miner, 
Samuel McMillin, Andrew McNutt, James Merrill, 
Daniel Mills, Sumuel Price, James Guinall, Jona- 
than Reterbrook, Josiah Rumery, Jacob Right, T. 
F. Shep, Abraham Russell, Samuel Utley, David 
Underill, Eli Whitney, Thomas Will, A. Widener, 
William Whitney. 

Total tax of Green Creek, $18.70. 

Townsend : William Caspell, Wilford Hall, Sam- 
uel Markham, Abner Perkham, Jesse H. Putnam, 
Solomon Right, Ebenezer Ransom, A. B. Thomas, 
William Yew, William Wilson, Moses Wilson, 
Abram Townsend. 

Total tax of Townsend, $8.80. 

CIVIL REGISTER. 

Under this head is included the names 
of those men who have represented San- 
dusky county in the House of Representa- 
tives of the United States, in the Senate 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



123 



of Ohio, and in the House of Representa- 
tives of Ohio; also the Judicial Staff of 
Sandusky county, under the old Constitu- 
tion, and the Common Pleas Judges 
elected from the Sandusky county bar, 
under the present Constitution. The regis- 
ter concludes with a complete list of county 
officials since 1820, except for the offices 
of coroner and infirmary director. 

REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. 

The congressional districts of Ohio, 
prior to the ajjportionment of 1840, were 
very large, especially those including the 
counties of the northwestera part of the 
State. The northwestern Indian reserva- 
tion, acquired by the treaty of 181 7, was 
a small factor in politics prior to the cen- 
sus of 1840.. The date of election is given. 

CONGRESSMEN. 

1820, John Sloane, Wayne county; 1822, Mordecai 
Barlley, Richmond; 1830, Eleutheros Cook, Huron; 
1832, William Patterson, Richland; 1836, William 
Hunter, Erie; 1838, (ieorge Sweeney, Crawford; 
1842, Henry St. John, Seneca; 1846, Rodolphus 
Dickinson, Sandusky; 1848, Rodolphus Dickinson,* 
Sandusky; 1849, Amos E. Wood,* .Sandusky; 1850, 
John Bell,* Sandusky; 1850, Fred W. Green, -f* 
Seneca; 1854, Cooper K. Watson, Seneca; 1856, L. 
B. Hall, Crawford; 1858, John Carey, Wyandot; 
i860, Warren P. Noble, Seneca; 1864, Ralph Pume- 
roy Buckland, Sandusky; 1868, Edward F. Dickin- 
son, Sandusky; 1870, Charles Foster, Seneca; 1878, 
Frank Hurd, Toledo; 1880, John B. Rice, Seneca. 

REPRESENTATIVES IN STATE SEN.\TE. 

1821, Alfred Kelley, Frankland; 1823, Jabez 
Wright; 1824, David H. Beardsley, Cuyahoga; 1826, 
James Kooken; 1827, David Campbell, Huron; 
1830, Samuel M. Lockwood, Huron; 1832, Daniel 
Tilden; 1834, Joseph Howard, Delaware; 1837, 
David E. Owen, Seneca; 1838, William B. Craighill, 
Sandusky; 1840, John Goodin; 1842, Moses Mc- 
Auelly; 1844, Amos E. Wood, Sandusky; 1846, 
Henry Crouise, Seneca; 1848, James Myers; 1852, 
Elisha P. Hill; 1854, Albert G. Sutton, Huron; 
1856, Ralph P. Buckland, Sandusky; i860, F. D. 

'Died March 20, 1849. Amos E. Wood elected to fill 
vacancy, died August, 1850. John Bell elected at a special 
election held December, 1850, to fill vacancy caused by the 
death of A. E. Wood. 

t Elected at the regular election, October, 1850. Sworn 
in as Bell's successor, December, 1851. 



Parish, Erie; 1862, John Kelley, Ottawa; 1864, 
Frederick Wickham, Huron; 1866, E. B. Sadler, 
Erie; 1868, Homer Everett, Sandusky; 1872, Wel- 
come O. Parker, Huron; 1874, James H. Hudson, 
Erie; 1878, James H. Hudson, Erie; 1880, H. E. 
O'Hagan, Erie. 

REPRESENTATIVES IN STATE LEGISLATURE. 

1821, David Abbott, Huron. — .Seat contested by 
and given to Lyman Farwell, Huron; 1822, Eleu- 
theros Cook, Huron county; 1824, Jeremiah Everett, 
Sandusky; 1825, Josiah Hedges, Seneca; 1826, Eber 
Baker, Huron; 1827, Samuel M. Lockwood, Huron; 
1830, Josiah Hedges, Seneca; 1831, Harvey J. Har- 
man, Sandusky; 1832, Jeremiah Everett, Sandusky; 
1834, Jaques Hulburd, Sandusky; 1835, William R. 
Craighill, Sandusky; 1837, Samuel Treat, Sandusky; 
1838, John Welch, Sandusky; 1840, Amos E. Wood, 
Sandusky; Moses McAuelly, Crawford; 1841, Amos 
E. Wood, Sandusky; George W. Baird, Seneca; 
1842, George W. Baird, Seneca; Henry C. Brish, 
Seneca; 1843, William B. Craighill, Ottawa; Samuel 
Waggoner, Sandusky; 1844, John Bell, Sandusky; 
1846, Mathew M. Coe, Sandusky; 1848, Isaac Van- 
Doren, Sandusky; 1849, Elber Wilson; 1852, Isaac 
Knapp, Sandusky; 1854, Abner J. Dickinson, San- 
dusky; 1856, John L. Greene, sn, Sandusky; 1858, 
Thomas ^. Finefrock, Sandusky; i860, Charles 
Powers, .Sandusky; 1862, Alonzo Thrope, Sandusky; 
1864, Oliver Mclntyre, Sandusky; 1866, James 
Parks, Sandusky; 1870, Hiram W. Winslow, San- 
dusky; 1872, Andrew Smith, Sandusky; 1874, Ben- 
jamin Inman, Sandusky; 1878, Almon Dunham, 
Sandusky; 1880, Almon Dunham, Sandusky. 

JUDGES, 

The following served as judges under 
the old Constitution: 

1820, George Todd, Trumbull county; 1824, Eben- 
ezer Lane, Huron county; 1831, David Higgins, 
Huron county; 1838, Ozias Bowen, Marion county; 
1845, Myron H. Tilden, Lucas county; 1847, Eben- 
ezer B. Sadler, Erie county. 

The following Common Pleas judges, 
under the present Constitution, have been 
elected from the Sandusky County Bar: 

1852, Lucius B. Otis, term expired in 1857; 1861, 
John L. Greene, sr., term e.xpired; 1874, T. P. Fine- 
frock, term expired 1879. 

ASSOCIATE JUDGES. 

Under the old Constitution of Ohio, the 
following served as associate judges: 

1820, Israel Harington, David Harold, Alexander 
Morrison; 1821, Israel Harington, Charles B. Fitch, 
Jeremiah Everett; 1822, Israel Harington, Jeremiah 
Everett, Jaques Hulburd; 1824, Israel Harington, 



124 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Jeremiah Everett, Morris A. Newman; 1825, Isiael 
Harington, Joel Strawn, James Justice; 1827, Joel 
Strawn, James Justice, Elisha W. Howland; 1832, 
James Justice, Elisha W. Howland, Luther Porter; 
1834, James Justice, Luther Porter, Jacob Nyce; 
1839, Jacob Nyce, Isaac Knapp, George Overmyer, 
sr. ; 1841, Isaac Knapp, George Overmyer, Alpheus 
Mclntyre; 1846, Alpheus Mclntyre, Jesse S. Olm- 
stead, Frederick Chapman; 1850, Jesse S. Olmstead, 
Frederick Chapman, Samuel Hafford. 

CLERKS OF COURT. 

J. Hubbard, 1821-25; J. O. Scranton, 1825-37; 
L. Q. Rawson, 1837-51; Daniel Copper, 1851-54; 
Charles H. Green, 1854-57; James N. Smith, 1857-65; 
W. W. St. Clair, 1865-67; E. W. Cook, 1867-68; J. 
R. Gephart, 1868-73; B. W. Winter, 1873-79; Basil 
Meek, 1879. 

PROBATE JUDGES. 

John Bell, 1852-55; Lyman Gilpin, 1855-58; John 
Bell, 1858-63; W. S. Russel, 1863-66; E. F. Dickin- 
son, 1866-69;* John L. Green, 1869-72; F. Wilmer, 
1872;'!' Edward E. Dickinson, 1877 -79; J C. Doncy- 
son, 1879. 

SHERIFFS. 

Willis E. Brown, 1820-24; Josiah Rumery, 1824-27; 
Giles Thompson, 1827-31; Samuel O. Crowell, 1831- 
33; J. S. Olmstead, 1833-35; J. D. Beaugrand, 
1835-39; Homer Everett, 1839-43; John Strohl, 1843- 
46; Daniel Burger, 1846-50; James Parks, 1850-52; 
Jonas Smith, 1852-54; George Engler, 1854-58; Mich- 
ael Wegstein, 1858-62; A. R. Forguson, 1862-66; 
S. H. Russel, 1866-70; A. E. Young, 1870-74; Henry 
Coonrad, 1874-78; Charles F. Pohlman, 1878. 

PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS. 

Jacob Parker, 1820-22; P. Latimore, 1822-24; 
Increase Graves, 1824-27; R. Dickerson, 1827-28; 
John Bush, 1828-31; R. Dickerson, 1831-35; W. W. 
Culver, 1835-36; Samuel Treat, 1836-38; W. W. 
Culver, 1838-44; L. B. Otis, 1844-50; J. L. Green, 
1850-52; E. F. Dickerson, 1852-56; T. P. Finefrock, 
1856-60; A. B. Lindsay, 1860-64; W. W. Winslovv, 
1864-66; A. B. Lindsay, 1866-70; A. B. Putman, 
1870-74; H. Remsburg, 1874-77; J- '^- Garver, 1878. 

AUDITORS. 

Josiah Rumery, 1820-22; Thomas L. Hawkins, 
1822-24; Ammi Williams, 1824-26; Jesse S. Olm- 
stead, 1826-28; Ezra Williams, 1828-30; Samuel 
Treat, 1830-36; Nathaniel B. Eddy, 1836-38; Ezra 
Williams, 1838-40; Nathaniel B. Eddy, 1840-42; A. 
Coles, 1842-48; Homer Everett, 1848-52; Horace 
E. Clark, 1852-56; William E. Haynes, 1856-60; 

* Resigned in 1868, being elected to Congress. 

t Died July, 1877; J. L. Green appointed to fill vacancy. 

J Elected to fill unexpired term of F. Wilmer. 



Thomas Tuckerman, 1860-62; Oscar Ball,* 1862- 
65; John Lynch, 1865-66; Edwin Hoff, 1866-70; 
George W. Gust, 1870-74; F. J. Geible, jr., 1874- 
78; Adam Hodes, 1878. 

TREASURERS. 

N. Wittenger, 1820-26; Harvey J. Harman, 1826- 
28; Grant T. Forguson, 1828-30; Isaac \'an Doren.f 
1830-38; Jesse S. Olmstead, 1838-42: Isaac Glick, 
1842-48; Oliver Mclntrye, 1848-52; J. T. R. .Sebring, 
1852-56; A. D. Downs, 1856-58; Wilson M. Stark, 
1858-62; D. L. June, 1862-64; Charles G. Green, 
1864-66; John P. Elderkin, 1866-70; J. P. Elderkin, 
jr., 1870-74; Henry Baker, 1874-78; Elias B. Moore, 
1878. 

SURVEYORS. 
Ezra Williams, 1820-28; David Camp, 1828-36; 
David Reeves, 1836-46; W. B. Stevenson, 1846-47; 
Horace E. Clark, 1847-52; T. W. Clapp, 1852-56; 
D. D. Ames, 1856-58; T. W. Clapp, 1858-60; J. L. 
Rawson, 1860-62; Horace E. Clark, 1862-64; Jere- 
miah Evans, 1864-76; Michael Putman, jr., 1876. 

RECORDERS. 

Charles B. Fitch, 1822-25; James .A. .Scranton, 
1825-34; James Robinson, 1834-40; N. S. Cook, 
1840-46; Benjamin F. Fletcher, 1846-48; William E. 
Rearick, 1848-54; Jacob Snyder, 1854-60; A. F. 
Gallagher, 1860-67; W. W. Stine, 1867-73; James 
Worst, 1873-79; J. R. Conklin, 1879. 

COMMISSIONERS. 

Maurice A. Newman, Charles B. Fitch, Moses 
Nichols, 1820; Maurice A. Newman, Moses Nich- 
ols, Giles Thompson, 1821; Giles Thompson, 
Elisha W. Howland, Thomas Emerson, 1824; Elisha 
W. Howland, David Camp,Jared H. Miner, 1825; 
Elisha W. Howland, David Camp, J. S. Olmstead, 
1826; Samuel L. Lockwood, L. G. Harkness, Jere- 
miah Everett, 1827; L. G. Harkness, Jesse S. Olm- 
stead, Jeremiah Everett, 1828 ; Jesse S. Olmstead, 
Samuel Hollingshead, Oliver Comstock, 1830; Sam- 
uel HoUingshead, Oliver Comstock, Casper Rems- 
burg, 1834 ; Samuel Hollingshead, Oliver Comstock, 
George Overmyer, sr., 1835; Samuel Hollingshead, 
George Overmyer, sr. , Paul Tew, 1837; Samuel 
Hollingshead, Paul Tew, Ezekiel Rice, 1838 ; Paul 
Tew, Ezekiel Rice, Jonas Smith, 1839 ; Paul Tew, 
Jonas Smith, John Bell, 1840; Paul Tew, Jonas 
Smith, Wilson Teeters, 1841 ; Paul Tew, Jonas 
Smith, James Rose, 1844; Paul Tew, Jonas Rose, 
John S. Gardner, 1845; Jonas Rose, John S. Gard- 
ner, Hiram Hurd, 1846; John S. Gardner, Hiram 
Hurd, Eleazer Baldwin, 1847 ; John S. Gardner, 
Hiram Hurd, Martin Wright, 1850; Hiram Hurd, 
Martin Wright, Michael Reed, 1851 ; Martin 

^Resigned 1865 to accept treasurer's office. 

tRe-elected. Died before beginning of second term — Isaac 

Van Doren appointed to fill vacancy. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



1^5 



Wright, Michael Reed, WilUam Morgan, 1855; 
Michael Reed, William Morgan, John Orvvig, 1856 ; 
]ohn Orwig, Sanford G. Baker, Joseph R. Clark, 
1858; John Orwig, Joseph R. Clark, Benjamin In- 
man, i860; Joseph R. Clark, Benjamin Inman, 
John Beery, 1862; Benjamin Inman, John Beery, 
C. G. Sanford, 1864 ; Benjamin Inman, C. G. San- 
ford, S. E. Walters, 1865 ; Benjamin Inman, S. E. 
Walters, Henry Reiling, 1867; Benjamin Inman, 
Henry Reiling, David Fuller, 1868 ; Benjamin In- 



man, Henry M. Reiling, Longanbach, 1872; M. 
Longanbach, David Fuller, John Morrison, 1873 ; 
M. Longanbach, John Morrison, F. William Sand- 
wisch, 1874; John Morrison, F. W. Sandwisch,* 
Manuel Maurer, 1877; Manuel Maurer, N. G. 
Rathbun, Byron O'Connor, 1878, N. G. Rathbun, 
Byron O'Connor, D. S. Tinney, 1880. 



* Resigned November 18, i£ 
ed to fill vacancy. 



S ; Byron O'Connor appoint- 



CHAPTER X. 

*DEVELOPMENT— MATERIAL— MORAL-SOCIAL. 

Sandusky County a Desolate Wilderness — Early Settlement — Suffering Prevails — Pioneer Hospitality — Rais- 
mgs. Log-rollings and Dances— Woman's Work — Early Schools and Establishment of the School Sys- 
tem — Chuiches — Material Advancement — Comparison of Tax Duplicates — Abstract of Census Since 1820 
— The County's Future. 



THE Indians of Northwestern Ohio 
battled firmly and bravely against 
progressing civilization, but their conflict 
was with destiny. At last, weakened, de- 
moralized and discouiged, they sold their 
birthri^t for but little more than a "rness 
of pottage."'* Reluctantly and sadly they 
abandoned their wigwams and corn-fields, 
and crowded upon the reservations, leav- 
ing a desolate wilderness, oppressive in 
the gloom of its solitude. Beautiful words 
and roseate sentences would be ill-chosen 
in a description of the forest which baffled 
the energy of Sandusky county's pioneers. 
A loam soil of boundless fertility gave 
rapid growth to trees of nearly every va- 
riety, except where inundation or fires had 
left islands of prairie in the sea of heavy 
forest. Vegetables as well as animals are 
subject to a common law of nature, which 
requires the old to give place to the new. 
A tree grows, matures, dies, and falls to 

■* About 3 8-10 cents per acre. Treaty of 1817. 



decay, leaving a young and more vigorous 
shoot to shade the spot it had darkened, 
and so on in endless succession. In the 
forest to which the j^ioneers of this county 
came, foliaged branches crowded each 
other, and enveloped poisonous gasses 
breathed from decomposing vegetation. 
Fallen trunks, crossing each other at every 
angle, closed natural water-courses and 
made the over-saturated soil a fulsome 
breeder of malaria. Armies of insects 
filled the woods with their hungry hum 
and howling wolves made night melan- 
choly. To such a wilderness, every fea- 
ture of which shot arrows of despondency, 
brave men brought determined spirits and 
generous women devoted hearts. 

It has been said that the white settle- 
ment of Sandusky county began before 
Wayne's war, and that the first settlers 
were James Whittaker and Isaac Williams, 
the former having been brought here a 
captive, and the latter the son of a trader 



126 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



at Upper Sandusky and a captive. These 
two families were indisputably the first 
permanent white settlers. Arundel and 
Robbins, the English traders mentioned 
by Heckwelder in the narrative of his 
captivity, can not properly be called set- 
tlers. They were here for the purpose of 
speculating, and had no intention of re- 
maining to assist in the development of 
the country. The War of 1812 brought 
to the county a company of French from 
Michigan, who made squatter settlements 
on the river prairies as soon as peace was 
established. 

In the earlier and poorer days of the 
Republic there was no public policy for 
the encouragement of settlement. The 
public domain was looked upon by Con- 
gress as an important source of revenue, 
and laws were passed from time to time 
making it a criminal offence to settle upon 
public lands. One dollar and a quarter 
an acre was the unvarying price, and who- 
ever paid it received a patent from the 
Government. Purchasers usually found 
on their land small clearings and rude 
cabins lately deserted by that nomadic 
class of people known as squatters. They 
are the link which in history connects the 
native hunters with the pioneer woods- 
men. Partaking of the character of both, 
they precede one and follow the other. 

There is another class of pioneers who 
may be termed squatter settlers, for they 
came to stay, and awaited with patience 
the opportunity to purchase land. This 
class a wholesome homestead law would 
have benefited. Industrious, but poor, 
they toiled amidst every difificulty of forest 
life, borne up by the hope of securing an 
heritage for their children. How discour- 
aging it must have been, after two or three 
years of ceaseless toil, to see the title of 
their prospective homes become the pos- 
sessions of another — yet such was often 
the case. 



The first settlers of Sandusky county, 
outside of the old military reservation now 
included in the city of Fremont, and ex- 
cepting the French and captive settlers on 
the Sandusky prairies, penetrated the for- 
est near the eastern border, and were 
mostly Eastern people, who had temporari- 
ly located in the Fire-lands. Land east 
of the Reserve line was selling at prices 
ranging from two to four dollars. Preferable 
land on this side was surveyed and platted, 
preliminary to being placed on the market 
at one dollar and a quarter per acre. 
Emigrants, when on the ground, with 
their goods packed in large covered 
wagons, sought out a dry spot in the 
trackless wilderness, cut out a road just 
wide enough to pass through and erected 
a temporary cabin. Two or three fami- 
lies usually came together, and gave each 
other such assistance as was needed in 
raising a house, which was made by the 
first arrival, of poles. Notches were cut in 
on each side at the ends, so that the has- 
tily built structure might stand more firm- 
ly. Mud, plentifully mixed with leaves, 
was used to fill the cracks, and a chimney of 
sticks was built outside. These cabins were 
little better than Indian huts, but tfee lone 
pioneer was unable to erect a hewed-log 
house, such as he had heard his Eastern 
parents talk about. He was almost a sol- 
itary adventurer in an inhospitable forest. 
Having provided a shelter for his family, 
this advance guard of the pioneer army 
next set to work to prepare a spot of 
ground for corn, which in new settlements 
is the staff of life. He did not cut down 
all the trees, as is done in modern clear- 
ing, but only the underbrush and saplings 
— the larger trees were girdled to prevent 
them from leafing. These advance set- 
tlers often planted considerable corn, with- 
out even clearing away the water-soaked 
logs, which covered more than half the 
surface. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



127 



S-kirmishers of the pioneer army made 
their appearance in Townsend in 18 18, 
and about the same time in Green Creek 
and York. This year, also, the incipient 
village of Lower Sandusky extended up 
the river as far as the second rapids, and a 
few openings were made in the forest ad- 
joining the bottoms below town. 

Sandusky county did not present the 
true picture of pioneer life until after the 
public lands were platted and placed upon 
the market. Hurqn county was by that 
time well advanced in settlement, and gen- 
eral improvement under rapid way. The 
fame of the exhaustless fertility of San- 
dusky's fertile vegetable soil had reached 
New York, and a stream of emigration 
turned westward. Some came in large 
covered wagons all the way, but by far a 
larger proportion utilized lake transporta- 
tion from Buffalo to Huron, and thence in 
wagons. Many Huron settlers abandoned 
unfinished improvements, and began anew 
in the adjoining forest. York, Townsend, 
and Green Creek townships received their 
immigration mostly from New York. A 
few years later Central Ohio caught the 
pioneer fever, and many people of Penn- 
sylvania stock joined axes with the New 
York Yankees in a general war against the 
forest. 

Below the falls, on the Sandusky, the 
dry river hills were entered early, and a 
French colony gathered about the head of 
the Bay, where many of their descendants 
are yet living. The Black Swamp west of 
the river was for many years viewed with an 
eye of despair, and abandoned to wolves, 
frogs and mud hens. This dismal region 
was first penetrated for purposes of settle- 
ment in 1826. Its rapid development did 
not begin until near the close of 1830. 
The black swamp was a subject for con- 
versation in nearly every country house in 
Perry county, Ohio. The settlers, then 
nearly all sturdy of Pennsylvania stock, in- 



ured to rugged work, looked with favor 
upon this rejected tract which concealed 
its fertility beneath vegetation and water. 
Old men with their families abandoned the 
homes they had made, and young men 
bade farewell to the firesides of their 
fathers, all seeking fortune in a new coun- 
try. 

Fartlier west, in Scott and Madison 
townships, the pioneers came from the 
Seven Ranges, many of them from Colum- 
biana county, Ohio. They trace their 
genealogies back to New England. The 
complement of settlement is made up of 
people of Pennsylvania German descent, 
who came to this county from Central 
Ohio — Perry, Guernsey, Columbiana, and 
Wayne counties have contributed more to 
the settlement of the Black Swamp than 
any other part of the country. The pio- 
neer community of Woodville was charac- 
teristically Yankee. 

Pioneer life, particularly in such a wil- 
derness as primitive Sandusky county, is 
a most thorough test of strength of char- 
acter, a test which only the fittest survive. 
Many were induced to leave cultured 
homes and communities by the delusive 
hope of accumulating a fortune amidst 
surroundings such as are pictured by ro- 
mantic fiction; a few knew something of 
])ioneer life in other places, where nature's 
wild beauty and a healthful air lightened 
the woodman's task. But Sandusky 
county's forest taxed not only the spirit 
but the bodies of the pioneers. It is esti- 
mated that less than two-thirds of all who 
joined the advanced settlers endured the 
conflict. Some who had purchased land 
sickened at the sight, and, if they were 
able, either turned back to the homes of 
their childhood, or pushed westward to 
fairer lands. Others entered upon their 
task with spirit and resolution. A willing 
hand sank the axe deep at every stroke, 
and a buzzing wheel furnished music to 



128 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY .COUNTY. 



the cabin. All went well till poverty came 
— poverty with every discouraging accom- 
paniment. A crop almost ready for the 
harvest became the plunder of animals 
and birds. Reserved capital was soon ex- 
hausted, and nothing remained to supply 
the necessities of life. The awful picture 
of starvation impressed itself upon a trou- 
bled fancy. Disease and distressing sick- 
ness completed the desolation of spirit, 
and often grim death entered the loving 
family circle and wrecked every hope. 
AH the past was lost, and nothing in future 
seemed attainable. Prudence counseled 
desertion of an undertaking whose only 
end seemed desolation and ruin. It is 
not to be wondered at, therefore, that 
many of the early immigrants deserted im- 
provements commenced and lands partially 
paid for. Only those excelling in bravery, 
sturdiness, and determination, continued 
the battle of the wilderness to a successful 
issue. The survivors of that trying period 
have a right to recite the story of their 
hardships, and we of a younger generation 
would be ungrateful to refuse to listen. 
Their life was one of stern reality and 
work — disinterested work — having for its 
affectionate inspiration a desire to leave 
their children the heritage of an estate. 
But pioneer life had its amusements and 
good cheer as well as toil, privation, and 
sadness. A few outline sketches of early 
scenes may be of interest in this connec- 
tion. 

The most distinguishing characteristic 
of the pioneers, was their generous, social 
disposition to give each other assistance in 
every time of need. Sincere, welcoming 
generosity shone from every fire-place, 
and when a new comer into a community 
was received with his family into a cabin, 
and entertamed with the best its scanty 
accommodations could furnish. The site 
of a house being selected, neighbors for 
miles around welcomed their new neigh- 



bor by building a cabin for him. Such a 
company was always in the best of humor, 
for a raismg was one of those holiday oc- 
casions which break in on the dull monot- 
ony of life, dispelling doubt and gloom, 
and leaving only jollity. After a general 
hand shaking with their new neighbor, the 
company organized for work by appointing 
a captam, whose business it was to direct 
the work of the day. Then trees about 
the chosen site of the cabin were cut 
down, the large, straight-grained trunks 
being sjjlit into puncheons for the floor 
and door. The ground once cleared, the 
raising commenced. A skilled axeman 
stood at each corner, and when, with many 
a "heave, oh heave!" a log tumbled into 
position, it was notched near the ends so 
that the next, crossmg at right-angles, 
would rest more firmly. Thus log by log 
the cabin was raised, while another party 
of men, better skilled in woodcraft, was 
dressing puncheons and splitting shakes 
or clapboards for the roof. The first 
houses were rarely more than c;ae low 
story high, so that by means of skids, logs 
were easily placed in position. The logs 
which built up the gable were smaller and 
were secured by poles running the whole 
length of the building, at intervals of about 
three feet. On these, clapboards were 
laid in such a way as to make a tight roof. 
The roof was weighted down by poles laid 
over the rafter poles, and held in position 
by blocks at the ends, running from one 
to the other. A puncheon floor vindi- 
catestheaxemanshipof oiirpioneer fathers. 
Many of them were as smooth as plane 
dressed floors, yet no other tool was used 
than an axe. One side was hewn smooth, 
and the others notched so that the sleep- 
ers brought them exactly to the same 
height. A chimney, a window, and a 
door completed the structure. 

The chimney was built of poles imbed- 
ded in mud mortar, on a foundation of 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



129 



stone, and was usually placed outside of 
the house against one end ; a large open- 
ing was cut out to form a fire-place. A 
fire-chamber was formed of stone to keep 
the poles of the chimney from burning. 

An opening about five and one-half 
feet high and four feet wide was cut into 
the side for a door-way. The door was 
made of puncheons pinned to cleats at 
each end, and was hung on squeaking 
wooden hinges. A window was made by 
cutting out a piece of one or two logs, 
pinning bars at right-angles across the 
centre, and pasting over the opening 
greased paper. Glass in the West was a 
rare luxury, and sold at a price far beyond 
the reach of early settlers. 

The cabin completed, the company in- 
dulged in various amusements, such as 
wrestling, running races, lifting, and shoot- 
ing at a mark. Whiskey,always free on such 
occasions, increased the general hilarity, 
and at times was the cause df a triendly 
fight. 

Cat.n furniture corresponded with the 
simplicity of the building. A bedstead 
was made by joining two poles, one into 
the end, the other into the side of the 
cabin near one corner. The two other 
ends were tied together with bark, and 
supported by a post resting upon the 
floor. Pins were driven into a log of the 
side of the cabin, and into the pole oppo- 
site, to which was fastened strips of bark 
in such a way as to form a matting. Un- 
der the bed was a convenient place for 
packing articles not in everyday use. A 
white linen curtain concealed from view 
this useful, though suspicious looking 
corner. 

Few cabins afforded more than two 
split bottom chairs. These, however, 
were generally easy and comfortable, ele- 
gance being a secondary consideration. 
Benches were in common use. They 
were made by driving into wide punch- 



eons long pins, for legs. The table was 
generally the product of a cabinet shop, 
and constituted part of the outfit pur- 
chased before leaving home. 

One or two kettles and a spider consti- 
tuted the cooking furniture. The table 
fare consisted of corn bread, pork, and 
wild meats. 

Articles of dress were largely of home 
manufacture, and were made either of flax 
or wool. Every pioneer in the more fa- 
vored and earlier settled part of the coun- 
ty, had a few sheep and a flax patch. 
The flax was pulled, bleached, and 
dressed. The tow was then cleanly carded 
with a hand card. The spinning-wheel 
prepared it for the shuttle. Spinning was 
at one time the National employment of 
American women. It is particularly an 
occupation of pioneer life and the ac- 
companiment of penury. There is real 
beauty in that picture representing virtue, 
which figures a devoted wife and mother, 
busily spinning with both hands; one foot 
is on the treadle which moves the whirling 
wheel, while the other is rocking, in a 
cradle, her tender offspring, quieted by the 
rythmic hum to sweet, innocent sleep. 

The whirl of the wheel and thud of the 
loom, mingled with the echoing stroke of 
axes, the crash of falling trees, and roar 
of clearing fires. The music of the wife's 
industry did not cease at nightfall, but 
wolves heard the sound and owls hooted 
its melody. Shirts, trowsers, bed-clothing 
and dresses were all the product of wo- 
man's busy hands. But upon the woman 
rested more than the burden of spinning 
and weaving and sewing and cooking and 
rearing her family, and hunting cows in a 
fenceless forest and milking and making 
butter. Mills, during the first years of 
settlement, were inaccessible, and the 
preparation of corn for food mvolved 
great labor. As among the Indians, corn 
was used considerably in the form of 



130 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



hominy, ashes being used to take off the 
outside shell. Corn was prejiared for 
"johnny-cake" by cracking it with a ham- 
mer or wooden mallet, on a block hol- 
lowed out for the purpose. It took one 
woman an hour to prepare in this way 
sufficient meal to supply the appetites of 
three men. It was not long, however, 
until mills with very simple machinery 
were constructed where a creek of suffi- 
cient size offered a favorable site. Most 
of these consisted simply of a buhr driven 
by an undershot or breast wheel. The 
bolting was all done by hand. Corn was 
sifted before using, by the cook herself, 
while wheat flour was bolted through a 
web of cloth hung on rollers and turned by 
hand. The customer always had to turn 
the bolt for his own grist. These mills, on 
account of their slowness, were wholly in- 
adequate even to the simple wants of the 
pioneers. People came long distances 
through the woods to bring such grists as 
they could carry on the back of a horse, 
and when once at the end of their tedious 
journey, were compelled to wait one, two, 
and sometimes even three days for their 
turn. The mills built by Chambers and 
Moore, on Sandusky River, were more 
efficient. Being centrally located, an ex- 
tensive business made the best machinery 
of the time profitable, and the water sup- 
ply furnished all the power necessary. 
We say improved machinery for the time, 
for Moore's mill of sixty years ago would 
be an insignificant establishment, com- 
pared with Moore's mill of the present. 
The pioneers, speaking of the old mills, 
very appropriately termed them "corn 
crackers." But people who had cracked 
grain got along very well; all were not so 
fortunate as to have that. It is a signifi- 
cant fact that many of the early settlers 
of this county were poor, sometimes even 
to the point of physical want. 

Very few of the pion^^rs had more 



than enough money to bring them here. 
They depended for a start upon their 
own labor and the resources of the coun- 
try, about which so much had been said 
in the old communities. The first sea- 
son's planting, owing to the difficulty of 
preparing the soil, was small, but under 
favorable conditions would have been suf- 
ficient to furnish bread, had the destroyer 
remained away. What must have been 
the hard-working farmer's disappomtment 
and chagrin, to see his crop at ripening 
time become the feast of all the multitude 
of animals and birds, which filled the 
woods. Blackbirds, squirrels, raccoons, 
and turkeys literally devoured the droop- 
ing ears of an entire field, upon which 
the hard-pressed family placed sole de- 
pendence for their winter's food. 

Another and prevalent cause of poverty 
and want in pioneer Sandusky county, 
was fever and ague, which visited almost 
every cabin: Scarcely a spring opened 
but the old, unwelcome visitor returned in 
its most malignant form. At places clear- 
ing fires died out for want of attention, 
and weeds smothered the growing corn. 
The spinning-wheel, perchance, ceased its 
cheerful whirl, and the dismal prospect, 
amid desolate surroundings, day by day, 
became more gloomy. All were not thus 
unhappily afflicted, but all had generous 
hearts and were willing to lend assistance in 
a day of need. As the forest gradually be- 
came more broken the years grew brighter 
and crops increased in fullness. Hewed 
log and frame houses took the place of 
the first rude cabins; and when at evening 
the family gathered round the great brick 
fire-place, the parents and older children 
told and retold to the interested little ones, 
melancholy experiences of sickness, want, 
and hardship. Those experiences are, 
thanks to our hardy and resolute ances- 
tors, happily past.- Events live only in 
imagination and history; very few memo- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



131 



ries yet retain impressions of the heroic 
conflict, and the number is monthly be- 
coming smaller. 

To increase the acreage of tillable land 
was a main object of the well-to-do pioneer. 
He first girdled the trees and cut out the 
underbrush and logs of a small patch, 
probably ten acres, for the first season's 
planting. The next season, if health per- 
mitted, he more than doubled the "girdle 
clearing, " and began to cut or burn down 
dead trees standing on the first opening. 
Those that were hollow or partially de- 
cayed burned readily, but solid timber 
hadjto be cut. Straight white oak, walnut, 
and poplar was split into rails for fencing 
fields under cultivation. Other trees were 
cut into logs, and when several acres had 
been thus reduced, a frolic was made, to 
which all the neighborhood came. Log- 
rollings were the joy of pioneer life. All 
work was turned into fun. Heavy lifts 
were made a contest of strength, and the 
fatigues of the day were drowned by the 
contents of well filled jugs. These pleas- 
ant gatherings, after the logs had all been 
piled ready for the torch, often terminated 
in happy social occasions, in which the 
wives and sisters figured conspicuously. 
Dancing was a fashionable amusement, 
encouraged by the mothers, and greatly 
enjoyed by all. When the men went to rull 
their neighbors' logs, their dames and 
lasses dropped in to help do the cooking, 
and perchance make a quilt between meals. 
The men concluded their labor by tri- 
umphantly carrying the captain on their 
backs; the women dedicated a quilt by 
enfolding it around their hostess. The 
strains of a fiddle brought all together, 
when night's shadows expelled the day. 
Round dancing was then unknown, but 
all the variety of movements may be 
described as a free and easy, go as you 
please affair. It was not expulsion from 
the ball-room to step on a lady's toes, 



though such a sad accident rarely hap- 
pened, for the nimble, though not tender 
feet, of these pioneer lasses quickly re- 
bounded from the solid puncheon floor. 
One thing commendable can be said of 
the pioneer "French Four" or quadrille; 
it was performed with hearty enthusiasm. 
The dancers were lost in their amusement, 
and joy inspired every step. Beaux swung 
their partners with a generous hug, and 
the girls made no peevish objection. Joy- 
fully the dance went on till howling wolves 
grew hoarse, and candles melted to their 
sockets. 

Stock was allowed to pasture in the 
fenceless woods. Every cow was provided 
with a bell, and every flock of sheep with 
several. Cattle often ate the poisonous 
grass, which caused that terrible disease, 
milk sickness, spoken of at greater length 
elsewhere in this history. Sheep were 
penned in a high enclosure every night, to 
protect them from wolves, which often 
came to the cabin door. Hogs were 
marked and turned out to fatten on nuts 
and acorns. Hogs bred in the woods be- 
came wild, and sometimes dangerous. It 
was unsafe to go far from the clearing, ac- 
comi)anied by a dog, for the sight of that 
animal arouses all the savage nature of a 
hog. An old settler assures us that an in- 
furiated boar was a more dangerous enemy 
than a bear or wolf. Every farmer had 
his stock marked, which the law required 
him 'to have recorded in a book of in- 
dentures kept for the purpose by the town- 
ship clerk. 

No market was accessible to the pio- 
neers of Sandusky county, where farm 
products could be exchanged for cash, but 
furs always commanded the ready money. 
This circumstance made many of the pio- 
neers hunters, particularly those in the 
north part of the county. Soda-ash found 
a ready cash market, and several kilns in 
the east part of the county were con- 



132 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



structed for its manufacture. Fish filled 
the streams emptying into the bay and 
river. Nature thus afforded the otherwise 
unfavored early settlers a bountiful supply 
of nutritious meat. The woods also 
abounded in deer, squirrels, and turkeys. 
Nature lavished her wealth too bountifully 
upon Sandusky county; too much timber 
and too many animals was the cause of 
much distress. 

As the little spots of sunshine in the 
long reach of forest grew more numerous 
and larger, the pioneers began to avail 
themselves of the advantages of churches 
and schools. The first schools were kept 
in private houses, where all the children 
of the neighborhood came, each contrib- 
uting a share toward the support of the 
teachers, which was very little, indeed, 
but, as a rule, the teachers were as poor as 
the pay; there were, however, many ex- 
ceptions to this unfortunate rule. The 
first school-houses were built by the 
voluntary efforts of the neighbors. A 
little council of residents determined on a 
location, and set a day for raising. All 
concerned came, and by night the house 
was under roof Several holes were cut in 
the walls, over which greased paper was 
pasted, which served the purpose of a 
window, for light alone was needed; cracks 
between logs admitted sufficient fresh air. 
The benches were made of puncheons, 
and a wide puncheon on each side of the 
room, fastened to blocks about three feet 
high, served as a desk. Reading, writing, 
and arithmetic were the only branches 
taught. Until 1825 teachers were sup- 
ported wholly by private subscription. 
The first school law which gave each 
township at least one school, supported 
entirely or in part by taxation and the 
proceeds of section sixteen, which the 
ordinance of 1787 set apart for the sup- 
port of education, was passed in 1825, 
and went into effect soon after. In 1829 



a new law, authorizing the trustees to divide 
each township into districts, was passed, 
and was more effectual. Still, in the new 
communities of Sandusky county, the tax 
of three-fourths of a mill on the dollar 
was insufficient, and private subscription 
had to be relied upon. The teachers 
boarded with the scholars, and many of 
them worked for two shillings a day. The 
public school system of Ohio was revised 
and established on a solid basis in 1838, 
when local authorities were given permis- 
sion to levy taxes to the amount needed 
for the liberal support of public instruc- 
tion. 

In 1852 the present school law was 
passed, since which time educational facil- 
ities have steadily improved till there is 
no longer the semblance of an excuse for 
common ignorance. It is to be regretted 
that the public library system, once well 
established, fell to premature decay. It is 
a melancholy fact that but few people 
through the country have given any atten- 
tion to the collection of books tor the use 
of their children. Libraries breed schol- 
ars, and scholarship has become a neces- 
sity m almost every walk of life. The in- 
difference of people in respect to furnish- 
ing their children proper reading matter, is 
shown by the jnexcusably reckless man- 
agement of the excellent library, which 
the State once furnished to every town- 
ship. The only public libraries to which 
the people of the county have access, are 
those at Fremont and Bellevue. 

A gratifying improvement in school- 
houses is noticeable all over the county. 
Log structures are no longer to be seen 
anywhere. Frame buildings took their 
places, and these, in turn, are fast being 
displaced by comfortable brick houses. 
People have lately formed an idea of the 
value of talent in the school-room, and 
are paying better wages than formerly. It 
is needless to say that the standard of 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY C5lJNTY. 



133 



common school education is steadily im- 
proving. The children of the pioneers, 
now grown frosty with years, esteemed 
themselves fortunate if they learned to 
spell, read, write, and cipher as far as the 
rule of three. Now a common school 
course prepares a student for any depart- 
ment of business, or for admission into 
the higher seminaries of learning. The 
change in school government during the 
sixty years of Sandusky county's history, is 
worthy of mention. Early teachers ruled 
with the rod rather than the head. Pupils 
were reduced to obedience by beating out 
of them their life and spirit. There were 
a few teachers who practiced humane and 
sensible methods of government. The 
names of such are held in grateful remem- 
brance by the men and women fortunate 
enough to enjoy their association and 
instruction. 

Nothing is so difficult to reduce to words 
and express on paper as the moral con- 
dition of a pioneer community. This 
subject, as applied to Lower Sandusky, is 
referred to in other chapters. Throughout 
the country there were conflicting elements 
of human nature, but the moral life, taken 
as a whole, was healthful. Depravity is 
generally found among the idle and in- 
different classes. A few such there were, 
but the country possessed little attraction 
for them. Sandusky county's pioneers 
were not, generally speaking, an intellectual 
class of people. They were hard-w-orking 
people before they came, and had no time 
here for anything but hard work. But 
they had due appreciation of the value of 
education, and against all adversities of 
circumstance gave attention to the instruc- 
tion of their children. Neither were they 
a Godless people, but heard with interest, 
and were refreshed by the preaching of a 
devoted, self-denying, itinerant clergy. 

The mission of early preachers was as 
arduous as the early practice of medicine. 



Long rides through a malarial forest, by 
paths almost untraceable, ministering to 
the sick at almost every house, and preach- 
ing in every settlement, was the heaven- 
ordained calling of a United Brethren or 
Methodist clergyman. Meetings were 
at first held in private houses, then 
school-houses, and finally the little log 
church made its appearance. The United 
Brethren and Methodist were the pioneer 
churches of Sandusky county. Method- 
ism was first established at Fremont (then 
Lower Sandusky), as will be seen by refer- 
ence to the proper chapter. A preaching 
station was established in Green Creek 
township, in 1822, the outgrowth of 
which is the Clyde Methodist Episcopal 
church. About 1825 itinerant Methodists 
began to hold services in Townsend town- 
ship. A class was afterwards formed there, 
and in 1840 a church was built. It is not 
known just when Methodist evangelists car- 
ried the light of religious instruction into Ri- 
ley. A class was formed there about 1850.* 
The Methodist Episcopal church has 
made little progress in the western town- 
ships. Washington was made a preaching 
station as early as 1833, probably earlier. 
A class was formed a few years afterwards. 
This was the only pioneer association of 
that denomination in the Black Swamp 
region. Recent classes have been formed 
in Scott and at Gibsonburg. 

By far the largest church in the county, 
both in number of congregations and in 
membership, is the United Brethren. 
There are two churches in York, one in 
Townsend, two in Riley, one at Clyde, 
one at Green Springs, two in Ballville, 
four in Jackson, two in Washington, two 
in Rice, one in Scott, one in Madison, and 
one in Woodville.f 

*See township history. 

•f-A general sketch of the United Brethren church 
in this county, contributed by J. Burgner, will be 
found in the chapter on Ballville township. 



134 



tllSTORY OF SANDUSKY COUN TV. 



Next to the United Brethren in numer- 
ical strength, in the country districts, is 
the Evangelical Association, popularly 
known as Albrights. This denomination 
has one church in Townsend, one in Riley, 
one in Ballville, two in Jackson, one in 
Fremont, two in Washington, one in Scott, 
one in Madison, and one in VVoodville. 
The membership, like that of the United 
Brethren, is almost entirely of people of 
Pennsylvania Dutch descent. The clergy, 
as in the United Brethren and Methodist, 
are itinerant, with licensed local preachers 
for assistants. 

Reformed churches are of later organ- 
ization than those of any of the denom- 
inations mentioned. Churches have been 
erected in Fremont, Washington, Jackson, 
and Woodville townships. There are 
several preaching stations besides. 

The first Catholic churches in the coun- 
ty were in Fremont and Rice. There are 
at present two congregations in Fremont, 
one in Rice, one in Clyde, one in Jackson^ 
and one in Woodville. 

The Evangelical Lutheran church came 
into being in this county in 1836, Adol- 
phus Konrad being the pioneer preacher. 
He organized congregations in Fremont 
and at Woodville. Rev. George Cronnen- 
wett took charge of the church at Wood- 
ville in 1841, and Rev. Henry Lang of the 
church at Fremont in 1843. Both have 
been indefatigable in their labors ever 
since. There are six churches in the 
county, organized as follows: Fremont, 
Four-mile Point (Sandusky township), 
Hessville, and Woodville, from 1836 to 
1841; Rice, 1843; and Gibsonburg, 1876. 
A large proportion of the church in Erie 
county, four miles north of Believue, live 
in this county. There are in the county 
about three thousand Lutheran members. 

Besides these congregations of the more 
leading and influential denominations 
having a membership distributed over the 



entire county, there are many individual 
churches. For further details the reader 
is referred to the accompanying sketches 
of Fremont, Clyde, Believue, and the sev- 
eral townships. 

Fifty years ago people esteemed them- 
selves fortunate to have the privilege of 
church service once a month; now a 
meeting house is within walking distance 
of every house in the county. 

The material advancement of any sec- 
tion of country depends, in a large degree, 
upon its natural resources. In this re- 
spect Sandusky county is more than duly 
favored, although without mines of iron or 
coal. The most substantial wealth is fer- 
tility of soil, and nowhere in Ohio is the 
soil better adapted Jo general agriculture. 
The rich alluvions of the Scioto have long 
been celebrated, but a comparison of acre- 
age productions is in favor of the valley of 
Sandusky Bay. From the time the asper- 
ities of pioneer life began to soften, and 
the real natural advantages of the county 
to stand out in public view, population and 
wealth have multiplied with surpiising ra- 
pidity. In 1826, in York township, the 
total valuation (including houses,) of real 
property was $2,303. The names of fifty- 
two persons are entered on the duplicate, 
with personal property amounting to 
$4,668, of which $1,500 is on merchan- 
dising. 

Excepting Sandusky township, in which 
the village of Lower Sandusky was then 
included, Ballville paid more taxes in 1826 
than any other township in the county. 
The total valuation of real estate was 
$6,133, and personal property, assessed 
against thirty-seven individuals to the 
amount of $2,632. 

The real estate of Sandusky township 
in 1826 was valued at $19,095, merchan- 
dising at $9,313, and other personal pnip- 
erty at $2,416. 

At that time no real estate in Riley 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



135 



township was subject to taxation, but the 
personal valuation was $3,480, $2,440 of 
which was on cattle alone. The personal 
valuation of Townsend was $1,488; no 
real estate was listed. 

The valuation of real estate in Green 
Creek was $819, and of personal prop- 
erty $3,480. 

At this time the west part of the county 
was a wilderness, untrodden by the asses- 
sor, or scarcely any one else. 

In York, in 1826, there were 26 horses 
and 266 cattle; in Townsend, 9 horses and 
141 cattle; in Green Creek, 22 horses and 
175 cattle; in Ballville, 30 horses and 134 
cattle; in Riley, 26 horses and 305 cattle. 

One year later, in 1827, in York, 3,325 
acres were valued at $6,232, or less than 
two dollars an acre; merchandising at 
$1,200, and other chattels at $2,640. 

Five hundred acres in Townsend were 
valued at $900, and the personal valuation 
was $1,240. 

In Green Creek, 1,911 acres were valued 
at $4,255; chattel valuation, $1,664. 

One hundred and sixty acres in Riley 
were valued at $240; personal property 
amounted to $2,800 — more than any other 
township except Sandusky, showing the 
extent of the stock-raising industry on the 
prairies in the northern part. 

In Ballville, in 1827, 3,510 acres were 
subject to taxation, valued at $14,131; 
valuation of personal property, $1,152. 

In Sandusky township, 5,249 acres were 
entered on the duplicate at $14,806. The 
valuation of merchandising had increased 
to $7,300, and other chattels to $1,112. 

The progress of improvement was most 
rapid between 1827 and 1840. During 
that period the Black Swamp was entered 
and settled. An important element was 
also added to the population. German 
emigration to Ohio began about 1830. 
Sandusky county began to receive these 
thrifty immigrants about 1835, and for 



ten years the influx was quite rapid. They 
settled chiefly on improved lands in Riley, 
Rice, Washington, and Woodville town- 
ships. A few scattering settlements are 
also to be found in other parts of the 
county. Germans work hard for their 
money, and when they have it they save 
it. The tax valuation of the county is 
higher by many thousand dollars than it 
would have been without a substantial 
German element in the settlement. 

It will be seen that there exists on the 
soil of Sandusky county rather a remark- 
able mixture of blood — Yankees of almost 
every type; Pennsvlvanians, with all the 
race mixture in one individual that that 
term implies; Germans, and French. If 
the doctrine that cross-breeding is pro- 
ductive of superiority, surely much may 
be expected of the county in future gen- 
erations. 

The following statistics show the real 
estate valuation of the several townships 
in 1840. Sandusky includes the town of 
Lower Sandusky: Sandusky, $141,695; 
Ballville, $81,883; Green Creek, $74,479; 
Washington, $69,579; York, $64,223; 
Riley, $58,875; Jackson, $57,259; Town- 
send, $51,106; Scott, $49,881; Wood- 
ville, $42, 311; Madison, $27,446; Rice, 

$23w54. 

This shows the rapid development of 
the Black Swamp townships, which thir- 
teen years before had a population of less 
than half a dozen families. Jackson, the 
settlement of which did not really begin 
till 1828, takes rank over Townsend, 
where settlement was made more than ten 
years before. Washington takes fourth 
place among the townships. The progress 
of settlement in Washington was greatly 
accelerated by the improvement of the 
pike. The following statistics give a com- 
parative view of the number and value of 
horses and cattle in the several townships 
in 1840. The following showing makes 



136 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



considerable change in the former order 
of arrangement: 

York — Number of horses 268, valuation $10,720; 
of cattle 600, valuation $4,880. 

Sandusky — Number of horses 255, valuation $10,- 
200; of cattle 417, valuation $3,336. 

Green Creek — Number of horses 198, valuation 
$7,920; of cattle 511, valuation $4,088. 

Ballville — Number of horses 170, valuation $6,800; 
of cattle 449, valuation $3,892. 

Washington — Number of horses 141, valuation $5,- 
640; of cattle 442, valuation $3,536. 

Jackson — Number of horses 157, valuation $6,280; 
of cattle 353, valuation $2,824. 

Townsend — Number of horses 115, valuation $4,- 
600; of cattle 361, valuation $2,888. 

Scott — Number of horses 98, valuation $3,920; of 
cattle 429, valuation $3,432. 

Riley — Number of horses 79, valuation $3, 120; of 
cattle 306, valuation $2,528. 

Rice — Number of horses 46, valuation $1,860; of 
cattle 204, valuation $1,632. 

Woodville — Number of horses 41, valuation $1,- 
660; of cattle 180, valuation $1,440. 

Madison — Number of horses 31, valuation $1,240; 
of cattle 134, valuation $1,072. 

The following table shows the valuation 
as appraised in 1880, including villages 
and towns: 



Fremont .... 
Green Creek. 
Washington . 

York 

Jackson 

Ballville 

Riley 

Woodville. . . 
Sandusky . . . 

Scott. . .'. 

Townsend. . . 
Madison .... 
Rice 



Real 


Personal 


Estate. 


Property. 


1,303,486 


$479,066 


1,217,632 


335.830 


1,161,050 


211,850 


110,795 


383,040 


859,030 


176,010 


804, 882 


178.055 


709,940 


108,646 


709,272 


284, 205 


682,796 


124,998 


645,989 


105.350 


624.355 


144.365 


451.977 


71.915 


381.459 


101,524 



The population of Sandusky county in 
1820 was 852; in 1830, 2,851; in 1840, 
10,182; in 1850, 14,305; in 1856, 21,- 
429; in 1870, 25,503, and in 1880, 32,- 
063. Accordmg to the census of 1880 
Sandusky county stands thirty-fifth with 
respect to population among the counties 
of the State. In one other respect the 
county stands somewhat higher when 
placed in comparison with other counties. 
During the year 1879 there appeared on 



the court docket forty-nine petitions for 
divorce. This number was exceeded in 
only fourteen other counties of the State, 
and in proportion to the population, in not 
more than half a dozen other counties. 
Of these forty-nine petitions, twenty-six 
alleged as the cause, cruelty; sixteen, 
neglect; six, adultery; and one, fraud. 

The following table shows the relative 
growth and comparative population of the 
several townships since 1850. In the last 
column is given the foreign-born popu- 
lation in 1870: 



Fremont .... 
Green Creek. 
Washington . 

York 

Madison .... 
.Sandusky. . . 
Townsend . . 
Woodville. . . 

Ballville 

Riley 

Jackson 

.Scott 

Rice 



1850 



i860 



1464 3510 
128913228 
1499 1992 



1870 1880 



1811 

389 
1040 

968 
1237 
1556 

682 
1092 

792 

486 



1619! 
881 
"51 
1053 

1516 



1478 

1264 

943 



54558451 
3666^4495 

2282 2608 

I 
2094 2319 

985I1856 

1570 178 



I2QO 
1418 

I73I 
146 I 
1350 
1274 

927 



1697 
1662 
1652 
162I 
1485 
1452 
930 



Foreign. 
1870 

1072 

374 
366 
288 

85 
266 
182 
412 
205 
274 
141 

90 
204 



Excepting Sandusky township the above 
table includes towns and villages. The 
population of these, severally, as given by 
the census of 1880, was as follows: 

Fremont, 8,451; Clyde, 2,380; Belle 
vue, 2,169;* Green Spring, 720;! Gib- 
sonburg, 589; Lindsey, 409; Woodville, 
406; Helena, 11 1; Burgoon, iio; Roll- 
ersville, 99; Millersville, 52. 

The future of any section of country is 
always a subject of hazardous speculation. 
But that Sandusky county is not yet fully 
developed is apparent to every observer. 
Some of the older townships outside of 
town limits are not increasing, and will 
not increase in population with any great 
rapidity, for the tendency in settled com- 
munities is for the farms to grow larger 
by the natural law of concentration 
of capital ; but the towns are growing 

*737 in Sandusky county, 1,432 in Huron. 
f389 in Sandusky county, 331 in Seneca. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



137 



larger, and land advancing in value. 
There are yet in the county large tracts of 
unimproved land which will in the near 
future be developed and add largely to 
wealth and population. In fact, the day 
is not far distant when the swamps, now 
only fit for hunting, will be recovered by 
ditches and dykes, and golden harvests 
will decorate the fertile soil now despoiled 
by water. A beginning has already been 
made — the end is beyond human imag- 
ination to predict. 

Railroads are plowing through the coun- 
ty in every direction. Towns are spring- 
ing up in every township, making the 
products of the soil and the rocks 
under the soil more valuable. Sandusky 
county and its towns are yet in their 
youth — every sign points to a healthy 
and full growth. 

*VOTE OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 

The following shows the official vote of 
Sandusky county since the first guberna- 
torial election in 1822, to 1880. The vote 
is for Governor, except when otherwise in- 
dicated : 

1822— Allen Trimble, 118; William W. Irvin, 81 
Jeremiah Morrow, 23. 

1826 — Allen Trimble, 203, Alexander Campbell, 
79; John Bigger, 13. 

1828 — Allen Trimble, 153; John W. Campbell. 64. 

1830 — Duncan McArthur (National Republican), 
i8r; Robert Lucas (Democrat), 141. 

1832 — Presidential election, Andrew Jackson (Dem- 
ocrat), 27q; Henry Clay (Whig), 294. 

1834 — Robert Lucas (Democrat), 383; James 
Findlay (Whig), 313. 

1836 — Presidential election, Martin Van Buren 
(Democrat), 799; William H. Harrison, (Whig), 642. 

1838 — Wilson Shannon (Democrat), 834; Joseph 
Vance, (Whig), 724. 

1840 — Wilson Shannon (Democrat), 930; Thomas 
Corwin, (Whig), 841. 

1842 — Wilson Shannon (Democrat), 957; Thomas 
Corwin (Whig), 738; Leicester King, (Abolition- 
ist), 7. 

, *[NOTE.— Compiled by the publishers from Secre- 
tary of State's reports of 1875, 1876, 1879, and 



1844— David Tod (Democrat), 1198; Mordecai 
Bartley (Whig), 951; Leicester King, (Abolition- 
ist), 00* 

1846 David Tod (Democrat), 961; William 

Bebb (Whig), 754; Samuel Lewis (Abolitionist), 30. 

1848— John W. W^eller (Democrat), 1074; Seabury 
Ford (Whig), 874. 

1850— Reuben Wood (Democrat), 1215; William 
Johnston (Whig), 742. 

1851 — Reuben Wood (Democrat), 1293; Samuel F. 
Vinton (Whig), 687; Samuel Lewis (Abolitionist), 2. 

1853 — William Medill (Democrat), 1417; Nelson 
Barrere (Whig), 467; Samuel Lewis (Abolitionist), 

154- 

1855— William Medill (Democrat), 1499; Allen 
Trimble (Know Nothing), 447; Salmon P. Chase 
(Republican), 1042. 

1856— For Attorney General, C. P. Wolcott (Re- 
publican), 1450; S. M. Hart (Democrat), 1443; John 
M. Bush (Know Nothing), 16. 

1857 — Salmon P. Chase (Republican), 1315; 
Henry B. Payne (Democrat), 1699; Philip Van 
Trump, 67. 

1858— For Attorney General, C. P. Wolcott (Re- 
publican), 1237; Durbin Ward (Democrat), 1555. 

1859 — William Dennison (Republican), 1473; Ru- 
fus P. Ranney (Democrat), 1822. 

i86i — David Tod (Republican), 2160; Hugh J. 
Jewett (Democrat), 1856. 

1862 — For Secretary of State, Wilson P. Kennon 
(Republican), 1474; William W. Armstrong (Demo- 
crat), 1993. 

1863— John Brough (Republican), 2571; C. L. 
Vallandingham (Democrat), 2213. 

1864 — For Secretary of State, William H. Smith 
(Republican), 2040; W. W. Armstrong (Democrat), 
1917. 

i865^acob D. Cox (Republican), 2161; George 
W. Morgan, (Democrat) , 2355. 

1867— Rutherford B. Hayes, 2261; Allen G. Thur- 
man, 2834. 

1868 — Presidential election, U. S. Grant (Repub- 
lican), 2443, Horatio Seymour, 2846. 

1869— R. B. Hayes (Republican), 2175; George H. 
Pendleton (Democrat), 2630. 

1871 — Edward •F. Noyes (Republican), 2022; 
George W. McCook (Democrat), 2610. 

1872 — Presidential election, U. S. Grant (Repub- 
lican), 2380; Horace Greeley (Democrat), 2729; 
blank, 31; O'Conor, 5. 

1873— Edward ^- Noyes (Republican) 2025; Wil- 
liam Allen, 2740; G. T. Stewart, 122; Isaac Col- 
lins, 13. 

1875— R. B. Hayes, 2609; WiUiam Allen, 3353; 
J. Odell, I. 

*Sandusky, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, and Van Wert 
were the only counties in the Staie in which no Abolition 
votes were cast. 



138 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



The following shows the vote for Rep- 
resentative in Congress from the Tenth 
District, October, 1880: 



Counties. 




3 




M 
3 

p 

W 
XT 
P 



3 

t 


P 

z 

'^ 



cr 

a 
aq 
n 


P 
>-< 

3 


c 


Erie. , 


3682 
2876 

4495 
3374 
3967 


3198 
2992 
2909 
3292 

4635 


121 

52 
178 

138 
130 


I 


4 


Hancock 


lOI 




t6 












Totals 


18394 


17026 


619 


I 


121 






Majority.. 


1368 













The vote for President in 1876 is given 
by townships: 



Ballville 

York and Bellevue Precinct .... 
Green Creek and Stem Precinct 

Jackson 

Madison 

Rice 

Riley 

Sandusky 

Scott 

Townsend 

Washington 

Woodville 

Fremont 



H 


X 


a 


p 




n 




y 


236 


227 


200 


323 


354 


596 


159 


183 


202 


160 


146 


57 


246 


13' 


216 


155 


170 


153 


162 


170 


349 


194 


2(52 


100 


628 


579 



Rutherford B. Hayes, Republican 3.032 

Samuel J. Tilden, Democrat 3.330 

Peter Cooper, National Greenback 45 

G. C. Smith 2 

1879 — Charles Foster (Republican) 2643; Thomas 
Ewing (Democrat) 3427; G. T. Stewart (Prohibition) 
53; A. S. Piatt (National Greenbacker) 287. 

Presidential election; vote given by 
precincts : 



1880 



Ballville 

Bellevue Precinct. . . - 

Green Creek 

Jackson 

Madison 

Rice 

Riley 

Sandusky 

Scott 

Townsend 

Washington 

Woodville 

York 

Fremont — 

P'irst Ward 

Second Ward 

Third Ward 

Fourth Ward 

Stem Town Precinct. 



Totals 3059 3640' I 



209 
86 

471 
199 

193 

55 
100 

157 
147 
202 

175 

93 

225 

157 
122 
140 
207 
121 



262 

85 

317 

188 

255 
153] 
2(391 
220 
202 
170 
378 
275 
137 



213 
203 



43 



18 



49 



14 



29 



CHAPTER XL 



IMPROVEMENTS 



Maumee and Western Reserve Road— Treaty Providing for Roads— Method of Making— Condition When 
Completed — The Ohio and Michigan War — Road to Fort Ball. 



IMPROVEMENTS. 

HAVING in the preceding chapters of 
this history placed before the readers 
some remarks touching upon the pre-his- 
toric races, the description of the remains 
of their works as far as found in the county, 
a brief notice of the Indians found here 
when the white man first came upon the 
soil of the county; also remarks to show 
how we became entitled to the land the 
people of the county now live upon, and 
having given also something about the 
soil, surface, and geology of the county, 
we might j^roperly proceed to next give 
an account of the early settlement of the 
county by the white race. But by the ar- 
rangement of subjects best adapted to ac- 
complish thoroughness and completeness 
in tlje matter of individual history, the 
more particular history of early settlements 
and individual settlers will be found in our 
township and city histories. Pursuing, 
then, the general history of the county, it 
seems not improper to give some history 
of the improvements of the county, and 
some account also of the circumstances 
and incidents which induced them, as well 
as a notice of the men who were actively 
instrumental in bringing them about. 

Slow, sleepy, and dull as it may look 
now, when viewed by the side of the thun- 
dering locomotive and its immense train, 
the older inhabitants of the county will 
still realize the fact that there never has 
been an improvement which contributed 
more to invite attention to, and induce 
settlement in the county, than did the 



MAUMEE AND WESTERN RESERVE ROAD. 

This road and the men connected 
with it have a history. The men who pro- 
jected it and executed the design in build- 
ing this road, did a great and good work, 
not only (or this county but for all people 
east :;nd west of the county, in all parts 
of the country, and they deserve honora- 
ble mention in the history of the locality, 
although, in some measure, their labors of 
late are rendered perhaps less important 
than they were, by improvements then un- 
known and unthought of. 

It will be remembered that the title to 
lands generally was not obtained from the 
Indians until the treaty made by Duncan 
McArthur and Lewis Cass, with the Indian 
tribes, at Maumee, in 1817, September 29. 
But east and south the Indian title had 
been acquired; also in part of Michigan. 
On the 25th of November, 1808, at Browns- 
town, Michigan, Governor Hull, on behalf 
of the United States, concluded a treaty 
with the chiefs and warriors of the Chippe- 
wa, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Wyandot, and 
Shawnee nations of Indians, which, after 
reciting that the United States had ac- 
quired land north of the Miami of Lake 
Erie, and lands east and south of that, 
but not adjoining, and that the lands lying 
on the eastern side of the Miami River, 
and between said river and the boundary 
line established by the treaties of Green 
ville and Fort Industry, with the excep- 
tions of a few small reservations to the 
United States, still belong to the Indian 
nations so that the United States cannot, 



140 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



of right, open and maintain a convenient 
road from the settlements in the State of 
Ohio to the settlements in the Territory of 
Michigan, nor extend those settlements so 
as to connect them. In order, therefore, 
to promote this object, so desirable and 
evidently beneficial to the Indian nations, 
as well as the United States, the parties 
have agreed to the following articles which, 
when ratified by the President of the 
United States, by and with the advice and 
consent of the Senate, shall be perpetually 
binding. 

After the preamble, which is substantial- 
ly given above, the treaty proceeds in the 
following language: 

Art. 2. The several Nations of Indians afore- 
said, in order to promote the object mentioned in the 
preceding article, and in consideration of the friend- 
ship they bear towards the United States, for the 
liberal and benevolent policy which has been pursued 
towards them by the Government thereof, do hereby 
give, grant, and cede unto the United States a tract of 
land for a road of one hundred and twenty feet in 
width, from the foot of the rapids of the Miami of 
Lake Erie to the western line of the Connecticut Re- 
serve, and ail the land within one mile of the said 
road on each side thereof, for the purpose of estab- 
lishing settlements along the same; also a tract of 
land for a road, only one hundred and twenty feet 
in width, to run southwardly from Lower Sandusky 
to the boundary line established by the treaty of 
Greenville, with the privilege of taking at all times, 
such timber and other materials from the adjacent 
lands as may be necessary for making and keeping in 
repair the said road, with the bridges tliat maybe re- 
quired along the same. 

Art. 3. It is agreed that the lines embracing the 
lands given and ceded by the preceding article 
shall be run in such direction as may be thought most 
advisable by the President of the United States for 
the purpose aforesaid. 

Art. 4. It is agreed that the said- Indian Nations 
shall retain the privilege of hunting and fishing on 
the lands given and ceded as above, so long as the 
same shall remain the property of the United States. 

Done at Brownstown, in the Territory of Michigan, 
this 25th day of November, in the year of our 
Lord one thousand eight hundred and eight, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America, 
the thirty-third. 

William Hull, 

Conunissioner. 



Wyandots. 



Ne-me-kas, or Little Turtle, ^ 

PucK-E-NESE, or Spark of Fire, j 

Macq'JETEQUET, or Little Bear, „, . 

c !-Cniupewas. 

Shemmanaquette, j ^^ 

Wape-me-me, or White Pigeon, | 
Ma-che. j 

Kewechewan, ) ^,. 
Tondagane. fOttawas. 

Mogan, Pottawatomies. 

MiERE, or Walk-in-the-Water, 

I-yo-na-yo-ta-ha, or Joe, 

Ska-ho-mat, or Black Chief, 

Adam Brown. 

Ma-ka-te-we-ka-sha, or Black Hoof, ) „, 

Koi-ta-way-pie, or Colonel Lewis. ) ^nawanees. 

It will be noticed that this Brownstown 
treaty, November 25, 1808, was the first 
step in the direction of procuring a road 
through the Black Swamp and on east of 
the river to the west line of the Connecti- 
cut Western Reserve. 

While the treaty did not in terms set a 
time within which the United States should 
open this road for travel, and thus make it 
available to emigrants, the Government ac- 
cepted the donation of valuable land for 
the purpose. This acceptance raised an 
implied obligation binding the Govern- 
ment, as the donee, to establish and open 
the road between the points indicated in 
the treaty within some reasonable time. 

This obligation was clearly and defi- 
nitely recognized by the United States by 
an act of Congress, approved by the Presi- 
dent, December 12, 181 1. This act pro- 
vided that the President should appoint 
three commissioners to survey and mark 
the most eligible course for the road, and 
return an accurate plat of the survey to 
the President, who, if he should approve 
the same, should cause the plat and sur- 
vey to be deposited with the Secretary of 
the Treasury of the United States; and 
providing further, that said road should be 
located, established and constructed pur- 
suant to the treaty held at Brownstown on 
the 25th day of November, 1808. This 
act also provided that the commissioners 
should be paid three dollars and their as- 
sistants one dollar and fifty cents per day 
while employed in the work. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



141 



This act appropriated six thousand dol- 
lars for ihe purpose of compensating the 
commissioners and opening and making 
the roads. 

The act contemplated the survey and 
making of two roads provided for in the 
treaty of Brownstown. One from the 
Miami of Lake Erie to the west line of the 
Connecticut' Western Reserve, and the 
other from Lower Sandusky southward to 
the (keenville treaty line. 

It is difficult now to ascertain with cer- 
tainty whether the survey provided for by 
the act of Congress of 181 1 was made, or, 
if made, at what precise date it was done ; 
or the line which was reported for the 
roads, or who were the commissioners un- 
der the last-mentioned act. There is, 
however, little doubt that a survey of a 
line for the Maumee and Western Reserve 
Road was made some time between 181 1 
and 18 1 6. We find in an old volume, 
entitled Land Laws for Ohio, published in 
1825, another act of Congress, approved 
April 16, 1816, which authorizes the Pres- 
ident of the United States to cause to be 
made, in such manner as he may deem 
most proper, an alteration in the road laid 
out under the authority of an act to au- 
thorize the surveying and making of cer- 
tain roads in the State of Ohio, contem- 
plated by the treaty of Brownstown, so 
that said road may pass through the reser- 
vation at Lower Sandusky, or north there- 
of not exceeding three miles. 

The act of 181 6 provided that the nec- 
essary expenses incurred in altering said 
road should be paid out of moneys appro- 
priated for surveying the public lands of 
the United States. This expression, "alter- 
ing," clearly implies that a survey had be- 
fore been made. Probably the alteration 
was not, in fact, made, nor is the fact ma- 
terial, because Congress, in 1823, in au- 
thorizing the State to make the road, did 
not restrict the State to any survey or par- 



ticular location of the road which had be- 
fore been made, but only gave the termini 
of the road as given in the treaty of 
Brownstown. 

In the meantime, communication be- 
tween Fort Meigs, on the Maumee, and 
Fort Stevenson, on the Sandusky River, 
was carried on by way of the Harrison 
trail, as it was called, which will be men- 
tioned in another part of this work. 
About the year 1820, after this county 
was organized and the lands around Lower 
Sandusky were coming into market, and 
the country was attractmg settlers, some 
unsuccessful efforts were made to have 
Congress construct the road according to 
the obligations to do so, by fair implica- 
tion from the terms and spirit of the treaty. 
These efforts were unavailing, but finally 
Congress consented to transfer the build- 
ing of the road to the State of Ohio. This 
was done at the earnest solicitation, not 
only of the pioneers who had settled at 
and about Lower Sandusky, but also the 
Kentucky Land Company, who had in- 
vested in lands in the reservation. 

Thereupon, by an act of Congress, ap- 
proved February 28, 1823, it was provided 
that the State of Ohio might lay out a 
road, specifying termini and dimensions, 
the same as specified in the treaty, and to 
enable the State to make the road. Con- 
gress granted to the State the same quan- 
tity of land given by the treaty. But in 
the meantime the United States had been 
selling land, regardless of the strip two 
miles wide for the road, and many of the 
best tracts along the line had been sold 
to individual purchasers. On the east 
portion of the line, especially from the 
sand ridge and Clyde to Bellevue, a large 
part of the road land had been thus dis- 
posed of, and many of the best tracts west 
of the Sandusky River were taken in like 
manner; also much of the reserve" of two 
miles square at Lower Sandusky. For 



142 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTV. 



the lands thus sold which should have been 
applied to making the road, the act provided 
that the Secretary of the Treasury of the 
United States should pay the State, to be 
applied to the construction of the road, 
one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. 
The United States also provided in the 
act that the Government would stop sell- 
ing these lands as soon as the State re- 
ported a survey and location of the road, 
and provided, also, that the road should 
be made by the State in four yt-ars from 
the date of the act, and that the lands 
should not be sold by the State for less 
than one dollar and twenty-five cents per 
acre. The lands along the road were by 
this act to be so taken as to be bounded 
by sectional lines as run by the United 
States. The money arising from the sales 
of these lands was, after building the 
road, to vest in the State to keep the road 
in repair. 

The reader having traced the original 
design of this road back to its source, in 
the treaty of Brownstown, November 25, 
1808, should not fail to notice that we owe 
the right to it to the liberality and kind- 
ness of a people we call savages. Hav- 
ing also seen that the United States 
transferred the work of making the road 
to the young and growing State of Ohio, 
February 28, 1823, it is easy to realize 
that a spirited set of pioneers would not 
long be barred, and the seekers after homes 
still further west, as in Michigan and In- 
diana, barred in, too, by the Black Swamp. 
They were wide-awake and keenly alive to 
the improvement of the county, and coun- 
try around them. They foresaw that if 
Lower Sandusky was ever to be a place 
of note and thrift, there must be a road 
connecting the place with the East and 
West. 

The town of Lower Sandusky had in it 
in 1823-24-25, such men as Jesse S. 01m- 
stead, Josiah Rumery. Nicholas Whittinger, 



Thomas L. Hawkins, Ammi Williams, 
Ezra Williams, Moses Nichols, Cyrus Hul- 
burd, Charles B. Fitch, Jeremiah Everett, 
Jacques Hulburd, Elisha W. Howland, 
Morris A. Newman, Israel Harrington, 
and others, all too shrewd, clear of appre- 
hension, and too energetic, not to strive 
zealously for the contemplated great im- 
provement. The zeal of these early set- 
tlers, aided, no doubt, by the influence of 
the Kentucky Company, who had pur- 
chased largely of the reservation, induced 
the General Assembly of the State to ac- 
cept the proposition made by the United 
States, to assume the work of selling tlie 
land and making the road. 

SURVEY OF THE ROAD. 

The General Assembly of the State 
promiJtly took up the subject, and, by 
laws, provided for surveying the line and 
establishing the road, and also for survey- 
ing these lands which were to be sold to 
raise the money necessary fur its construc- 
tion, and also to contract for the making 
of the road. 

In the year 1824 an ofifice for the sale 
of the lands was opened at Perrysburg, 
under the superintendence of Mr. Mc- 
Night, who began the sales and also con- 
tracted for the making of the road iii 1824. 

Quintus F. Atkins was the surveyor of 
the lands, and of the road also; but 
he had under him a surveyor named 
Elijah Risdon, whose special duty it was 
to run the line of the road and stake it 
out. The act authorizing this survey was 
passed January 27, 1823, and the line was 
run in the summer and fall of that year. 
Our respected fellow-citizen, Hezekiah 
Remsburg, who resided near the line of the 
road, on the bank of Muskalonge Creek, 
remembers well, although then a boy, that 
Risdon and his surveying party, coming 
through from the West, were attracted to 
his father's by the light of an out-door 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



143 



brick oven, which his mother was heating 
quite late in the evening, and called at 
for refreshments and lodging, which the 
party received without charge, according 
to thecustom of the generous pioneers of 
that day. 

METHOD OF MAKING THE ROAD. 

It should be remembered that the line 
of this road, from the Maumee (Miami) 
River to Hamer's Corner, as it was then 
called, but now Clyde, a distance of near 
forty miles, ran through an almost 
unbroken forest of exceedingly dense 
and heavy growth. The roadway was 
to be cleared one hundred and twenty 
feet wide — thirteen feet next the outer 
lines of the one hundred and twenty 
feet was, by the contract, to be cut with 
stumps as high as ordinary clearings; the 
next inner seventeen feet was to be cut 
nearly or quite level with the surface of 
the earth, with a view to have it available 
for a side road; the inner sixty feet was to 
be grubbed up clean, and thrown up in 
the form of a turnpike. This sixty for the 
pike was placed nearer to the south side 
of the outer line, leaving greater room for 
a side road on the north side, where the 
sun might sometimes shine and make that 
dry sooner than the south side. Hence 
we find now that the side road is on the 
north side of the main or Macadamized 
pike. The timber from the clearing and 
grubbing was piled on the outer thirteen 
feet. 

It was no child's play to cut down, grub 
out, and roll away the immense trees 
which stood so thick in this one hundred 
and twenty feet, especially when we con- 
sider the fact that these courageous men 
had to contend, not only with the giant 
trees and their roots, but also with tor- 
menting flies and mosquitoes, mud and 
water, and fever and ague; and yet the 
work was done in spite of all these obsta- 



cles, and done on time — that is, substan- 
tially — and to the acceptance of Congress, 
within the four years' limit prescribed by 
their act of 28th February, 1823. 

MENTION OF SOME OF THE CONTRACTORS 
AND COST OF CLEARING AND TURNPIK- 
ING THE ROAD. 

Our much respected fellow-citizen, Na- 
than P. Birdseye, now of Fremont, in a 
recent interview with the writer, stated 
that his father, James Birdseye, was one 
of the early contractors for work on the 
road. His contract was to make seven 
miles in all, and also to build the bridge 
over the Sandusky River at Lower San- 
dusky. About two miles and a half of his 
job was west of the river, and the remain- 
der east of it, a part being in York town- 
ship, and a part between the river and 
Green Creek. Our informant was then a 
young man, and worked with his father in 
the performance of his contracts. He 
says the fiist work done on the road was 
in 1824, (Mr. Birdseye began his in Sep- 
tember of that year), and that the whole 
was cleared and piked up in the year 
1827. 

Messrs. Fargo & Harmon had a large 
contract to make this road between Green 
Creek and Clyde. 

Mr. James Birdseye finished the bridge 
over the Sandusky River in January, 1828, 
for the contract price of three thousand 
dollars. It was built of solid, heavy white 
oak timber of the very best quality pro- 
cured from land east of Lower Sandusky, 
about two miles distant. There were no 
stone piers or abutments, but instead, 
strong double bents were used. These 
bents were boarded up with strong plank, 
and the space between the two walls filled 
with stone to give weight and solidity to 
the structure, and to resist the high waters 
of the river. 



144 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY .COUNTY. 



THIS BRIDGE CARRIED AWAY BY A FLOOD. 

In February, 1833, occurred the great- 
est flood ever known on the Sandusky 
river. The ground was frozen and cov- 
ered with a deep snow. Several successive 
days of heavy rain dissolved the snow, 
and the combined water from the rain and 
snow, no part of which was absorbed by 
the earth, was suddenly precipitated into 
the ice-covered river. The large bodies 
of ice in the upper portion of the stream 
were soon raised and loosened by the ac- 
cumulating water, and brought against the 
still firm ice a little below the city, where 
it gorged and for a time prevented the 
water passing; the gorge of broken ice 
extended a long distance above the bridge. 
The water rose until in about twenty-four 
hours after the gorge was formed the ice 
began to lift the bridge; the great pressure 
forced a movement of the ice below, and 
the whole body of ice at and above the 
bridge moved down stream carrying on 
its surface the entire structure without 
parting it except from the shore at each 
end. The bridge was carried down stream 
about half way from where it stood and 
where the present iron bridge stands, and 
head of the island next below the bridge. 

The movement thus far was slow, steady, 
and majestic, growing slower and slower 
until the river was again gorged with 
ice below, and the movement ceased 
with the bridge intact, though a little 
curved, and nothing broken. After this 
second gorging of the ice, the pent up 
waters turned from the channel above, 
flowed over the valley, and formed a strong 
current down Front street, which brought 
and lodged there great cakes of ice. It 
was then a river from hill to hill on either 
side of the channel, and the whole cov- 
ered with broken ice of more than a foot 
in thicknf^ss. Through the crevices in the 
broken ice the water went gurgling and 
roaring for several days. A sudden change 



in the weather froze this mass together, 
and the bridge was for weeks, perhaps a 
month, used as a foot-bridge to cross the 
river on. A few boards used as an ap- 
proach made it a great convenience for 
the time. All this time a current of water 
was running quite swiftly down Front 
street, and canoes and skiffs were used to 
go from one part of the town to another 
for a period of about ten days, when the 
water found an outlet below and the flood 
subsided. But the bridge remained in 
the place where the ice left it until the 
usual spring freshet, which was com- 
paratively moderate, carried it further 
down and broke it. The bridge was 
floored with two-inch oak plank, sawed at 
Emmerson's saw-mill, which then stood on 
Green Creek, on the farm now owned by 
George T. Dana, and about half a mile 
south of the line of the road. Mr. Birds- 
eye says there were four double bents to 
support the bridge, besides those at each 
end. That it was well put together, and 
of good material, is shown by its tenacious 
resistance to the forces brought against it. 
But the engineer had not raised it high 
enough for such a flood. The bridges 
built after this one will be noticed in an- 
other chapter of this work. 

COST OF ROAD AND PRICE OF LAND. 

The average cost of clearing, grubbing, 

and throwing up this road was about • 

dollars per mile, exclusive of the cost of 
bridges; and the contractors in many in- 
stances paid for land by the work they 
performed. The road lands, Mr. Birdseye 
said, were sold at different prices, ranging 
from one dollar and twenty-five cents to 
two dollars and fifty cents per acre, during 
the time of making the road. 

CHARACTER OF THE ROAD WHEN COM- 
PLETED. 

When the road was completed accord- 
ing to the original design, in 1827, it was 
simply a strip one hundred and twenty 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



145 



feet wide cleared through the woods, with 
a ridge of loose earth about forty feet 
in width between the ditches along the 
sides. 

The trees outside of the hundred and 
twenty feet stood thick and towering on 
either side, giving at a little distance the 
appearance of a huge wall about a hun- 
dred feet high, and when in foliage almost 
shutting out the rays of the sun except a 
little time in the forenoon. Still, this road 
was a benefit. It was at least a guide 
through the Black Swamp, which travel 
lers could follow without fear of losing 
their way, and during the dry seasons of 
the year was a tolerable road for a few 
years. It soon became a stage route, and 
about 1830 a line of four-horse post 
coaches was established on this road. The 
attempt, however, to run passenger coaches 
with regularity was a failure, for the road, 
then being much travelled through the 
swamp, was found impassable for coaches 
more than half the year. Occasionally, in 
the dry portions of the year, from July to 
the equinoctial rains, the coaches would 
go through with some regularity. The 
contractors, however, endeavored to carry 
the mails through every day. As a con- 
veyance for the mails the hind wheels of 
a wagon were furnished with a tongue, a 
large dry goods box made fast to the cart 
thus improvised, into which the mail 
pouches were stowed. To this four stout 
horses were harnessed to plunge and 
flounder through thirty-one miles of mud 
and water. If a passenger on this line 
would pay well for the ride and take his 
chances to get through, he was permitted 
to mount this box and keep his seat if he 
could, but there was no insurance against 
being splashed all over with mud, or 
plunged into it head-foremost by being 
thrown from his seat. When this convey- 
ance arrived at either end of the line the 
cart, the driver, and the horses often pre- 



sented almost an indistinguishable mass of 
slowly moving mud. 

Meantime emigration to the West in- 
creased, and the more the road was trav- 
elled the worse it became. Some attempts 
were made now and then by the superin- 
tendent to fill up an impassable mud-hole 
with earth, but such work only made it 
thicker and deeper. The condition of 
this road, traversed by emigrants from all 
sections of the east; the reported failures 
in carrying the mails according to contract, 
by reason of its impassability, gave it a 
National reputation for being, perhaps, the 
worst road on the continent. The dis- 
tance from Lower Sandusky to Perrys- 
burgh was thirty-one miles. Hauling 
stalled teams out of the worst mud-holes 
had become a regular and well-established 
employment of the settlers along the route, 
and in 1834, 1835, ^"^ ^^3^' there were 
thirty-one taverns between Lower Sandusky 
and Perrysburgh, which would be a tavern 
averaging one to every mile of road. 
These taverns had two purposes; one was 
to give the traveller food and shelter for 
the night, and the other to pull their tired 
and stalled teams through the worst places 
with ox teams, and start them forward to 
the next impassable mud-hole, where they 
would find another ready to perform a like 
service. These taverns, be it remembered, 
were log huts in the woods, on the borders 
of the road. Our very worthy citizen, 
John P. Moore, says that one Andrew 
Craig happened to locate on the road in 
the vicinity of several of the worst places 
in the track; that Andrew charged exor- 
bitant prices for pulling out the stalled 
teams, and for the use of his cabin for 
emigrants to rest in over night. That it 
was a common occurrence for Andrew to 
work all day in getting the team through 
one or two bad places, and then have the 
emigrants go back to stay at his house for 
three successive nights, until they got 



146 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



within the jurisdiction of the next tavern. 
Andrew's charges were never too low to 
afford him a good income. He was a 
representative tavern-keeper of the time, 
on that road. 

There was little variation in the condi. 
tion and management of this road until an 
event happened which aroused public 
attention throughout the State to the ne- 
cessity of its improvement, and that event 
was what is called 

THE OHIO AND MICHIGAN WAR. 

While this war, as it was called, was not 
the direct result of any action of Sandus- 
ky county, still] its influence and bearing 
upon the subsequent improvement of the 
road had such an importance in the ad- 
vancement of the county that a brief allu- 
sion to it seems proper. Beside this, the 
prominent part taken in that dispute by 
citizens of the county makes a notice of 
its causes and results pertinent to this 
history. 

The convention of delegates which met 
at Chillicothe in St-ptember, 1802, formed 
a Constitution for the purpose of presenting 
it to Congress for acceptance, and for 
then being admitted to the Union as a 
State. In the seventh article of the sixth 
section of the instrument as finally agreed 
upon and accepted by Congress, the con- 
vention undertook to set out the bounda- 
ries of the State. After minutely and 
clearly describing the eastern, southern, 
and western boundary, the section contin- 
ued in the following words: 

On the north by a line drawn east through the 
southern extreme of Lake Michigan until it shall in- 
tersect Lake Erie or the territorial line; thence with 
the same through Lake Erie to the Pennsylvania 
line. Provided that said line shall not intersect Lake 
Erie east of the mouth of the Maumee River; then 
and in that case it shall, by and with the consent of 
Congress, be bounded by a line drawn from the 
southern extreme of Lake Michigan to the northern 
cape of the Maumee Bay. 

It was soon ascertained that an east line 
drawn from th? §9uthern extreme of Lake 



Michigan would intersect Lake Erie far 
east of the mouth ot the Maumee or 
Miami River. Ohio, upon ascertaining 
this fact, solicited Congress to assent 
to the establishment of her northern 
boundary according to the proviso con- 
tained in the seventh article of the sixth 
section of her Constitution. The opinions 
of members of Congress differed on the 
subject, some holding that the proviso had 
already been assented to by the adoption 
of the Constitution; others believed that 
the assent of Congress was made neces- 
sary by the terms of the proviso, and that 
further action was necessary to establish 
the boundary beyond all question. In 
18 15 the Senate of the United States 
acted on the subject, favoring the claim of 
Ohio, but the bill was rejected by the 
House of Representatives. Again, in De- 
cember, 1834, the Senate passed the same 
bill and it was again rejected by the House 
of Representatives. Thus it appears that 
the State of Ohio had, for a period of nearly 
thirty years, solicited Congress from time 
to time to establish beyond a doubt or 
cavil her northern boundary, without ac- 
complishing the purpose. In the mean- 
time she had exercised civil jurisdiction to 
the line mentioned in the proviso, and had 
at great cost constructed the Miami canal, 
which connected with the Maumee River 
at Manhattan, which place then, 1834, 
promised to be what the city of Toledo now 
is, the chief commercial city of northwest- 
ern Ohio. It should be mentioned here, 
in order to properly understand the cause 
of dispute, that in 1805 Congress, in or- 
ganizing the territorial government for the 
Territory of Michigan, had bounded that 
Territory on the south, unconditionally, by 
a line drawn east from the southern extreme 
of Lake Michigan. This line would leave 
Toledo, Manhattan, and the mouth of the 
Maumee River, to the territory of Michi- 
gan, and take from Ohio a strip of land 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



147 



about ten miles in width at the west line 
of Ohio, and running to a point; then the 
line due east from the southern extreme 
of Lake Michigan touched Lake Erie. 

For many years the country was so wild 
and had so few settlers that there was no 
strife and no question about its occupancy 
or the civil jurisdiction over it, and Ohio 
in good faith held possession and bu'lt 
the canal through it without hindrance or 
opposition. Alter the project for building 
the canal was formed and the work under 
way, the then future commercial import- 
ance of the mouth of the Maumee River 
and the Maumee Bay, and this ten miles 
of territory including them, began to be 
appreciated. 

The repeated failures of Congress to 
pass the necessary enactment or declara- 
tion, especially the last failure in 1834, 
served to attract attention to the subject 
and induce a discussion of the question 
whether Ohio or Michigan owned this 
strip of valuable territory. To Ohio this 
question had become one of grave import- 
ance. She had spent large sums of money 
in improvements on it, and it was then 
clearly seen that in the future develop- 
ment of the Northwest a large commer- 
cial city must grow up somewhere near 
the mouth of the Maumee River. Wea- 
•ried of importuning Congress, the State 
itself took action in the matter. February 
6, 1835, the Governor of Ohio, Robert 
Lucas, sent a communication to the Gen- 
eral Assembly of the State, recommending 
the passage of a law "declaring that all 
the counties bounded on the northern 
boundary of the State of Ohio, shall ex- 
tend to and be bounded by a line running 
from the southern extreme of Lake Mich- 
igan to the northern cape of the Maumee 
Bay." On the 23d day of February, 1835, 
an act was passed by the General Assem- 
bly in accordance with the Governor's 
recommendation. Over a part of the ter- 



ritory included by this line, which was the 
line mentioned in the proviso above no- 
ticed, Ohio had not up to that time exer- 
cised any specific jurisdiction. This act 
specifically required the public officers of 
the townships and counties bounded by 
this line to exercise jurisdiction to it, thus 
enforcing the laws of Ohio over a con- 
siderable territory, which for a number of 
years had been tacitly subject to the laws 
of the Territory of Michigan. 

On the 1 2th of February, 1835, ^^^ 
legislative council of Michigan passed an 
act, the second section of which reads as 
follows: 

And be it further enacted, that if any person resid 
'ng within this Territory shall accept any office or 
trust from any State authority other than the govern- 
ment of the United States or the Territory of 
Michigan, every person so offending shall be fined 
not exceeding one thousand dollars, or imprisoned 
five years at the discretion of the court before which 
any conviction may be had. 

The act of the General Assembly of 
Ohio above mentioned, also provided that 
theGovernor should appoint three commis- 
sioners to run the line and distinctly mark 
it on trees, and by monuments where trees 
were not available for the purpose ; that is, 
mark the line which terminated at the 
northernmost cape of the Maumee Bay. 

In the two acts above mentioned may 
be seen the rising clouds which were soon 
.0 culminate in a storm of opposing au- 
thorities, and the collision of hostile forces. 
The acting governor of Michigan, Stevens 
T. Mason, seeing Ohio preparing to take 
from Michigan a part of her territory, pre- 
pared to execute the laws and defend 
what he understood to be the rights of the 
people of Michigan. To do this and to 
effectually drive off all hostile invaders 
from the soil in his Territory, he ordered 
Brigadier-General Brown, under his com- 
mand, to have in readiness a military force 
to repel any encroachment upon their Ter- 
ritory, and intimated to the authorities of 



t4^ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Ohio in plain terms, that the first man who 
should attempt to run the line ordered by 
the authorities of the Stale of Ohio, would 
be shot without hesitation or compunction. 

The citizens of Toledo, then a small 
village situated on the disputed territory, 
manifested a disposition to yield to the 
claims and jurisdiction of Ohio. This 
disposition on their part raised a spirit of 
jealousy against them in the minds of the 
people of Michigan, which led the latter 
to commit unwarrantable and odious dep- 
redations upon the citizens of that village. 

Numerous instances of violence and kid- 
napping resulted from the hostility engen- 
dered by the contest for civil jurisdiction 
by Ohio over this disputed territory, and 
to prevent the survey of the line as re- 
quired by the law of the State. These 
outrages brought Governor Lucas to the 
conclusion that the commissioners he had 
appointed to make the survey would be 
arrested while performing their duty, and 
the work prevented unless protected by 
adequate force. Sincerely believing that 
the claim of Ohio was legal and just, and 
feeling it to be his solemn duty to see the 
laws of the State faithfully executed, 
though regretting the necessity for force, 
he resolved to use force, if it must be used, 
to execute the law and maintain the rights 
of the State. 

The Governor, for the purpose of pro- 
tecting the commissioners and maintain- 
ing the peace, ordered General John Bell, 
then a brigadier-general of Ohio militia, 
to raise five hundred men to rendezvous 
at Lower Sandusky on the 23d of April, 
1835, and repair immediately to head- 
quarters at Fort Miami, on the Maumee 
River and there be in readiness for 
service. 

On the 31st of March of that year 
Governor Lucas, with his staff and the 
boundary commissioners, arrived at Perrys- 



burgh on their way to run the line as 
directed by the law of Ohio. 

General Bell, then in command of the 
Seventeenth division of Ohio militia, the 
boundaries of which included the disputed 
territory, arrived about the same time with 
near three hundred men, who went into 
camp at Fort Miami to await orders. This 
force was the first to report, and was from 
the vicinity ot the expected conflict, being 
under the command of Colonel Mathias 
Van Bleet. The Lucas Guards, an inde- 
pendent company of Toledo, formed a 
part of this force. These were soon after 
joined by part of a regiment from San- 
dusky county, under command of Colonel 
Lewis Jennings; also a part of a regiment 
from Seneca and Hancock counties under 
command of Colonel Henry C. Brish, of 
Tilifin, numbering about three hundred 
more; all together numbering about six 
hundred effective men. The last men- 
tioned three hundred men, and the Gov- 
ernor and staff, as well as the surveying 
party, necessarily had to pass through the 
Black Swamp, by the Mauraee and West- 
ern Reserve road, in the spring of the year. 

And now we have arrived at the event 
which makes the mention of this war perti- 
nent in the history of the Maumee and 
Western Reserve road, and that lies in the 
fact that the contest over the north boun-» 
dary of the State, made it necessary for 
the troops and officers, the Governor and 
his staff, and the commissioners, to run the 
line, and many other distinguished and 
influential men of the State and from other 
States, to wallow through thirty-one miles 
of mud and water, and to realize that it 
was for land travel the connecting and 
only way from the East to the rapidly de- 
veloping region of the Northwest ; and to 
realize further, that the condition of the 
road was a shame and a disgrace to the 
State. 

But now that we have gone thus far in 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



U^ 



the mention of the war, let us briefly trace 
it to the conclusion and then resume the 
more direct history of the road. 

On Sunday, the 26th of April, the sur- 
veying party which had been engaged in 
running the line, when restingabout a mile 
south of the line, in what they consider a 
part of Henry county, in Ohio, at about 
12 o'clock noon, were surprised by about 
fifty of Governor Mason's mounted men, 
well armed with muskets, under command 
of General Brown. The commissioners 
who at the time, had only five armed men 
with them, who had been employed as a 
lookout and as hunters for the party, 
thought it prudent to retire, and so advised 
the men. Several made good their escape, 
but nine of the party did not leave the 
ground in time, and, after being fired 
upon by the enemy, were taken prisoners 
and carried away to the interior of Michi- 
gan. The names of those who were thus 
captured are. Colonels Scott, Hawkins, 
and Gould, Major Robert S. Rice, father 
of our Congressman elect, and of our 
other prominent citizens, William A., 
Robert S., and A. H. Rice ; Captain 
Samuel Biggerstaff, and Messrs. Ellsworth, 
Fletcher, Moale, and Reckets. These 
men were taken by an armed force to 
Tecumseh, Michigan, brought before a 
magistrate there for examination, and, 
though they there denied the jurisdiction 
of Michigan, six entered bail for their ap- 
pearance, two were released as not guilty, 
and one, Fletcher, refused to give bail and 
was retained in custody. 

Governor Lucas, finding it impracticable 
to run the line without further Legislative 
aid, disbanded his forces and called an ex- 
tra session of the General Assembly to 
meet on the 8th of June, which was held 
accordingly. That body passed an act to 
prevent the forcible abduction of citizens 
of Ohio, and made the crime punishable 
by imprisonment in the penitentiary, not 



less than three nor more than seven years; 
it also passed an act to create the county 
of Lucas out of the north part of Wood 
county, including the disputed territory 
north of it, and a portion of the northwest 
corner of Sandusky county. The General 
Assembly also piovided ample means to 
enforce the claims of Ohio. It appro- 
propriated three hundred thousand dollars 
to carry its laws into efifect, and authorized 
the Governor to borrow the money. 

It was ascertained by the Adjutant- 
General of Ohio, Samuel C. Andrews, 
that not less than twelve thousand men in 
the State were ready to volunteer to sus- 
tain and enforce the claims and laws of 
Ohio. 

The partisans of Michigan continued, 
during the summer of 1835, to arrest and 
harrass the people on the disputed terri- 
tory, and the war cloud daily became 
more and more portentous and threaten- 
ing- 

Before the forces under General Bell 
had reached the scene of military opera- 
tions, the President of the United States 
had sent Hon. Richard Rush, of Phila- 
delphia, and Colonel Howard, of Balti- 
more, as commissioners to use their influ- 
ence to stop the war-like demonstrations. 
These eminent men were accompanied by 
Hon. Elisha Whittlesey, one of Ohio's 
most honored public men, and these en- 
deavored to persuade Governor Mason to 
permit the line to be peaceably surveyed 
and marked, and then let matters rest as 
they had been before, until the next ses- 
sion of Congress; but he refused compli- 
ance with the proposition, while Governor 
Lucas assented because he considered the 
Governor of the Territory as a subaltern 
to the President and subject to his (the 
President's) control. This reliance on 
the President's authority it was that in- 
duced Governor Lucas to believe he could 
run the line in peace, and hence he set 



156 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY'. 



the surveyors at work without a military 
guard, as above noticed. But no effort 
for peace was successful in modifying the 
war-like determination of the Governor of 
Michigan, and Ohio went on with her 
preparation, to meet force with superior 
force. 

The war cloud rose higher, became 
darker, and spread wider, until the au- 
thorities at Washington began to feel un- 
easy about the peace of the country. 
President Jackson, to whom the proceed- 
ings and the preparation for hostilities 
were reported, became strongly impressed 
with the necessity of interposing a check 
to the tendency to serious trouble. 

Governor Lucas, perceiving the state of 
mind at Washington, wisely chose the 
time to make an effort to induce the Presi- 
dent to interfere in behalf of peace. For 
this purpose he sent a deputation to con- 
fer with the President on the subject. 
This deputation consisted of Noah H. 
Swayne, William x\llen, and David T. 
Disney, all eminent and very influential 
men, who procured from the President an 
urgent appeal that no obstruction should 
be interposed to running the line; that all 
proceedings begun under the Ohio act of 
February 23d be discontinued, and that 
no prosecutions be commenced for any 
violation of it, and that all prosecutions 
then pending be discontinued. This ar- 
rangement or appeal from the President 
was obtained July 3, 1835. The authori- 
ties of Michigan, however, disregarded 
the President's recommendation, and con- 
tinued their resistance to running the line, 
still claiming jurisdiction over the dis- 
puted ground; and thus matters stood 
until the 15th of June, 1836, when Michi- 
gan was admitted into the Union and her 
southern boundary fixed as Ohio had 
claimed it to be. To console Michigan 
for what her people thought was wrongfully 
taken from them, the same act gave her a 



large scope of mineral lands about Lake 
Superior. Thus, by the hberalily of Con- 
gress, the contending parties were recon- 
ciled and made happy. 

Having followed this digression to its 
termination, let us now go back to the 
subject from which we diverged and re- 
turn to the history of 

THE ROAD. 

The dispute with Michigan, which we 
have briefly mentioned, brought the condi- 
tion of the Maumee and Western Reserve 
road, and its future importance, promi- 
nently into notice. The miHtia from 
Lower Sandusky and the counties south of 
it; the commissioners appointed to run the 
line of the State, and their assistants; the 
peace commissioners sent by the President 
to the theater of impending conflict; high 
functionaries of the State, including the 
Governor and his staff; all were in the dis- 
charge of public duties, compelled to 
plunge and wallow through thirty miles of 
mud and water in order to reach the ob- 
jective point of contest. Thus leading 
men in our own State councils were by act- 
ual and disagreeable experience brought 
to a correct understanding of the condi- 
tion of the road. True it is, that for some 
years before the contest with Michigan, the 
stage drivers, the emigrants, and all others 
who were compelled to travel the road, 
out of their wallowings in the mud had 
sent up oaths and imprecations sufficient 
to split the skies. But the stage driver 
had little to do with moving public opin- 
ion of the State, and the emigrant passed 
on, and the imprecations never reached 
the ears of the State authority — but the 
road obtained a frightful reputation all 
over the country. Now, however, our 
own people, and our Governor and many 
of his influential friends, had found to their 
own discomfort and the shame of the 
State, the true condition of the road, and 
had realized its future importance. In 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



151 



1836 Rodolphus Dickinson, of Lower 
Sandusky, was, fortunately for the north- 
western part of the State, and especially 
for the town in which he resided, chosen 
a member of the board of public works of 
the State. The road was in his division of 
the works, and thus came under his per- 
sonal direction and management. He at 
once put his rare abilities, favored by his 
public position, into the work of procuring 
the improvement of the road. In his ef- 
forts he was, of course, warmly supported 
by the localities to be benefited, and such 
progress was made in moving public opin- 
ion in the right direction for the accom- 
plishment of the purpose, that on March 
14, 1838, the General Assembly of the 
State passed an act providing for the re- 
pairing and macadamizing the road, and 
appropriating forty thousand dollars to be 
expended in the work. This act provided 
that the work should begin at the western 
termination of the road, and progress east- 
wardly from that point through to the 
eastern termination. It also provided 
that after a good road bed had been made, 
and before the stone covering should be 
put on, gates might be erected and tolls 
charged upon teams travelling over the re- 
paired portion. Here it should be no- 
ticed that the United States had not at 
the time this act was passed, in any wny 
given the State a title to the one hundred 
and twenty feet in width of land on which 
the road was made, but only the land on 
each side of it, with authority to make the 
road, and pay for the making out of the 
proceeds of the sale of the land. There- 
fore, before the State actually began the 
expenditure of the aj^propriation, the act of 
Congress of July 7, 1 838, was passed, ceding 
the title to the road and land which it cov- 
ered, that is the one hundred and twenty 
feet in width between the termini of the 
road, to the State of Ohio; since then the 
State has been the real owner of the road. 



Soon after the appropriation of this forty 
thousand dollars was made and the above 
mentioned act of Congress passed, the 
Board of Public Works sent General John 
Patterson, one of the State engineers, to 
survey and superintend the work of repair- 
ing and macadamizing the road, and too 
much praise cannot be bestowed on Gen- 
eral Patterson, though he is now dead, for 
the honesty and skill, and the fidelity with 
which he executed his duties. March 16, 
1839, the State appropriated one hundred 
thousand dollars to forward the macad- 
amizing of th eroad. The timber originally 
grubbed out and cut off the road and piled 
on the sides, had now become dry and was 
burned off. The roots and stumps had so 
much decayed that they were easily re- 
moved, and the plowing of the ground and 
scraping up of a good road bed was com- 
paratively easy. Mr. Patterson skilfully 
laid the grade with a view to the best pos- 
sible drainage into all the rivers, creeks, 
and swails, by which the water could be 
carried away, and where necessary con- 
structed large lateral ditches leading to 
the north from the road. The new road 
bed or pike was sixty feet in width, loca- 
ted about ten feet nearer the south line 
than the north line of the road. This lo- 
cation of the road bed was adopted for 
the purpose of affording an ample side road 
on the north side, which, in dry periods, 
was preferred by teamsters to the stoned 
road bed, and thus the wear of the stone 
was made much less than if it bore the 
wear of all the travel — twenty feet in width 
of the crown of the road bed was covered 
with stone, well broken. A prominent fea- 
ture in the work of General Patterson in 
designing the improvement of the road, 
was the capacious, and, in some places, 
deep side ditches which he caused to be 
constructed along the sides of the sixty 
feet road bed, with frequent culverts, by 
which water was conducted from one ditch 



152 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



to the other, under the roadway. The 
water which had rendered this road such 
a terror to travellers in very rainy or wet 
seasons, had a tendency to slowly soak 
away to the north with the general direc- 
tion of the rivers and creeks, and hence 
the ditch on the south side of the road 
caught the water as it slowly drained in 
from the south. The system of culverts 
and large ditches afforded a passage for the 
water along the road to the nearest point 
where a natural or artificial channel would 
carry it towards the lake. 

At this day, and in future times, the 
reader may feel tempted to ask. Why were 
these dry, common-place details about the 
construction of this road set out here as a 
matter of history? The answer is simple; 
when completed to some outlet, these 
ditches almost instantly — though in some 
instances the water would necessarily run 
many miles along the road — relieved the 
lands along them of surface water; es- 
pecially was this the case with lands south 
of the road. This, however, is not the 
full answer. It was thereby demonstrated 
that the Black Swamp lands could be 
drained, and that dreadful locality made 
one of the most productive regions of 
Ohio, as it now, in fact, is. A new spirit 
was given to the inhabitants; their land 
had become valuable, and they could dis- 
cern, through all their former discourage- 
ments, that their part of the county would 
soon be filled with inhabitants and be- 
come rich and prosperous. The result 
was to draw public attention to a realizing 
sense of the great benefits to this country 
to be derived from draining land, and in 
this view, the location, construction, and 
improvement of the Maumeeand Western 
Reserve road was not only the first, but 
the most important public improvement 
made in the county. The State, through 
the Board of Public Works, collected the 
tolls, repaired and managed the road, until 



the misconduct of a few unfaithful officers 
and agents aroused public opinion to a 
belief that our whole system of public im- 
provements, including our canals and roads, 
were managed to promote plunder and 
political party ascendancy. So thoroughly 
disgusted and offended did the people be- 
come at the revelations of an investiga- 
tion into their management, that it was 
determined to rid the State of the cause 
of so much expense and corruption. The 
General Assembly, under the force of this 
public opinion, on the 8th day of May, 
1 86 1, passed an act which provided for 

LEASING THE PUBLIC WORKS OF THE STATE. 

This was accomplished, and the lease 
included the transfer of the management 
of the Maumee and Western Reserve road 
to the lessees, who took chargeof it in 
the year i86i. 

The lessees, of course, managed the road 
in a way to produce for them the greatest 
amount of net profit, and like tenants 
generally, became negligent in making the 
repairs provided for in the lease. They 
collected the tolls with the utmost rigor, 
but failed to renew the road with a cover- 
ing of stone when the same was worn out, 
until the people along the line became so 
dissatisfied, that they demanded from the 
General Assembly a repair of the road by 
the lessees, or a forfeiture of the lease. 
This dissatisfaction resulted in an act 
passed March 30, 1868, withdrawing the 
road from the charge of the lessees and 
offering the care and management of it to 
the county commissioners of the counties 
respectively through which it passed; 
each county to have jurisdiction over that 
portion within its own limits. 

The county commissioners of Wood 
and Sandusky counties, after consultation, 
declined to take charge of the road, be- 
cause the lessees had permitted it to be- 
come so much out of repair. Much talk 
of suing the lessees by the State for 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



153 



breach of the lease, then ensued; finally, 
the matter was adjusted by the lessees 
putting on about three thousand dollars in 
repairs and giving up the road to the 
charge of the State about June i, 1870, 
and ever since the road has remained in 
charge of the board of public works of the 
State. 

The following is the mention of some 
of the men of the county prominently in- 
strumental in procuring the construction 
and maintenance of the road: 

We have already mentioned the names 
of the settlers at Lower Sandusky, who, 
in 1821 and 1822 and '23 began to agi- 
tate the public mind on the subject of 
having the road constructed. Among 
these, Jeremiah Everett was conspicuous, 
for, although the acts of Congress of 1823, 
giving the State charge of the clearing 
and making the road, and the sale of land 
granted by the Indians for the purpose, 
and the act of the General Assembly of 
Ohio accepting the trust, had been passed 
by the concurrent efforts of Mr. Everett 
and other citizens of Lower Sandusky, 
Sandusky county did not have a represen- 
tative at Columbus to represent there the 
local interests of the vicinity until the 
year 1825. In this year Jeremiah Everett 
was elected to the House of Representa- 
tives of the State, and took his seat as a 
member on the first Monday in Decem- 
ber of that year. Important legislative 
acts were passed during that session, con- 
cerning the road and the sale of the road 
lands, and his exertions and influence 
were highly serviceable in hastening on 
the work. He was elected again in 1835, 
and did much to produce that public sen- 
timent which finally impelled the State to 
appropriate money to repair and macada- 
mize the road as provided by the act of 
1838. 

Rodolphus Dickinson, from the time 
the question was first agitated, was an ar- 



dent advocate for the improvement of the 
road. When, however, he was made a 
member of the board of public works in 
1836, his influence became more potent on 
the public mind, and probably no one man 
did more to have the road improved, and 
to induce the State to appropriate money 
for the purpose in a season of great finan- 
cial depression, than Mr. Dickinson. 

McKnight, of Perrysburg, Wood county, 
was the first superintendent of the road, 
and commissioner, in 1834, to sell the road 
lands. He officiated until his death, 
which occurred January 11, 1831, by acci- 
dental shooting. Mr. McKnight travelled 
on the ice in 1820, from what is now San- 
dusky City to a place then called Orleans, 
afterwards called Fort Meigs, and now the 
town of Perrysburg, on the Maumee River, 
He was clerk of the court in Wood county, 
an active, well esteemed business man, 
and has descendants of much respecta- 
bility now residing near Perrysburg. 

John Bell, of Lower Sandusky, succeed- 
ed Mr. McKnight, who continued to sell 
the land until all was sold, and superin- 
tended the road under the direction of the 
State authorities, until the road was placed 
in charge of General Patterson, State 
engineer, about the last of the year 1838. 
General Bell, however, closed out the 
sale of the road lands, and made an ac- 
ceptable report of his administration, set- 
tled his accounts with the State, and the 
office was discontinued some time in 1840. 

THE ROAD TO FORT BALL. 

Although the treaty of Brownstown, 
A. D. 1808, which provided for the con- 
struction of the Maumee and Western Re- 
serve road, provided also for a road, or 
rather ceded to the United States a tract 
of land for a "road only," one hundred and 
twenty feet in width, to run southwardly 
from Lower Sandusky to the boundary 
line established by the treaty of Green- 
ville, little attention seems to have been 



154 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



paid to the construrtion of this road, 
either by the United States or the State 
of Ohio, for no legislation by either can 
be found upon searching the indexes of 
legislation of that time or since. But 
about the years 1827 and 1828, a road 
southward from Lower Sandusky was 
cleared through the woods, on a straight 
line from Wolf Creek south until it struck 
the bank of the river a few miles below 
Fort Ball, and then followed the river to 
Fort Ball, which was at that time an im- 
portant post next south of Lower San- 
dusky. Previous to opening this road the 
travelled track meandered the river all the 
way between the two places. This old 
road, which was traversed by portions of 
General Harrison's army in the War of 
181 2, was not only crooked and greatly 



increased the distance to Fort B.ill, but 
crossed a deep ravine at Old Fort Seneca, 
the stet-p hills on either side of which 
were a teiror to all teamsters who were 
compelled to travel that way. The new 
road was straight from Wolf Creek to a 
point above Fort Seneca, and was located 
so far west of it as to avoid the hills and 
shorten the distance materially. From the 
best information now to be had, it is be- 
lieved that the expense of clearing out and 
improving this road was borne by the 
counties of Seneca and Sandusky. Whether 
this information be accurate or not, the fact 
remains that the opening of this road was 
thejsecond and a very important improve- 
ment, in the way to and from the country 
south of Lower Sandusky, and greatly 
facilitated its trade. 



CHAPTER XIL 

THE OHIO RAILROAD. 



Design of the Road — Manner of Buildiiu 



-The Phinder Law — F'inancial Management — Bankruptcy and 
Failure. 



ALTHOUGH it may at first appear to 
the reader that a history of improve- 
ments should not notice such as were never 
completed, still the design of building this 
road was so bold for the time at which it 
originated, as well as for the then finan- 
cial condition of the country, and it 
came so near being a success, that some 
mention of it seems proper. Besides these 
reasons, the form of the road, and the 
manner of constructing it, were novel and 
ingenious, and the financial methods for 
obtaining money to pay the expenses, are 
all so well calculated to 'illustrate the 



spirit of the time and the consequences 
of bad legislation, that a brief record of 
the enterprise may be of value to legis- 
lators as well as to financiers, and thus 
justify the mention of it in this woik. 

The Ohio canal, through the eastern 
portion of the State, and the Miami 
canal in the west, had developed an im- 
proved condition of business and increased 
prices for farm products along the lines. 
Thither capital and enterprise were at- 
tracted, and the business and chief markets 
were found along and near them. But the 
districts remote from the canals and not fa- 



HISTORY OF SANJDUSKY COUNTY. 



155 



vored with a navigable river in their vicin- 
ity, Avere stuck in the mud, with a long haul 
for the marketable products of their farms 
and factories. The State had contracted 
millions on millions of debt in the con- 
struction of these canals, and the people 
remote from them must, of course, give 
their labor and sweat for tax money to 
pay the obligations. Under these circum- 
stances what was more natural than for 
the people to demand of the State her 
help to make easy transportation to the 
markets on these canals. Hence arose 
a clamor for roads, turnpikes, other canals, 
and railroads to enable the people located 
away from the canals, to carry their prod- 
ucts away. The demand for a more 
extended and more generally diffused 
system of internal improvements became 
imperative. Under this pressure the Gen- 
eral Assembly, on the 24th day of March, 
1837, passed an "act to authorize a loan 
of the credit of the State of Ohio to rail- 
road companies, and to authorize sub- 
scriptions by the State to the capital stock 
of turnpike, canal, and slackwater navi- 
gation companies." This act provided as 
to railroad companies substantially as fol- 
lows: That every railroad company that was 
then, or thereafter might be duly organized, 
and to the capital stock of which there 
shall be subscribed an amount equal to 
two-thirds of its authorized capital, or an 
amount equal to two-thirds of the esti- 
mated cost of the road and fixtures, shall 
be entitled to a loan of credit from the 
State equal to one-third of such authorized 
capital, or equal to one-third of the esti- 
mated cost of such road and fixtures, to 
be delivered to the company in negotiable 
scrip or transferrable certificates of stock of 
the State of Ohio, bearing an annual in- 
terest nut excetding six per cent., and 
redeemable at periods not exceeding 
twenty yenrs, and the Stnte should th< n 
receive certificates of stock in the com- 



pany for the amount so paid. The pro- 
visions of this law as to turnpike companies 
were in substance like those as to railroad 
companies, with this difference, that on 
showing the plan of the proposed work, 
the amount of stock subscribed, and that 
one-fourth of the stock subscribed had 
been paid in cash to the treasurer of the 
company, the Governor should subscribe 
to the stock of such company for an 
amount equal to that subscribed by private 
persons, which was to be paid in install- 
ments out of the treasury of the State. 
In like manner the act provided that the 
Governor should subscribe to the capital 
stock of canal and slackwater companies 
an amount equal to one-half that sub- 
scribed by private persons. 

A Solomon or a Solon might have sus- 
pected that such a law would soon ex- 
haust the treasury and seriously impair the 
credit of the State ; they might have sus- 
pected that companies would soon be very 
numerous, and that some Utopian enter- 
prise would be undertaken, and that sham 
subscriptions and false statements of stock 
paid in would be resorted to in some in- 
stances for the purpose of drawing money 
from the State. But if Solomon and 
Solon had been out in the wilderness and 
stuck in the mud, where their wisdom and 
glory could not be known of men, and 
the laws promised them a way out into the 
world to bless it, they perhaps would not 
have cried thf ir condemnation of the law 
in a very loud voice. Whatever may be 
said about the wisdom of such a law, prac- 
tically it served one good purpose, and 
that was to stimulate all over the State 
enterprises to improve the means ot trans- 
portation of her products, and facilitate 
travel and intercourse among the peoi)le. 

The Ohio Railroad Company was one 
of the enterprists brought into life by the 
I)atronae;e offered in this statute. It was 
chartered by act of March 8, 1836, and 



i56 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



empowered to build a railroad with single 
or double track, from the east line of the 
State at some suitable point in Ashtabula 
county, westwardly through the counties 
of Ashtabula, Geauga, Cuyahoga, Lorain, 
Huron, Sandusky, Wood, and Lucas, to 
the Maumee River, and thence to some 
point on the Wabash and Erie Canal. The 
act of incorporation carefully provided 
that if such road passed below the lower 
rapids of rivers it crossed it should not 
obstiuct navigation. The capital stock of 
the company was four million dollars, di- 
vided into shares of one hundred dollars 
each, and the charter named influential 
men in each of the counties through v\hich 
the road was to pass, as commissioners to 
open books and receive subscriptions to 
the capital stock. The commissioners 
named for Sandusky county were, Jesse 
S. Olmstead, Jacques Hulburd, and Sardis 
Birchard, all of whom, at that time, were 
prominent and leading citizens of Lower 
Sandusky, especially in all matters of 
finance and public improvement. 

The act of incorporation further pro- 
vided that the money of the company 
should be paid out of the treasury thereof, 
on orders drawn on the treasurer, in such 
manner as should be pointed out by the 
by-laws of the organization. The reader 
will see, as the progress of the work went 
on, that this very reasonable and innocent 
looking provision for orders on the treas- 
ury was made to play a very important 
part in the financial management of the 
road. 

The commissioners to open books and 
receive subscriptions for stock were em- 
powered to call the stockholders together, 
to elect directors, and the directors thus 
elected to organize the company, by elect- 
ing president, secretary, and treasurer, etc., 
so soon as one thousand shares, or one 
hundred thousand dollars, should be sub- 
scribed to the capital stock. The exact 



date of the organization of the company 
is not conveniently ascertainable, and iri 
fact is not deemed material to the purpose 
for which this sketch is written. But, 
sure it is, Nehemiah Allen was chosen 
president and Samuel Wilson treasurer. 
It is also true that surveys had been made, 
the line of the road established, and that 
rights of way were secured as early as 
January 19, 1838, perhaps earlier. 

FORM OF THE RCAD. 

The form of this railroad is peculiar, 
and deserves mention in this history, and 
whatever merits there may be in the plan, 
and whoever was the author of it (though 
President Allen is by some supposed to 
he that person), succeeding railroad en- 
gineers appear not to have adopted it as a 
general form for the construction of rail- 
roads. The base or foundation of this 
road was to be on piles, or sharpened 
trunks of white oak or bur-oak trees, about 
fifteen inches, more or less, driven into 
the ground by a machine called a pile- 
driver. This pile-driver was worked by 
steam (a wag might here interpose and 
say, so was the whole concern); this same 
pile-driver worked a horizontal buzz-saw 
which cut off the piles when thoioughly 
pounded down, to correspondwith the en- 
gineer's line for the grade of the road. 
This pile-driver and sawing-machine was 
trundled along on rails laid as occasion 
required, on the top of the piles as they 
were cut off. These pile-drivers were set 
to work, one somewhere near Cleveland, 
and another at the Maumee River oppo- 
site Manhattan, which place being then 
the terminus of the Miami canal, was to 
be the great future city of northwestern 
Ohio, which Toledo now is. Timber was 
plenty and cheap in those forests through 
which the line of the road passed. The 
pile-drivers went merrily on, booming, 
puffing, screaming, and pounding through 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



157 



the woods, leaving behind them a clear 
track with two lines of piles cut level and 
ready for cross ties. The ties were to be 
laid from pile to pile; on these cross ties 
were to be laid timbers about eight inches 
square, an auger hole two inches in diam- 
eter was then bored through the square 
timbers or rails, down through the ties and 
into the pile; into this hole was firmly 
driven a red cedar bolt or pin about two 
feet in length, to hold the structure firmly 
together. On the square timbers thus fas- 
tened, were to be laid and spiked down 
the strap rail of iron on which the cars 
were to be propelled. 

Riverius Bidwell, then owner of the 
water power and mill site in the city, con- 
tracted to furnish the cedar pins. Ma- 
chinery, with a turning lathe, was erected 
and attached to his water power; large 
contracts were made in Canada and else- 
where for red cedar timber, and Mr. Bid- 
well manufactured and had ready for de- 
livery great piles of the fragrant cedar 
pins to fasten the superstructure together. 
Meantime a superb trestle work of solid 
oak timber was erected across the valley 
of the Sandusky River, from hill top to 
hill top on either j-ide. Huge and substan- 
tial limestone abutments and piers rose 
out of the waters of the river to receive 
the woodwork of the bridge, which was 
located about half way between the Mau- 
mee and Western Reserve road bridge, 
and the southern extremity of the island 
next below; being near one hundred rods 
below the present iron bridge. 

The work of driving the piles was begun 
at Brooklyn, on the west side of the 
Cuyahoga River, to work toward the west; 
also at the Maumee River, opposite Man- 
hattan, now Northern Toledo, to work 
eastward. 

THE FINANCIERING. 

The financial management of the com- 



pany deserves particular notice. After the 
first hundred thousand dollars of stock 
was subscribed and the company or- 
ganized, the State, as bound by the act of 
March 24, 1837, issued in scrip or negoti- 
able obligations to thecompany thirty-three 
and one-third thousand dollars. This 
scrip could be converted into ready cash, 
or hypothecated to local banks with the 
agreement that the bank should redeem 
or pay the orders of the company to an 
equal amount of the deposits. The or- 
ders of the company on the treasury were 
nicely engraved and printed in the simili- 
tude of bank bills, in various denomina- 
tions, and largely in fractions of a dollar. 
The contractors and laborers on the road 
were paid off periodically with these orders, 
which were promptly paid in currency 
at the treasury, or taken at bank as cash. 
Soon merchants and traders of all kinds, 
finding the Ohio Railroad money as good 
as any other currency then used, began to 
accept it in payment of debts, or for any 
thing they had to sell. Thus the means 
were obtained to start the building of the 
road. After the line was established and 
the work absolutely begun, men along the 
line whose lands were to be greatly bene- 
fited, began to subscribe, quite liber- 
ally, believing the stock would be worth 
its face, and that they would make great 
gains in the increased value of their prop- 
erty. One man in Lower Sandusky sub- 
scribed for twenty-five thousand dollars of 
the stock, although good judges thought at 
the time his whole property of all kinds 
was not worth twenty-five hundred dollars, 
but subscriptions drew one-third of this 
amount from the State treasury iu an 
an available form, and this is but a single 
example of what was extensively practiced 
all along the line. Ohio Railroad money 
became the general circulating medium, 
and for a time was considered as good as 
our local bank paper, which at the time 



i5^ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTV. 



was our chief medium of exchange and 
payment of debts. The Auditor of State, 
John BroLigh, in his annual report to the 
General Assembly for the year 1839, gave 
the amount for which the State had sub- 
scribed and paid stock to turnpike, canal, 
and slackwater navigation companies, but 
the amount of scrip or obligations of the 
State issued to aid in the construction of 
railroads, does not appear in the report of 
that year. He, however, informed the 
Assembly that the State debt was rapidly 
increasing, and that the revenues of the 
State were not sufficient to pay the interest 
on her debt. This report, doubtless, 
drew the attention of legislators to the 
financial condition of Ohio, and awakened 
public attention to consider the outcome 
and results of the then existing policy. 
Here it should be said that, although 
under this very liberal policy many useless 
schemes were organized, and, no doubt, 
much swindling of the State treasury had 
been accomplished in various ways under 
pretended compliance with the law, still 
many works were begun, and accom- 
plished, which were of great value to the 
State, and served to hasten the develop- 
ment of her resources. 

The pile-drivers, meantime, were work- 
ing towards each other. It was expected 
they would meet somewhere near Huron. 
The one from the east had neared thai 
place, and that from the west was some- 
wliere between Castalia and Venice, when 
the bubble burst, the machines stopped, 
and the people had the wunhless Ohio 
Railroad money in their pockets. This 
crash came about 1840. Auditor Brough, 
in his report of 1840, complained again 
that the State had been compelled to issue 
its obligations to raise money t(j pay inter- 
est on her debt, and in one brief line stated 
the amount of scrip issued to railroad 
companies to be three hundred and fifty- 
eight thousand dollars, most of which was 



probably issued to aid in building the Ohio 
Railroad. Judge Nehemiah Allen bore 
tlie reputation of an honest and honorable 
man, who was sincerely engaged in accom- 
plishing what he considered a great work 
for the State, and especially the north part 
of it, and the collapse left him poor in his 
old age. Samuel Wilson, the treasurer, 
was said to be poor at the beginning of 
the work, but at the bursting up of the 
concern was rich, and had bought land 
and built a splendid mansion on it, but 
the title to his property was found to be 
in his wife. 

The amount of Ohio Railroad orders 
outstanding at the time they became 
worthless, is not known, but almost every 
man in this part of the State had some 
of it, and many had large amounts. 

Mr. Cliarles O. Tillotson, who left a 
charge on the Maumee and Western Re- 
serve Turnpike to assist in the construc- 
tion of this railroad, and was in the em- 
ploy of the company when the failure 
occurred, remarked to the writer a few 
days ago, that if this railroad had been 
completed, this county would have been 
fifty years in advance of what it now is in 
the development of its- resources and in 
wealth. 

About forty years have passed since this 
enterprise closed in ruinous insolvency. 
President Allen and Treasurer Wilson 
have passed away; all the bright anticipa- 
tions of those who designed and gave 
their money in support of the work are 
vanished, and the magnificent trestle was 
long ago taken down, and the suj^erb tim- 
bers were converted into the third bridge 
for the Maumee and Western Reseive 
road, undi r the engineer, Cyrus Williams. 
Even the solid stone piers and abutments 
have been taken down. The ties and tim- 
bers prepared for the superstructure are 
gone, the more than three hundred thou- 
sand d .liars contributed bv the Slate are 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



159 



gone, the money paid by its stockholders 
is gone, and the only visible remains of 
the work are the broken lines of decaying 
piles, to be yet seen in sections where the 
march of improvement has not taken 
them away. These still stand, silent, but 
fast disappeaiing witnesses of the great 
failure — 

"The best laid schemes of mice and men 
Gang aft a glee." 

The people, in 1839, had come to be- 
lieve that the act of 1837 was ruining the 
State credit, and would soon result in 
bringing her hopelessly in debt. This be- 



lief became so general that it resulted in 
the repeal of the act, which had come to 
be popularly designated as the plunder 
law, by repealing the act passed March 17, 
1840. And when the consequences of 
this plunder law became fully understood, 
so strong became the feeling against the 
principle in legislation, that in framing 
the new constitution such legislation is 
strictly torbidden, in the plainest and 
most unmistakable language. 

If "history is philosophy, teaching by 
exam])le," then this mention of the Ohio 
Railroad may not be in vain. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

PLANK-ROAD. 

The Lower Sandusky Plank- Road Company — Stock Subscribed — Cost of Buildings — Benefit of the Road 

to the County. 



FOR a period of about nine years after 
the failure of the Ohio Railroad Com- 
pany, the spirit of enterprise seemed to 
slumber in the county, and enterprising 
business men talked of the dullness of 
our prospects, and some even expressed a 
desire to leave and go to where business 
was more promising. Still, Lower San'-'"^ 
dusky was a good point for collecting pro- 
duce and selling merchandise. It was 
then the central trading point of a tolera- 
bly improved country, extending south- 
ward inore than half way to Tiffin, east- 
ward to a point at least half way to Belle- 
vue, north almost to Port Clinton, and 
west half way or more to Peirysburg, 
and southwest as far as Risdon and Rome 
(now Fostoria), in the west part of Seneca 
county. Here was a circumference, then, 



of an average diameter of about forty 
miles, the products from which were 
brought to Lower Sandusky for sale or ex- 
change, and for shipment by way of the 
river and lake to Buffalo, and thence to 
New York. The people residing on this 
circle were chiefly supplied with dry goods, 
groceries, drugs, salt and leather, and fish 
by the retail stores in Lower Sandusky, 
and, in fact, a large retail and barter busi- 
ness was carried on notwithstanding the , 
absence of all railroads. But the roads, \ 
exceptmg the Maumee and Western Re- 
serve turnpike, were unimproved earth 
roads, never good, and much of the year 
impassable. Consequently the time and 
expense of hauling heavy articles, such as 
wheat, corn, and pork, was very consider- 
able, and of course maieiially reduced the 



i6o 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY .COUNTY. 



value of the products at the respective 
farms where raised. Notwithstanding the 
bad condition of the roads, however, the 
farm products, in great quantities, were 
hauled to Lower Sandusky and trade was 
lively at certain seasons. A very large 
proportion of the products brought to 
the place for transportation came by the 
roads leading to Bettsville and Rome 
(Fostoria), and the trade was annually in- 
creasing, though the only transportation 
from Lower Sandusky was by water, and 
this method was of course closed during 
a considerable portion of the year. While 
this state of affairs existed, the idea of 
building plank roads came to be promul- 
gated and discussed, and indeed it ap- 
peared to be precisely the system best 
adapted to the improvement of the roads 
through the county. The words "plank 
road" at once awakened the spirit of enter- 
prise which had slept so long, and the 

LOWER SANDUSKY PLANK ROAD COMPANY 
WAS CHARTERED, 

with a capital stock of one hundred 
thousand dollars, in shares of fifty dollars 
each, to build a plank road from the south 
termination of Front street, in Lower San- 
dusky, southward along the Sandusky River 
to the south line of Edward Tindall's land ; 
thence southwesterly to Bettsville, and 
thence to Rome, in Seneca county, with a 
branch starting from the south line of Tin- 
dall's land south to Tiffin. 

The stock subscription book of the 
company, so safely and carefully preserved 
by its president, James Justice, during his 
life, and since his death, by his daughters, 
shows the names of the subscribers and 
the amount of stock taken by each. The 
names of subscribers then living in the 
county and the amount of stock subscribed 
respectively are as follows : 

R. Dickinson, $2,000; S. Bircharri, $3,000; ]. R. 
Pease, $2,500; L. Q. Rawson, $2,000; R. P. Buck- 
land, $1,500; L S. Tyler, $500; James Moore, $2,000; 



C. Edgarton, $500; James W. Wilson, $500; Daniel 
Tindall. $1,800; L. B. Otis, $500; P. Brush, $500; 

D. Bens, $500; F. 1. Norton, $200; Kendall & 
Nims, $1,000; Morgan & Downs, $1,000; Doncyson 
& Engler, $200; J. Lesher, $200; John Joseph, $100; 
J. F. R. Sebring, $100; H. Everett, $200; H. E. 
Clark, $100; J. Millions, $200; G. F. Grund, $50; A. 
A. Bensack, $50; L. M. Bidwell, 100; C. O. Tillot- 
son, $100; J. Kridler & Co., $100; L VanDoren, jr., 
$100; E. Leppelman, $100; P. Door, $50; J. F. 
Hulls, $50; S. Lansing, $200; J. Sendelbach, $50; 
D. Capper, $50; H. R. Foster, $50; C. Smith, $50; 
J. Emerson, $500; H. Bowman, $100; J. Justice, 
$1,500; A. B. Taylor, $500; A. J. Dickinson, $200; 
M. E. Pierce, $100; P. Beaugrand, $300; H. Rems- 
burg, $100; J. B. .Smith, $500; D. Marten, $50; M. 
A. Ritter, $200; C. J. Orton, $100; Samuel Thomp- 
son, $500; John Moore & Vallette, $1,500; Daniel 
Seaman, $200; A. Coles, $200; Deary & Ballard, 
$250; L. E. Marsh, $100; S. M. Steward, $100; John 
Hafford, $100; John Simon, $50; S. N. Russell, 
$200; J. W. Davis, $100; G. Kisseberth, $50; John 
Houts, $100; A. Phillips, $50. 

The first fifty-three names in the above 
list were residents of Fremont at the time 
they subscribed, 1849. They were all 
men, excepting two, Mariah E. Pierce 
and Lucy E. Bidwell, both widows, but 
not of advanced age. The men were in 
middle age or younger, and were, at the 
time, active managing members in society 
and business. Thirty-two years have 
passed, and of these fifty-three persons, 
thirty-one are known to be dead. 

Thirty-two years ago these stockholders 
elected five directors, namely, James Jus- 
tice, LaQ. Rawson, Charles VV. Foster, 
John R. Pease, and James Vallette. 

FIRST MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS WORK 

BEGUN IN 1849. 

At a meeting of the directors of the 
Lower Sandusky Plank Road Company, 
held at the office of L. Q. Rawson, in 
Lower Sandusky, on the nth day of April, 
A. D. 1849, i^resent, James Justice, 
James Vallette, John R. Pease, and LaQ. 
Rawson, the following proceedings were 
had, to-wit : 

James Justice was elected president, L. Q. Raw- 
son Secretary, and John R. Pease Treasurer. 

It was ordered that the treasurer give bond with 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



:6i 



Sardis Birchard, his surety, in the penal sum of five 
thousand dollars. 

Ordered also that the stockholders pay an instal- 
ment of ten per cent, on their subscriptions, on or be- 
fore the 15th day of June ne.xt. 

It was also ordered that the president be author- 
ized to contract for materials for building the road 
from Lower Sandusky to Rome and Swope's Cor- 
ners. And the board also ordered, at this meeting, 
th;U notice be given to the stockholders of the order 
for the payment of the instalment aforesaid, by pub- 
lication in the Lower Sandusky newspapers for thirty 
days. The record is signed : "James Justice, 
President of the Lower Sandusky Plank Road Com- 
pany; L. Q. Ravvson, John R. Pease, James Val- 
lette." 

The president lost no time in entering 
upon th& work of constructing the road 
as directed by the board. Contracts for 
grading were promptly made and promptly 
executed, under the vigorous management 
of President Justice, assisted by Superin- 
tendent Daniel Tindall. The saw-mills 
in the vicinity were at once engaged ex- 
clusively in sawing planks and stringers 
for the road, and at least one steam saw- 
mill was erected and operated by Joshua 
B. Smith for special purpose of manu- 
facturing lurnber for the road. This mill 
was erected by the side of the road, in the 
woods, about three miles north of Swope's 
Corners, to which point the road was 
completed about the ist of October, 
1849, ^"d toll-gates erected. 

The branch to Rome was also being 
rapidly constructed. 

On the parts constructed tolls were col- 
lected before the ist of January, 1850, to 
the amount of three hundred and eighty- 
seven dollars and twenty-six cents. 

The road was finished the following 
year (1850), from Swope's Corners to 
Tiffin. 

From Fremont to the south line of 
Edward Tindall's land, where the two 
branches diverged, the distance was five 
miles, and from there each branch was 
about thirteen miles long; total length of 
road built was about thirty-one miles. 



It appears by the books that on Sep- 
tember 30, 185 1, there had been paid in- 
to the treasury of the company on stock, 
forty-two thousand five hundred dollars; 
donations made to the amount of two 
hundred and ninety-five dollars, and tolls 
collected from October i, 1849, to Septem- 
ber 30, 185 1, six thousand seven hundred 
and twenty-two dollars, making a total of 
receipts of forty-nine thousand five hun- 
dred and seventeen dollars. 

The total expenditures from the com- 
mencement of the work to September 30, 
185 1, was forty-eight thousand eight hun- 
dred and forty-five dollars. 

Tolls received in the month of May, 1850. .$194 00 

" " " 1851. . 498 00 

1852.. 558 57 

1853.. 471 34 

" " 1854. . 428 96 

1855.. 363 16 

The amount for the corresponding 
month in 1856, 1857, and 1859, cannot 
be obtained, but the tolls declined, and 
the planks and timbers had so decayed 
that the income would no longer meet the 
expenses and repairs, and it was surren- 
dered up in i860, and the gates removed. 

Many of the subscribers considered 
what they paid on the stock a donation 
for the public good, and when they had 
paid about half the amount subscribed, or 
less, forfeited their stock ; some few never 
paid anything. Such forfeitures reduced 
the amount of actually paid up stock, 
when the road was completed, to thirty- 
nine thousand dollars, on which amount 
several dividends were declared, amount- 
ing, in the aggregate, to about forty per 
cent., as appears by the president's books. 
Although this enterprise was not a finan- 
cial success for the stockholders, and 
although it demonstrated that plank roads 
were not durable, and would need re- 
building once in about ten years, still this, 
and one built about the same time from 
Fremont to Green Spring, were greatly 



l62 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



beneficial to the county, and to the trade 
of Fremont. 

SOME OF THE CONSEQUENCES AND INCI- 
DENTS WHICH RESULTED FROM THE 
PLANK-ROAD ENTERPRISE. 

As was Stated in the beginning of the 
history of this plank road, the sjjirit of en- 
terprise in Lower Sandusky seemed to 
have departed from the people. I'rue, it 
was a good point for retailing merchandise 
and bartering for products of the land, but 
there was no faiih in the future growth of 
the place, and little or no capital was in- 
vested in real estate or in building, nor, in 
fact, in any kind of improvement. So 
gloomy had the prospect of the future 
growth of the town become, that a number 
of the most ambitious and enterprising 
inhabitants had, in fact, determined to re- 
move to some more enterprising locality, 
and where there were some better pros- 
pects for increase of business, and of in- 
crease in the value of real estate. 

Prominent among those who had be- 
come impatient with the slow progress 
Lower Sandusky had been making for 
years past, was Ralph P. Buckland, who, 
by laborious practice of the law, had ac- 
cumulated some money and a good repu- 
tation as an honest and responsible law- 
yer. He had been for some time seriously 
contemplating removal from Lower San- 
dusky to either Cleveland or Toledo, 
where enterprise and the future looked 
brighter and more encouraging to those 
ambitious of fame and fortune. But 
when he saw this plank road enterprise 
started, he at once enlisted in it with 
means and enthusiasm, and seeing the 
project supported by the able men of the 
place — such as Rodolphus Dickinson, 
John R. Pease, Sardis Birchard, and 
James Justice, of Lower Sandusky, and 
Charles W. Foster and others of Rome, 
in Seneca county, he concluded to re- 
main and cast his lot for "weal or woe" 



with the people where he was. In con- 
versation with the writer only a few days 
since, General Buckland (he has earned 
the title of General, as may be seen in his 
biography in this work) said, in sub- 
stance, that plank road enterprise is the 
one thing that induced him to remain in 
the place. "And,'' said he, "do you not 
remember, that the very summer while the 
plank-road was being built, I built the first 
brick block ever erected in Fremont?" 
The interviewer did remember the fact. 
This block was erected on lot number 
two hundred and forty-three, on Front 
street, on what had been the • Western 
House property, and is now a central bus- 
iness place of great value. It was fortu- 
nate for the then future of Fremont that 
General Buckland was induced to remain, 
as will appear by the more particular his- 
tory of the city, and by General Buck- 
land's biography. 

Mr. John England, now quite aged, re- 
siding in the village of Ballville, states that 
he was in the service of Charles W. Foster 
as a teamster about seven years ; four years 
of this term of service was spent in haul- 
ing on this plank-road between Rome and 
Lower Sandusky. The reader must bear 
in mind that Rome is now Fostoria, and 
Lower Sandusky is now Fremont. Mr. 
P^ngland says that he hauled produce from 
Rome to Tiffin, and also from Rome to 
Lower Sandusky, on the earth roads, be- 
fore the y^lank-road was made ; that then 
forty bushels of wheat, or twenty-four hun- 
dred pounds, was a full average load for a 
wagon and one span of good horses ; fifty 
bushels, or thirty hundred pounds, was a 
large load and not often undertaken. After 
the plank-road was completed, he says he 
often hauled at one load one hundred and 
ten bushels of wheat, or a weight of six 
thousand six hundred pounds, with one 
span of horses. Thus it will be seen that 
the cost of transportation was reduced 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



163 



one-half, while the toll charged for such a 
load was forty-five cents. The time saved 
by hauling on the plank more than com- 
pensated for the toll charged. From that 
time (1850) to the early part of i860, the 
salt, and all other articles of merchandise 
for Rome and the western part of Seneca 
county, and also for the whole country 
trading at Tower Sandusky, was trans- 
ported by water to the head of navigation 
in the Sandusky river, and thence distrib- 
uted by wagons to the various trading 
points. This merchandise furnished loads 
for many of the returning teams which 
came in with wheat, corn, and pork, and 
encouraged and supported a lively busi- 
ness for about ten years, of which the 
plank-road was the main artery. The 
amount of farm products brought to Fre- 
mont in wagons during the period between 
1850 and i860, and the display of wagons 
which brought these products for shipment, 
storage or sale, were such as to make cas 
ual visitors express surprise, and wonder 
at the amount of business done in the 
place. Strangers passing through or stop- 
ping a time on business in the place would 
see the streets crowded with loaded teams, 
waiting their turn to be unloaded, and the 
signs of active trade everywhere about 
them, and were often heard to remark at 
that period that Fremont was the liveliest 
town they had seen in their travels. 

Mr. Charles O. Tillotson was, during 
the larger part of the period above 
mentioned, engaged in buying and ship- 
ping grain at Fremont. He said to the 
writer a few days ago that it was not 
an uncommon thing to see four or five 
hundred two-horse wagons standing in the 
streets and along the way to the elevators, 
waiting their turn to unload their wheat ; 
that durmg the wheat buying season, al- 
though there were a number of other per- 
sons engaged in buying wheat and com- 
peting with him, it was usual for him to 



receive from the farm wagons and store 
away from ten to fourteen thousand bush- 
els in a day. The pork trade at Fremont 
during the period mentioned was also very 
large. The trade of the place then em- 
ployed a large number of vessels to carry! 
this produce to Buffalo. 

Though all this system of trade was des- 
tined to change; though the plank-road* 
was to decay and be abandoned on the 
advent of a system of railroads through 
northwestern Ohio; although the noble 
horses of flesh and blood, whose food was 
oats and corn and hay, and which must 
have rest, was, in the grand march of in- 
vention and progress, soon to retire and 
leave this long and heavy hauling to be 
done by the iron horse which lives on coal 
and water, and never tires; still, these plank- 
roads encouraged our people to stay and 
strive on in the labor of developing the 
material resources of the county, and at 
the same time widely advertised the town 
and county as good places for business, 
and our people as active, enterprising and 
progressive. The completion of the Tole- 
do, Norwalk & Cleveland Railroad, in 
1852, by which produce was carried East 
and West, superseded in large part the 
carriage of produce by water from Fre- 
mont. The building of this railroad will 
be the next noticed. The finishing of the 
Fremont, Lima & Union Railroad from 
Fremont to Fostoria took the carrying of 
produce and merchandize away from the 
plank-road, and the latter was abandoned 
early in i860. 

THE FORM OF THE ROAD, AND LINE 
BUILT ON. 

The form of the plank-road, when fin- 
ished, was that of a turnpike well graded 
and ditched. The crown or flat surface 
of the top of the pike was eighteen feet 
wide. The plank were eight feet in length 
and two inches thick, of best white or bur 
oak, laid crosswise on firm stringers em- 



164 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY .COUNTY. 



beded in the earth, on one side of the 
crown, leaving a good earth road for use 
in dry weather, and for the use of teams 
in all weather which had to turn out for 
the team to pass which was entitled to the 
plank track. 

"In several instances," said Mr. England 
whose name is above mentioned: "I met 
heavily loaded teams on this plank road 



where the side or earth road was so soft 
that it would not do to turn off the plank, 
for if I did, I could never pull out. The 
result was that the team bound by the law 
of the road to turn out, would unload in 
part and then turn out to let the other 
pass, — then take the plank again, reload 
his wagon, and then go on. But such dif- 
ficulty did not often occur. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

RAILROAD. 

The Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland Railroad— Opposition Encountered— County Bonds Issued— Consolidated 
With the Junction Road— Name Changed to Cleveland & Toledo Road, Afterwards to Lake Shore & 
Michigan Southern — Benefits of the Road. 



THE Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland Rail- 
road was the next improvement in this 
county, and had such great influence in 
developing its resources and increasing the 
wealth and business of the people, that it 
should have a prominent place in this his- 
tory. The act incorporating this company 
was passed by the General Assembly of 
the State of Ohio, March 7, 1850. The 
first section of the act provides that Tim- 
othy Baker, Charles L. Boalt, John R. 
Osborn, George G. Baker, John Gardner, 
and James Hamilton, jr., of the county of 
Huron; Frederick Chapman, L. Q. Raw- 
son, L. B. Otis, H. Everett, A. B. Taylor, 
and R. P. Buckland, of the county of 
S.mdusky, and Hezekiah D. Mason, Ed- 
ward Bissell, Daniel O. Morton, J. W. 
Bradbury, and John Fitch, of the county 
of Lucas, and their associates, successors 
and assigns be a body corporate and 
politic, by the name and style of the 
Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland Railroad 



Company, with perpetual succession and 
all the usual powers granted to such com- 
panies, under the general law regulating 
railroad companies, passed February 11, 
1848. This last mentioned general law 
conferred the right to survey, locate, and 
appropriate lands necessary for any railroad 
which might be organized in the State. 
The second section of the act of incor- 
poration provided that the capital stock of 
the company should be two millions of 
dollars, and that the company were em- 
powered to construct a railroad from 
Toledo, in the county of Lucas, by way 
of Norwalk, in Huron county, so as to 
connect with the Cleveland, C(jlumbus & 
Cnicinnati railroad at Wellington, in Lo- 
rain county, or at some other point in said 
counties of Huron and Lorain to be deter- 
mined by the directors of said company. 

The third section of the act of incor- 
poration provided that the county com- 
missioners of any county through which 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



1 6* 



the road would pass in whole or in part, 
might subscribe to the capital stock of the 
company any sum of money not exceed- 
ing one hundred thousand dollars, and to 
borrow money to pay the sum at any rate 
of interest not exceeding seven per cent., 
payable semi-annually in advance; and 
for the final payment of the principal and 
interest of the sum so subscribed, the 
county commissioners were empowered to 
make, execute and deliver such bonds, 
notes and instruments of writing as may 
be necessary or proper to secure the pay- 
ment of the money so borrowed or sub- 
scribed, and to levy and collect annually 
such taxes as, together with the profits, 
dividends or tolls arising from said stock, 
will pay at such time or times as shall be 
agreed upon, said money so borrowed or 
subscribed, with the interest and inci- 
dental charges. The fourth section of 
the act of incorporation, however, pro- 
vided that no subscription should be 
made by the county commissioners until 
a vote of the qualified voters of the county 
should be had in favor of the subscription. 
The vote was to be taken according to the 
provisions of the act of February 28, 
1846, which was then in force, which pro- 
vided that county commissioners should 
give at least twenty days' notice in one or 
more newspapers printed and in general 
circulation in the county, to the qualified 
voters of the county, to vote at the next 
annual election to be held in the several 
townships and wards in the count)', for or 
against the subscription, and if a majority 
of the electors voting at such election for 
or against such subscription shall be in 
favor of the same, such authorized sub- 
scription might be made, but not other- 
wise. 

The company was organized and sub- 
scriptions solicited from the commissioners 
of the several counties through which the 
road would pass. In this county a public 



meeting was called and Charles L. Boalt, 
president of the company, addressed a 
meeting at the court-house, and endeav- 
ored, by stating numerous facts about the 
effect of railroads on towns and on the 
rural districts, particularly the beneficial 
effects of such means of transportation to 
farmers and farm lands, and produce, to 
convince our people that it would be to 
the interest of the whole county to have 
the road built, and that sufficient private 
subscriptions were not attainable. The 
subject was new to the mass of the voters 
— a few years before the Ohio Railroad 
had swindled a great number of them and 
they were suspicious that this enterprise 
was got up for another swindle. Some 
went so far as to express the belief that if 
these sharp railroad men once got their 
hands on the county bonds they would be 
sold, the money arising from them would 
go into the pockets of the railroad men, 
and that would be the last we would hear 
about building the road. Arguments and 
suspicions like these rendered it difficult 
to move the popular mind toward farming 
the county subscription. But, fortunately, 
there were a few men in the county whose 
calmer judgment and better foresight led 
them to realize the importance of the road, 
not only to the city of Fremont, but to the 
people of the whole county. 

About this time a rival project, to build 
a road from Cleveland to Sandusky City, 
and thence to Lower Sandusky, on such a 
line as would not necessarily touch Nor- 
walk or Bellevue, was designed. The 
charter for this latter road was passed 
March 12, 1846, and was entitled an act 
10 incorpoiale the "Junction Railroad 
Company." This company was authorized 
to construct a railroad, conm^'encing at 
such point on the Cleveland, Columbus & 
Cincinnati Railroad as the directors might 
stlect, either in the county of Cuyahoga 
or Lorain, and within thirty miles from 



1 66 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



the city of Cleveland, thence to Elyria, in 
Lorain county, unless the junction with 
the Cleveland and Columbus road should 
be made at Elyria, and from thence on 
the most feasible route to intersect the 
Mad River & Lake Erie at Bellevue, or at 
such other ])oint as the directors should 
choose, and thence to Lower Sandusky 
(Fremont), and the power was also given 
to this company to construct the railroad, 
or a branch of it, from Elyria to Sandusky 
City, in Erie county, and from thence to 
Lower Sandusky. The act of incorpora- 
tion of the Junction Railroad Company 
also provided that if the directors of said 
company and the directors of the Cleve- 
land, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad 
Company could not agree upon the terms 
of junction, then, in that case, the Junc- 
tion Railroad should commence at the 
city of Cleveland. 

The agitation of the project to build a 
road from Toledo to Cleveland by way of 
Fremont and Norwalk, had the effect to 
put the Junction Company into active 
rivalry and earr.est opposition against the 
interests of Norwalk. Fremont at that 
tiiiie would have been satisfied if the 
Junction Company would have pledged 
its faith and promised to construct a rail- 
road from Sandusky City to that point. A 
delegation was sent, and a consultation 
had with the authorities of the Junction 
Company, but no satisfactory arrangement 
was offered, and the consultation was with- 
out effect, except to satisfy the leading 
railroad advocates of Fremont that the 
Junction Company intended to ignore 
both Norwalk and Fremont, and build 
their road across the Sandusky Bay to 
Port Clinton, and thence direct to Toledo. 

Charles L. Boalt, of Norwalk, Presi- 
dent of the Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland 
Railroad Company, assisted by the strong 
men of Norwalk and Fremont, became 
the financial manager of his road, while 



ex-Supreme Judge Ebenezer Lane, of 
Sandusky City, assisted by the strong men 
of that place, became the financial man- 
ager of the Junction road. 

These two managers were brothers-in- 
law, and each worked with untiring zeal 
for the interests of his own locality. Both 
were able men. Boalt, however, was the 
younger man, and though not a large 
man, he was by nature endowed with a 
remarkable capacity to endure mental and 
physical labor, and he certainly put them 
all into intense service in working his rail- 
road through. At a meeting addressed 
by him at the courthouse in Fremont, in 
the summer of 1850, about twenty-five 
thousand dollars was subscribed on the 
spot by the citizens individually. The in- 
fluential friends and advocates of the Tole- 
do, Norwalk & Cleveland Railroad then set 
themselves about persuading the county 
commissioners to give the requisite notice 
for a vole on the question of a county 
subscription. The application was so far 
successful that on the i ith day of Sep- 
tember, 1850, two of the commissioners, 
namely, Martin Wright and John S. Gard- 
ner, with Homer Everett, then county 
auditor, met at the auditor's office. (Hiram 
Hurd, the other commissioner did not at- 
tend). The record opens in the follow- 
ing form : 

Auditor's Office, September 11, 1850. 
Be it remembered, that on this i ith day of Septem- 
ber, in the year 1850, the commissioners of San- 
dusky county, upon apphcation, met for the purpose 
of considering the propriety of giving notice for a 
vote of the people of said county in favor of or 
against subscription to the capital stock of the 
Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland Railroad Company. 

The result of the meeting was that 
notice was ordered to be given to the 
voters of the county to vote for or against 
subscription at the next annual election, 
to be held on the 8th day of October, 
185 1. 

The notice specified that the voters 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



167 



were to authorize the commissioners to 
subscribe one hundred thousand dollars. 
The vote was taken, and there was a ma- 
jority against the subscription, and the 
question was decided adversely to the 
subscription. The line of the road was 
located, and did not pass through either 
Woodville or Townsend township, the 
voters of which naturally felt averse to 
being taxed for an improvement which 
would confer no special benefit on them. 
Besides this, many of the people of Town- 
send township did their trading at San- 
dusky City, and were more interested in 
the advancement of that place than that 
of Fremont, and it was suspected at the 
time that Sandusky City influence and 
argument had something to do in influ- 
encing the votes of these townships, and 
both townships voted heavily against the 
subscription. As to procuring individual 
subscriptions sufficient to do Sandusky 
county's fair proportion of the amount 
necessary to build the road, that had been 
tried and seemed to be an impossibility. 
The success of the road by this adverse 
vote was put under a cloud, and many of 
its friends were discouraged, while others 
of the never-give-up sort, among whom 
the indefatigable president, Boalt, was a 
leader, did not for a moment despair of 
final success, nor abate their zeal and 
work in behalf of building the road. The 
efforts of these persevering men resulted 
in the passage of an act by the General 
Assembly of the State, January 20, 
185 1, authorizing a vote of the county on 
the question of subscription, excepting 
the townships of Woodville and Town- 
send, which townships should not be 
taxed to pay for the stock. 

At the next regular session of the com- 
missioners, March 4, 1851, the board, 
then consisting of Messrs. Martin Wright, 
Hiram Hurd, and Michael Reed (who suc- 
ceeded Mr. Gardner), ordered that notice 



be given to the voters of the county, ex- 
cepting those in Woodville and Townsend 
townships, to vote for or against a county 
subscription of fifty thousand dollars to 
the capital stock of Toledo, Norwalk & 
Cleveland Railroad Company, at the then 
next ensuing annual April election. 

The question of subscription now be- 
came the absorbing topic in the public 
mind, throughout that portion of the 
county on which the responsibility was 
placed, by the amended law of January 
20, 185 1. At that time the political par- 
ties were the Democratic against the Whig 
party, and the former was largely in the 
majority. R. P. Buckland was then a 
practicing lawyer and a prominent and 
influential man, and was also the acknowl- 
edged leader and champion of the Whig 
party. On the other side, Homer Everett 
was also a lawyer and then held the office 
of county auditor by the suffrage of the 
Democratic party. Both were in favor of 
the proposition to subscribe the stock. The 
county commissioners were all ardent Dem- 
ocrats, and not very decided ni their views 
on the question at issue, but like wise pol- 
iticians, expressed no convictions or opin- 
ions on the measure. The friends of the 
measure very wisely concluded that it 
would not advance their cause to permit the 
proposition to assume the form of a polit- 
ical party issue, which, some of the oppo- 
sition were striving to give it. It was 
finally determined to hold a series of 
meetings at school-houses in the different 
townships in which the people were to 
vote, and have addresses made to convince 
the voters, especially the farmers, that the 
construction of the road would benefit 
them in a pecuniary point of view. An 
arrangement was thereupon made that 
these meetings should be attended and 
addressed by Ralph P. Buckland and 
Homer Everett jointly, and that both 
should give assurance that the question 



i68 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



had no relation to party politics, and the 
two gentlemen very willinoly volunteered 
in the service without pay and at their 
own expense. Numerous meetings and 
consultations were appointed and adver- 
tised, at which the time was equally divid- 
ed between the two speakers, and various 
arguments were by them offered, such as 
the increased price of wheat, pork, eggs, 
butter, etc., which would result from cheap 
and rapid transportation by the railroad, 
and the resulting increase in the value of 
their lands. The speakers also offered to 
answer as well as they could any questions 
about the matter in discussion which 
anyone in the meeting would ask. Some 
of the questions asked and some of the 
objections to building the road were really 
curious, and if propounded today would 
bring out only laughter from old and 
young in response. Some would ask how 
the building of the road would operate 
on the prices of horses and oats? Would 
not the railroad destroy the occupation of 
teaming, and thereby throw a great num- 
ber of men and horses out of employ- 
ment. Another objection was raised by 
certain hotel-keepers and land owners re- 
siding along the Maumee and Western 
Reserve turnpike. These claimed that not 
only would the occupation of hauling by 
wagon be destroyed, but that all the emi- 
gration which afforded these their chief 
income, would be diverted; that it would 
be very unjust to the State; that travel on 
the turnpike would cease, no tolls would 
be collected, and the road on which the 
State had spent such large sums of money 
would grow up to grass and be abandoned 
and so the State be made a great loser by 
the railroad. The speakers awswered all 
these questions in a friendly and respect- 
ful way, as well as they could, and pressed 
on m their work. Particular mention of 
two meetings will serve to illustrate the 
spirit and the persistence with which this 



railroad campaign was carried by those 
who opposed as well as those who worked 
for the road. One was at VanWaggoner's 
school-house, as it was called, a little north 
of what is since called Winters' Station, in 
Jackson township. That township was 
not touched by the line of the road, and 
of course not so directly benefited by its 
construction as some other townships. 
Word came to the friends of the road that 
opposition to it had sprung up in that 
township and neighborhood, and that the 
vote of the township would probably go 
against the county subscription. 

Sardis Birchard, who had influence and 
many personal friends and acquaintances 
there, volunteered to go with the speakers 
to that meeting. In the evening Messrs. 
Birchard, Buckland, and Everett, and 
John R. Pease, started on horseback from 
Fremont, and reached the school-house a 
little after eight o'clock. They found 
there from thirty to fifty voters. Addresses 
were made, and then a free consultation 
over the subject took place, in which Mr. 
Birchard did effective work in telling the 
voters what he had seen of the effect of 
railroads in other localities, and in answer- 
ing questions. This consultation became 
so animated and interesting that the meet- 
ing did not disperse until after twelve 
o'clock; and when Mr. Birchard and the 
speakers reached Fremont, on their return, 
it was after two o'clock, a. m. Another 
meeting was appointed for the speakers at 
the school-house at Gale Town, a little 
hamlet about three miles southward from 
Hamer's Corner, now Clyde. 

The leading man of Gale Town was one 
James Morrel. He was a justice of the 
peace, an active man in all public affairs, 
and withal the controlling member of the 
local board of school directors. Mr. 
Morrel was ardently opposed to having 
the county subscribe for the stock, and 
had infused his feelings and sentiments 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



169 



into the minds of his neighbors, so that 
the locality was quite strongly anti-sub- 
scription. The speakers were there 
about eight o'clock, expecting to find 
the school-house lighted and the men as- 
sembled to hear what was to be said. 
But all was dark. One of the residents 
was found, •A-ho at once set off to Mr. 
Morrel's residence for the key to the 
school-house, but returned with the word 
that .the directors had consulted over the 
matter and concluded that the school- 
house should not be used to advocate a 
scheme to swindle the tax-payers of the 
county. However, a man was found, 
after some effort, who said, though he was 
opposed to subscribing for the road, 
he thought it wrong to treat men so who 
came to speak on the subject, and he be- 
lieved it was right to hear both sides. 

This gentleman procured admission into 
a small wagonmaker's shop, where the work 
man had lelt his tools and lumber in readi- 
ness to commence the next day's work. 
He also procured a single tallow candle, 
which he fastened to the wall back of the 
work bench; and, after partially clearing the 
bench, a few men besides the speakers 
gathered in to hear. The only way to 
get light enough to read memoranda, 
or reckon figures, was for the speakers to 
stand on the work-bench and read, and 
from there deliver their remarks and an- 
swer questions. They mounted the bench 
and undertook to set forth the benefits 
which that part of the county would de- 
rive from the railroad when constructed. 
Hamer's Corners, since named Clyde, was 
indeed a promising place for marketing 
farm produce, and the speakers endeav- 
ored to convince the few hearers there of 
the fact. After talking about half an hour 
each, and answering various questions and 
replying to sundry objections, the speakers 
came home, quite well satisfied that if the 
people of Green Creek township were sq 



blind about their own interest, the success 
of the road was very uncertain. 

On the Saturday next before the elec- 
tion, there were more men in the city 
than usual on that day. Mr. Birchard, 
and John R. Pease, and other friends of 
the road had become alarmed about the 
result. These men noticed the fact that 
there was, for some reason, on that day, 
a large proportion of Democrats on the 
streets, and also a number of the active 
opponents of the road. Mr. Everett had 
been out speaking the night before until 
quite late, and, after dinner, hoarse, tired, 
and thoroughly exhausted, had sought the 
refreshment only to be found in sleep. He 
was awakened by a delegation, sent by Mr. 
Birchard and others, with orders to go at 
once into the street and make an address 
on the railroad question. Worn and 
hoarse, and unfit as he was, he obeyed the 
orders under the impulse of his own zeal 
in the work, and for about half an hour 
summed up the arguments pro and con to a 
large crowd of listeners on Front street, in 
the open air, and this ended his labors in 
that campiign. Much discussion of the 
measure between individuals was had that 
.day, and great good for the work was no 
doubt accomplished. 

The election was held on the first Mon- 
day in April, 185 i, and the following cer- 
tificate shows the result: 

State of Ohio, Sandusky County, ) 
Court of Common Pleas. J ' 

I, La Q. Rawson, Clerk of the Court of Common 
Pleas in and for said county, hereby certify that, at 
the election held in the several election districts in 
said county, except the townships of Townsend and 
Woodville, for the purpose of voting for or against 
railroad subscription to the capital stock of the To- 
ledo, Norwalk & Cleveland Railroad Company, the 
vote, as appears by the abstract and returns on file, 
stands as follows : 

For railroad subscription 1 1174 

Against railroad subscription 774 

Majority 400 

D. Capper, Deputy Clerk. 
April 10, 1851, 



170 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



On the i6th day of April, 185 1, the 
county commissioners, namely: Martin 
Wright, Michael Reed, and Hiram Hurd, 
met at the auditor's office, and, as their 
journal shows, found that the election had 
been had, and that a majority of the votes 
cast on the question was in favor of sub- 
scribing fifty thousand dollars to the 
capital stock of the road, ordered the 
stock to be subscribed accordingly, and 
that bonds to pay the same be issued, 
bearing interest coupons at seven per cent, 
per annum, payable semi-annually, in due 
form, and in two series ; one series num- 
bered from one to forty, inclusive, for one 
thousand dollars each, and the others num- 
bered from one to one hundred, inclusive, 
for one hundred dollars each. The order 
further provided that these bonds be de- 
livered when there was executed a stipu- 
lation to abide the proposition of the di- 
rectors of the company against loss, and 
upon delivering the proper certificate of 
stock equal to the amount of the bonds. 

The stipulation with the directors of the 
road alludt;d to in the order was, that the 
county should not suffer any loss by the 
subscription for stock. The bonds were 
made ready for delivery, but the commis- 
sioners refused to deliver them until there 
was ample security given to indemnify 
against loss, according to the verbal prom- 
ise of the directors. 

The undertaking of the directors them- 
selves did not satisfy the commissioners, 
and they then demanded a bond, signed 
by residents of the county, of known abili- 
ty, to pay any damage or loss the county 
might suffer. 

Thereupon came a suspension of the 
delivery of the bonds for nearly two days. 
The friends of the road finally agreed to 
indemnify the county against all loss by 
reason of subscribing the stock and issu- 
ing the bonds, on condition that the com- 
missioners would stipulate 111 the bund of 



indemnity to sell and transfer the stock 
whenever the signers of the bond should 
require them to do so. A bond was 
drawn, with the conditions clearly set out, 
and delivered to Sardis Birchard, who un- 
dertook to return it, signed by men whose 
])ecuniary circumstances would satisfy the 
commissioners, that in no event could the 
county be a loser by taking the stock and 
delivering the bonds. This undertaking 
was returned on the second day after, 
signed by about thirty of the solid men of 
the county. The bond is not now in ex- 
istence, or at least cannot be found, but 
the wiiter of this sketch thinks now it was 
for the penal sum of one hundred thou- 
sand dollars, and, though he cannot re- 
member the names of all the signers, re- 
calls now among them the names of Sardis 
Birchard, R. P. Buckland, Rodolphus 
Dickinson, Nathan P. Birdseye, James 
Moore, John R. Pease, and La Q. Raw- 
son. He much regrets his inability to 
place on record all the other signers, that 
the present and future inhabitants of the 
county might know who is entitled to their 
gratitude for the great benefits the road 
has conferred and is still conferring, and 
will continually confer on all who reside 
or may reside in the county. At the time 
this indemnity was demanded, it was 
plainly to be seen that, but for the prompt 
action of these signers, the road would 
probably not have been built, or, if built, 
it would not have passed through Fremont. 
But the indemnity was so ample that there 
was no lunger any excuse for the exercise 
of that vigilant, if not extreme prudence, 
on the part of the commissioners, which 
came so near to working a final defeat of 
the enterprise. 

The bonds were delivered and the stock 
taken, however, and the rapid construc- 
tion of the road followed. A consolida- 
tion of the Junction and the Toledo, Nor- 
walk & Cleveland roads was doubtless 



History of sandusky county. 



171 



arranged for privately by the managers 
early in 1853. But the agreement to con- 
solidate was not publicly and certainly 
known until July 15, and then to take 
effect September i, 1853. 

In this arrangement such terms were 
made as to raise the value of the stock of 
Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland consider- 
ably above par, and create a demand for 
it, in which condition of affairs the signers 
of the indemnifying bond demanded a 
sale of the stock held by the county. The 
st5ck was sold sometime in April, 1853, 
and the bonds redeemed and burnt up 
July I, 1853, by the commissioners. In 
the transaction the county gained by the 
rise of the stock over fifteen hundred dol- 
lars above all expenses. 

The first through passenger train passed 
over the road on ihe 7th day of February, 
1853. After the consolidation the rcjad 
was called the Cleveland &: Toledo Rail- 
road, and passed by that name until it 
was consolidated with the Lake Shore 
road, April 6, 1869, since which date it 
has been denominated the Southern Divis- 
ion of that road, and has formed a part of 
one of the great trunk lines of road from 
east to west. 

THE BENEFITS OF THE ROAD CONSIDERED. 

The reader will remember how, in the 
history of this road, the project was op- 
posed and was once voted down; how 
cautious the county commissioners were 
in requiring a guarantee against loss by 
the county, in consequence of subscribing 
fifty thousand dollars to the capital stock, 
in order to insure the construction of the 
road, and how, after waids, the stock was 
sold at a premium of fitteen hundred dol- 
lars. Now let us glance briefly at the fur- 
ther results which so completely justify 
the friends of the road in their efforts to 



build it, and at the same time illustrates 
the folly of opposing the march of im- 
provement which had then (1852), reached 
this county on its way to the Great West. 

In 1854 the county duplicate shows 
that the Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland 
Railroad Company paid into the county for 
taxes on its property the sum of three 
thousand three hundred and sixty-four 
dollars and thirty-five cents. Ten years 
later, in 1864, it paid for taxes into the 
treasury, nine thousand four hundred and 
fifteen dollars and twenty-five cents. 

This annual tax increased year by year 
until, in 1876, it paid into the treasury for 
taxes the sum of seventeen thousand two 
hundred and ninety-eight dollars. 

In the year 1877 the amount was a lit- 
tle less, being sixteen thousand three hun- 
dred and seventy-four dollars. In 1878 the 
amount paid for taxes was twelve thou- 
sand two bundled and thirty-four dollars. 
In 1880 the sum paid was thirteen thou- 
sand and ninety-nine dollars and thirty 
cents. 

The county auditors will show, that dur- 
ing the twenty-eight years of its existence, 
and including the year 1880, the road has 
paid into the treasury of this county alone, 
an average yearly tax of not less than nine 
thousand dollars, or an aggregate sum of 
two bundled and fifty-two thousand 
dollars. Now add to this large sum, 
which is to be swelled year by year, the 
gain to our farmers from the increased 
price of their products, and also the in- 
creased value of farming and city real 
estate in the county, and surely the friends 
of the road who resided in the county 
and struggled so hard to have it built, are 
justified in their views and opinions, and 
rewarded amply for all their labors for the 
public good. 



CHAPTER XV. 



THE FREMONT & INDIANA RAILROAD. 

Organizntion of the Company— Building the Road— Its Financial Difliculties — Sales of Road— Re-organization 
of the Company — Change of Name — Perseverance, Trials, and Pluck of the President and some of the 
Directors — How it came to be Part of a Great, Important Line of Transportation, now called the Lake 
Erie & Western Railway. 



THE construction of the plank roads had 
given such impetus to business, and 
the connpletion of the Toledo, Norwalk & 
Cleveland Railroad had so clearly demon- 
strated that all, and more than all, the 
benefits promised by its advocates were 
realized, that the town became ambitious 
for further improvements, and under the 
stimulus of this ambition the 

FREMONT AND INDIANA RAILROAD COM- 
PANY WAS INCORPORATED. 

The General Assembly of the State of 
Ohio had passed an act, May ist, 1852, to 
create and regulate railroad companies. 
The act provided that any persons, to the 
number of five, by certain proceedings 
might obtain from the Secretary of State a 
certificate of incorporation, and thereby 
become a body corporate,. with all the 
powers necessary to build a railroad in 
Ohio. The Fremont & Indiana Railroad 
Company 'was incorporated under this 
law by certificate dated April 25, 1853, 
The incorporators were L. Q. Rawson, 
Sardis Birchard, James Justice, John R. 
Pease, and Charles W. Foster — Mr. Fos- 
ter residing at that time at Rome, in Sen- 
eca county, and the other corporators at 
Fremont, in Sandusky county. 

The corporators, their associates, suc- 
cessors, and assigns were empowered to 
build a railroad from Fremont, in Sandus- 
ky county, thence through Sandusky and 
Seneca counties to the town of Rome, in 
Seneca county; thence through Seneca 



and Hancock counties to the town of 
Findlay, in said county of Hancock; thence 
through the counties of Hancock, Allen, 
Auglaize, Mercer, and Darke to the west 
line of the State of Ohio, in the county 
of Darke. The certificate of incorpora- 
tion specified the capital stock of the 
company to be two hundred thousand 
dollars. This capital stock, on the 17th 
of October, 1853, was increased by the 
proper certificate to one million two hun- 
dred thousand dollars, and again increased, 
July 23, 1855, to two millions of dollars. 

The law of May i, 1852, to create and 
regulate railroad companies, provided that, 
so soon as ten per centum of the capital 
stock should be subscribed, and five dol- 
lars on each share paid in, the corporators 
might notify the stockholders to meet and 
elect directors, and the directors should 
then meet and elect a president, secretary, 
and treasurer. 

These requirements of the statute were 
promptly complied with, and the company 
organized, during the time that the capital 
stock was fixed at two hundred thousand 
dollars, as designated in the original cer- 
tificate of incorporation. The increase of 
capital stock was authorized subsequently. 

The directors elected L. Q. Rawson, 
president; A. J. Hale, secretary, and 
Squire Carlin, treasurer of the company. 

The work of obtaining the right of way 
and contracting for the building of the 
road was promptly begun. True it was, 
that the completion of the Toledo, Nor- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



173 



walk & Cleveland Railroad, and advent 
of the iron horse harnessed for regular 
business on the 7th of February, 1853, 
had demonstrated the advantages of rail- 
roads to the county, and had overcome 
the prejudices which the advocates of that 
road were compelled to meet and van- 
quish. But the friends of the Fremont 
& Indiana road encountered difficulties 
which, though of another kind, were no 
less formidable; these were an indiffer- 
ence on the part of a portion of our 
people, resulting partly from the unfavor- 
able condition of our money market. 
These causes combined rendered the ob- 
taining of money to carry on the work 
very difficult. But the president of the 
comjjany, L. Q. Rawson, was determined 
to build the road. In his indomitable 
will to accomplish this he was supported 
by such men as James Moore, Charles 
W. Foster, David J. Corey, and Squire 
Carlin, the two latter named being resi- 
dents of Findlay, in Hancock county; 
Foster residing at Fostoria, formerly 
Rome, in Seneca county, and Rawson 
and Moore being residents of Sandusky 
county. 

How the road was bonded ; how and at 
what rates, the bonds were sold and se- 
cured by mortgage on the road; how the 
obligations of the company were found 
unavailable for the purchase of iron for 
the road ; how the five men above named, 
under the influence of President Rawson's 
will and pluck, pledged their private for- 
tunes to obtain the iron for the road, and 
what and how much these five brave men 
were compelled to sacrifice for the com- 
pletion of the road to Findlay, and how 
they labored to extend the road further on, 
might form an interesting chapter in this 
history, if space permitted its insertion. 
But it is enough to say briefly, that, but 
for the bravery and pluck of these men, 
under great discouragements, and their 



large sacrifices of their own private means, 
the road would not have been built, and 
Fremont might never have realized the 
benefits of a southern and southwestern 
line of transportation. 

WHEN THE C.\RS FIRST RUN TO FOSTORIA. 

By the pluck, perseverance, and pecuni- 
ary sacrifices of these men the road was 
built, iron laid, and cars for carrying freight 
and passengers put running from Fremont 
to Fostoria, formerly Rome, on the ist 
day of February, A. D. 1859. 

During the summer and fall of 1859 the 
work progressed, and iron was laid to 
within about one mile of Findlay. The 
people of Findlay were very desirous of its 
completion, but they did not come for- 
ward with the money, and the resources of 
the company were exhausted. 

In this condition of affairs David J. 
Corey, one of the directors above named, 
usually called Judge Corey, went to New 
York early in the spring of i860, and on 
his own private credit bought iron suffi- 
cient to complete the track into the town 
of Findlay, thereby making a distance of 
thirty-seven miles from Fremont. 

While this was being done, the road 
had been made ready for the iron nearly 
to Lima, in Allen county. In this condi- 
tion of the company's affairs it was over- 
taken by insolvency. 

In the same year Jpseph B. Varnum 
and Henry L. Mott, trustees named in the 
mortgage given to secure the first mortgage 
bonds of the road, commenced an action 
in the Court of Common Pleas of Sandus- 
ky county, to sell the road to pay arrearages 
of principal and interest which had be- 
come due to the holders of the bonds. 
This suit was prosecuted by Messrs. Buck, 
land and Everett, attorneys for the trus- 
tees, and resulted in a decree of foreclos- 
ure, and an order for the sale of the road 
was entered October 14, 1861. The sale 



174 



History of sandusKV county. 



was made between the October and Jan- 
uary terms of the court, the road fran- 
chises, property, and fixtures being bid off 
by the creditors. 

The sale was confirmed, and a deed or- 
dered January 6, 1862. 

On the 2 1st of January, 1862, a new 
company was organized, and took the 
name of the Fremont, Lima & Union 
Railroad Company, to construct a road on 
the same route as that which had been 
adopted by the Fremont & Indiana Rail- 
road Company. 

The corporators of the Fremont, Lima 
& Union Railroad Company were: Charles 
Congdon, of the city of New York ; David 
J. Corey, and Squire Carlin, of the coun- 
ty of Hancock, and L. Q. Rawson and 
James Moore, of the couniy of Sandusky, 
State of Ohio. 

L. Q. Rawson was made president, and 
R. W. B. McLellan secretary, and also 
treasur.-r of the new company. 

The Fremont & Indiana Railroad, at the 
judicial sale, sold for twenty thousand dol- 
lars; not sufficient to pay the bonds men- 
tioned in the mortgage, and the original 
stock in that road was, of course, lost to 
the holders. 

The capital stock of the Fremont, Lima 
& Union Railroad Company was increased 
by the proper certificate of the Secretary 
of State, under date of May 17, 1864, to 
two million five hundred thousand dollars. 
On the 4th of February, 1865, the Fre- 
mont, Lima & Union Railroad Company 
entered into an agreement with the Lake 
Erie and Pacific Railroad Company, of 
the State of Indiana, by which it was 
agreed to consolidate the two companies, 
and that the consolidated road should be 
called the Lake Erie &: Louisville Rail- 
road Company. The agreement was rati- 
fied by the stockholders of the Fremont, 
Lima & Union Railroad Company, on the 
14th of January, 1865, and by the stock- 



holders of the Lake Erie and Pacific 
Company on the i8th of the same month, 
and the road on that day took the new 
name of "Lake Erie & Louisville Railroad 
Company," with a capital stock of six 
million dollars, in fifty dollar shares. After 
this organization was consummated, it be- 
came the settled purpose of the company 
to build a through line of railroad from 
Louisville to the head of navigation on 
the Sandusky River, so that heavy freight 
could be carried by water, thence to Buf- 
falo and New York, and passengers and 
light freight could pass east or west from 
Fremont on the southern division of the 
Lake Shore railroad. 

The Lstke Erie and Louisville Railroad 
Company continued to operate and ex- 
tend its line beyond Findlay, and also, by 
contract with other companies, namely, 
the Columbus & Indiana Central, and 
the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis, 
constructed twenty and three-fourths miles 
of their line, and put it in operation be- 
tween Cambridge City and Rushville, in 
the State of Indiana. 

There remained unpaid bonds issued 
by the Fremont, Lima & Union Railroad 
Company, and also bonds issued by the 
Lake Erie and Louisville Railroad Com- 
pany. On these bonds a large arrear of 
interest was unpaid. These bonds were 
secured by mortgages to trustees for the 
benefit of the bondholders. 

On the 29th day of March, 1871, the 
trustees commenced proceedings in the 
Circuit Court of the United States, to 
foreclose their mortgages and sell the 
road. On the 4th day of April, 187 i, L. 
Q. Rawson was appointed receiver by the 
court, and took charge of the road as 
such. The road was sold under the de- 
cree of foreclosure, on the i8th day of 
October, 187 i, but the property remained 
in charge of the receiver, Rawson, until 
January i, 1872. The road and property 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



175 



of the company was sold to trustees for 
the bondholders. 

The part of the road located in Ohio, 
that is from Fremont to Union City, was 
reorganized November 4, 187 1, under the 
name of the Fremont, Lima & Union 
Railway Company, and the trustees con- 
veyed the road property to the new com- 
pany, December 26. 1871. That part of 
the road in Indiana was reorganized No- 
vember ID, 1 87 1, under the name of the 
Lake Erie & Louisville Railway Company, 
and these two companifs were consoli- 
dated April 12, 1872, under the name last 
above given. 

Bonds were issued by the road as fol- 
lows: Five hundred thousand dollars on 
that part in Ohio, and ninety thousand 
dollars for that part in Indiana between 
Union and Cambridge City, and mort- 
gages given respectively. This company 
put the road in operation to Lima, and 
then to St. Mary's, and graded the road- 
bed from Union City to Cambridge City, 
Indiana, a distance of thirty-four miles. 

But the bonds were not paid, and on 
suit of trustees to foreclose the mortgage 
on the property of the Lake Erie & Louis- 
ville Railway Company, the road was 
again placed in the hands of a receiver. 
From the first organization of the Fremont 
& Indiana Railroad Company, through 
all its ups and downs, all its trials and 
tribulations, LaQ. Rawson had been 
president and chief manager. He ad- 
hered to the enterprise, through good and 
through evil report, and he gave his time, 
his untiring energy and great executive 
ability, and largely of his pecuniary store, 
to keep it up and carry it through. But 
President Rawson saw his wishes accom- 
plished so far that the road was com- 
pleted and cars running on it to St. 
Mary's, a distance of eighty-six miles, be- 
fore the 25th day of April, 1874, when 
under foreclosure proceedings the road 



and its property were placed in the hands 
of a receiver, and as such receiver Isadore 
H. Burgoon, of Fremont, took full charge 
of the road, and managed it successfully, 
and to the satisfaction of all concerned, 
until March, 1877. The road was finally 
sold at judicial sale in two separate parts ; 
that is, the part in Indiana being the sub- 
ject of one, and the part in Ohio the 
other. The sale of the part in Ohio was 
confirmed February 24, and that in In- 
diana March 8, 1877. 

This last i)urchase was made by the 
newly formed Lake Erie & Louisville 
Railroad Company, through Mr. James 
B Hodgskin, acting as trustee for the 
owners and holders of the first mortgage 
bonds of the Lake Erie & Louisville 
Railway Company. This sale carried to 
the purchasers all property of the com- 
pany, personal and real, and the purchaser 
took it, of course, divested of all prior 
claims. 

On the confirmation of this sale to Mr. 
Hodgskin, or soon after, Mr. Burgoon, the 
receiver, filed in the Court of Common 
Pleas, of Sandusky county, his final re- 
port and the account of his doings and 
dealings in the management of the road 
of which he had full charge as receiver, 
under direction of the court, for almost 
three years. 

Isadore H. Burgoon is a son of one of 
the many worthy pioneers of Sandusky 
county, Mr. Peter Burgoon, now deceased. 
After attending the common school near 
his home, was for a time sent by his 
father to Oberlin College. After leav- 
ing Oberlin he went into the service of 
the Fremont & Indiana Railroad Com- 
pany as ofifice and errand boy, and from 
that station was advanced, step by step, 
in the service of the company, to that of 
general superintendent. We are pleased 
to record the fact that every step of this 
advancement was earned by hard work, 



176 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



combined with unusual activity and integ- 
rity exercised in behalf of his employers. 

Mr. Burgoon's final report and account 
as receiver was presented to the court and 
confirmed, not only without question, but 
by consent of the counsel on both sides, 
and he was highly complimented for his 
management of the affairs of the road, as 
is shown by the order of confirmation, 
which is as follows: 

And this court, having examined the said 
final account and report, and found the same in all 
respects in accordance with law and the order of the 
court, and that the said receiver has duly paid and 
delivered all money, credits and property of every 
kind which came into his possession or control, by 
virtue of his appointment and office in accordance 
with the order and direction of the court, and has in 
all respects well and truly and faithfully discharged 
all his duties as such receiver, it is hereby ordered 
that the said final report and account be and the 
same is hereby approved and confirmed, and the 
said Isadore H. Burgoon discharged from all further 
accountability as such receiver. And he is espe- 
cially commended for the ability and faithfulness 
with which he has discharged the arduous duties of 
his office. Approved. 

R. P. BUCKLAND AND CALVIN BRICE, 

Attorneys for Lake Erie & Louisville Railway Com- 
pany. 

Otis, Adams & Russell, 
Attorneys for Plaintiffs, the Trustees. 

This account being confirmed, Mr. Bur- 
goon's duties as receiver were ended. Yet 
he was to receive further manifestations of 
approval for his energy and activity. The 
road was now under the management of 
Mr. Hodgskin as a representative of the 
purchasers. A new company was prompt- 
ly formed after the purchase, in New 
York city, of which Mr. Hodgskin was 
president. Mr. Hodgskin, from the time 
he purchased the road, seemed to appre- 
ciate Mr. Burgoon's ability and integrity, 
and kept him as superintendent of the 
road until the decease of President 
Hodgskin, which occurred March, 20, 
1879. Soon after the death of Mr. 
Hodgskin the annual report of the com- 
pany was made showing, its condition for 
the year ending December 31, 1878, and 



was signed by Charles Foster, as president, 
under date of March 26, 1879. C. R. 
Cummings, of Chicago, succeeded Mr. 
Hodgskin as president, and the directors 
again chose Mr. Burgoon as superintend- 
ent of the road. 

The road was now scaled of all its 
debts, and was represented by one million 
five hundred thousand dollars of stock. A 
syndicate, it is said, was formed to pur- 
chase in this stock, for good judges afiirm 
that the road at this time was worth at 
least two millions of dollars. This syndi- 
cate probably embraced the holders of large 
amounts of the stock, and the stock held 
by those outside this syndicate was quietly 
purchased at about twenty cents on the 
dollar, until all was gathered in. S(Jon 
after the purchase of the stock had been 
accomplished, and probably in June 
1879, the road seems to have been con- 
solidated with other western lines, and be- 
came part of what has since been known 
as the Lake Erie & Western Railway. 

The northern terminus of the Fremont 
& Indiana Railroad, under all the differ- 
ent names by which it was known, had 
been at the head of navigation on teh 
Sandusky River in Fremont, and all 
freight intended for transportation by 
water was carried down the river and 
through the Sandusky Bay, past Sandusky 
City, into Lake Erie, to any desired port 
on the lakes. 

However, after the first consolidation 
with an Indiana road, and the design was 
formed to make Louisville the southern 
terminus of the line, the intention was 
entertained to extend the road to the 
lake at some point, but this intention was 
never executed by that company. When 
the road was last transferred and took the 
name of Lake Erie & Western Railway, 
the new company made proffers to the peo- 
ple of Sandusky t<^ extend their road to 
that place if sixty thousand dollars were 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



177 



raised in that city to donate towards the 
cost of the extension. 

Under an act of the General Assembly 
of the State, the voters of Sandusky au- 
thorized the city to issue sixty thousand 
dollars of bonds, which were sold, and the 
sixty thousand dollars procured. The 
proceeds of these bonds were not paid to 
the Lake Erie & Western Railway Com- 



pany, but a new company, called the San- 
dusky & Fremont Railway Company, was 
formed, and proceeded to construct a road 
between the two cities named. Work was 
commenced on this road about July i, 
1880, and made ready for trains about the 
last of February, 1881, and is practically 
and extension of the Lake Erie & West- 
ern Railway. 



CHAPTER XVL 

COUNTY ROADS. 

Macadamized and Gravelled Roads in the County — Date of Building — Persons Prominently Connected 
with their Construction, and their Cost and Benefits. 



THE man who, seated in a fine car- 
riage, with perhaps wife, or sweet- 
heart, or bride at his side, drives pleasantly 
along the good roads of to-day at the rate 
of from six to ten miles per hour, or the 
anxious one who has occasion to ride 
post-haste over the same road for a sur- 
geon or physician, is not very likely to 
think of, nor thank the men who devised, 
and toiled, gave their time and money, 
and contended for the building of the 
structure which saves him or them from 
wallowing through the mud and mire 
which used to be there. The same may 
be said of the farmer as he, comfortably 
seated on his great load of produce or 
building material, jogs comfortably along 
without stallmg, strain, or breakage. But 
history would not be just without making 
some specific mention of such improve- 
ments and of the men who contended for 
and executed them. Therefore we mention 
in our chapter on improvements, the mac- 
adamized roads made under the authori- 



ties of the county, and some of the men 
connected with the construction of them. 
The law under and by virtue of which 
these roads were made, provided that on 
the application of a majority of land owners 
whose land would be subjected to a charge 
for the construction of the road, the coun- 
ty commissioners might appoint three 
viewers or commissioners, and a surveyor 
or engineer, to view the route proposed for 
the road, and if the construction of the 
road should, in their opinion, be required 
by the public convenience, they should 
also report an estimate of the cost of con- 
struction, and a description of the land 
which, in their judgment, should be taxed 
to pay for the work. They also reported 
the form of the road and the materials to 
be used, whether gravel or stone, and the 
width and thickness to which the material 
should be laid on. On the filing of this 
report commissioners might approve the 
same and order the construction of the 
road, The coiuiriissioners were also 



i7i 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



empowered to issue bonds of the county 
bearing interest, and sell them to raise 
the money necessary to carry on the 
work. To pay the interest and princi- 
pal of the bonds an assessment was made 
on the land, to be paid in instalments 
as taxes are paid, and these assessments 
were charged against the lots and tracts 
respectively, on the tax duplicate of the 
county, and collected by the county treas- 
urer and applied to the redemption of the 
bonds. 

This brief outline of the statute gov- 
erning the construction of free turnpikes 
in Ohio will serve to help the reader to 
understand better what follows on the 
subject. 

THE GREENSBURG MACADAMIZED ROAD. 

Ever smce about 1831 settlers had been 
locating in the southwestern part of the 
county. Among the county roads laid 
out about that time was one from near 
James Moore's mill, in Ballville township, 
thence due west on section lines, to near 
the northwest corner of section ten in 
Jackson township, where the road angled 
southward through sections, until it inter- 
sected the south line of section eight in 
the same township, a little west of the 
southeast corner of the section, and where 
the village of Millersville now stands. 
From there the line ran due west through 
Greensburg on section lines, to the west 
line of the county, a distance of about 
fourteen miles and a half from the start- 
ing point. To describe the difficulties of 
travelling and the still greater difficulties 
of hauling heavy loads over this road, is 
needless to those who have had experience 
with roads in new, level, timbered coun- 
tries. True, the inhabitants had done 
much in mending and draining the road 
from time to time, but with all they could 
do, more than half the way for about half 
the year, was mud, or if a dry surface was 



found it was hard travelling over the rough 
surface, cut into deep ruts. 

On the 6th of March, 1867, Martin 
Wright and one hundred and twenty-eight 
others, owners of land along this road, filed 
their petition with the county commis- 
sioners, asking them to take the necessary 
proceedings to macadamize this road. 
The county commissioners at the time 
were Benjamin Inman, Samuel E. Wat- 
ters, and Henry Reiling. A bond to pay 
all expenses of view, survey, etc., in case 
the report should be against the request 
of the petitioners, was filed by Martin 
Wright and Lewis K. Wright,of Scott town- 
ship. On filing the bond the commis- 
sioners appointed William E. Haynes, 
Charles G. Green, and Hiram Haff, view- 
ers, and Beman Amsden surveyor. These 
men performed their respective duties, and 
on the fourth of June, 1867, reported that 
in their opinion the prayer of the peti- 
tioners ought to be granted. They also 
viewed the land to be benefited by the road, 
and reconnnended that the road be 
graded twenty-two feet wide on top, and 
that twelve feel in width ot the twenty- 
two, be covered with stone to the thick- 
ness of one foot. The viewers' and engi- 
neer's estimate of the cost of the road, 
was for grading, one thousand nine hun- 
dred and thirty-six dollars, and for macad- 
amizing, twenty-three thousand four hun- 
dred and sixty-three dollars and fifty 
cents; making a total estimated cost of 
twenty-five thousand three hundred and 
ninety-nine dollars and fifty cents. The 
last paragra[jh of this report is as follows: 

We cannot conclude without commending to your 
favorable consideration the prayers of the petitioners, 
who are intelligent, prudent men, many of them 
large land owners and tax payers, and we respectful- 
ly, but earnestly recommend that you order the im- 
provement, as provided by law. 

William E. Haynes,) 

C. G. Greene, J> Viewers. 

Hiram Haff, j 

B. Amsden, Engineer. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



179 



There was no remonstrance against the 
proposed improvement, and no claim- for 
damages by reason of it, as is shown by 
the commissioners record. The work was 
promptly begun, bonds for the payment of 
the costs of construction were issued, and 
taxes, or rather assessments, levied upon 
the land to be benefited to meet the pay- 
ment of the bonds, and Commissioner 
Inman gave his special attention and 
jnuch time to directing and superintend- 
ing the work. There was, as a matter of 
course, some contention among the land 
owners, in the apportionment of the bur- 
den of assessment each tract should bear. 
Such contention is almost inseparable 
from the prosecution of every improve- 
ment in town, city or country where there 
is to be an apportionment of the expenses 
of the work. But these wranglings have 
an end, which usually terminates in the 
dissatisfaction of part of those who have 
to pay out their money, for a perfectly 
satisfactory adjustment of such burden is 
seldom, it ever, arrived at. So blinding 
is the effect of selfishness on the percep- 
tions of men that it is doubtful whether 
in such a case all would be satisfied if the 
most perfect equity could be made to op- 
erate on such an apportionment. Mr. 
Inman being a resident of Scott township, 
a land owner to be benefited, as well as 
one of the county commissioners, and as 
such, exercising a kind of special super- 
vision over the work, received the chief 
animadversions of the dissatisfied. But 
Benjamin Inman was an honest man and 
bore the unfavorable commenis of some of 
his esteemed neighbors with patience and 
silence, though with pain and regret, until 
shame silenced the dissatisfied ones, and 
lime vindicated and made clear his hon- 
esty of purpose, as well as sound judg- 
ment concerning the work. 

The road was finis'icd during the year 
1870, at a total cost of forty thousand 



three hundred and twenty-one dollars and 
ninety-one cents, being fourteen thousand 
nine hundred and twenty-two dollars and 
forty-one cents more than the estimated 
cost as returned by the viewers and en- 
gmeer; the actual cost per mile being 
a fraction less than two thousand eight 
hundred dollars. 

WILLIAM E. LAY ROAD MACADAMIZED. 

On the 4th day of December, 1867, 
William E. Lay and forty others, constitut- 
ing a majority of the owners of land to 
be affected, petitioned the commissioners 
of the county for the macadamizing or 
gravelling of the county road, on the fol- 
lowing routes: Beginning at the Lake 
Shore railroad, in Clyde, thence south on 
the east line of section 23, 26, and 35. in 
Green Creek township, to the county line 
between Sandusky and Seneca counties. 
Bond was given by C. G. Eaton, J. M. 
Lemmon, and William W. Wales. 

The county commissioners, namely, 
Benjamin Inman, David Fuller, and Henry 
Reiling, at their December session, 1867, 
appointed Andrew Smith, Hiram Haff, 
and John Orwig viewers, and Jeremiah 
Evans, surveyor. These viewers and the 
surveyor met according to notice, at the 
store of Darwin E. Harkness, in the vil- 
lage of Clyde, on the 15th day of January, 
1868. They reported on the 3d day of 
March, 1868, that no claim for damage 
had been made, and recommended that 
the improvements be made as prayed for, 
by macadamizing or gravelling the same; 
that the road be opened sixty feet wide, 
top of roadway to be eighteen feet wide 
and covered with broken stone or gravel. 
The viewers and surveyor reported their 
estimate of the cost of the work to be as 
follows: For grading, eight hundred dol- 
lars; for gravelling, three thousand six 
hundred dollars; making a total of esti- 
mated cost of four thousand four hun- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



dred dollars. The length of the road was 
three miles and a-half. 

The road was constructed according to 
the recommendation of the viewers and 
engineer, and finished about the beginning 
of 1870, at a total cost of ten thousand 
seven hundred and thirty-seven dollars 
and sixteen cents, or at the rate of two 
thousand nine hundred and sixty-seven 
dollars per mile. 

This William E. Lay road improvement 
was made under regulations and proceed- 
ings like those by which the Greensburg 
improvement was made, and a repetition 
of them would be superfluous. 

THE FREMONT AND SOUTH CREEK MACAD- 
AMIZED ROAD. 

On the petition of Charles H. Bell and 
others for the macadamizing of that part 
of the State road which lies between the 
east line of the city of Fremont and Bark 
Creek, and on filing the proper bond 
signed by C. H. Bell and J. H. McArdle, 
on the 9th of December, 1868, the county 
commissioners, namely: Benjamin Inman, 
Henry Reiling, and David Fuller, ap- 
pointed Piatt Brush, A. B. Putman, and 
Jonas Smith, viewers, and Jeremiah Evans, 
surveyor. These were ordered to meet at 
A. B. Putman's office, in Fremont, on the 
18th of February, 1869, which they did, 
proceeded to the discharge of their duties, 
and ruported to the commissioners on the 
6th day of March following. Their re- 
port was in favor of making the improve- 
ment, and they reported also that they 
estimated the cost of the work at nine 
thousand eight hundred and fifty-two dol- 
lars and eighty cents. Like proceedings 
were had as in the cases of the other im- 
provements, and the macadamizing of this 
road was completed to South Creek about 
1872, at a total cost of fourteen thousand 
eight hundred and twenty-six dollars and 
seventy cents, exceeding the statement by 



four thousand nine hundred and seventy- 
three dollars and ninety cents. 

The length of this improvement is three 
miles and a half, with stone macadamized 
track nine feet in width, at an actual cost 
of four thousand four hundred and thirteen 
dollars per mile, paid for by the land own- 
ers benefited. 

THE FREMONT AND PORT CLINTON ROAD 
IMPROVEMENT. 

The macadamizing of that part of the 
road leading from Fremont to Port Clin- 
ton which lies between the north boundary 
of the city of Fremont and the south line 
of Rice township, was petitioned for by 
Andrew Engler and others. On May 4, 
1874, bond was given, and Oscar Ball, 
Christian Doncyson, and Barney Donahu 
were appointed viewers. Their report was 
favorable, and the work was executed at 
an actual cost of six thousand and eighty- 
nine dollars and thirty-five cents. The 
estimated cost of this improvement was 
not found on the record of the proceed- 
ings, and is therefore not given here, nor 
is it deemed very material. The proceed- 
ings in the matter of this improvement 
were like those of the others above men- 
tioned. The improvement is an important 
one, especially on that part of the road 
through the Whittaker reserve, where the 
road had been notoriously bad for a great 
many years. 

The reader may notice that in these 
works the actual cost is far in excess of 
the amount estimated by the viewers, in 
every instance, this excess being nearly 
fifty per cent, above the estimate. This 
shows that estimates are as unreliable in 
these works as in the estimates for build- 
ing houses, or any other work men under- 
take. The experience of persons who 
have built a house or a barn will confirm 
the assertion that the only safe way to pro- 
ceed is to add about fifty per cent, to the 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



i8t 



estimate of the carpenter who was con- 
sulted as to the cost of the proposed 
structure. Why this is so we leave to the 
reader to find out. 

The history of these roads is perhaps 
neither exciting nor attractive to the 
reader, but it will serve hereafter to mark 
the time when the people of the county 
began to realize that it does not pay to 
travel in deep mud when a little expense 
will give them a firm, dry wagon way, and 
that by comfort in travel, and cheapening 
the expense of transportation of pro- 
duce and merchandise over the road, 
the outlay is very soon balanced, and 
the well-improved road thereafter, by re- 
pairing only, will remain a permanent source 
of economical saving to the community. 

These roads are now repaired with 
money derived from taxes levied on the 



property of the entire county, and the par- 
ticular locality thereby relieved from fur- 
ther special assessments. The aggregate 
cost of the macadamized roads made by 
the county commissioners, at this writing 
(1881), is seventy-one thousand nine hun- 
dred and seventy-five dollars and twelve 
cents. There have been portions of some 
of the other roads in the county macad- 
amized by appropriations from time to time 
from the county and township road funds, 
the cost of which cannot well be ascer- 
tained. The people are now quite alive to 
improvement of roads, and ere long San- 
dusky county will be a delightful land to 
drive through, on good roads, and not a 
toll-gate on any of them, excepting the 
Maumee and Western Reserve turnpike, 
which is controlled and managed by the 
State. 



CHAPTER XVn. 

COUNTY BUILDINGS AND INSTITUTIONS. 

The First Court-House— How and When Built— Its Removal and What Became of It — Organization of the 
County Infirmary — Subscription for Public Buildings. 



IN Chapter VHI of this history we made 
some mention of the subscription for 
building the first court-house in the county 
— showing that it was built by subscription 
of individuals, signed under date of April 
I, 1823. The subscription showed oblii- 
gations to pay in cash two hundred and 
thirty-five dollars; in labor, three hundred 
and five dollars; in produce, five hundred 
and fifteen dollars; in material, seven hun- 
dred and forty-five dollars — making an ag- 
gregate of one thousand seven hundred 
and ninety-five dollars. 



THE COURT-HOUSE ORDERED BUILT. 

The county commissioners, viz: Giles 
Thompson, Moses Nichols, and Morris A. 
Newman, met according to appointinent 
on the 12th day of April, 1823, as the 
record shows, for the purpose of "investi- 
gating the propriety of iminediately build- 
ing a jail or some other public building 
with the funds subscribed for said pur- 
pose, in and for the county of Sandusky." 
After transacting some other business, 
such as ordering the trustees of the differ- 
ent townships to direct the supervisors to 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



open all county roads through the town- 
ships at least sixty feet wide, they made an 
order that there should be erected a build- 
ing for public purposes, out of the funds 
subscribed for that purpose, and a part 
thereof to be appropriated for a court-house 
until other arrangements might be made, 
on the ground selected and donated for 
public purposes, and that the building 
should be of the following dimensions: 
A good and substantial frame, thirty-six 
feet long, twenty-four feet wide, twenty feet 
high, so as to furnish two full stories; a 
good and sufficient brick chimney at each 
end, with four fire-places below and two 
above; joint-shingle roof, floors well laid, 
four rooms and a passage below, and one 
room above, etc. The following is a copy 
of the concluding order of the session: 

Ordered that the Auditor be authorized and instruct- 
ed to write sundry advertisements comprehending the 
above order, for the purpose of letting said building 
to the lowest bidder, on the loth day of June next, 
and that one of said advertisements be filed in the 
office and recorded, and that a draft thereof be at- 
tached to each advertisement so published and re- 
corded. The commissioners adjourned until their 
June meeting. 

By order of the commissioners, 

Thomas L. Hawkins, 
Auditor and Clerk of said Board. 

County Auditor Hawkins issued the no- 
ices ordered by the commissioners, which 
is of record in the words and figures fol- 
lowing : 

PUBLIC NOTICE 

is hereby given to all who may feel interested in the 
same, that the commissioners of Sandusky county 
will sell to the lowest bidder who will give bond and 
approved security for faithful performance, the 
building of a court-house in and for the county afore- 
said, on the 17th day of July next, comprising the 
following dimensions : .\ good and sufficient frame 
thirty-six feet long and twenty-four feet wide, and 
twenty feet from the ground sill to the top of the 
plate, so as to form two full stories high, and the 
frame to be elevated two feet above the ground with 
a good, substantial stone wall ; joint-shingle roof, 
two good and sufficient brick chimneys, with four 
fire-places below stairs and two above; the lower 
story to be divided into four rooms, two at each 
end, and a passage eight feet wide between them ; 



stairs to go up in the passage, and to be three and a 
half feet wide, and not to rise more than seven inches 
to each step; all the walls and ceilings to be lathed 
and plastered, except the two small rooms on the 
one end of said building and a small closet under the 
stairs; floors to be laid with tongue and groove 
joints; five windows and two outside doors in the 
lower story, four inside doors and a door to the 
stairway; eight windows in the second story, which 
shall all be left in one room; all windows to be filled 
with twenty-four lights of eight by ten glass; all 
doors to be panel work; all joiners' work of every 
description to be finished off in neat but plain order; 
all rooms, fire-places, stairs, passage, windows and 
doors to be situated agreeable to the underneath 
plan. A subscription now in the hands of the com- 
missioners, signed by thirty-four of the most credit- 
able citizens of the town of Sandusky, amounting to 
eighteen hundred dollars, will be given for jhe com- 
pletion of said building, or so far as it may go to- 
wards the same. The subscription calls for two 
hundred and thirty-five dollars in cash, three hundred 
and five dollars in labor, five hundred and fifteen in 
produce, and seven hundred and forty-five in ma- 
terials. All enterprising men and industrious me- 
chanics will do well, considering the depreciation of 
the times and scarcity of good jobs, by making their 
terms known on said 17th day of July next. 

It is expressly understood that the seats such as is 
customary is to be finished off in court room, and 
the frame up and covered and underpinned with said 
stone wall, on or before the first day of December 
next. 

Thomas L. Hawkins, Auditor. 

Sandusky County, April 26, 1823. 

To this notice was appended a fronc 
view of the building, presenting seven 
windows, four above and three below, and 
one door below ; also a draft showing the 
plan of the court-room in second story, and 
the offices, hall, stairway and fire-places on 
the ground floor. 

Tradition says that when the letting of 
the job of building the house took place, 
on the 17th of July, 1823, Cyrus Hul- 
burt's proposal was accepted, but on re- 
flection he declined to complete his con- 
tract, and on the 20th of the same month 
Thomas L. Hawkins entered into a con- 
tract to erect the building for two thou- 
sand four hundred and fifty dollars. The 
commissioners, in payment of this sum, 
assigned to him the subscription list, 
amounting, as ihcy called it then, to eigh- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



183 



teen hundred dollars, and also agreed to 
pay him six hundred and fifty dollars in 
orders on the county treasury. 

The building was begun in the fall of 
1823 ; the frame was raised and the chim- 
ney partly built, but the work progressed 
slowly. The location proved unsatisfac- 
tory to the subscribers, and the result 
was that the building, in its unfinished con- 
dition, was moved out of the woods to the 
brow of the hill, a little north and west of 
where the city hall now stands, and was 
placed on lands now designated on the plat 
of the city as in-lots one hundred and 
three and one hundred and four. The 
building was moved on rollers, and was 
drawn from the old site to the new by 
twenty-four yoke of oxen. The exact 
date of this removal cannot now be ascer- 
tained; but the house was finished off and 
ready for the holding of court as early as 
1830 or before. The commissioners pro- 
cured the title to lot one hundred and 
three from Samuel Treat, by deed dated 
January 13, 1829, and the title to lot one 
hundred and four from James Birdseye, 
by deed dated October 9, 1830. There 
is no doubt, however, but there were con- 
tracts for titles before these dates. On 
the same premises the commissioners 
shortly after built 

THE FIRST JAIL 

was erected about 1832, by Elisha W. 
Rowland, under contract with the county 
commissioners. The walls, and ceilings, 
and floor of this building were composed 
of hewn timbers eighteen inches square, 
laid one upon another and bolted through 
with iron bolts. The windows were se- 
cured by iron grating of perpendicular 
bars one inch square, about three inches 
apart, and passing through horizontal flat 
bars about one inch thick, and with a 
space between them of about three inches. 
All these bars were deeply inserted into 
the timbers at the sides, and above and 



below the open space cut for the windows. 
This jail was completed about the year 
1832. The court-house was completed 
earlier, probably about 1826. 

THESE BUILDINGS 

were used for their respective purposes — 
the one for the administration of justice 
and the county offices, the other for the 
confinement of criminals, until the year 
1843, when another and better court-house 
and a better jail were built by the county. 

In the old jail above described, Sperry 
was incarcerated for the murder of his 
wife; in this old court-house he was tried, 
condemned, and sentenced to be hung. 

The same jail confined Thompson for 
the murder of a young lady at Bellevue. 

In this old jail Sperry committed sui- 
cide, in the presence of Thompson, to es- 
cape the gallows. 

The walls of this old court-house echoed 
the arguments of attorneys Hiram R. Pet- 
tibone, Peter Yates, Asa Calkins, Nathan. 
iel B. Eddy, Homer Everett, L. B. Otis, 
C. L. Boalt, E. B. Sadler, Brice J. Bartlett, 
W. W. Culver, and fairly shook with the 
crashing voice of Cooper K. Watson, in 
his prime, when he prosecuted Sperry 
with wonderful powers of eloquence and 
logic. 

These buildings served their purposes 
well, until the increasing population and 
legal business of the county required more 
room and structures more secure from de- 
struction by fire. 

Soon after the erection of the brick 
court-house the lots on which the old court- 
house and jail were situated were sold by 
the commissioners. 

The deed conveys the lots numbers 
one hundred and three and one hundred 
and four to John Karshner for the sum of 
eight hundred and ten dollars, and bears 
date January 13, 18415, and the county 
commissioners who executed the convey- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ance were: Paul Tew, John S. Gardner, 
and James Rose. 

On the 14th day of March, A. D. 1845, 
John Karshner conveyed the same lots, 
for the same amount of consideration, to 
Daniel Schock, David Deal, John Stahl, 
John Heberling, and Frederick Grund, as 
trustees of "The United German Evan- 
gelical Lutheran, and German Evangelical 
Reformed St. John's Church, of Fremont." 
Rev. Henry Lang, pastor of the church, 
took possession of the buildings soon after 
the sale. The jail was used for a stable, 
the court room was converted into a place 
of worship, while the room below served 
as a residence for the worthy pastor and his 
family many years. The two societies 
separated, and the property is now owned 
exclusively by the Lutheran Church of 
Fremont, and the whole building is used 
as a parsonage of the church. 

The jail was taken down several years 
ago, but the old first frame court-house is 
still standing, with all its timbers strong 
and sound. 

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE OLD COURT-HOUSE. 

On the judge's seat in this old court- 
house sat John C. Wright, and as one of 
the judges of the Supreme Court of the 
State under the old constitution, heard 
and determined causes with wonderful 
promptness and marked ability. It was 
here that Judge Wright heard a divorce 
case, the cause alleged being cruel treat- 
ment of the wife by the husband. The 
testimony showed a chronic habit of in- 
dulging bad temper by both parties, but 
the wife, who sought the divorce, was the 
greater, and more talented scold of the 
two. Judge Wright patiently heard the 
evidence and arguments in the case. As 
soon as the arguments were closed, the 
judge, in his sharp, ringing voice began, 
and said: "This is a petition for divorce 
on the ground of extreme cruelty. The 



proof shows that the parties have been 
about equally cruel toward each other, and 
taking the evidence all into consideration, 
the Court is satisfied that in this case two 
people have been joined in the holy bonds 
of wedlock who are possessed of very un- 
happy tempers, but if bad temper should 
be held to be sufficient cause for divorce, 
we fear that few matrimonial contracts in 
Ohio would stand the test. The divorce is 
therefore refused." More such decisions 
are needed to preserve the sanctity of the 
marriage relation in more recent times. 

In this old court-house Judge Ebenezer 
Lane sat and announced decisions as 
learned and sound as any since his day. 
In the old court room Brice J. Bartlett, 
Nathaniel B. Eddy, Lucius B. Otis, 
and Homer Everett first appeared in the 
practice of the law. The old house has 
served for a time as the temple of justice, 
then as a temple for illustrating God's 
mercy to man, and finally as the abode of 
a ])ious, peaceful, and happy family. 

THE SECOND COURT-HOUSE AND JAIL. 

The county, in 1840, had so increased 
in inhabitants and business that the old 
court-house, twenty-four by thirty-six feet 
in dimensions, no longer afforded room 
for the proper and convenient transaction 
of the public business, nor a safe reposi- 
tory for the public records. Hence public 
opinion urged the county commissioners 
to the construction of a safer and more 
commodious building. It appears by the 
journal of the county commissioners, that 
the public desire put them jn motion to- 
wards this object in March or April, 1840. 
The first recorded action of the commis- 
sioners is found in their journal under 
date of April 3, 1840, when they met at 
the auditor's office with Nathaniel B. 
Eddy, then county auditor. They met, 
as the journal entry shows, and not having 
completed their view and location of a 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



185 



site for the court-house, adjourned until 
the next morning. The next journal entry 
shows that on the 4th of April, 1840, the 
commissioners met pursuant to adjourn- 
ment, and having completed the survey 
and location of a site for a court-house, 
adjourned without delay. The commis- 
sioners then were : Paul Tew, of Townsend 
township; Jonas Smith, of Ballville town- 
ship; and John Bell, of Sandusky town- 
ship. 

The commissioners, at their meeting 
under date of June 2, 1840, after having 
published for proposals, met, and opened 
and examined offers filed, and after having 
them under advisement accepted the pro- 
posal of Isaac Knapp, to build the court- 
house and jail, for the sum of fourteen 
thousand five hundred and fifty dollars. 

On the 4th day of June, 1840, the 
county commissioners ordered a levy on 
all taxable property of the county, of one 
mill and a half on the dollar valuation, 
for court house and jail purposes, to be 
held exclusively for those purposes and 
no other. 

PLAN OF THE HOUSE. 

The contract between the commission- 
ers and Mr. Knapp, and the plans and 
specifications of the building, were not 
made matter of record, and cannot now 
be found, but the following items respect- 
ing the materials, form, and dimensions of 
the building as erected by Mr. Knapp, are 
gathered from those who are familiar with 
the court-house before any alteration was 
made. 

The length of the building east and 
west, was fully sixty-seven feet; the breadth 
north and south, was fully forty-five feet. 

The basement was the jail, built of large 
blocks of cut limestone, with a wide hall 
along the north basement wall, and the 
south side partitioned by thick walls of 
cut limestone into cells for prisoners. 
These walls were all of unusual thickness. 



and the cells closed by doors made of 
strong iron bars. The floor of the . jail 
was of very heavy limestone flagging, and 
the ceiling of the same material. Both 
floors, that is, first and second floors above 
the jail, were of sandstone flagging laid in 
mortar, on heavy timbers placed near to- 
gether. 

The height of the wall from the eave- 
trough to the ground was forty-five feet; 
the roof, what mechanics denominate quar- 
ter-pitch, covered with pine shingles, with 
belfry a little east of the centre. The 
style was plain Grecian, with a porch on 
the front, or eastern gable end, supported 
by four fluted columns of wood-work, 
about eight feet deep, floored with dressed 
limestone flagging. A flight of steps, ex- 
tending north and south, and in front 
centre about thirty feet, led from the 
pavement to the porch, which was eleva- 
ted about four feet above the sidewalk. 

The exact time when the building was 
completed, or when it was first used, is 
now, after the lapse of forty years, rather 
difiicult to find. But certain facts of 
record serve to show a near approximation 
to the time the building was completed, so 
far as Mr. Knapp's contract had to do 
with it. For instance, at a meeting of the 
commissioners, under date of December 
5, 1843, they ordered, as appears by their 
journal, that as soon as the new court- 
house should be finished, the auditor 
should let, to the lowest bidder, a contract 
for finishing and furnishing the inside of 
the clerk's office, according to plans and 
specifications furnished by the clerk. This 
entry indicates very clearly that the court- 
house was not completed at the date of 
the order, December 5, 1843. ^^^ under 
date of August i, 1844, we find an entry 
in the commissioners' journal, reciting 
that a large number of taxpayers, being 
convinced th.at Isaac Knapp had lost 
largely in building the court-house and 



i86 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



jail for the county, asked the com- 
missioners to make him an extra allow- 
ance, to cover his losses, and they then 
ordered an allowance of two thousand 
dollars, to be paid out of the county 
treasury. This indicates that the job had 
been completed before the time this 
extra allowance had been made, and leads 
to the conclusion that the spring term of 
the court of common pleas, of the year 
1844, was held in the new court-house. 

The building was intended to be safe 
against fire, but the stone floors were 
found to be objectionable, especially for 
the court room, on account of the noise 
produced by walking on the stone flagging. 
The stone floor in the court room, after a 
few years use was removed, and a wooden 
floor, with manilla carpet, put down, which 
was a great improvement. Soon after, the 
stone floors in the offices were removed, 
for reasons of health, and wood floors 
substituted for them, but the stone floor 
in the hall is yet kept in use as it was 
originally laid. The jail, made with so 
much care and cost, was, in a few years, 
found to be so damp and unhealthy that 
it was repeatedly reported by the grand 
jury to be a nuisance, and finally the com- 
missioners built a jail on the rear of the 
court-house lot, above ground, with means 
of ventilation, which is now occupied for 
the purpose. 

COURT-HOUSE ENLARGED. 

On the loth of September, 1870, the 
court room was again found too small 
for the convenient transaction of busi- 
ness, and the commissioners on that date 
contracted with U. L. June &: Son to 
extend the building westward a distance of 
forty feet, with dimensions of width and 
height, and style of work, to correspond 
with the main building. The June con- 
tract was only for the mason work, and the 
agreed price was eight thousand nine hun- 
dred dollars. 



After D. L. June & Son had finished 
the extension of the court-house, the com- 
missioners contracted with Jacob Myers 
for doing the joiner work of the enlarged 
court room, who completed the work in 
the fall of 1 87 1, at a cost of about one 
thousand five hundred dollars. The court 
room was completed and occupied by the 
court in the fall of 187 1. Hitherto the 
court room and offices had been warmed 
by stoves in each of the separate rooms 
and apartments. About this time two im- 
portant ideas came over the county au- 
fhorities in the way of progressive means 
of economy and safety. One was the 
heating of the court-house by steam, and 
the other that of providing fire-proof and 
burglar-proof vaults for the preservation 
of the county records in the offices of the 
clerk, auditor, recorder, and probate judge; 
also a capacious time-lock burglar-proof 
safe for the county treasury. 

STEAM HEATING APPARATUS. 

On the 6th of September, 1871, the 
commissioners contracted with Sales A. 
June, of Fremont, to put into the court- 
house a boiler and furnace in the base- 
ment, with a tank and heater sufficient to 
furnish steam to warm the court-house; 
and with Davis & Shaw, of Toledo, to 
furnish pipe and coils sufficient to warm 
the halls, offices, and the court room in 
the house. They contracted to pay Sales 
A. June, for his work, the sum of six hun- 
dred dollars. The amount to be paid 
Davis & Shaw, for their work and materials, 
was two thousand seven hundred dollars. 
The steam heating apparatus was com- 
pleted and used for the purpose of warm- 
ing early in the winter of 1871-72, and 
has ever since worked satisfactorily, and is 
likely to be long continued in use. 

From the completion of the court-house 
to the year 1880, the county clerk's office 
had been kept on the first or lower floor 
of the court-house, in the northeast room. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



187 



This arrangement was inconvenient, es- 
pecially during sessions of the court, for 
to get access to the files and records of 
the ofifice the clerk must leave the court 
room and descend the stone stairway. 
After the election of the present etficient 
and experienced clerk, Basil Meek, he sug- 
gested an improved arrangement of 
the clerk's office, by removing it up stairs 
on the same floor as the court room, and 
adjoining it in the rear. This was done 
in 1880; and now the attorneys and all 
concerned feel gratified with the improve- 
ment. A new fire-proof vault was con- 
structed up stairs in the new office, for the 
preservation of the court records, and 
there is now a sense of convenience and 
safety in the well-arranged clerk's office. 

We have thus traced the building of 
the second court-house in the county to 
its present condition; and if the reader 
shall be impressed that the account is tedi- 
ous in unimportant and uninteresting de- 
tails, we suggest that as time passes, and 
when the county in its multiplied wealth 
and population shall, in the progress of 
events, build a more commodious and ele- 
gant structure in which to transact the 
business of an advanced generation, the 
particulars we have given will become 
more and more curious and interesting. 

The difference in cost, convenience, safe- 
ty, and elegance, between the first simple 
framed court-house, we have described, and 
this second one we have given an account 
of will not be a tithe of the difference be- 
tween the present building and the next 
one the people will erect for the same pur- 
poses. 

THE COUNTY INFIRMARY. 

Order is heaven's first law, and this confess'd, 
Some must be richer, greater than the rest. 

Pope 5 Essay on Ma?i. 

The Lord said when on earth in the flesh. 
For the poor always you have with you. 

In these utterances we see that the poet^ 



philosopher simply and beautifully ampli- 
fies what the Divine Master of humanity 
had tersely uttered centuries before the 
poet lived. The utterances are both true, 
and both enunciate, not only what was 
and still is true, but what is always to be 
true. The word poor is applied to many 
objects, as our language is now framed, 
but no doubt in the quotations above 
given the word was used to signify per- 
sons who were destitute of money and 
property, and needed the assistance of 
others to obtain the proper means of sub- 
sistence, and would seem to embrace all 
who are found in that condition, whether 
by loss or lack of property, or by the 
mental or physical inability to acquire their 
own proper subsistence. When we con- 
sider the number of imbecile, and deaf 
and dumb, and blind from birth, born into 
this breathing world, how many men and 
women, once able to do their full share of 
productive labor, are disabled by thelapseof 
time, and decay of their powers. When we 
observe how many who are well endowed 
with will, and brain, and muscle, and who 
have worked well to maintain, improve, 
and ornament the great fabric of civilized 
society, are by fire and flood, cyclone and 
earthquake, and war, and all the minor 
accidents to which property, and life, and 
limb, and reason are subject, on sea and 
on land, society may well settle down to 
the conclusion that "the poor will be al- 
ways with us," and that Christ in this, as 
on all other subjects he spoke of, uttered 
a truth which will not fail. The same 
Christ who uttered the truth referred to, 
also taught the universal brotherhood of 
man, with the sublime doctrine of love 
toward all. Under the influence of such 
teachings, the human heart individually, 
as well as in the aggregate of communities 
and States, has been moved up higher in 
the scale of charity and good will towards 
men, Marked and wonderful as the pres- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ent age is, by its unparalleled progress in 
science, in explorations, in inventions for 
travel and transportation, and in the 
march of thought, the organized charities 
for the relief, maintenance, and comfort 
of the unfortunate, form the grandest, and 
at the same time the most beautiful work 
and proof of our progressive civilization. 
When one looks at the grand edifices 
raised by the people of the State, and 
given as homes for the deaf and dumb, 
and blind, and those who by birth or acci- 
dent are deprived of reason, and the like, 
in the counties, for the poor and infirm, 
and considers the tender care bestowed 
upon them, all by kind-hearted and Chris- 
tian men and women, the contempla- 
tion fairly forces out the exclamation : 
"Surely the spirit of Christ is abroad in 
the earth." 

SKETCH OF THE POOR LAWS OF OHIO. 

The early settlers of the State were of 
that class of people, few of whom needed 
more than temporary relief, which the 
generous heart of the pioneer promptly 
furnished, without resort to legal methods. 
In those communities so thinly populated 
that the face of a man or woman is of 
itself a matter of cheer and pleasure when- 
ever met, neighborly kmdness rendered 
poor laws unnecessary. But as the popu- 
lation increased and inhabitants began to 
crowd and cross each other m interest 
and design, that free heartedness which 
prevailed among old pioneers subsided, 
or took another form of manilestation. 

On the 5ih of March, 1831, the General 
Assembly passed a law providing for the 
organization of townships, and for the 
election of officers thereof Among the 
township officers, this law required the 
election annually of two overseers of the 
poor. In another act, passed March 14, 
1831, and which took effect June i, 1831, 
it was provided that when the overseers of 
the poor of any township in any county 



not having a poor-house, should be satis- 
fied that any person having a legal settle- 
ment (a residence of one year) in such 
township, was suffering and ought to be 
relieved at the expense of such township, 
they might afford such relief at the ex- 
pense of the township as in their opinion 
the necessities of such person might re- 
quire; and if more than temporary relief 
was required, then the overseers of the 
poor should give seven days' notice, by 
written or printed notices, posted up in at 
least three public places in the township, 
of the time and place at which they would 
attend and receive proposals for the main- 
tenance of such pauper. The contract 
for maintenance was by the law limited 
to one year. This provision, therefore, 
required an annual advertising and con- 
tracting for the support of each unfortu- 
nate. Whatever service the pauper could 
reasonably perform was done for the ben- 
efit of the person supporting him or her. 

BLACK AND MULATTO PERSONS EXCEPTED. 

In the act of March 14, 1831, the sec- 
ond section reads as follows: 

Sf.C. 2. That nothing in this act shall be so 
construed as to enable any black or mulatto per- 
son to gain a legal settlement in this State. 

We mention this provision of the statute 
in a total absence of all admiration or ap 
proval of it, but for the purpose of exhibit- 
ing a fact in history and preserving it as a 
point from which the progress of civiliza- 
tion and humanity may be measured. 
Fifty years ago the people of Ohio drew 
the color line, and excluded the man 
"with skins not colored like their own," 
from the pale of public charity, and 
turned him out to die like a dog in a 
fence-corner, or beg his bread from the 
hand of some individual whose heart had 
been touched by the spirit of Christ, or 
by the natural impulse of pity. While we 
remember that the white people of Ohio, 
by solemn legislative enactment, denied 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



189 



and withheld a crust of bread from a 
starving man on account of his color, in 
1 83 1, let the people of Ohio be moderate 
in their condemnation of other people 
who resist being governed and ruled by 
the same race of people in 1877. Until 
the angel of mercy has blotted our statute 
with his tears, as he is said to have blotted 
out Uncle Toby's oath, let us have charily 
for a more justifiable sin. But God's 
great work is going forward apace. 

John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave, 
But his soul is marching on. 

On the 8th of March, 1831, an act was 
passed, authorizing the county commis- 
sioners to purchase sites and erect a 
county poor-house in their respective 
counties, and to levy and collect taxes to 
pay for and maintain the same; but this 
did not supersede the poor laws requiring 
townships to support the poor, nor was the 
law to erect poor-houses compulsory on 
the commissioners. 

An act passed February 8, 1845, abol- 
ished the office of overseers of the poor, 
and imposed their duties on the township 
trustees. Under these statutes the town- 
ships of Sandusky county gave relief to 
the poor as from time to time they were 
required by circumstances, until the time 
when the commissioners resolved to 

BUILD A POOR-HOUSE. 

After considering the subject quite 
earnestly for some time, and calculating 
the cost of keeping the unfortunates by 
the township, and looking to the future 
increase of that class of persons as the 
population of the county should increase, 
the commissioners arrived at the conclu- 
sion that, all things considered, the estab- 
lishment of a county poor-house, with a 
farm connected with it, would be for the 
interest of the people, as well as the com- 
fort of those whose condition or misfor- 
tunes in life demanded help. Accordingly, 



on the 9th day of June, 1848, the county 
commissioners, namely, John S. Gardner, 
Hiram Hurd,and Eleazer Baldwin, ordered 
that there be levied on the taxable property 
of the county, to be collected by taxation 
on the duplicate, the sum of one thousand 
five hundred dollars, for purchasing a site 
and erecting a poor-house. At this time 
Homer Everett \\as county auditor, and 
his advice and influence with the commis- 
sioners were earnestly used in favor of the 
measure, and there was no dissenting voice 
on the board. The tax was placed upon 
the duplicate, as directed, and so far col- 
lected in the fall of 1848 that on the i6th 
day of January, 1849, ^^^ commissioners 
purchased of John P. Haynes, and partly 
paid for, the southwest quarter of section 
number twenty-five in township five, range 
fifteen, containing one hundred and sixty 
acres, and also the southwest quarter of 
the northwest quarter of the same section, 
containing forty acres, making together a 
tract of two hundred acres of land, for the 
agreed price of three thousand doHars. 
The object in purchasing this tract of land, 
which is situated about one-half mile east 
on a direct line outside of the city limits, 
was that those inmates of the institution 
who were able might till the land and thus 
contribute to their own support, according 
to their ability. The buildings on this 
land were fitted up and converted into a 
poor-house. From time to time the build- 
ings were improved, as was also the farm. 
Experiment and observation developed 
the fact that there were instances of not 
uncommon occurrence, where men who 
had some property were without friends 
who would minister to them, and supply 
their wants, and that public relief ought 
to be afforded to such, as well as to those 
who were destitute of property. Hence, 
an attempt to soothe the feelings of those 
who might be compelled to accept relief, by 
changing the name of the institution. 



19° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



The dreaded poor-house was aboUshed by 
an act of the General Assembly, passed 
March 23, 1850, and thenceforth the 
name of "county infirmary" was substi- 
tuted. There probably were some good 
reasons for this change of name, but black 
is black whatever name be given to it, 
even should the General Assembly pass 
an act that it shall henceforth be called 
white. The rose would smell as sweet 
by any other name and the odor of the 
skunk would be as strong. 

Still, it should be considered that in 
the early history of the country, in some of 
the States, the inmates of the poor-house 
were by law deprived of some of the civil 
rights enjoyed by other inhabitants of 
the town, or county, hence the charge 
of having been in the poor-house carried 
with it, in a popular sense, a charge of 
degradation and disgrace. The change 
of name was, therefore, not only polite, 
but proper, for it cannot be truly said 
now that there is a man, woman, or child, 
kept in a poor-house in Ohio, although 
many are relieved and maintained in our 
county infirmaries. It should be recorded 
that the State never, by law or decision of 
court, deprived a man of any civil right 
for being poor. 

Man's inhumanity to man 

Makes countless thousands mourn. 

We have already mentioned that the 
first legislation in Ohio making provision 
for the poor and unfortunate, denied all 
public relief to black and mulatto per- 
sons. This fact shows the deep prejudice 
entertained by the white people of Ohio 
against the colored race, in 1831. 

The flutter of some angel's wing must 
have moved the air over the stagnant sea 
of mercy, and produced a little ripple of 
humanity, which reached the heart of 
Ohio, for, on the 14th of March, 1853, 
the General Assembly added a proviso to 
the then existing statute, whereby, al- 



though black and mulatto persons were 
excluded from infirmaries, the law of 
exclusion should not be so construed as 
to prevent the directors of any infirmary, 
in their discretion, from admitting any 
black or mulatto person into said in- 
firmary. 

SECOND PURCHASE OF LAND. 

The farm, though good and commodi- 
ous, was not large enough to afford full 
and profitable employment for all the in- 
mates, and it was thought good economy, 
in 1870, to acquire more land. There- 
fore the commissioners, on the 30th of 
January, 1870, purchased of F. S. White, 
and took a conveyance in fee simple for 
the following described other tracts of 
land: 

The northeast quarter of the southeast 
quarter, and north part of the southeast 
quarter of the southeast quarter of section 
twenty-five, township five, range fifteen, 
containing together seventy acres of land, 
and paid for it the price of four thousand 
five hundred and fifty dollars. 

This last jjurchased tract is about eighty 
rods east of the main body of the tract 
first purchased by the commissioners for 
poor-house purposes. 

The infirmary farm now embraces two 
hundred and seventy acres of excellent 
land near the city limits. This land has 
cost the county an aggregate sum of seven 
thousand five hundred and fifty dollars. 

Improvements in clearing, fencing and 
draining have, from time to time, been 
made on the property, which are so 
mingled with the profits and products of 
the land, that it is now impracticable to 
tell the exact cost, or the precise amount 
of the people's money from taxes which 
has been expended on the farm. The 
commissioners have sold a small parcel of 
the land, and recently the continuation of 
the Lake Erie & Western Railway from 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



191 



Fremont to Sandusky, appropriated land 
for a track through the farm, leaving now 
about two hundred and sixty-five acres of 
the land, the title to which remains in the 
county. Good judges estimate the land, 
without the buildings, at one hundred and 
thirty dollars per acre. The buildings are 
estimated now to be worth twelve thou- 
sand dollars. The infirmary, at the pres- 
ent time, is of sufificient capacity to re- 
ceive and accommodate continually sixty- 
five persons, with a separate building for 
the insane which has a capacity to keep 
from five to seven persons. 

NUMBER MAINTAINED IN THE INFIRMARY. 

A Statistical and detailed statement of 
the names, ages, and the particulars of 
birth, nationality, and circumstances of 
the persons who have been received into 
the institution and cared for by the county, 
does not seem to be necessary in a work 
of this kind, nor would such matter be in 
teresting to our readers. Unlortunately 
the early reports of the directors do not 
afford the data for a detailed statement of 
the infirmary affairs and management, and 
some of the reports cannot now be readi- 
ly found. We have, however, been able 
to find sufificient documents on file, and 
books from which to glean sufificient facts 
and figures to give some idea of the av- 
erage number of persons supported at the 
infirmary in certain years. These facts 
will furnish some part of what has been 
done by che county for the unfortunate 
portion of men, women, and children. 

Beginning with the year 1869, for in- 
stance, we find the average number of in- 
mates to be 35; 1870, 42; 1871, 40; 
1874, 40; 1875, 50; 1876, 56; 1880, 57. 

The report for the year 1870 shows that 
one hundred and thirty transient persons 
were furnished with temporary relief such 
as a night's lodging, and supper and break- 
fast, and then sent on their way to some 
other place they wished to reach. These 



persons do not, by the report, appear to 
be considered inmates, nor estimated in 
calculating the average number of those 
maintained at the institution. 

The report for the year 1880 is the 
most complete and satisfactory of all on 
file, and furnishes some facts of interest to 
those who are engaged in works of charity. 
While the average number of inmates for 
the year is given at 57, the total for the 
year is given at 122; the number received 
was 39; born in the infirmary, 3; deaths 
in the infirmary, 14; removed to other 
counties, 5; removed to other institutions, 
9; children under sixteen years of age, 
12; children placed in homes, 3; hope- 
lessly crippled when received, i ; number 
of inmates at date of report, September i, 
1880, 53. Idiotic males, 7; females, 3: to- 
tal, 10. Taken together the reports show 
that of the inmates there are only about 
half as many females as males. But no 
doubt the proportion of females assisted 
is much larger, for more outside assistance 
is given to the women at their residences, 
then to men in like circumstances. 

CARE OF THE POOR. 

We cannot now state in detail the an- 
nual expenses for each year which has 
elapsed since the purchase of the poor- 
house farm. But it is well to place on 
record some facts and figures concerning 
the cost of administering relief, as data 
for reference and comparison with the fu- 
ture. We find, by reference to the audi- 
tor's books, that for the years 1858, 1859, 
and i860, the average expenditure of the 
poor fund for all purposes, was eighteen 
hundred and sixty-seven dollars per year. 

For the two years ending September 10, 
1874, the total for all purposes was seven 
thousand five hundred and thirty-three 
dollars and sixty-one cents, or at the rate 
of three thousand seven hundred and 
sixty-six dollars per year. 

For the single year ending September 



19' 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



2 1, 1865, the total expenses were five 
thousand and five dollars. 

For the year ending September 2, 1867, 
the total was four thousand two hundred 
and thirty-two dollars. 

For the year ending September 2, 1872, 
eight thousand five hundred and ninety- 
six dollars. 

For the year ending September i, 1873, 
seven thousand six hundred and torty- 
three dollars. 

For the year ending March i, 1877, 
five thousand eight hundred and ninety- 
five dollars. 

For the year ending March i, 1878, 
seven thousand one hundred and thirty- 
three dollars. 

For the year ending March i, 1879, 
seven thousand six hundred and thirteen 
dollars. 

For the year ending March i, 1880, the 
total is about double that of the preceding 
year, and amounted to fourteen thousand 
and sixty dollars. 

For the year ending March i, 1881, the 
aggregate expenditures amounted to four- 
teen thousand two hundred and thirty-five 
dollars. 

Of this sum of expenditures for the 
year ending March i, 1881, seven thou- 
sand two hundred and ninety-three dollars 
were spent in giving relief to necessitous 
persons outside of the county infirmary. 
Thus we see that more than half the total 
expenditures go for what is called in the 
report, outside relief. 

TRAMPS CAUSE INCREASED EXPENDITURE. 

Following quickly after the financial 
panic of 1873 came the suspension of bus- 
iness in almost all its various departments, 
especially in the different branches of 
manufacturing and their dependent indus- 
tries. The water was turned from the 
wheels of the great factories, the spindle 
ceased to revolve, and the inside of great 



mills for the production of fabrics for 
clothing, were silent receiving vaults for 
dead industry there. The great engines 
which furnished the driving power for ma- 
chine shops ceased to puff and pulsate, 
the fires went out, and the boiler and the 
driving-wheel stood cold and motionless; 
the mmes were closed, and the fires went 
out in the furnaces, and silence reigned in 
and around them. In short, the great 
manufacturing industries, on the employ- 
ment in which so large a portion of our 
people depended for bread, were suddenly 
paralyzed. The workers in coal and wood, 
and cotton and brass, and iron and steel, 
had their bread and raiment, as it were, 
snatched from their hands by the terrible 
revulsion. Hundreds of thousands of 
workingmen were thus suddenly thrown 
out of employment, without food, without 
money, without property or other means 
to procure the necessaries of life. There 
were three things which they could do: 
starve, seek other and new employment 
which they knew nothing about, or appeal 
to the charity of their fellow men. 

Some were assisted to live by acquaint- 
ances, neighbors, and relatives, and many 
by organized charitable institutions and 
kind-hearted strangers. Still, there was a 
vast army who took the road to find em- 
ployment, and beg for bread until they 
found it. Some time in the year 1877 
these travelling seekers after employment 
became rather numerous in Sandusky 
county. At first they were well treated, 
relieved by our kind-hearted people, and 
some found employment among our farm- 
ers and in other pursuits. This wave of 
labor-seekers rolled from East to West, and 
touched every city, town, hamlet, and 
house in its course. In time the really 
idle, vicious vagabonds of the cities and 
towns saw their opportunity to travel with- 
out expense, and plunderas they went along 
by joining in the march and adopting the 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



193 



habits of the travellers. These vicious re- 
cruits tramped from place to place and 
house to house, and obtaining victuals and 
clothes without work became a regular pur- 
suit, and the vagabonds had their system- 
atic communications, with cabalistic signs 
and ceremonies, by which they knew each 
other, and one could tell by marks upon 
the door, fence or gate-post where another 
visited, and whether the visit was success- 
ful, and also the character and circum- 
stances of the occupants of the house. 

Although the men who first started out 
in search of employment and bread were 
honest men and deserving of charity, and 
succeeded in obtaining it, when it became 
a regular occupation, and the scoundrels 
and vagabonds who adopted it began to 
develop their real characters by the com- 
mission of thefts, outrages, and crimes, the 
name became odious. The name formerly 
was applied to all travelling workmen who 
went from one place to another seeking 
employment, and was in no way disgrace- 
ful, but the name in 1879 and 1880 be- 
came the synonym of all that was vile and 
criminal. Numerous instances of theft, ar- 
son, and outrages upon unprotected women 
committed by tramps, were put before the 
public by telegraph and print, until the 
States were stirred to legislation for the 
suppression of their business. The Gen- 
eral Assembly of Ohio passed an act on 
the 5th of May, 1877, to take effect July 
I, 1877, to punish vagrancy, and therein 
declared that a male person physically 
able to perform manual labor, who had 
not made reasonable effort to procure em- 
ployment, or who had refused to labor at 
reasonable prices, who is found in a state 
of vagrancy, or practicing common beg- 
ging, shall be fined not more than fifty 
dollars, and be sentenced to hard labor in 
the jail of the county until the fine and 
costs of prosecution are paid; and, for his 
labor, such convict shall receive credit 



upon such fine and costs at the rate of 
seventy-five cents per day. This law was 
never very effective, nor very rigidly en- 
forced. 

The city of Fremont, in 1878, built a 
lodging house for tramps, and also an en- 
closure where they could be put at work 
breaking stone for the public. But the 
expenses of this establishment were borne 
by the infirmary directors, and this, with 
the temporary relief to such tramps as 
could not work, greatly increased the ex- 
penditures of the infirmary fund for the 
years ending March i, 1880, and March 
I, 1 88 1. Although the additional ex- 
penses for the rehef of tramps in part 
occurred before 1880, the increased ex- 
penditures did not, in the regular course 
of business, appear in the reports until the 
years mentioned. 

While the report of 1881 shows that the 
average daily number of inmates in the 
infirmary was only fifty-seven, the same 
report shows that relief was given to one 
hundred and thirty persons outside of it. 

COST OF SUSTAINING THE INFIRMARY. 

It is difficult to arrive at the exact cost 
of maintaining each person in the infir- 
mary, but it may be approximated by 
taking the report of March i, 1881, and 
estimating the present value of the land 
and buildings devoted to the purpose, and 

stated thus: 

Total value of lands at forty six thousand three 
hundred and forty dollars. 

Interest on value of farm for the year $2780 00 

Add total e.xpense account for the year. . . . 14235 00 

Total expenses $17015 00 

Deduct amount used for outside relief 7293 00 

$9722 00 
Deduct for furnace and other improve- 
ments, say 500 00 

Cost of supporting average number of fifty- 
seven inmates $9222 00 

The average cost is therefore within a 
few cents of one hundred and sixty-two 
dollars per year, or three dollars and seven, 
cerits per week tor ea.ch inavate^ 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. 

Soil — Surface — Timber. 



LOOKING at the county as it appears 
now, covered with fields and mead- 
ows, orchards and woodland, yielding 
rich support to vegetable and animal life, 
all contributing to and culminating in the 
support of an intelligent and orderly pop- 
ulation of men, women, and children, in 
the full tide of plenty and prosperity, and 
enjoying all the delights of social life, it 
is difficult to realize that this region was 
once the bottom of an ocean. Yet science 
says it was so, and spreads out before the 
mind many and convincing facts to prove 
the assertion. The granite boulders which 
are found thickly scattered in various 
parts of the county, testify that they have 
been transported from some granite shore, 
and rounded into the form we find them 
by some of nature's forces. They bear 
no relation to any strata of rock found in 
the vicinity, but correspond with rock 
found in the highlands in the Northern 
and Western mountains. The best solu- 
tion of the presence of the boulders, 
is that vast glaciers were formed in some 
remote period of unnumbered years, on 
the sides of the granite mountains North 
and West of this locality. That the action 
of frost and water had first detached large 
and small pieces from the mountain side, 
and they had tumbled down to where the 
action of the waves rolled them against 
each other until the sharper angles were 
worn away. Then, in the colder seasons, 
these huge masses of stone were grappled 
by the frost, in icy holdings, and when the 
glacier was full-formed the whole mass was 
by its own gravity precipitated down the 



mountain side into the deep waters, when 
it floated away to a southern shore, or 
shallow water, where it grounded and dis- 
solved, leaving at the bottom its mass of 
debris. This debris consisted not only 
of the loosed stone, but also of the 
finely ground particles which had been 
worn from them, which were left to 
the action of the waters, washed from 
place to place to finally settle in the 
deeper and therefore calmer portions of 
the sea, and formed the clay beds so fre- 
quently met with in this part of the State. 
The coarser particles were not held in so- 
lution, but like the sand we see on the 
shores of our present lakes, were with 
pebbles washed to the shore lines and left 
as the water subsided. 

Another proof of the assertion that this 
region was submerged is found in the rocks 
of the period. When uncovered these rocks 
show stria, or grooves, in parallel direc- 
tions, which geologists trace directly to 
the action of glaciers, icebergs, and water. 
Still another proof may be seen in the sea 
shells (mollusca), which are found in the 
lime rock at the highest point on Kelley's 
Island, in Lake Erie. 

By some process of nature the waters, 
as generally stated in Genesis, subsided, 
whether by upheaval of some part of the 
earth, or by the depression of another part, 
is matter of speculation which does not 
[properly form a part of this work. The 
subsidence of the water was slow, and the 
geological survey of Ohio, especially the 
district including the Maumee Valley, re- 
veals several distinct shore lines of the re- 

194 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



195 



ceding waters, one of which sweeps 
through a part of Michigan and Indiana, 
as far west as Fort Wayne, thence down 
through Van Wert, Allen, and Hancock, 
and including Sandusky county; another 
sweeping southward only as far as Defi- 
ance, but also including Sandusky county. 
By this we see that the land in Sandusky 
county, and all north of it to the lake, was 
amongst the latest to appear above the 
waters in this region of country. 

Finally, after the lapse of ages, the sea, 
which once covered this goodly land, sub- 
sided into the confines of the Atlantic 
Ocean, and the trough of its bottom 
formed the chain of great lakes, with their 
tributary rivers draining the fresh waters 
from the rains and snows of nearly half 
a continent. 

FORMATION OF THE SOIL. 

As the water receded, the land, thrown 
under the direct influence of the rays of 
the sun, produced vegetation, which decay- 
ing upon the surface of the clay, gravel 
and sand deposited by the water, formed 
our soils. West and north of the sand 
ridge, called York North Ridge, north of 
Clyde, and Butternut Ridge, south of it, 
so much of this vegetable deposit had ac- 
cumulated that the land would not pro- 
duce wheat for the first white settlers. It 
was too rich for wheat farming. This 
was the case especially with that portion 
of the county lying in what has been 
known as the Black Swamp, which us- 
ually designated that level portion of the 
county west of the Sandusky River and 
to the Maumee. 

The soil in this part, now including the 
townships of Scott, Madison, Woodville, 
Rice, and the west part of Sandusky, was 
of this character. The township of Riley 
and a part of Townsend was similar in 
formation and soil to the Black Swamp 
proper. 



On these soils when first plowed, es- 
pecially the Black Swamp proper, corn, 
grass, and potatoes were produced in won- 
derful abundance; but wheat and oats 
would over-grow, fall down and blast, and 
sometimes rot before harvest time. It 
was found, however, that after from five to 
ten years of tillage and drainage, this 
same land produced such crops of wheat 
as made the heart of the farmer glad, and 
now, this once forbidding and often con- 
demned Black Swamp, ranks as one of the 
most productive portions of the State for 
all kinds of grain, grass, roots, and fruit. 

It was no holiday amusement, however, 
to make a good farm in the Black Swamp. 
Real stalwarts were required to contend 
with water and mud under foot, while lev- 
eling and burning great tall trees, which 
spread out their branches overhead, al- 
most entirely excluding the rays of the 
sun from the earth. 

The horse was little used in the clear- 
ing of the Black Swamp; that animal was 
too fiery, nervous and thin-skinned to en- 
dure the mud, brush, flies, and mosqui- 
toes which hindered, fretted, and tortured 
horses. 

The more patient, stolid, and thick- 
skinned ox was preferred, and almost al- 
ways used to drag the logs together for 
burning, and drawing the loaded cart or 
wagon through the mud and water. 

For many years of the early settlement 
the Black Swamp was the favorite local- 
ity for the fever and ague and intermittent 
fever, then so common in all parts of the 
West, and was a bonanza for the physi- 
cian. Now, however, an ox team can hard- 
ly be found; horses are universally used, 
and this once sickly locality is as healthy 
as any other portion of the county. The 
first lands entered and settled upon in the 
Black Swamp were those along the creeks 
and Portage River. Between these streams 
lav level Land and shallow svvails, where 



196 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



the water stood from the fall rains until 
July or August annually. These were 
considered of little value for some time 
afterward. Excepting the courage, indus- 
try and perseverance of the settlers, noth- 
ing has contributed so much to the recla- 
mation of the Black Swamp as the system 
of public ditches, introduced into the 
county in 1859, under an act of the Gen- 
eral Assembly of that year. This act 
gave the county commissioners of all the 
counties in the State, on the petition of 
inhabitants, the right to locate and cause 
ditches to be constructed, and have the 
expenses charged upon the land according 
to the benefits conferred on the several 
.tracts. 

William Driftmire, of Madison town- 
ship, a native of Germany, has the distinc- 
tion of first petitioning for a ditch under 
the law. The system of ditching which 
followed this first experiment of Mr. Drift- 
meir may be noticed more in detail in 
this work under the head of improvements. 

The eastern portion of the county, es- 
pecially that part lying South and east 
of the sand ridge on which Clyde is situ- 
ated, presented to the earlier settler a 
more inviting soil, not so heavily timbered, 
and most of it well drained by reason of 
its undulating or rolling surface. The 
sandy soil quickly absorbed the surface 
water, or collected it into limited spaces, 
connected frequently with what were com- 
monly called sink-holes, where the water 
was conducted by a natural funnel down 
into the fissures of the lime-rock under- 
lying that part of the county for a consid- 
erable distance east of Bellevue, which is 
situated on the east line of Sandusky and 
west line of Huron county, which divides 
that enterprising and wealthy village. 

These features of the eastern portion of 
the county account for the fact that that 
part was settled and develo])ed much earlier 
than the western part. This eastern portion 



when first settled, unlike the western, was 
good wheat land from the first breaking up 
and tillage of the soil, and by proper farming 
is still producing superior crops of wheat, 
in both quantity to the acreage and qual- 
ity of grain. For fruit, no better region 
can be found than the eastern portion of 
the county. 

There is, perhaps, less poor and waste 
land in Sandusky county than in almost 
any other county of like dimensions in the 
State. On the whole, then, it may be said, 
that for richness of soil, and capacity for 
agricultural and horticultural productions, 
the county takes high standing among the 
best counties of the State. 

GENERAL INCLINATION OF THE SURFACE. 

The general inclination of the surface is 
from south to north, while the most au- 
thentic measurements of altitude indicate 
also a descent from west to east. Belle- 
vue is stated to be one hundred and nine- 
ty-one feet above the average level of Lake 
Erie, Clyde one hundred and twenty-seven 
feet, and Fremont, at the site of the court- 
house, where it is presumed the meas- 
urements were taken, only sixty-two feet 
above the surface level of the Lake. 
Notwithstanding this result of measure- 
ments, which are probably correct, the 
Portage and the Sandusky River bear 
strongly to the east or north as they flow, 
the former into the lake and the latter 
into Sandusky Bay, and all the creeks have 
the same general direction. This apparent 
difference between the altitude, ascertained 
by measurement, in indicating the general 
inclination of the surface, can no doubt be 
reconciled. Various causes may be as- 
signed for the direction of a creek or river 
differing somewhat t'rom the general in- 
clination of the surface — as a ledge of 
rock, the tenacity of the soil, and especially 
minor inclinations of the surface in a di- 
rection opposite to that of the general in- 
clination. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COU>^TY. 



197 



TIMHKK. 

The county when first formed included 
nearly all of what now composes the 
county of Ottawa, the territory of which 
was part praiiie land. Ottawa county was 
organized in the year 1840, and left San- 
dusky with its present boundaries. The 
county, as now formed, was originally tim- 
bered land. In the south part of York 
townshi[) were found oak openings where 
the timber was not heavy, but all the other 
parts, saving a little prairie in Scott and 
Rice townships, were heavily timbered. 
Among the trees were found white, black, 
red, yellow, pin, and burr oak, white and 
red elm, shell-bark and smooth-bark hick- 
ory, black, white, and blue ash, poplar, 
Cottonwood, black walnut, butternut, some 
mulberry, maple, honey-locust, beech, iron- 
wood, dogwood, and in two localities, one 
about three miles north of Fremont, on 
the east side of the river, the other on the 
ridge south of Clyde, in Green Creek 
township, a few chestnut trees ; occasion- 
ally was found a tree of pepperidge. Of 
all these kinds of timber the black walnut 
is now the most sought for as well as the 
most valuable. The primitive forests 
along the streams, especially along the 
Sandusky River and Green Creek, were 
largely made up of grand black walnut 
trees. On the river, in the vicinity of the 
mouth of Wolf Creek, in Ballville town- 
ship, on quite a scope of land, this was 
the only, or nearly the only, timber. The 
farmers who first settled there used the 
best and straightest of these grand trees 
for rails with which to fence their farms. 
The timber split easily, and the rails were 
durable, it is true, and there was then no 
market in this region for either the logs or 
the lumber made Irom them, and besides, 
at the time of the earlier settlement, there 
were no saw-mills to make the logs into 
lumber. Therefore, what of this now val- 
uable timber was not used for rails was 



burned up or girdled in clearing the land. 
No doubt the walnut timber thus de- 
stroyed, if standing now, would buy the 
land and fence many of the farms in that 
locality with costly iron fences. But the 
settler must have bread, bread must be 
raised by tilling the earth, and the land to 
be tilled must be cleared, and so the tim- 
ber, whatever it was, gave way to the 
necessities of the time. But that necessity 
is now past, and the now great value of 
timber, if it was here again, admonishes 
the people to wisely care for what is left, 
and guard against future costliness of tim- 
ber by preserving what is left, and also 
looking to a judicious reproduction of it 
for future use. 

The history of the county, without 
some mention of its geological structure, 
would be incomplete. This science, which 
has done so much within the half century 
last past to reveal and interpret to the pres- 
ent age the various forces engaged, and the 
diff'erent periods occupied in the forma- 
tions of the earth's present surface, pre- 
sents some subjects of interest m almost 
every locality. In fact, it may be said that 
the geological structure of the United 
States, and that of Canada also, was a 
sealed book until visited by Sir Charles 
Lyell, the British geologist, in 1841, when 
he made many interesting observations 
which he published on his return to Eng- 
land. He again visited America in 1845, 
and made further investigations. The 
publication of Mr. Lyell's works awakened 
so much interest in the public mind, es- 
pecially those fond of that line of study, 
that it stimulated investigation, and the 
investigations revealed the utility of the 
science, not only in solving theories al;out 
the earth's formation, but for practical pur- 
poses, in discovering the location of valu- 
able mineral deposits, wherever located. 
Especially has this science been of great 
service to mankind in determining the 



198 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



locality of coal deposits, so necessary for 
the comfort and business of the people of 
the present day. It is worthy of remark 
that since Sir Charles Lyell drew attention 
to this geology, in 1841, the efforts made 
under its teaching and practical applica- 
tion have been such that almost all our 
States and nearly all civilized nations have 
prosecuted investigations under its teach- 
ings, with great results to wealth and com- 
fort for the world at large. At prestnt no 
State is satisfied without a thorough geo- 
logical survey, by which the people are 
almost as well and as certainly informed 
of what is hiddtn deep down in the earth, 
as they are of the geography or topography 
of their surroundings on the surface. This 
grand science has of late years been well 
and thoroughly applied to every county in 
the State with results which make Ohio 
proud and rich in mineral resources. 

So far as the geological survey of San- 
dusky county is involved, it may be said that 
it presents not so many remarkable features 
as some other parts of the State. But some 
particulars are interesting and worthy of 
notice, among which are, that this survey 
and report convinces the careful reader 
that the clays and gravels of our soil are 
what is called in geological phrase, drift, 
that is, the matter brought first in the ice 
period by glaciers, and then afterwards 
supplemented with the deposits from 
icebergs, and the remainder of the soil 
is either vegetable matter which grew 
upon and decayed on this drift, or 
deposits by the succeding waters which 
prevailed ; that Lake Erie at one time 
covered the lands of the county and from 
its waters came further deposits ; that the 
sands and gravel found in heaps and beds 
in the southeastern part of the county, in 
parts of York, Townsend and Green Creek 
townships, were washed and heaped there 
by the action of the waters of the lake 
after the sea had subsided ; that the prairies 



in the southwestern part of Scott township 
were formed by undulations in the surface 
of what is denominated the limestone, 
which underlies the soil a little below the 
surface. This rock is called by geologists 
the Niagara limestone. A depression of 
this rock, with a raised rim on the northern 
inclination, held the water in pools, so that 
vegetation grew and decayed until it be- 
came a wet prairie. The prairies north of 
Fremont, beginning six miles north on 
the road to Port Clinton, and on to the 
north line of the county below Big Mud 
Creek, must have been of a different ori- 
gin. 

The soil of these prairies is but little 
above the still waters of the mouth of the 
river and Sandusky Bay, and no doubt 
emerged from the water at a comparatively 
late period; hence the soil, being a wet, 
tough, bluish-colored clay, was unfavorable 
for the growth of timber. This prairie, as 
you travelled down the river, made its ap- 
pearance about the present residence of 
Grant Forguson, esq., on the north half of 
section two, township five, range fifteen. 
At this point the traveller going north, as 
late as 1825, perhaps later, emerged from 
the heavy timber-land south of it into an 
open prairie, with a few scattering trees of 
burr oak and elm, and occasionally a lim- 
ited grove or single tree. The grass was 
thick and tall, much of it what was called 
blue-joint, rising above a horse's back, and 
almost walling in the narrow wagon way 
for the greater part of the distance from 
Lower Sandusky to the present site of 
Port Clinton. The present county line 
of Sandusky, next to the south line of 
Ottawa county, crosses this road now 
about half a mile below Mud Creek 
bridge, and does not include a very large 
portion of this once prairie land. 

OF THE ROCKS IN THE COUNTY. 

It has often happened that persons trav- 
elling through the wtstern part of the 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



199 



county would find localities where in the 
forest they would see water and rock on 
the surface, and the same surface covered 
with a growth of trees whose roots seemed 
to draw nourishment out of the crevices 
and depressions in the surface rock. This 
rock was coarse limestone, and the sur- 
face of it rough and seamed by the action 
of the elements and frost. Such persons 
would generally remark that they never be- 
fore saw such trees growing on rock which 
was almost bare, nor such a formation of 
land. Several such spots were found in 
Woodville township, some in Washington, 
Madison, and Jackson; but those most 
marked by the characteristics mentioned 
were probably found in Woodville, where 
many were deceived in the selection of 
their land when there was snow on the 
ground. The timber, often sugar and 
beech of good growth, indicated a good 
soil, but in fact, the land when cleared 
was of little value and could not be tilled. 
Geology, though it does not make such 
land valuable for farming, explains how 
these tracts came by this deceptive pe- 
culiarity. First, there is limestone, called 
the Niagara group, which underlies a large 
portion of the county. Second, the drift 
which had been deposited on this rock in 
former ages by the sea, when it prevailed 
over the land and subsided, was eroded or 
worn and eaten away by the action of the 
waters of Lake Erie, and in many places 
the rock left bare. There are out cropping? 
of this rock in the townships of Woodville, 
Madison, Washington, Ballville, and Jack- 
son. The most conspicuous exhibition of 
this outcropping is at Moore's Mill, a little 
above the village of Ballville, at the south- 
ern termination of the dam of Dean's 
woollen factory in the village. These out- 
cropping rocks, however they may, in 
some degree, impair a small portion of 
the land for tillage, are not without a com- 
pensating benefit when fully considered. 



Immense quantities of superior white lime 
and good building stone, especially for 
foundation and cellar walls, also stone for 
paving and for macadamizing roads are 
conveniently distributed over the county. 
Mr. J. S. Newberry expresses the opinion 
that quarries could be opened into this 
Niagara limestone, in the west part of the 
countv, and stone taken out equal in value 
for building purposes to the famous Dayton 
stone. If this be so, the time may not be 
far distant when the advancement in the re- 
quirements of business and improvements, 
and the increase of permanent structures 
at Toledo, Detroit, and other cities of the 
country around will demand the opening of 
these quarries and show them to be beds 
of immense value. 

HARD-PAN. 

This substance, the great dread of those 
who dig wells, underlies deeply a large 
portion of the county. People often won- 
der what it is made of, and how it came 
where they find it. Geology answers 
by informing us that the finely ground 
particles of rock were pulverized and depos- 
ited by the glaciers and icebergs during 
the period when the sea covered the land, 
a part of which time this latitude was 
subjected to an arctic temperature. This 
debris was most probably brought from the 
highlands of the Ganadas, and being 
ground into extreme fineness settled to 
the bottom when the ice which brought it 
melted away, leaving the fine sediment to 
compact into a solid mass. Excepting 
solid rock, we find no portion of the earth's 
element so impervious to water and so 
well adapted to resist the action of it as 
hard-pan. Over this lies the deposits of 
the lake, which together form the drift. 

This drift, the geological survey informs 
us, covers the whole county with nearly a 
uniform spreading, but thicker in the 
eastern than in the western part, because 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



the rock in the western part was more 
stripped or denuded by the action of the 
waters of Lake Erie. The average depth 



of this drift, or these deposits, it is esti- 
mated, would not be more than one hun- 
dred feet. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

IRON BRIDGES AND DRAINAGE. 
Bridges — When Built — Cost of Bridges — Ditcliing — Underground Draining and Tiling. 



THE preceding chapters give the reader 
to understand that the early settlers of 
the county, especially the western part of it, 
travelled through mud, and crossed the 
streams by ferry or fording. 

The first method resorted to for over- 
coming the inconveniences resultin from 
a soft, wet soil, was the making of 
corduroy road over the portions where 
the svvail or very deep inud made the 
passage most difficult. The corduroy 
road was made by laying round logs 
across the track, side by side, in contact 
with each other. The wagon was trun- 
dled over these logs, and the motion was 
healthy for dyspeptics. That formed the 
purely primitive corduroy, but the highly 
finished road of this kind was made by 
throwing a little earth or rotten wood over 
the logs, to break the jolt, in some meas- 
ure. These corduroy roads abounded in 
the west part of the county, and in parts 
of Riley and Townsend townships, as late 
as 1840, or say forty years ago. At the 
date mentioned the Grecnsburg road, the 
macadamizing of which we noticed in a 
preceding section of this chapter, consist- 
ed, in great part, of the corduroy. 

But we were to give an account of the 
iron bridges in the count)'. As everyone 
would naturally c\';)ecr, the county, as 



soon as strong enough, began to bridge 
the streams where the roads crossed them. 
Sometimes the bridges were built by vol- 
untary labor, and contribution of mate- 
rials by those most deeply interested in 
the improvement. At other times, in the 
early settlement, the supervisors of roads 
would apply the two days' labor of each 
able-bodied resident of his district, which 
the law of the State required him to per- 
form, to the building, in whole or part, of a 
much needed bridge. The bridges thus 
built were of the simplest form and cheap- 
est construction, but they answered the 
purpose for a time. Then came the day 
of framed bridges, with stone work for 
abutments, which was a long step in ad- 
vance; but these would decay and require 
rebuilding every few years, often in conse- 
quence of flood, and if not by flood or fire, 
then from natural decay of the timber. 
Meantime the increase in the manufacture 
of iron, and the uses to which it was found 
to be economically applicable, were going 
on, while the price of iron was reduced 
by the development of the vast iron de- 
posits in the hills of Ohio; and iron 
bridges were one of the results of the con- 
sequent progress in the utilization of the 
wonderful substance. While the earth has 
stored away and preserved for unknown 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ages, the evidence that a race of men in- 
habited its surface who did not know the 
uses of iron, and, although it was known 
to men, and utihzed to a hmited extent in 
times of great antiquity, the knowledge of 
it antedating the composition of the Old 
Testament writings, still, the uses to 
which it is applied, the facility with which 
it is now found and produced, and the 
quantity used in the present age, entitles 
it to the just appellation of the age of 
iron. Happily for us, these advances in 
the manufacture and the uses of iron, 
evolved the iron bridge for common ways 
amongst the inhabitants of Sandusky 
county, and we record the erection of the 

FIRST IRON BRIDGE IN SANDUSKY COUNTY. 

The first iron bridge erected in the 
county, was built over Mud Creek near 
the village of Millersville, in Jackson 
township, in the year 1870, and on the 
macadamized road called the Greensburg 
road, described in a former chapter. 

The stone work for this bridge cost 
about four hundred dollars, and the iron 
superstructure cost precisely eight hun- 
dred and seventy dollars. The bridge was 
put up by the King Bridge Company, of 
Cleveland. The length of this bridge is 
twenty-seven feet span, and width about 
eighteen feet. 

The county commissioners who are en- 
titled to the honor of first introducing the 
iron bridge into the county, were Benja- 
min Inman, Samuel E. Walters, and 
Henry Reiling. 

The next iron bridge in order of time, 
put up in the county, was over Wolf 
Creek, near Bettsville, and on the line be- 
tween Seneca and Sandusky counties, 
June 26, 1872. This bridge was erected 
under a joint contract between the com- 
missioners of Seneca and Sandusky coun- 
ties on one part, and the Wrought Iron 
Bridge Company, of Canton, Ohio, on 
36 



the other part. The iron work alone cost 
eight hundred and thirty-eight dollars and 
fifteen cents, of which amount each of 
the above named counties paid one-half. 
John P. Elderkin, sr., was the agent of the 
Wrought Iron Bridge Company in the 
contracts with that company. 

The third iron bridge in the county was 
built over Mud Creek, in Washington 
townshi]), near the residence of Levi 
Fought. This was also put up by the 
Wrought Iron Bridge Company, of Can- 
ton, Ohio, at a cost of seven hundred and 
ninety-five dollars, for the superstructure 
alone, and was erected in the fall of 1874. 
The commissioners were John Morrison, 
Martin Longenbach, and William F. Sand- 
wish. 

The same year, 1874, another iron 
bridge was put up over Mud Creek, in 
Scott township, near the residence of 
James Inman, at a cost of seven hundred 
and seventy-five dollars for the iron super- 
structure, contracted for between the same 
commissioners last above named, and Mr. 
Elderkin as agent for the Wrought Iron 
Bridge Company, of Canton. 

In the fall of the year 1876 an iron 
bridge of the same make was erected over 
Mud Creek, where it is crossed by the 
road from Fremont to Oak Harbor, con- 
tracted for by the same commissioners, 
namely: John Morrison, Martin Longen- 
bach, and William F. Sandwish. The 
cost of the iron superstructure for this 
bridge was eight hundred and sixty-two 
dollars and fifty cents. 

Another iron bridge was built over Sugar 
Creek, in Woodville township, completed 
and paid for January 3, 1876, at a cost of 
eight hundred and fifty dollars. Con- 
tracted for by same commissioners last 
above mentioned, with same bridge com- 
pany. 

At the same time was completed and 
paid for the iron bridge over Toussaint 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Creek, in Woodville township, at a cost of 
seven hundred and eighty-one dollars and 
twenty-five cents, by the same couunis- 
sioners and conijjany. 

The bridge over Mud Creek, near Frank 
Fought's, was completed and paid for 
January 5, 1877, at a cost, for the iron su- 
perstructure, of six hundred and seventy- 
five dollars. 

On the 30th of July, 1877, another 
iron bridge over Mud Creek, near the res- 
idence of Noah Snyder, in Washington 
township, was completed and paid for, at 
a cost, for the iron superstructure, of six 
hundred and five dollars. 

December 18, 1877, an iron bridge was 
erected over Mud Creek, near the resi- 
dence of Luther Winchell, in Scott town- 
ship, at a cost, for the iron superstructure, 
of five hundred and fifty-two dollars. 

The Portage River bridge, on the Mau- 
mee and Western Reserve turnpike, in 
Woodville township, was finished in No- 
vember, 1878, under a joint contract be- 
tween the State and county commissioners, 
on one part, and the Bridge Company on 
the other part. The county contributed 
over half the costs, and paid to>vards the 
structure over two thousand dollars. 

The bridge over Green Creek, near Mr. 
Ruber's residence, in Green Creek town- 
ship, was completed and paid for by the 
county alone, August 15, 1879, by Com- 
missioners John Morrison, Martin Lon- 
genbach, and Herman Sandwish, under 
contract with the Smith Bridge Company, 
of Toledo, at a cost for the superstructure 
alone of eight hundred and sixteen dol- 
lars. 

The bridge over Muskalunge Creek, in 
Sandusky township, on the Port Clinton 
road, is a combination of wood and iron, 
constructed by the Smith Bridge Com- 
pany, of Toledo, finished and paid for 
August 16, 1S79. and is thought to be a 
good and durable structure for the place. 



'I'he exact cost of this bridge is not ascer- 
tained. 

The foregoing mention of the date of 
the introduction of iron bridges into the 
county, will enable future observers to de- 
termine the relative economy between 
building the superstructure of bridges on 
our county roads of wood and of iron. The 
comparative cost with comparative durabil- 
ity of the two materials, will, in time, settle 
the question with mathematical certainty. 
The present outlook indicates that timber 
for such purposes will, a few years hence, 
be much higher in price, and more dif- 
ficult to obtain, while on the other hand 
the rapidly extending discoveries of seem- 
ingly exhaustless deposits of iron, and 
the daily improvements for mining and 
manufacturing it, indicate that not many 
years hence iron will be almost as cheap 
as wood, and with its far greater durability 
of the metal as a material for the super- 
structure of all our bridges, will settle the 
question in favor of iron superstiuctures 
for the purpose. 

IRON BRIDGE OVER SANDUSKY RIVER. 

The bridge built over the Sandusky 
River, in Fremont, on the line of the 
Maumee and Western Reserve Road, by 
Cyrus Williams, as master mechanic, un- 
der the employment of Rodolphus Dick- 
inson, Member of the Board of Public 
Works, in 1841-42, was, as has been men- 
tioned, a wooden structure. ■ The sup- 
porting trestle-work erected across the 
Sandusky Valley, built by the Ohio Rail- 
road Company, which failed in 1840, fur- 
nished the timber for the bridge. This 
bridge was of good material, and was well 
roofed with pine shingles. The roof was 
renewed once during the time it stood, 
which was near thirty-five years. z\t the 
end of this period it was pronounced un- 
safe by engineers, and the Board of Pub- 
lic Works was importuned to construct a 
new bridge. The board had not sufifi- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



203 



cieiit money at its disi)iisal to rebuild it, 
and an approptiation by the State was 
petitioned lor. But there were objections, 
and consequent delay. Meanwhile tlie 
old bridge, though condemned and much 
slandered, continued to do duty while 
agitation for a new bridge continued. 

STATE APPROPRIATION FOR THE BRIDGE. 

After being urged for two i)revious ses- 
sions, the Cieneral Assembl}', by the per- 
sistent and wise efforts of Hon. Benjamin 
Inman, then our representative, passed an 
act on the ayih day of February, 1877, en- 
titled "An act to aid the Board of Public 
Works to build a bridge on the line of the 
Western Reserve and Maumee road, over 
the Sandusky River. 

The preamble to the act, in substance, 
set forth that the bridge over the San- 
dusky River, on the line of the Western 
Reserve and Maumee road, one of the 
public works of the State, a wood struc- 
ture built by the State over thirty-five 
years ago, is now unsafe and so far decayed 
that the Board of Public Works say it will 
be an injudicious expenditure of money 
to repair the same; therefore. 

Section i. — Be it enacted by the General Assembly 
of the State of Ohio, That the sum of nine thousand 
dollars be and hereby is appropriated out of any 
moneys paid into the State treasury by the lessees of 
the public works, and also the sum of nine hundred 
dollars that the lessees have paid into the State treas- 
ury for the repair of said bridge. 

Sec. 2. — That the sums thus appropriated shall 
be e-xpended by said Board of Public Works in 
erecting such iron bridge of such plan and dimensions 
as they may deem best for the interest of the State; 
and the fund hereby appropriated by the State shall 
be drawn from the treasury frum time to time accor- 
ding to law. 

Sfx. 3. — That there shall not be any money drawn 
out of the State treasury for the buildmg of said 
bridge until the county commissioners of San- 
dusky county shall enter into bond to complete said 
bridge, after the sums above mentioned have been 
expended by the Board of Public Works. Said bond 
shall be made payable to the State of Oliio, and de- 
posited in the office of the Secretary of State. 

Sec. 4. — This act shall take effect and be in force 
rem and after its passage. 



On the 1 6th of March next after the 
passage of this act, the county commis- 
sioners, namely, Martin Longanbach, Wil- 
liam F. Sandvvish, and John Morrison, 
were in regular session, when, on motion 
of Mr. Longanbach, it was resolved that 
the bond required by the above act be 
filtd. To this all the commissioners 
agreed, and recorded their votes in the 
affirmative. This bond was so framed as 
to bind the county to complete the bridge 
after the ex|)enditure of the nine thousand 
nine hundred dollars appropriated by the 
act. 

The reader may notice that the act ap- 
propriates nine thousand dollars of money 
I)aid into the State treasury by the lessees 
of the public works, and nine hundred 
dollars which the lessees had paid into the 
State treasury, for the repair of the bridge. 
How this sum of nine hundred dollars 
came to be thus separately mentioned in 
the appropriation, perhaps ought to be ex- 
plained. The reader may remember that, 
prior to the date of this appropriation, 
the State had leased all her public works, 
which, of course, included the Maumee 
and Western Reserve road. The lessees 
paid an annual rent into the State treasury 
for the use of the works, and out of this 
fund the nine thousand dcjllars mentioned 
in the appropriation bill was to be paid. 
These lessees, like all other lessees, so 
managed the Maumee and Western Re- 
serve road as to clear a nice little sum 
trom the tolls upon it; this saving, how- 
ever, was made the greater by neglecting 
to reixiir the road and permitting it to lun 
down. They were bound by the terms of 
the lease to keep the road in repair, and 
seeing this neglect, the people along the 
road began to clamor lor the State to com- 
]>tl the lessees to repair the road. The 
State authorities were convinced finally 
that in the management of the road the 
lessees had violated their contract, and 



204 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



were about to force a forfeiture of the 
lease and put the Board of PubUc Works 
in authority over it, and sue the lessees 
for damages for breach of the conditions 
of the lease. A compromise was, how- 
ever, effected, by which the lessees agreed 
to put a covering of stone on parts of the 
road most worn, and to put a new roof on 
the old bridge, or pay nine hundred dol- 
lars into the treasury in lieu of the roofing, 
as the State should elect, and then surren- 
der their leas:; so far as this road was con- 
cerned, and let the Stale take charge of it. 
When it was determined to build a new 
bridge, the authorities elected to have the 
nine hundred dollars paid into the treasury, 
and apply the amount towards the erection 
of the new structure; this will explain how 
this peculiarity in the appropriation act 
was induced. 

WORK BEGUN. 

The filing of the bond by the commis- 
sioners secured the immediate application 
of the nine thousand nine hundred dollars 
appropriated by the State. A conference 
between the county commissioners and 
the Board of Public Works soon resulted 
in a plan of the bridge and an estimate of 
the cost. The letting of the mason work 
took place June 22, 1877, and the con- 
tract was awarded to John P. Elderkin, for 
four thousand six hundred and fifty-one 
dollars and forty cents. The contract for 
the iron superstructure was awarded to the 
King Bridge Company, of Cleveland, 
Ohio, for the sum of fourteen thousand 
nine hundred and seventy-five dollars and 
five cents. 

The work was pushed rapidly during 
the summer and autumn of 1877, ^"d the 
bridge was formally opened for travel on 
the 25th of December of the same year in 
which it was begun. The total cost, in- 
cluding engineering and all incidental ex- 
penses, was twenty thousand three hundred 
and fifty-seven dollars and seventy-six 



cents, of which the county paid ten thou- 
sand four hundred and fifty-seven dollars 
and seventy-sjx cents. The bridge is three 
hundred and twenty and one-half feet in 
length, resting on two abutments and three 
piers. The width affords two tracks, gr 
ways, on each of which teams can pass 
each other. The structure is convenient, 
capacious and durable, at the same time 
presenting an ornament to the city of Fre- 
mont which is a monument testifying to 
the merit and enterprise of the people of 
the county, and especially to Hon. Benja- 
min Inman and the county commissioners 
named. 

The passage of this bridge appropria- 
tion bill, through the persistent urgency of 
Mr. Inman, was his last act in public life. 
In the election for representative in the 
county he was opposed by Daniel L. June, 
whose friends claimed for him greater 
ability to get the bill through, while Mr. 
Inman's friends claimed equal ability for 
him, and the matter entered in this form 
largely into the canvass. Therefore, Mr. 
Inman felt under special obligations to 
procure the passage of the law. During 
the session of 1877 his health failed, but 
he remained in his seat and worked and 
waited for his bill to pass, when prudence 
would have bid him home for rest. As 
soon as the bill was passed he hastened 
home, and soon after died amidst all the 
tender cares and affectionate surroundings 
which a devoted wife and loving children 
could bestow. His death was much re- 
gretted by the people of the county. 

REMARKS ON THE DRAINAGE OF THE WET 
LANDS IN THE COUNTY, WHEN BEGUN, 
BY WHOM, AND THE RESULT. 

And God said, Let the waters under the heaven 
be gathered into one place and let the dry land 
appear, and it was so. — Genesis i. 9. 

This was commanded and was done on 
the second day. Science, as illustrated 
by geologists and accepted by enlightened 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



205 



theologians, gives us to understand that 
this second day was a very long one, 
that it was in fact an indefinite period of 
time, so vast that the finite mind can nei- 
ther count or comprehend the number of 
years. Hugh Miller, in his Testimony of 
the Rocks, and other geologists give us 
some idea of the progressive steps in the 
formation, and how, in obedience to the 
command quoted at the beginning of this 
subject, the dry land was by the process and 
forces of nature, slowly but surely made to 
appear, and was finally prejjared for the 
abode of man. Now, without any feeling 
of irreverence or wish to express any such 
feeling, it may here be said in support of 
the conclusions of geology as to the slow- 
ness of the process, that notwithstanding 
the great antiquity of the order quoted, it 
is a fact that the west part of Sandusky 
county, called in early times the Black 
Swamp, was not all dry land in the year 
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred 
and fifty-nine. Yet that there was such a 
command, and that it was executed as as- 
serted at the close of the verse, "and it 
was so," must be true, for man could not 
fish from the banks of the waters nor con- 
struct floats to fish from without land, nor 
could he capture his living in the forests. 
And as fishing and hunting are claimed to 
have been his earliest pursuits, we con- 
clude that the formation of land preceded 
the existence of man. There need be no 
strife of argument about the when and the 
how of the matter under consideration. 
Let every man be fully persuaded in his 
own mind. Waiving all argument and 
speculation, however, it is very clear that 
the Black Swamp, or a great part of it at 
least, could not be tilled so as to produce 
bread and meat, or at least the larger por- 
tion of it could not, without draining. 

The first settlers in the western part of 
the county selected their lands along the 
streams where the banks afforded a strip 



of dry land, which, when cleared of the 
timber, could be tilled without artificial 
drainage. But the structure of the surface 
and nature of the soil were such, that 
generally a little way from the bank ar- 
tificial drainage necessarily preceded til- 
lage. It must be confessed that the pio- 
neer residents of the county were slow, 
indeed, to adopt the system of draining 
even the surface of their wheat fields in a 
proper manner to insure a good crop. 
When, however, a few German and Eng- 
lish farmers located in the county, they 
brought with them the habit of more thor- 
ough drainage of their wheat fields, as 
practiced in the countries from which they 
came. The increase of the quantity and 
the certainty of the crop under this treat- 
ment soon demonstrated to all observers 
that it paid, and paid well, to keep the 
surface water from standing on their wheat 
fields. At first this was effected on the 
better class of land by plowing into nar- 
row lands with deep furrows between, into 
which the water settled and was thence 
absorbed by the earth without covering so 
much surface. This arrangement, with a 
deep furrow entirely around the field, con- 
necting with the dead furrows between the 
plowed strips, was found to be a great 
help to the crop. 

From these furrows, where sufficient fall 
could be found, sometimes you would see 
a deep furrow traced away from the field, 
forming an outlet for the whole field, but 
much of the land was so level and so 
widely surrounded with other level land, 
that this plan could not be put in opera- 
tion without trespassing on a neighboring 
farm. Neighbors could not always agree; 
in fact, in a mixed settlement of Germans, 
English, and Yankees, they seldom would 
agree or sacrifice a jot or tittle of their 
own for another. But the water must be 
drained away or the labor of the farmer 
would be lost. If Mr. Mean owned a 



2o6 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



qnaittr section, including the banks of a 
creek into which the wet land back of him 
might all be drained, Mr. Poor, who had 
taken second choice land in the rear of 
Mr. Mean, would ask in vain for the 
privilege of cutting a small ditch across 
Means' land that he might raise his bread 
or get a reward for his labor. If some 
Jonathan Spikes, from the land of the ter- 
rible Yankees, had a piece of dry land 
through which, only, the waters could be 
taken off the land of xMr. Vonslaughter- 
laugh, Mr. Spike would never let a ditch 
be made through his land to accommo- 
date a foreigner, or if he could be brought 
to ci)nsent, he would demand four times 
what he should, even though the ditch 
would be a benefit to his own land. If 
Mr. Johnson owned a piece of wet land 
near Mr. Jones, and wanted to get the 
water off by draining through Jones" land, 
he could not obtain it because, perhaps, 
Johnson, ten years before, threw a club at 
Jones' ytUow dog to drive him out of the 
road and keep himself from being bitten. 
Standmg water, stagnant water, and stink- 
ing water were destroying crops and breed- 
ing disease and pestilence in the land, and 
yet such is the perversity of men's nature, 
that they would not, even for their own 
benetit, abate the nuisance. Finally a 
remedy was given by law. 

On the 24th of Maich, 1859, the Gen- 
eral Assembly of the State of Ohio passed 
an act to provide for locating, establishing^ 
and constructing ditches, drains, and water 
courses. This act authorized county com- 
missioners througliout the State to lo- 
cate, establish, and construct ditches, 
drains, and water courses in their re- 
spective counties, and it was the lirst 
law enacted in C)hio. It is a little re- 
markable that such a law was not put in 
force at an earlier period in the settlement 
ot the State. 

Our State Constitution of 1852, jealous- 



ly guarded the citizens of Ohio in their 
rights of property, by incor[)orating in it 
by clear language, " Private property shall 
ever be held invitjlate, but subservient to 
the public welfare." 

It appears, that in 1S59 some statesman 
discovered that draining a'^ay stagnant 
pools of water, and thus preventing mala- 
rial and deadly diseases, would be subserv- 
ing the public welfare, and justify the ex- 
ercise of the right of eminent domain; 
that is, take the land of a private citizen 
sufficient for a ditch or drain, to promote 
I he public health. Hence the act of 
1859 conferred upon county commission- 
ers, the right to enter ui)on and appropri- 
ate the land of any j)erson for a ditch, 
drain, or water course, whenever, in their 
opinion, the same would be conducive to 
the public health, convenience, or welfare. 

With this law in force Mr. Jones could 
no longer deny Mr. Johnson the right to 
have a drain over his land, if Mr. John- 
son's swail or pond could be found injuri- 
ous to the public welfare. True, Mr. 
Jones had to be paid (or the land, but he 
could no longer refuse to sell it, nor put 
on it a price so high as to forbid the 
improvement. Three impartial landhold- 
ers hxed the value of the land to be taken, 
also the amount of damages, if any, to his 
premises over and above the mere value 
of the land taken. Ditching was by this 
law made practicable, and judicious county 
commissioners could make it effective in 
the improvement of the county. 

THE FIRST COU.NTV DITCH CONSTRUCTED. 

According to the records in the office 
t)t the county au.iitor, which, no doubt, 
l)resent the truth, the fust appln ation for 
a ditch under the fust ditch law of the 
State was made by William Drit'tmire, 
an enterprising and determined Oerinan, 
who had settled on wet land in Madison 
township. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



207 



On the tenth day of September, 1859, 
William Driftmire, with a number of 
others, he, however, being prime mover 
and principal petitioner, filed a petition, 
under the act above mentioned, in the 
county auditor's office, praying for the es- 
tablishment nnd construction of a ditch 
on the following route: Commencing in 
Madison township eighty rods north from 
the southeast corner of section twelve, 
thence north along the township line road 
on the west side of the centre of said road 
to a swail called Wolf Creek, about one 
mile and a half 

This swail or creek, which was to be 
the terminus of the ditch, entered the land 
of C. H. Damschroeder, also of Eber- 
hard Myers. These men claimed that 
Driftm ire's ditch would greatly increase 
the collection of water in the swail, and 
subject their lands, now dry, to overflow 
and consequent injury. Litigation fol- 
lowed by Eberhard Myers and C. H. Dam- 
schroeder on one side, and the county 
commissioners on the other. The case 
was taken to the probate court — John 
Bell, judge; a jury of twelve good men 
was selected, who viewed the premises and 
heard testimony and the arguments of 
counsel, and after due deliberation re- 
turned a verdict, and finding that Eber- 
hard Myers and C. H. Damschroeder 
would sustain no damage by reason of the 
construction of the ditch. The case was 
taken on error to the Court of Common 
Pleas, where it was decided that persons 
owning land below the terminus of the 
ditch, could not, under the statute, claim 
damages, nor prevent the construction of 
a ditch. 

This decision, whether right or wrong, 
had a salutary effect on the utility of the 
ditch law, for, if it had been held that an 
increase of the flow of water in any swail, 
creek, or outlet, in which a ditch should 
terminate, would be good cause for re- 



straining the construction, very few ditches 
could be made. The natural tendency of 
all draining and ditching is to increase 
the flow of water in the natural channels, 
at least for a time. 

The result of this litigation was a cost 
bill for the plaintiffs, Myers and Dam- 
schroeder to pay, of one hundred and eight 
dollars. The total cost of constructing 
the ditch, aside from the cost of litigation, 
was one hundred and eighty-si.x dollars. 
From this time on parties were rather 
careful how they entered into litigation 
against the construction of ditches, al- 
though there were a few cases whtre 
projects were started under the law, in 
which perpetual injunctions were after- 
wards granted for irregular proceedings, or 
where the object was simply to make some 
man's land more convenient or valuable 
without any bearing or benefit to be con- 
ferred on the public welfare. The ditch law 
was modified and amended from time to 
time, as practice under it developed defects 
in its provisions, and under its im[jroved 
provisions ditching in the county has 
gone steadily on without much litigation, 
although not without some controversy 
before the county commissioners, to the 
present time. The whole number of 
ditches established in the county previous 
to July 18, 188 1, is two hundred and 
seventy. 

A minute description of each ditch and 
its cost, and the contentions arising 
from the constructions, would swell our 
history beyond proper limits, without be- 
ing interesting to the general reader. 

INTRODUCTION OF DITCHING. 

Probably, if the beneficial consequences 
be made the criterion of decision, there 
has been no improvement introduced into 
the county so beneficial and at the same 
time so remunerative in a pecuniary point 
of view as ditching and draining. The 
improved statutory enactments provided 



2o8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



for not only ditching but also for clearing 
out obstructions to natural water courses, 
and thus facilitating the passage of the 
surface water from the swamps and swails, 
to the rivers and thence to the bays and 
the lake into which they empty. The re- 
sult of this surface draining in the in- 
creased productiveness of the soil, cannot 
now be easily calculated or given in 
figures. But that there has been a vast 
increase, not only in the product of the 
land per acre in all kinds of cereal crops, 
but great addition to the acreage of good 
farming land in the county, is plain and 
undeniable. These added acres of good 
land are not merely an addition of the value 
of the reclaimed land to the wealth of 
the county, but they are exhaustless mines 
of wealth out of which skill and industry 
will bring perpetual supplies of food more 
valuable than gold or silver. 

IMPROVED SYSTEM OF DITCHING. 

The object of the ditch law, so called, 
under which the system of ditching has 
hitherto been prosecuted, was to drain the 



water from the surface of the land. This 
was done, as has been said, to effect two 
purposes, one of which was to promote 
the public health by removing the stag- 
nant waters by which malarial diseases 
were produced; another was to adapt the 
surface of the country to the more easy 
construction of good roads. These are 
both matters of a public nature. In carry- 
ing out the plan to serve these purposes, 
lands of many persons were incidentally 
drained and greatly benefited; but the 
ditches were laid out and constructed with 
the single purpose of drawing off the sur- 
face water. The county commissioners 
are now, however, pursuing a different plan. 
In a recent conversation with Mr. Brian 
O'Connor, one of the commissioners, he 
infomied us that the board was now mak- 
ing their ditches much deeper than form- 
erly. The reason given by Mr. O'Connor 
for this change of plan, is that the old or 
first ditches were generally too shallow to 
admit of complete tiling or underdraining 
of the lands along and in the vicinity of 
the ditches. 



CHAPTER XX. 

SANDUSKY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



IT has been often said, and will bear 
repeating to each generation of men, 
as they succeed each other, that he who 
makes two blades of grass grow where 
only one grew before, is a benefactor to 
mankind. The enlightened mind readily 
consents to the truth of this assertion. 
But it is equally true that he wlio invents 



the method of extracting from the earth 
six heads of wheat where five grew before, 
or of obtaining four pounds of meat from 
the same space of earth which before pro- 
duced only three, or from the area raises 
ten pounds of wool, or cotton, or sugar 
where before only eight pounds were pro- 
duced, is equally a l-en^factor to the hu- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



209 



man race. The same may be said of all 
those whose observations and reasonings 
result in the improvement of our fruits 
and vegetables, and our domestic animals. 
Agriculture and horticulture of late years 
have made rapid advances toward the 
front rank of the sciences, but they still 
fail to stand where their real importance 
demands them to be placed, in the social 
and scientific scale. Among the noblest 
works of the earnest, thinking men of 
Sandusky county, is that to improve agri- 
culture and bring the pursuit of it into a 
proper position in the opinions of high- 
minded and scientific men, by the organi- 
zation of the society named at the head 
this chapter. 

COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

In the summer of 1852 Doctor La- 
Quinio Rawson, who had become the 
owner of valuable farming lands within 
the city limits, began to turn his attention 
to the cultivation of the soil. He at once 
began to call the attention of neighbors 
and friends to the advantages which would 
be derived to the farmers of the county, 
and the people generally, by the formation 
of an agricultural society. His reasonings 
and persistent urgency of the movement, 
soon brought others to his support, and 
resulted in a meeting at the court-house in 
Fremont, on the 31st day of August, 1852, 
at which the society was organized. 

At this meeting Hon. John Bell was 
chosen chairman, and Daniel Capper 
secretary pro tern. Sardis Birchard and 
Jonas Smith were made a committee for 
the appointment of a board of directors 
for the ensuing year. This committee, 
after consultation, reported as directors 
for the ensuing year the following names: 
LaQuinio Rawson, president of said 
board; Samuel Hafford, vice president; 
Stephen Buckland, treasurer ; Daniel Cap- 
per, secretary; and James Vallette, Isaac 
Click, Samuel Skinner, x-\lvin Coles, and 
27 



D. Adams, managers, which appointments 
and report, on motion, were adopted and 
approved by the meeting. The meeting 
then adopted a constitution, which pro- 
vides, in substance, as follows: 

First. — That the officers of the society should be a 
president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and 
five managers, who together constituted a board of 
directors for the general management of the affairs 
of the society, to be elected annually by the members 
of the society, and hold their respective offices until 
their successors should be chosen. 

Second. — That the members of the society should 
be residents of the county, and pay the sum of one 
dollar annually to the treasurer. 

Third. — That competitors for premiums must be 
members of the society. 

Fourth. — That notice of the articles for which 
premiums would be awarded by the society should be 
published in a newspaper, or in hand-bills, at least 
one month previous to the day of exhibition. 

Fifth. — That all articles offered for premiums must 
be owned by the persons offering the same, or by 
members of their families, and products of the soil 
or manufactured articles must be produced within 
the county. 

.Sixth. — That awarding committees to examine the 
ai tides offered for premium, and award premiums 
thereon, should be annually appointed by the di- 
rectors. 

Seventh. — That awarding committees shoidd com- 
ply with the provisions of the law requiring competi- 
tors for premiums on crops and other improvements 
to furnish full and correct statements of the process 
and expense of cultivation, or expense of manufac- 
ture or production, etc. 

Eighth. — That competitors for the premiums on 
crops be required to have the ground and its pro- 
duce accurately measured by not less than two dis- 
interested persons, whose statements must be verified 
by affidavit. 

Ninth. — That premiums on crops of grain and 
grass should not be awarded on the crops of less 
than one acre of land, and those on root crops on noj 
less than one-fourth of an acre; the whole quantity 
produced and the amount of land specified shall be 
measured or weighed — the root crops to be estimated 
by weight, divested of the tops, and sixty pounds to 
be considered a bushel; and grain crops to be meas- 
ured or weighed according to the usual standards; 
the rales in relation to other crops and productions 
to be agreed on by the directors of the society. 

Tenth. — The tenth and last article of the constitu- 
tion provided that the annual exhibitions should be 
held at some period between the first day of Septem- 
ber and the first day of November, the premiums on 
crops to be awarded if thought necessary. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



The foregoing is the substance of every 
provision in the first constitution of the 
first agricultural society in the county. 

The names of the members of this so- 
ciety when this constitution was adopted, 
are recorded in this work as upon a roll of 
honor, to be hereafter remembered with 
gratitude by the future patrons of hus- 
bandry in the county. They are: 

Matthew M. Coe, Samuel Hafford, James Parks, 
Edward Leppelman, Daniel Capper, John Bell, F. I. 
Norton, James Valletta, Isaac Glick, Samuel Skin- 
ner, Jonas Smith, J. F. R. Sebring, L. E. Boren, 
Jacob Lesher, David Garvin, Jacob Bowlus, Peter 
Burgoon, LaQ. Rawson, J. S. Olmsted, Alvin Coles, 

F. S. White, S. Birchard, C. D. Hall, George R. 
Haynes, L. B. Otis, E. F. Dickinson, C. Edgarton, 
S. Buckland, J. P. Haynes, James Mitchell, J. L. 
Greene, William Kepler, Horace E. Clark, F. Van- 
dercook, R. P. Buckland, G. M. Tillotson, B. J. 
Bartlett, A. J. Dickinson, C. O. Tillotson, George 
Engler, J. R. Pease, D. Adams, J. S. Fouke, J. B. 

G. Downs, John S. Tyler, Homer Everett, John 
Moore, Samuel Thompson, Jesse Dorcas, Aaron 
Loveland, John Lefever, Daniel Tindall, Henry 
Nichols, J. C. Wales, J. Justice, Philip King, Paul 
Tew, Samuel Fennimore, C. J. Orton, Dean & Bal- 
lard, James Moore, William A. Hill, W. M. Stark, 
Isaac Knapp, Daniel G. Shutts, Joseph R. Clark, 
Christian Doncyson, H. Shiveley, James H. Hafford, 
Jacob Kridler, Thomas L. Hawkins, W. B. Steven- 
son, John Orwig, Seneca Hitt, J. F. Smith, N. P. 
Birdseye, .■\dam Jordan, Norton Russell, F. Lake 
George Cogswell, A. B. Taylor, John Younkman, 
W. C. Shutts, Hiram Haff, Miles W. Plain, Jesse 
Emerson, Martin Bruner, Sidney Forgerson, Lyman 
Miller, C. King, Orlin Sylva, John Whitmore, Isaac 
Movvrer, Henry Bowman, Hiram Miller, A. J. Hen- 
per, Edwin Doud, S. H. Tibbals, F. M. Clayton. 

FIRST MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS. 

The board of directors of the Snndus- 
ky County Agricultural Society, chosen as 
we have mentioned above, met at the of- 
fice of the secretary on the 4th day of Sep- 
tember, 1852 ; ])resent, LaQuinio Raw- 
son, Samuel Hafford, Stephen Buckland, 
Daniel Capper, James Vallette, Samuel 
Skinner. 

The board, after due consultation and 
deliberation, resolved that the first fair of 
said society should be held at Fremont, 
on the 13th day of October, 1852; and 



they also then and there resolved to in- 
vite all the members of the society to ex- 
hibit at said fair horses, cattle, sheep, 
swine, poultry, field crops, fruit, dairy 
products, and manufactured articles, and 
at the same time fixed the premiums on 
the various articles to be exhibited. 

Although it might be interesting in the 
future to publish a detailed statement of 
the premiums offered at this first county 
fair, we omit the details, because we in- 
tend giving the premiums actually 
awarded, what for, and the amounts, 
which will give all the facts the reader 
will desire, and will avoid, at the same 
time, a repetition of matter in this connec- 
tion. 

AWARD OF PREMIUMS. 

At the first annual fair of the Sandusky 
County Agricultural Society, held in 1S52, 
premiums were awarded as follows: 

Class A, Cattle. — Best yoke of working o.xen over 
four years old, to Isaac Glick, of Ballville, $c;. Best 
bull over four years old, William Hill, of Scott 
township, $3; second best bull, Otho Lease, of Jack- 
son township, $1. Best bull over three years old, D. 
.Seaman, Ballville township, $3; second best over 
three years old, Lyman Miller, Green Creek town- 
ship. Best bull over one year old, James Vallette, of 
Ballville township; second best bull, John Lefever, 
Green Creek township, $1. Best milch cow, John 
Moore, of Ballville township, $3; second best milch 
cow, James Vallette, Ballville township, $2. Best fat 
ox, John Moore, Ballville township, $3. Best two 
year old heifer, George Cogswell, Sandusky town- 
ship, $2; second best two year old heifer, Samuel 
Fennimore, of Ballville township, $r. Best yearling 
heifer, Williain Kessler, of Sandusky township, $2; 
second best yearling heifer, D. .Seaman, Ballville 
township, $1. 

Class B, Horses. — Best stallion, .S. H. Tibbals, 
York township, $3; second best stallion, John 
Colvin, York township, $2. Best brood mare 
and colt, P. Burgoon, Sandusky township, $3; 
second best brood mare and colt, John Whit- 
more, Townsend township, $2. Best pair matched 
horses, J. C. Wales, of York township, $3; sec- 
ond best pair matched horses, H. Haff, Townsend 
township, $2. Best gelding over four years old, 
J. Hale, Sandusky township, $3; second best gelding 
over four years old, B. J. Bartlett, Sandusky. Best 
work horse over four years old, Otho Lease, of Jack- 
son, |2; second best work horse over four years old, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



E. Doud, York, |i. Best carriage horse, William 
Tew, Townsend township, $2. Best three year old 
colt, C. G. Green, Ballville township, $3; second 
best three year old colt, N. Bowlus, Sandusky town- 
ship, $2. Best two year old colt, W. Shutts, York 
township, $2; second best two year old colt, Hiram 
Haff, Townsend townsliip, $1. Best yearling colt, 
John Whitmore, Townsend township, $2; second 
best yearling colt, John Whitmore, $1. Best three 
year old stallion, J. Gibbs, Riley township, $3; sec- 
ond best three year old stallion, William Shrader, 
$2. Best jack, Joseph R. Clark, Riley township, $2. 

Class C, Sheep. — Best buck, Hiram Haff, Town- 
send township, $2; second best buck, S. Hafford, 
Ballville township, $1. Best pen of five ewes, D. 
Capper, Sandusky township, $2; second best pen of 
five ewes, S. Fennimore, Ballville township, $1. 

Class D, Hogs. — Best boar over one year old, 
James Vallette, Ballville township, $2. Best breeding 
sow, John Moore, Ballville township, $2; second best 
breeding sow, James Vallette, $1. Best fat hog, S. 
Thompson, Sandusky township, $2. Best pen of pigs, 
William Kepler, Sandusky township, $2. 

Class E, Fowls. — Best lot five domestic fowls, P. 
Brush, Ballville township, $2; second, James F. 
Hults, $r. 

Class F, Dairy and Kitchen — Best roll five pounds 
butter, Mrs. Treat, Ballville township, $2; second 
do. Mrs. S. Buckland, Sandusky township, $1. Best 
lot cheese, Mrs. P. Tew, Townsend township, $2. 
Best bread, Mrs. P. Brush, Ballville township $2 ; 
second do. Mrs. S. Buckland, Sandusky town- 
ship, $1. 

Class G, Fruit. — Best variety table fruit, Lyman 
Miller, Green Creek township, $2; second do. A. 
Loveland, Sandusky township, $r. Best lot winter 
fruit, H. Bowlus, Sandusky township, $1; second do. 
William King, Ballville, $1. Best lot grapes, Mrs. 
L. B. Otis, Sandusky township, '$1. Best qumces, 
Mrs. Russell, Green Creek township, $1; second do. 
Mrs. S. Treat, Ballville township, $1; third do. Mrs. 
R. P. Buckland, Sandusky township, $1. 

Class H. — Best acres of corn, H. Haff, Town- 
send township, $5; second do. William Hyatt, Ball- 
ville township $2. Best variety garden corn, Mrs. 
Dickinson, Sandusky township, $1. Best potatoes, 
George Brim, Woodville township, $1. Best turnips, 
George Hyatt, Ballville township, $1. Best squashes. 
Miles W. Plain, Greek Creek township, $1. Best 
beets, Mrs. Vallette, Ballville township, $1 Best 
honey, Mrs. S. A. Loveland, Sandusky township, $1. 

Class L — Best farm wagon, J. C. Wade, York 
township, $3; second do. M. Halderman, Rice town- 
ship, $2. Best straw cutter, William Orr, Sandusky 
township, $r. Best dressed calf skin, Dickinson & 
Co., Sandusky township, $1. Best side harness 
leather, same, $2; second do. M. Justice, $1. Best 
buggy, William Raymond, Sandusky township, $3. 
Best barrel flour, James Moore, Ballville township, 



$2. Best bacon, M. W. Plain, Green Creek town- 
ship, $2. Best two-horse buggy harness, James 
Kridler, Sandusky township, $2. Best farm harness, 
M. W. Plain, Green Creek, $2. Best lot fruit trees, 
J. A. Watrous, Green Creek, diploma. Best tin 
roof, Canfield & Co., diploma. Best sofa, J. W. 
Stevenson, Sandusky, $3; second do. same, $2. Best 
card table, same, $2. Best panel door, F. Luke, 
Sandusky, $2, Best domestic carpet, M. W. Plain, 
Green Creek, $2; second do, S. E. Edgerton, San- 
dusky, $1. 

Class K. — Best woollen stockings. Mrs. Tew, 
Twonsend. $2; second do. Mrs. Tyler, Sandusky, $1. 
Best comforter, Mrs. Norton, Sandusky, $r. Best 
made quilt, Mrs. Hyatt, Ballville, $2; second do, 
Mrs. Zimmerman, Sandusky, $1. Embroidery, A. 
M. Olmsted, Sandusky, $2; do. Miss E. Knapp, $2; 
do. Miss A. Kepler, $1; do. Mrs. Thorndyke, $r; 
do. Miss E. Ball, $1. Needlework, Mrs. Thorn- 
dyke, $2; do. Mrs. Parker, 2; do. Mrs. Boren, $i;do. 
Mrs. J. Nyce, $2; do. Miss Taylor, $1; do. Mrs. 
Momeny, $2. Best coverlet, Mrs. Younkman, $2; 
second do. Mrs. Treat. Embroidery, Miss Justice, 
$1; do. Miss S. E. Ball, $1. Drawing, Miss A. Nor- 
ton, $1; do. MissO. Dickinson, $1; do. Miss S. Dick- 
inson, $1. Best variety house plants, Mrs. J. W. 
Wilson; second do. Miss Olmsted. Best collection 
wa.x work flowers, Mrs. Orton, $1. Best basket of 
flowers, Mrs. C. King, $1. Needlework, Mrs. 
Wells, $1; do. Miss Montgomery, $1; do. Miss Ray- 
mond. 

receTpts. 

From voluntary subscriptions and donations, 

and from fees $236 54 

From the county treasury under the law to 
encourage the formation of agricultural 
societies 200 00 

For lumber sold after the fair 58 88 

Total $495 42 

DI.SBURSEMENTS. 

For lumber $105 00 

For laborers 88 00 

For printing 23 00 

For brass band 15 00 

Premiums awarded 205 00 

Total expenses $436 00 

Balance in the treasury on settlement $59 42 

This detailed statement of premiums 
awarded, to whom and what for, and the 
statement ot the receij^ts and disburse- 
ments of the first agricultural fair in the 
county, may not now be of much interest 
to the reader. But the time is coming 
when, like the incidents of early pioneer 



212 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



life, to the present age, all the particulars 
of the first fair will be deeply interesting to 
those who would watch the progress of the 
society in all its phases, and more especi- 
ally to that portion of the people of the 
county who would measure the progress 
of the county in the most important of all 
the industries pursued by man. 

WHERE THE FIRST FAIR WAS HELD. 

The society had acquired no land on 
which to hold the fair of 1852. However, 
it procured the right to sufficient room to 
begin. If the reader will take the ma]) of 
Fremont, find State street, and follow it to 
the east end of the bridge over the San- 
dusky River, and find lots number four 
hundred and sixty-four and four hundred 
and sixty-five, fronting that street on the 
south side of it, and notice numbers four 
hundred and thirty and four hundred and 
thirty-one in the rear of them, they will 
find the ground where the first agricultural 
fair was held, beginning on the thirteenth 
day of October, 1855. 

The memoranda of the finances of this 
first fair are worth preserving in history, 
and the names of the men and women 
who organized or patronized the society, 
are worthy of i)reservation, and will receive 
the honor due them for the starting of an 
institution which has been productive of 
so much good already and promises so 
more in the future of the county. 

FAIR OF 1853. 
A meeting of the board was held on 
the 15th day of September, 1853, at which 
it was resolved that the second fair of 
said society be held at Fremont on the 
i2thand 13th days of October, 1853; also 
a resolution fixing the premiums for differ- 
ent articles, animals, and agricultural prod- 
ucts, and works of art and domestic in- 
dustries. This fair was held on ground, 
the use of which, for the purpose, was 
donated by General John Bell, on the east 



side of the river, on an out-lot since sub- 
divided, and about where in-lots eleven 
hundred and sixty-two and eleven hundred 
and sixty.three now are in the third ward 
of the city, as now bounded. 

The receipts for this year were as fol- 
lows : 

Balance in treasury, 1852 $ 59 42 

Amount received by voluntary subscriptions 

and fees imposed on members 356 78 

Received from county 200 00 

From sale of lumber, etc 62 45 

From sale of bull 41 76 

$720 41 

EXPENDITURES. 

Payment on premium list. $188 00 

Paid lumber, labor, printing, etc.... 325 22 

Loss on county bull 11 25 

Unpaid bills last year 55 67 

— 583 71 

Balance in treasury $136 67 

At a meeting of the society held at the 
court-house in Fremont, on the 8th day 
of July, 1854, the following officers for 
the ensuing year were chosen, to-wit: 

Horatio Adams, president; W. H. Rey- 
nolds, vice-president; Hiram Hurd, treas- 
urer; A. Thorpe, secretary; C. G. San- 
ford, John Moore, Lewis Wright, Stephen 
Buckland, and Jeremiah Gibbs, managers. 
At a meeting held at the court-house in Fre- 
mont, June 17, 1854, the next fair was ap- 
pointed to be held in Clyde, Ohio, on the 
26th and 27th days of September, 1854. 
At a meeting in Clyde in July, 1854, a 
premium list was made out and published. 
The fair for that year was accordingly held 
at Clyde on the days appointed, with the 
following results : 

Total receipts, including two hundred dol- 
lars paid by the county and balance from 
the preceding year, amounted to $483 45 

Total disbursements 413 41 

Balance in treasury $ 70 04 

On the 25th day of April, 1855, the 
board met in Fremont; present, LaQ. 
Rawson, president; William Russell, vice- 
president; C. R. McCuUoch, treasurer; 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



213 



D. Capper, secretary, and Paul Tew, 
Henry Nichols, and Samuel Skinner, man- 
agers. 

On motion it was ordered that James 
Vallette be and is appointed one of the 
managers of the society, in the place of 
Samuel Treat, deceased. 

At this meeting the society took the 
first step towards purchasing a suitable 
parcel of land on which to build proper 
structures, whereon to hold their future 
fairs, and LaQ. Rawson, Daniel Capper, 
James Valletie, and C. R. McCulloch,were 
appointed a committee to negotiate for or 
purchase the ground, and also to make 
out and publish a premium list for the 
next fair. 

THE FAIR OF 1855. 

The annual fair of the society for the 
year 1855, was held on the 2d, 3d, and 
4th days of October of that year, on the 
ground bargained for by the committee 
above named, being what was then known 
as the east part of out-lot number one 
hundred and sixteen, in the city of Fre- 
mont. The purchase was made of Downs 
& Company, and consisted of seven and 
two one-hundredths acres, bounded by the 
river on the east, and situated east of their 
mill race. 

The result of the fair held in 1855, was 
financially as follows : 

Receipts from certificates of membership. .$ 366 82 
From donations to purchase and improve 

fair grounds 646 00 

From county treasury 489 08 

From unpaid subscriptions 148 50 

J. C. Wales' note from former treasurer.... 5 00 

Donations from pubhshers of papers 14 20 

Total $1,669 60 

EXl'ENDITUKKS. 

Paid expenses of fair .....$ 39 99 

Paid printing 27 00 

Paid premiums 162 80 

Paid silver cups 24 06 

Paid improvement of fair grounds 564 53 

Paid Morgan & Downs on land. . . 691 89 

Total 1,510 27 

Balance | 159 33 



The society from this time had a local 
habitation as well as a name. 

At a meeting of the members of the 
society, held pursuant to notice at the of- 
fice of John Bell, in Fremont, on the ist 
day of March, A. D. 1856, the followmg 
officers were elected for the ensuing year: 
LaQ. Rawson, president; William Rus- 
sell, vice-president; C. R. McCulloch, 
treasurer; Daniel Capper, secretary; 
James Vallette, Samuel Skinner, Martin 
Wright, Nathan P. Birdseye, Paul Tew, 
managers. 

On the 22d day of August, 1856, at a 
meeting of the board, it was ordered that 
the annual fair for the year should be held 
on the 7th, 8th, and 9th days of October. 
A premium list was made out and pub- 
lished soon after, and the annual fair held 
accordingly. The financial results of this 
fair were a total expenditure, including 
two hundred and twenty-three dollars and 
seventy-five cents for premiums, and two 
hundred and eighteen dollars for fitting up 
the grounds, amounting to six hundred 
and thirty-nine dollars and thirty cents. 
Receipts, six hundred and thirty-eight dol- 
lars and forty-three cents. Being an ex- 
cess of expenditures over receipts of 
eighty-seven cents. 

At a meeting of the members of the 
society, held at the office of John Bell, on 
the 28th day of February, 1857, John 
Bell chairman and B. Amsden secretary, 
the following officers were elected for the 
ensuing year: L. Q. Rawson president; 
Jacob Winters, vice-president; J. F. R. 
Sebring, secretary; Daniel Capper, treas- 
urer; H. R. Adams, James Vallette, James 
Parks, Daniel Smith, and Peter King, 

managers. 

FAIR OF 1857. 

The board met at the office of John 
Bell, in Fremont, Ohio, on the i8th day 
of April, 1857, and ordered that J. F. R. 
Sebring, Daniel Capper, James Vallette, 



214 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



and L. Q. Rawson, be appointed an exec- 
utive committee to prepare and publish a 
premium list, and fix the day, and to pre- 
pare the grounds for the next fair. 

The journal of the society hitherto re- 
corded the premium list, the premiums 
awarded, and the financial results of the 
year's transactions, but no such record is 
made for the fair of 1S57, and therefore 
the figures in these respects are omitted. 
But it is quite apparent that a fair was 
held in 1857, because the record shows 
that on the third day of the fair in that year, 
the society, at the ofifice of the secretary, 
on the fair ground, pursuant to public 
notice, elected the following officers for 
the ensuing year: L. Q. Rawson, presi- 
dent; S. Buckland, treasurer: Daniel Cap- 
per, secretary; James Parks, Charles 
Powers, A. Thorp, J. Vallette, and Jacob 
Winters, managers. We have thus given 
the meetings, officers, and financial results 
of the society and its fairs up to the year 
1857, and the election of officers for the 
ensuing year. 

FAIR OF 1858. 

The fair of 1858 was successfully held 
on their ground in Fremont, and on the 
last day of this fair, according to notice, 
the following officers were elected for the 
ensuing year: James Vallette, president; 
James Parks, vice-president; S. Buckland, 
treasurer; William E. Haynes, secretary; 
L. Q. Rawson, U. B. Lemmon, and 
Charles Powers, managers. 

Each year of the fair produced an en- 
larged premium list, and increased pre- 
miums for the various articles exhibited. 

THE FAIR OF 1859. 

This fair was duly and successfully held 
on the same ground purchased by the so- 
ciety, but the minutes of the proceedings 
do not show who were elected officers and 
managers for the ensuing year. 
FAIR OF i860. 

On the third day of the fair, held on 



the society's grounds, in October, i860, 
the following officers were elected for the 
ensuing year: Daniel Capper, president ; 
John M. Smith, secretary; Theodore 
Clapp, treasurer; John S. Gardner, vice- 
president; Jesse Emerson, Benjamin In- 
man, Saxton S. Rathbun, Timothy Wil- 
cox, and Alfred Black, managers. 

On the 8th day of January, 1861, the 
society had paid for, and received a deed 
from Morgan & Downs, conveying to the 
society the east part of out-lot number 
one hundred and sixteen, in Fremont, con- 
taining seven and two-hundreths acres of 
land, for a fair ground. For this ground 
the society paid the sum of one thousand 
and fifty-three dollars. It was a very good 
location, affording shade and convenient 
access to the Sandusky River for water. 
But time afterwards showed the ground 
was subject to inundation by the river, 
and the fences and other structures were 
sometimes swept off by flood. For these 
reasons and also to accommodate the ex- 
pansion of the society in the future, this 
land was sold, and other ground bought, 
as will be noticed further on. 

On the 5th day of June, i86r, the 
board met at the store of Theodore Clapp, 
in Fremont. At this meeting there were 
present, D. Capper, president ; Theodore 
Clapp, treasurer; and Piatt Brush, Benja- 
min Inman, Saxton S. Rathbun, and Jesse 
Emerson, directors. At this meeting 
John M. Smith was elected secretary, to 
fill the vacancy caused by the absence of 
A. J. Hale, former secretary, and Amos 
R. Carver was elected vice-president, to 
fill the vacancy occasioned by the death 
of John S. Gardner, former vice-president, 
the persons so elected to serve in the re- 
spective offices for the ensuing year, and 
until their successors should be elected. 
At this meeting Theodore Clapp, Piatt 
Brush, and John M. Smith, were a[)pointed 
a committee to make out a premium list 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



215 



for the year, to be submitted to the board 
at their nexf meeting. 

On the 22d day of June, 1861, the 
board again met at the store of Theodore 
Ciapp. At this meeting those present 
were D. Capper, president; Theodore 
Clapp, treasurer; John M. Smith, secre- 
tary ; and Piatt Brush, Benjamin Inman, 
Saxton S. Rathbun, Jesse Emerson, and 
Timothy Wilcox, directors. 

The committee to make out a premium 
hst for the annual fair made their report 
which was read and approved by the 
board. The fair was appointed to be held 
on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the 
2d, 3d, and 4th days of October, 1861, 
and the meeting then ordered the premium 
list published. 

On the 26th day of August, 1861, the 
board met and appointed Jeremiah Gibbs 
director, in place of Timothy Wilcox, ab- 
sent. The premium list of this year was 
extensive and more elaborate than those 
of former years, and the fair was a suc- 
cess. But the financial results are not 
given on the journal of the society, and 
we therefore omit any statement of them. 

WHO FITTED UP FLORAL HALL IN 1 86 1. 

As a matter of history, already interest- 
ing in the county, and to become more 
and more interesting as time rolls on, we 
give the names of the committee desig- 
nated by the board of the society, to fit 
up floral hall for the fair of 1861. We 
record them here for two reasons. First, 
because it gives some idea of the interest 
the ])eople took in these annual exhibi- 
tions. Secondly, because it preserves for 
future mention the names of a number of 
the men and women then prominent in 
our social circles, for their taste and de- 
votion to the cause of iuiprovement in all 
directions. The committee named by 
the board for fitting up floral hall, for the 
annual fair of 1861, were as follows: 



J. W. Failing, O. W. Vallette, Henry Buckland, 
Willard Norton, L. Morehouse, E. Simpkins, Mrs. 
G. Grant, Mrs. L. Q. Rawson, Mrs. G. Canfield, 
Mrs. Nat Haynes, Mrs. John Magee, Miss Ehza 
Simpkins, Miss Beckey Simpkins, Miss Isabella 
Nyce, Miss M. Justice, Miss Martha Raymond, Miss 
Ellen Hafford, Miss Jennie McLellan, Miss S. Bote- 
fur. Miss E. A. Morehouse, Miss Mary Canfield, 
Miss Amelia Norton, Miss Sarah Jane Grant, Miss 
H. Thompson, Miss Myra Kepler, Miss L. Kepler, 
Miss Emma Downs, Miss A. Sharp, Miss Sarah 
Wilson, Miss Mary Durand, Miss Eva Bartlett, and 
Miss Bell Ma.xwell. 

To the resident of Fremont in the year 
1 86 1, who was familiar with the social or- 
ganization at that time, the names on this 
committee will awake reminiscences of in- 
tense interest. The list of young, and 
beautiful, and cultured ladies, embraces 
what was, at that time, the cream of our 
collected beauty of j^erson, and culture of 
intellect, and, no doubt, those who resided 
in Fremont in the fall of 1861, and wit- 
nessed how these earnest, and beautiful, 
and good women labored to make the fair 
of the society for 1861 interesting and 
profitable, will trace the history of each 
gentleman and lady of this committee 
through the checkered scenes of their 
after life with intense interest. 

On the third day of the fair held in 
1861, the members met according to 
notice, and elected ofiicers for the ensuing 
year, as follows: Daniel CajDper, presi- 
dent; Hiram Haff, vice-president; O. W. 
Vallette, secretary; Theodore Clapp, treas- 
urer; S. S. Rathbun, C. G. Greene, Jere- 
miah Gibbs, Samuel Haff'ord, and Daniel 
Waggoner, managers. 

A premium list for the next fair was 
prepared by Daniel Capper and O. W. 
Vallette, and submitted to the board, and 
approved at a meeting held on the 31st of 
May, 1862. At this meeting it was re- 
solved that the next annual fair should be 
held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Fri- 
day, the I St, 2d, and 3d days of October, 
1862. 



2l6 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



DURING THE WAR. 

From the formation of the society in 
1853, to the year 1S62, although the civil 
war broke out in 1861, the annual fairs 
had been held without a single failure in 
any year. True it is that in the year 
1861 the war cloud hung heavy over all 
the land, but so remote were the people 
of Sandusky county from the contending 
armies and the battlefields, that our busi- 
ness was not seriously interrupted until 
the summer of 1862. Then the cloud, 
thicker and darker than before, spread 
over the whole sky and enveloped us in 
darkness, gloom, and fear. 

After the premium list was published 
and the days for the fair selected, we find 
the following entry on the journal of the 
societv, in the handwriting ot the secre- 
tary, Vallette: 

Owing to the unsettled state of the county on ac- 
count of the war, and the fact that the draft in our 
county came on the days appointed for our fair, it 
was decided by the officers of the society to postpone 
the fair for this year. 

O. \V. \'ai.lktte. Secretary. 

Fremont, .August, 1862. 

Hence, the society held no fair in the 
year 1862. 

At the meeting of the members of the 
society held at the store of Theodore 
Clapp, in Fremont, in January, 1863, the 
following officers were elected to serve the 
ensuing year: Daniel Capper, president; 
Piatt Brush, vice-president; Theodore 
Clapp, treasurer; O. W. Vallette, secre- 
tary; S. S. Rathbun, U. B. Lemmon, C. 
G. Greene, and Daniel Waggoner, man- 
agers. An extended premium list was 
made out and published, and the fair was 
held successfully on the 7th, 8th, and 9th 
days of October, 1S63. Tlie premiums 
were regularly awarded and jxiid. 

At a meeting of the members held on 
the 16th of January, 1864, the following 
officers of the Sandusky County Agricul- 
tural Society were elected to serve the 



ensuing year: J. L. Greene, sr., presi- 
dent; John Moore, of Ballville, vice- 
president; John P. Moore, treasurer; O. 
W. Vallette, secretary ; Daniel Waggoner, 
Jasper King, William E. Lay, Jason Gibbs, 
and Warren G. Hafford, managers. 

At a meeting of the officers of the soci- 
ety held on tlie 26th day of March, 1S64, 
the president, J. L. Greene, sr., and Sec- 
retary O. W. Vallette, were appointed a 
couMiiittee to prepare a premium list for 
the next fair. 

On the 1 6th of April, 1864, the board 
met and appointed the fair to be held on 
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the 
1 2th, 13th, and 14th days of October. 

The financial results of the fair of 1864 
are not recorded, and therefore not pub- 
lished. 

On the 1 8th day of January, 1865, the 
members of the society met at the office 
of John L. Greene, sr., and elected the 
following officers to serve the ensuing year: 
Theodore Clapp, president ; William E. 
Haynes, vice-president ; DeWitt Krebs, 
treasurer; O. W. Vallette, secretary; Ed- 
ward Tindall, U. B. Lemmon, James N. 
Campbell, B. Amsden, and Charles Pow- 
ers, directors. 

On the 27th of ^L^rch, 1S65, the board 
met at the office of Theodore Clapp. At 
this meeting William E. Haynes, DeWitt 
Krebs, and O. W. Vallette, were appointed 
a committee to revise and prepare a pre- 
mium list for the next fair and report the 
same to a future meeting of the board. 
The premium list was approved and pub- 
lished, and the fair again successfully held 
on the 6th, 7th, and 8th days of Septem- 
ber, 1865, and the premiums awarded and 
paid. 

On the 27th day of January, 1866, the 
society met at the office of Theodore 
Clapp, and elected the following officers 
for the ensuing year. Theodore Clapp, 
president; William E. Haynes, vice-presi- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



217 



detit; D.'W. Krebs, treasurer; O. W. Val- 
lette, secretary; Edward Tindall of Ball- 
ville, James N. Campbell of Washington, 
B. Amsden of Sandusky, Hiram Haff of 
York, managers for one year; O. W. Val- 
lette of Ballville, D. W. Krebs of Sandusky, 
J. P. Elderkin of Woodville, Benjamin 
Inman of Scott, S. S. Rathbun of Green 
Creek, and David Betts of Sandusky 
township, managers for two years. 

In May, 1866, the board met and or- 
dered that Theodore Clapp superintend 
the building of a new fence around the 
fair grounds, and put the grounds in good 
condition. 

On the 28th of September the board 
met and made the following entry on their 
journal: 

Fremont, September 28, 1866. 
Owing to the late floods, and the damage done on 
the fair grounds, it has been decided to postpone the 
fair for this year. 

O. W. Vamjcttic, Secretary. 

Therefore no fair was held in the year 
1866, on account of a flood. Thus we see 
the society was prevented from holding 
its fairs twice in the first fourteen years of 
its existence, first in 1862, by the war, and, 
second, in 1866, by a flood which over- 
flowed and damaged its grounds. 

On the 14th of February, 1867, the 
members of the society met at the office 
of Theodore Clapp, and elected the fol- 
lowing officers to serve the ensuing year: 
Piatt Brush, president; Charles H. Bell, 
vice-president; E. Walters, Charles Pow- 
ers, George W. Beck, and J. V. Beery, 
managers. 

On the 7th of March following, the 
board met, and elected J. V. Beery secre- 
tary, and J. P. Elderkin treasurer. 

Let it be remarked that about this time 
some enterprising gentlemen who were 
fond of cultivating speedy horse-flesh, had 
organized the Fremont Driving Park Asso- 
ciation, and had rented some out-lots on 
ihe hill, on the east side of the river, on 
28 



which a fine track was formed, on which 
the speed of trotting and running horses 
could be tested and compared. Let no 
one think or suspect that anything like 
vulgar horse-racing was connected with 
this X)riving Park Association. The 
out-lots rented by this association were 
very finely situated for a fair ground. 
Hence, at the meeting of the board in 
March, 1867, on motion of Mr. Rathbun, 
Piatt Brush and Charles H. Bell were ap- 
pointed a committee to confer and make 
arrangements with a committee of the 
Driving Park Association, to hold the 
county fair upon their ground. 

On the 23d day of May, 1867, the 
board met; present, P. Brush, George 
Beck, D. Betts, B. Inman, E. Walters, 
and John V. Beery. The committee, 
C. H. Bell and P. Brush, reported that 
they had rented the driving park for nine 
years, at a yearly rent of seventy-five dol- 
lars, for the purpose of holding the fairs 
of the society. After the adoption of this 
report, the president appointed Charles H. 
Bell and Saxton S. Rathbun, a committee 
to attend to the removal of floral hall 
from the old fair ground to the driving 
park. At this same meeting the premium 
list was arranged, and the next fair of the 
society appointed to be held on the 2d, 
3d, and 4th days of October, 1867, the 
days of the week being Wednesday, 
Thursday, and Friday. The fair was held, 
accordingly, on the grounds of the Driving 
Park Association, the premiums awarded 
and paid, and the fair was now established 
on the east side of the river, on the hill 
and above the reach of floods. But the 
facilities for procuring a supply of water 
were lacking, and there was no shade. 
Still the fair was well attended, and was 
reasonably successful. 

On the I St day of February, 1868, the 
society met at the office of Theodore 
Clapp and elected the following officers: 



2l8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Charles H. Bell, president; Oscar Ball, 
vice-president; J. P. Elderkin, treasurer; 
J. V. Beery, secretary; B. Ininan, John P. 
Elderkin, jr., Samuel Skinner, Piatt Brush, 
William McPherson, and David Fuller, 
manau:ers. 

On the 6th of February the board met 
and appointed Samuel Skinner, Oscar 
Ball, Benjamin Inman, Piatt Brush, and 
William McPherson a committee to pre- 
pare a premium list for the fair of 1868. 

The fair was held on the 17th, i8th, 
and 19th days of September, 1868, and 
the premiums were awarded and paid as 
usual. This fair was held on the Trotting 
Park ground, east side of the river. 

The officers and directors of the society 
for 1868, met on the 13th day of January, 
1869. Present— C. H. Bell, Piatt Brush, 
Benjamin Inman, David Fuller, George 
Beck, J. P. Elderkin, jr., and John V. 
Beery. 

The object of this meeting was to con- 
sider on the disposal of the old fair 
ground, and to arrange the distribution of 
the finances, and pay out the funds on 
hand. It was, on motion of Piatt Brush, 
resolved that the old fair ground be offered 
for sale, provided that over fifteen hundred 
dollars should be offered for it, and the 
motion was carried unanimously. 

Here crops out the intention of the so- 
ciety to abandon the old fair ground, pur- 
chased of Morgan & Downs long before. 
The reasons for this movement were suf- 
ficient justification for abandoning the 
location. First, all the fences and build- 
ings the society might erect there were 
subject to be annually swept away by the 
floods in the river. Second, the quantity 
of ground was insufficient to accommodate 
the growing demands of the society. 

The secretary was ordered to advertise 
the ground in both the county papers, to 
be sold on the 29th day of January, 1869, 
at 2 o'clock p. M., at the east door of the 



court house in Fremont, and that it should 
be sold to the highest bidder. After or- 
dering the payment of certain sums out of 
the treasury, the meeting adjourned. 

On the 30th of January, 1869, the 
members of the society met pursuant to 
published notice, and elected the following 
officers for the ensuing year: Benjamin 
Inman, president; Charles H. Bell, vice- 
president; Frederick Fabing, treasurer; 
James S. Vanvalkenburg, secretary; Elijah 
Kellogg, George Beck, James Parks, and 
John K. Richards, managers. This meet- 
ing appointed the time for holding the 
next fair to be on the 'I'hursday, Friday, 
and Saturday, the 7 th, 8th, and 9th days 
of October, 1869. 

The old fair ground was sold at auction 
at 2 o'clock p. M., January 29, 1869, to 
Canfield & Co., for sixteen hundred and 
five dollars. Such is the mention of the 
record on the journal of the society. But 
the record of deeds shows that the old 
fair ground was conveyed to Downs & 
Co. (which is probably another name for 
Canfield & Co.), by deed dated February 
II, 1869, for the consideration of one 
thousand six hundred and fifty-five dollars. 

On the 2d day of June, 1869, the 
board met upon notice, and Charles H. 
Bell, George Beck, Benjamin Inman, and 
Frederick Fabing were appointed to pre- 
pare a premium list for the year 1869, 
which they did. 

For this year the results of the fair are 
summed up as follows: 

Amount received from former treasurer $ i 32 

Amount from State Board of Agriculture.. . . 106 00 
Amount from rents of ground and tickets sold 741 45 

$848 77 

EXPKNDITURES. 

Paid expenses and repairs at fair. . . .$219 47 

Paid printing 66 oo 

Paid secretary's salary 50 oo 

Paid assistants 9 00 

Paid treasurer's assistants 10 00 

Paid premiums to date 454 55 

$809 G2 

Cash balance on hand $39 75 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



219 



The foregoing exhibit of the financial 
transactions of the year was reported to a 
meeting of the board, held on the 29th of 
January, 1870, and was then approved 

On the same day of the above men- 
tioned meeting of the board, after the ap- 
proval of the treasurer's report above 
given, the members of the society pro- 
ceeded to the election of officers for the 
ensuing year, with the following result: 
President, Benjamin Inman ; vice presi- 
dent, Beman Amsden; treasurer, Chris- 
tian Doncyson; secretary, William H. 
Andrews. The directors were David Ful- 
ler, for one year; for two years, W. W. 
Cooper, Green Creek; James Havens, 
Jackson; H. B. Hineline, Rice; Peter 
Burgoon, Sandusky; and Samuel Skinner, 
of Washington township. 

At this same meeting, held on the 29th 
January, 1870, James Parks, Samuel 
Skinner, and George W. Beck were ap- 
pointed a committee to report on the pur- 
chase of fair grounds. 

PURCHASE OF NEW GROUNDS. 

At a meeting of the board of directors 
of the society, held at the county audi- 
tor's office, on the 17th day of March, 
1870, the board received the report of the 
committee above named on the purchase 
of a fair ground, and by a unanimous vote 
selected the site proposed to be purchased 
of LaQ. Rawson, and appointed B. Ams- 
den to survey the same under the direc- 
tion of a committee consisting of James 
Parks, Peter Burgoon, and Samuel Skin- 
ner. The board then adjourned until the 
23d day of April, 1870, to meet at the 
county auditor's office at 10 o'clock a. m. 
A meeting was duly held at the time and 
place appointed. The committee and 
surveyor made their report. 

Without narrating tedious details, we 
may state that the survey and report 
offered the society twenty acres of land, 



fronting west on Elm street, and going 
near the brow of the hill overlooking the 
Sandusky valley, but did not include the 
side-hill. The society desired the hill, and 
hill-side, and on further negotiation relin- 
quished a strip about fourteen rods wide on 
Elm street, and took about twenty-seven 
acres covering the side-hill, for the sum 
of about seven thousand dollars. By this 
purchase the society acquired one of the 
most convenient and beautiful sites for a 
fair ground in the State. 

Pursuant to notice the members of the 
society met at the court-house, in Fre- 
mont, on the loth day of February, 1871, 
and elected the following officers for the 
ensuing year. 

William E. Haynes, president; Oscar 
Ball, vice-president; William H. Andrews, 
secretary; John M. Smith, treasurer; David 
Fuller, B. W. Lewis, Elijah Kellogg, Ben- 
jamin Inman, Jacob Stetler, and James 
Parks, directors. 

At a meeting held March 11, 187 1, 
Peter Darr was added to the list of di- 
rectors to fill the vacancy occasioned by 
the death of H. B. Hineline. The board 
at this meeting also api:>ointed Oscar Ball, 
B. Inman, David Fuller, B. W. Lewis, 
Peter Burgoon, and William E. Haynes, 
an executive committee to transact all 
business of the society in the absence of 
the board, and this executive committee 
was instructed to prepare a premium list 
for the next fair. At this meeting, it 
should be noticed, the society adopted a 
new constitution, the particular changes 
in which from the former one it is not 
deemed necessary to particularize, but it 
made some changes which time and ex- 
perience had proved necessary to the 
more successful management of the affairs 
of the society. 

At a meeting of the board, held May 
13, 187 1, it was ordered that the next fair 
be held on the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th days 



22o 



HiSTORV OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



of October, 1871. Vigorous measures 
were adopted to prepare the new grounds, 
and erect suitable buildings for the fair of 

187 1, the first held there. 

The fair was held according to appoint- 
ment, and the popular verdict was that 
the society had done a good thing in se- 
curing such an admirable location. The 
results of this fair were reported to the 
next meeting, held February 3, 1872, and 
may be briefly stated as follows. The re- 
port was made by the treasurer, Isaac M. 
Keeler, successor to John M. Smith, and 
shows 

RECEIPTS. 

Citizens' loan $2500 00 

County agricultural fund 2745 00 

Nineteenth annual fair and excursion 2465 66 

$7710 66 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

Improvement of new grounds $549° 00 

Old debts prior to 1871 571 60 

Premiums to date 848 50 

Expenses of nineteenth fair 498 07 

Cash on hand 302 49 

$7710 66 

At a meeting held at the court-house on 
the 3d day of February, 1872, the follow- 
ing officers were unanimously elected: 
William E. Haynes, president; Oscar 
Ball, vice-president; Joseph Waggoner, 
Peter Burgoon, William J. Havens, Peter 
Darr, W. W. Cooper, and R. P. Buck- 
land, managers. 

On the 23d of April, 1872, William H. 
Andrews was elected secretary, and Isaac 
M. Keeler treasurer for the year. At this 
meeting it was resolved to hold the twen- 
tieth annual fair of the society on the 25th, 
26th, 27th, and 28th days of September, 

1872. The following committee was then 
appointed to arrange for the fair, namely: 
William E, Haynes, Oscar Ball, B. W. 
Lewis, David Fuller, and William H. An- 
drews. The fair was successfully held at 
the appointed time. Mr. Edward Tindall 
reported and proved to the board, accord- 



ing to the rules of the society, that at the 
harvest of 1872 he raised two hundred 
and twenty bushels of wheat on six and 
thirty-one-hundredth acres of his land. 
The land was measured by J. L. Rawson, 
surveyor, the wheat was measured and 
the quantity sworn to by Mr. A. Mosier. 
Mr. Tindall was awarded the premium. 

Pursuant to published notice the mem- 
bers of the society met at the court-house 
in Fremont, on Saturday, February i, 
1873, and elected the following officers: 
William B. Sheldon, president; J. R. Gep- 
hart, vice-president; Z. Brush, B. W. 
Lewis, T. H. Bush, J. Fairbanks, and 
Frederick Smith, managers. Mr. Sheldon 
refused to serve, and on the 2 2d of Feb- 
ruary, 1873, Piatt Brush was elected presi- 
dent, and on the same day F. J. Giebel, 
jr., was elected secretary, and John P. El- 
derkin, jr., treasurer, for the ensuing year. 
Mr. Brush declined serving as president, 
and, on the 3d of May, 1873, the society 
elected John R. Gephart president. By 
this election a vacancy was caused in the 
office of vice-president, and T. H. Bush 
was eleced to that office, which left a va- 
cancy in the board of managers, which 
was filled by the election of Charles H. 
Norton. An executive committee was 
chosen, and the time for holding the next 
fair fixed for the ist, 2d, 3d, and 4th days 
of October, 1873, and the fair was held 
accordingly. 

This fair was a financial failure, for an 
entry on the journal shows that afterwards 
the executive committee met, and ascer- 
tained by the treasurer's report that the 
disbursements exceeded the receipts by 
the amount of seven hundred dollars, and 
that the treasurer had paid the excess of 
expenditures out of his own private funds. 
The committee authorized a loan to be 
made by the society for the amount, to be 
paid, with eight per cent, interest, on the 
2d day of November, 1874. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



On the yth day of February, 1874, pur- 
suant to the provisions of the constitution 
of the society, and to printed notice, the 
society met at the county auditor's ofifice, 
in Fremont, and received the treasurer's 
report, which shows the following receipts 
and disbursements: 

RECEIPTS. 

March 22, cash on hand $ 23 63 

August 27, cash from excursion 208 75 

October, cash receipts from fair 2,687 00 

Cash, city of Fremont 100 00 

Cash, loans 68g 50 

$3,708 88 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

Paid intere'it on loan $ 200 00 

Paid premiums on class 17 617 00 

Paid improvements on grounds.. 538 56 

Paid premiums 818 00 

Paid expenses during fair 425 00 

Paid band for music 50 00 

Paid sec'y salary and expenses... 90 00 

Paid L. Q. Rawson on land. . . . 561 06 

Paid printing, etc 222 55 

Steamer and band for excursion. . 185 00 

Balance on hand 73 

$3,708 88 

On the 27th day of February, 1874, the 
society met at the county auditor's office 
and elected the following officers, to serve 
the ensuing year, namely: R. P. Buck- 
land, president ; W. W. Stine, vice-presi- 
dent; Isaac M. Keeler, secretary; W. H. 
Andrews, treasurer. 

The president was instructed to appoint 
an executive committee, to consist of five 
members. The committee was afterwards 
appointed, and consisted of the following 
persons: C. A. Norton, W. W. Stine, B. 
W. Lewis, Joseph Waggoner, and E. 
W. Amsden. 

During the summer and autumn of the 
year 1874 an amphitheater or grand stand 
was erected on the fair ground, which af- 
forded visitors an excellent view of the 
ground, and all the proceedings of the fair 
to be seen by the eye. It also afforded 
shelter from the rain and shade from the 



often uncomfortable rays of the sun. 

The contract for this building was 
awarded to Mr. A. Foster, of the city of 
Fremont, at the price of one thousand two 
hundred and seventy-five dollars. 

It was also arranged and ordered by 
the board that there should be several 
new features in the fair of 1874, such as a 
special premium for the best pair of 
draught horses, and mules, also for single 
horse or mule. The first were offered a 
premium of twenty dollars, and the second 
ten dollars, to be tested on the ground by 
the dynamometer. Premiums were also 
offered for plowing, dragging, and drilling 
contests, to he put under the charge of D. 
C. Richmond, of Erie county, then mem- 
ber of the State Board of Agriculture. 

The fair of 1874 began September 30, 
and continued four days, with the follow- 
ing financial result: 

RECEIPTS. 

Received from former treasurer $ 179 96 

From loan of C. Norton 3,000 00 

From loan of W. W. Stine 350 00 

From loan of Bank of Fremont 175 00 

From annual fair 4.291 40 

From J. M. Raymond, pasture 24 00 

From State Board of Agriculture 227 52 

$8,047 68 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

Paid F. J. Geibel, secretary, 1873 $ 21 50 

Paid F. S. White, trustee citizens' loan. . . 2,500 00 
Paid F. S. White, interest on citizens' 

loan 200 00 

Paid C. A. Norton, interest on loan 45 00 

Paid L. Q. Rawson, on ground 1,088 00 

Paid B. Donahue, for loan 400 00 

Paid B. Donahue, loan interest 23 29 

Paid Bank of Fremont, loan and interest 318 20 

Paid W. W. Stine, interest 6 53 

Paid I. iVI. Keeler, expenses to Columbus 15 00 

Paid premiums to date 1,682 00 

Paid fair expenses 253 71 

Paid permanent improvement on grounds 840 40 

Paid Bank of Fremont on note 150 00 

$8,042 68 

Cash on hand February 5, 1875 $ 3 28 

Here it will be noticed that the fair of 
1874 shows a marked increase in the re- 



222 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ceipts and di.sbursements of the society. 
In an elaborate report made by the 
secretary, Isaac M. Keeler, of the fair of 
1874, to the State Board of Agriculture, 
held at Columbus, Ohio, January 6, 1875, 
he says, among other things: 

The exercise of horses on the half mile track dur- 
ing a portion of each day, attracted a large crowd, 
and some excellent time was made. 

Further on the report says : 

The results of the fair of 187^ were unfortunate to 
the society, for instead of decreasing the sum of its 
indebtedness, it added considerably thereto, and left 
a bad feeling among former friends of the society. 
The officers of 1874, therefore, felt the greater neces- 
sity for economy in expenditures, and at the same 
time to make the e.xhibition so attractive as to induce 
the people from all parts of the county to show their 
interest in the society by being present at the annual 
fair. The total indebtedness of the society at this 
time c muot be far from four thousand five hundred 
dollars. 

On the whole, the fair of 1874 was a 
success, and awakened a new interest in 
its support. 

Pursuant to notice, the society met at 
the county auditor's office, and, after hear- 
ing the treasurer's report, and ordering it 
referred to a committee, a resolution was 
passed at this meeting to amend the con- 
stitution, so that thereafter there should 
be thirteen directors of the society. One 
thereof should be chosen from each 
township, there being twelve township?, 
and also one director at large. There- 
upon the following persons were unani- 
mously chosen directors lor the ensuing 
year: J. K. Richards, of York townsi ip; 
Levi Cowell, of Riley; W. G. Hafford. 
of Ballville; Flatt Brush, of Sandusky; 
Adam Bair, of Scott ; John Sandwish, of 
Woodville; Casper Stausmire, of Madi- 
son; David Fuller, of Townsend; R. B. 
Hayes, Fremont, director at large. 

Of the preceding board the following 
directors held over and were also part ot 
the board for 1875, namely: Henry Lud- 
wig, of Jackson township; Joseph Wag- 
goner, of Washington; S. S. Rathbun, of 



Green Creek; and Fred Smith, of Rice 
township. 

On the 13th of February, 1875, the 
board met and elected the following offi- 
cers : William W^ Stine, president ; Charles 
A. Norton, vice-president; Isaac M. 
Keeler, secretary; Henry Baker, treas- 
urer. 

A premium list was prepared and 
adopted by the board at their meeting, 
May I, 1875. 

The board of directors appointed the 
time tor holding the annual fair to be 
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Sep- 
tember 2 I, 22, and 23. 

An extended premium list was prepared 
and the fair was held according to ap- 
pointment. This year the fair was not as 
successful as the year before. The entries 
for exhibition were about one hundred 
and fifty less than at the fair of 1874. 
Another injurious fact was the unfavorable 
weather of the first two days, which 
greatly reduced the entries, the attend- 
ance, and the amount received at the en- 
trance gstes. 

RECEIPTS. 

Cash received from treasurer $ ii 78 

("ash received from city of Fremont 100 00 

Cash received from annual fair 3>438 14 

$3,549 92 

UISBURSEMEiNTS. 

Paid interest on loans $ 182 67 

I'aid premiums on class 18 417 00 

Paid annual premium list 818 25 

Paid L. Q. Rawson, on land 615 95 

Paid permanent improvements 575 00 

Paid printing and stationery 180 00 

Paid Light Guard Band, music 75 00 

Paid secretary, for services 50 00 

Paid Bank of Fremont, note loi 75 

Paid bills of 1873 ^"'^ ^^74 72 00 

Paid expenses of the fair 437 00 

Paid cash in treasury 30 00 

$3,549 92 

The wheat crop of 1875 was reported 
not to be as good nor as large as that of 
1874, but was, notwithstanding, above an 
average crop. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



223 



The fair was actually held four days, the 
last two of which brought fine weather 
and greatly increased the attendance and 
swelled the receipts, and also rescued the 
society from the losses of the first two 
days. 

SHADE TREES. 

This year the board, to- encourage the 
planting of shade trees along the high- 
ways in the county, offered premiums for 
their planting. To the owner planting 
the best row of not less than forty trees, 
twenty dollars. For best row containing 
not less than twenty-five trees, ten dollars. 
The trees were to be planted during the 
year ending June, 1876, and the premi- 
ums to be awarded at the annual fair, in 
1876. 

Pursuant to notice published, the mem. 
bers of the society met at the auditor's 
office, on the 5th day of February, 1S76. 
A committee was duly appointed to report 
the names of seven directors, whose time 
had expired, and one director at large. 
This committee consisted of Henry H. 
House, Joseph Waggoner, James Wickard* 
William J. Smith, and Nehemiah Engler, 
who reported the following names: W. B. 
Lewis, director at large for one year; W. 
D. Stine, one year; Casper Stausmire> 
William J. Smith, James D. Benner, S. S. 
Rathbun, W. H. Hineline, and E. A. 
Beebe, each for two years. The directors 
holding over were J. K. Richards, Levi 
Cowell, W. G. Hafford, P. J. Gossard, and 
John Sandwish. This board met on the 
1 2th of February, 1876, and elected the 
following officers for the year : Gen- 
eral R. P. Buckland, president; J. P, 
Elderkin, vice-president; Henry Baker, 
treasurer; Isaac M. Keeler, secretary. 

Afterward, Vice-President I^lderkin be- 
ing about to remove from the county, re- 
signed his ofifice, and Henry Coonrod was 
elected to fill the vacancy. The premium 
list was agreed to and duly published. 



The fair was held October 3, 4, 5, and 6, 
1876. The number of entries for pre- 
miums was eleven hundred and seventy- 
five. The membership tickets, at one 
dollar each, were twelve hundred and sev- 
enty-eight. The total receipts of this fair 
amounted to three thousand two hundred 
and seven dollars and forty cents. The 
premiums paid, including races, amounted 
to one thousand four hundred and thirty- 
seven dollars and sevenly-five cents. The 
more particular items of disbursement are 
not given, but the fair was a success, as 
the receipts appear to embrace no loans. 

On the 2d day of November, 1876, at 
night, floral hall, the pride of the fair 
grounds, was totally consumed by fire, 
which was said to be no doubt the work 
of an incendiary. It was, however, fully 
insured. 

In the secretary's rejDort to the State 
Board of Agriculture, on the fair of 1876, 
the following showing is made: 

RECEIPTS. 

Amount received for tickets of member- 
ship, single tici<ets and tickets to the 
grand stand, $2,672 90 

For booths, refreshments, stands and per- 
mits 357 00 

From other sources 437 25 

On hand from 1875 39 42 

$3,526 64 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

Paid premiums $1,438 00 

Paid permanent improvements i|057 ^6 

Paid fair expenses 928 00 

Paid balance to new account 103 48 

$3,526 64 

This must have been a prosperous year 
for the society, for the fair made by this 
showing more than a thousand dollars' 
worth of permanent improvements, paid 
all expenses and left a balance of one 
hundred and three dollars and forty- 
eight cents, in the treasury. Besides the 
items of receipts given in the secre- 
tary's annual report to the State Board 
of Agriculture, the State Board had paid 



224 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



the society one hundred and twenty-seven 
dollars and fifty-one cents, and the insur- 
ance on floral hall was paid into the 
treasury on the 3d day of February, 1877, 
amounting to one thousand dollars, which 
amounts do not appear in the secretary's 
report, and were no doubt standing to the 
credit of the society for the succeeding 
year, or promptly applied to the society's 
indebtedness. These two items were 
probably received too late to be included 
in the financial report of 1876, though 
paid in before the annual election of offi- 
cers. 

This fair was remarkable for a better 
exhibition of horses, cattle, and sheep than 
any preceding one, also for a better ex- 
hibit of mechanic arts, and of machinery, 
among which latter the Hubbard mower 
and reaper, manufactured by the Fremont 
Harvester works, was prominent; also 
June & Company's portable engine, man- 
ufactured in Fremont, and invented here. 
Lehr Brothers, also of the city of Fremont, 
had on exhibition agricultural implements 
and other articles, which did great credit 
to the growing manufactures of the 
county. At this fair it was shown that 
the farm products of grains, seeds, vege- 
tables, butter, cheese, etc., were greater 
and better than ever before. Fruits, ex- 
cepting peaches, were fine and in great 
variety. The hay crop was unusually 
abundant and good. Potatoes were what 
is commonly expressed as a short crop. 

In the report of 1876, the secretary es- 
timates the value of the fair grounds and 
improvements, the land being about 
twenty-eight acres, at fifteen thousand 
dollars, which is generally thought to be a 
low estimate. 

Lewis Balsizer, of Riley township, raised 
on seven and one-eighth acres, two hun- 
dred and forty-eight bushels of wheat by 
weight, and on seven and one-eighth acres 
five hundred and thirty bushels of corn, 



and being the only one who made an 
entry for premium on these crops, took 
a premium of ten dollars on each. It 
is not improbable that other farmers 
raised an equal and even greater quantity 
per acre than Mr. Balsizer, but did not 
see fit to make the entry for the premium. 
We have mentioned that the property 
of the society was estimated at fifteen 
thousand dollars at the close of the year 
1876. On the 17th of February, 1877, 
the secretary, Mr. Isaac M. Keeler, en- 
deavored to ascertain accurately the 
entire indebtedness of the society, and 
after doing so stated it to be, on the 17th 
of February, 1877, one thousand nine 
hundred and ninety-eight dollars and 
thirty-two cenfs. This showing indicates 
a healthy financial condition, which prom- 
ises well for the future. 

Assets in real property $15,000 00 

Debts 1,900 00 

Net balance on real estate $13,100 00 

At a meeting of the members, held at 
the auditor's office, on the 17th of Febru- 
ary, 1877, the following directors were 
elected, to-wit: At large — Hiram Pool, 
Ballville township. For two years — W. 
D. Stine, Sandusky; Fred Smith, York; 
Joseph R. Clark, Riley; James Wickard, 
Ballville; D. S. Tinney, Scott; Henry 
Herman, Woodville. For one year — T. 
U. Stevenson, Madison, to fill vacancy. 

The directors holding over were: Wil- 
liam J. Smith, Jackson; James D. Benner, 
Washington; S. S. Rathbun, Green Creek; 
W. H. Hineline, Rice; David Fuller, 
Townsend. 

This board of directors met on the 
3d day of March, 1877, and elected the 
following officers: L. Q. Rawson, presi- 
dent; W. W. Stine, treasurer; Isaac M. 
Keeler, secretary. 

The executive committee was then 
chosen, consisting of the following-named 
persons: C. H. Bell, W. W. Stine, W. H. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



225 



Hineline, James D. Benner, James Wick- 
ard, and Hiram Pool. 

The board, at their meeting April 25, 
1877, resolved to encourage the planting 
of Osage orange hedge, and offered a pre- 
mium of twenty dollars for the best forty 
rods, and ten dollars for the best twenty 
rods. 

At the same meeting the president and 
vice-president were appointed a committee 
to select the place and decide upon a plan 
for a new floral hall. The plan for the 
hall was made by J. C. Johnson, architect, 
and the place chosen near the site of the 
one destroyed by fire. 

The contract for building the hall was 
awarded to Henry Shively on the 2d day 
of June, 1877, at the price of one thousand 
six hundred and fifty-nine dollars. Floral 
hall was insured while being built, and 
was ready in time for the fair. 

On the first day of the fair of 1877, be- 
ing October 2, at 9 o'clock in the evening, 
fire broke out at the northeast corner of 
the fair grounds, a locality occupied by 
trotting and running horses. In a very 
short time a block of stalls, twenty-two in 
number, were consumed. The loss on 
the stalls was fully insured. Mr. J. H. 
Harley, of Huron, lost a valuable mare, 
and some valuable harness, and some sad- 
dles were also burned. 

This fire was said to have been caused 
by fire communicated to straw in the halls 
from candles used by men who were sleep- 
ing in the stalls, and who went to sleep 
without properly caring for the light they 
had used. Perhaps the man fell asleep 
while reading. The damage done to the 
property by this fire was less than one 
hundred dollars, and was repaired by vig- 
orous work the next day, without inter- 
rupting the proceedings of the fair. 

The receipts and disbursements of the 
society, for the fair of 1877, were as fol- 
lows: 



RECEIPTS. 

Amount in treasury from 1876 $ 161 81 

Gate fees and entrance 2,714 84 

Stand rents 465 00 

Permits 75 25 

Pasturage, racing, etc 455 55 

3,872 46 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

Amount of premiums paid $1,400 00 

Paid on real estate and improve- 
ments 1,288 95 

Current expenses other than pre- 
miums 1,217 75 31872 46 

Funds in treasury December 14, 

1877 15 76 

The society, at the date of this report, 
had a membership of fifteen hundred and 
fifty persons, with an indebtedness of two 
thousand five hundred and seventy-one 
dollars and sixty cents. 

Directors were elected on the 2d day of 
February, 1878, for the ensuing year, as 
follows: Henry Filling, Madison town- 
ship; Joseph D. Benner, Washington 
township ; W. H. Hineline, Rice town- 
ship; W. J. Smith, Jackson township: E. 
A. Beebe, Townsend township; Henry 
Herman, Woodville township, each for 
two years, and Henry Coonrod, of Fre- 
mont, director at large. 

On the 1 6th of February, 1878, the 
board of directors met and elected the 
following officers: L. Q. Rawson, presi- 
dent; Charles H. Bell, vice-president; W. 
W. Stine, treasurer; John Landgraff, jr., 
secretary. 

The president then appointed an exec- 
utive committee, as follows: L. Q. Raw- 
son, C. H. Bell, Henry Coonrod, W. 
W. Stine, and William J. Smith. This 
committee, on the 5 th of March, ar- 
ranged a premium list for the next fair. 

In this list, for the first time, a premium 
was offered to encourage bee culture. 

This year the board designed and com- 
pleted a building for the use of the ofificers 
of the society, on the grounds. 

The^'fair was held on the ist, 2d, 3d, 



226 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



and 4th days of October, 1878, and was 
attended by an estimated number of ten 
thousand persons. The weather was of 
the most favorable character for the exhi- 
bition. The arrangement was good, the 
grounds in better order than ever before, 
and the fair a success in all respects. The 
Driving Park Association were permitted 
to use the race track for a consideration, 
which no doubt contributed to swell the 
attendance. 

The receipts and expenditures for the 
fair of 1878 are as follows: 

RECEIPTS. 

Amount in treasury February, 1878 $ 15 76 

Received from State allowance for 1877 127 52 

Received from sale of tickets 2,888 40 

Received from stands and permits 852 00 

Received from county 5070° 

Received from other sources 402 66 

$4,793 34 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

Premiums paid $1,609 5° 

Paid for permanent improvements 860 21 

Paid on old indebtedness 1.32S 82 

Paid for current expenses 992 51 

Balance on hand December 19, 1878 5 30 

$4,793 34 

The great financial success and the suc- 
cess in other respects of this fair, encour- 
aged the society to hope that in another 
year it would free itself entirely from debt, 
and be on the highway of advancement 
clear of all obstructions. 

This year's statistics showed that there 
were forty thousand acres of wheat raised 
in the county, and that the average yield 
was twenty-two bushels to the acre. 

The exhibition of machinery exceeded 
any thing done in that way on the ground 
at any previous fair. The inventions for 
binding grain were first exhibited at this 
fair, and attracted much interest and close 
attention. 

On the 1st of February, 1879, the 
members of the society met at the court- 
house in Fremont, for the election of direct- 



ors. At this meeting, before proceeding to 
the election, the president, as a matter of 
advice, wished an expression of the sense 
of the members on the question of allow- 
ing the sale of beer on the fair grounds. 

After considerable discussion, on motion 
of L. W. Ward, a vote was taken to ex- 
press the opinion of the meeting on the 
question, but not to be binding on the 
directors, nor to take away their control 
of the matter. The vote was taken by 
ballot. The whole number of votes was 
forty-three; of this number thirty-two were 
in favor of allowing the sale, and eleven 
against it. 

The members then proceeded to the 
election of directors for the ensuing year, 
with the following result: Sandusky town- 
ship. Manual Maurer, two years ; York, 
T, E. Gardner, two years; Riley, Joseph 
R. Clark, two years; Ballville, James E. 
Wickert, two years; Scott, D. S. Tinney, 
two years ; Woodville, H. Herman, two 
years; director at large, Joseph Waggoner, 
one year. Directors holding over one year 
were Joseph D. Benner, W. H. Hineline, 
William J. Smith, E. A. Beebe, S. S. 
Rathbun, and Joseph Waggoner, the di- 
rector at large. 

On the 8th of February, 1879, the 
board met, and elected L. Q. Ravvson, 
president; John L. Greene, jr., vice-presi- 
dent; William B. Kridler, secretary, and 
E. B. Moore, treasurer. 

The executive committee for 1879 con- 
sisted of the following named gentlemen, 
who were appointed by the president, 
namely: Manuel Maurer, John L. Greene, 
jr., and William J. Smith. At this meet- 
ing the rule of the State Board of 
Agriculture, requiring the exhibitors of 
thorough-bred animals to furnish the 
secretary of the society a pedigree of the 
animal at the time of making the entry, 
was adopted. At the same meeting the 
board resolved to hold the next annual 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



227 



fair on the 30th of September and the 
ist, 2d, and 3d days of the month of Oc- 
tober, 1879. 

The premium list was revised and pub- 
Hshed, and the fair was held at the 
appointed time. The receipts and expen- 
ditures of this fair, according to the treas- 
urer's report, were as follows. 

RECEIPTS. 

Balance in treasury, February, 1879 $ 35 89 

From sale of 4,500 tickets 1,127 75 

From sale of 251 half-tickets 25 10 

From sale of 856 grand stand tickets 58 60 

From sale of 1,543 membership tickets. .., 1,543 00 
Received from other sources 81 80 

$3,601 14 

DISBURSEMENTS. 

For current expenses $ 1,157 15 

For permanent improvements 958 96 

For premiums paid 1.977 10 

$4,093 21 

The total indebtedness of the society 
on the ist day of January, 1880, as stated 
in the journal of its proceedings, was one 
thousand three hundred and nineteen d<jl- 
lars and eighty-three cents. While appar- 
ently the expenditures of the society for 
the fair of 1879 exceeded the receipts by 
the amount of four hundred and ninety- 
two dollars and seven cents, it must be 
remembered that nine hundred and fifty- 
eight dollars and ninety-six cents were 
invested in permanent improvement of 
its property. This shows, in fact, a net 
gain of four hundred and sixty-six dol- 
lars and eighty-nine cents, which is doing 
well. It should also be noticed that the 
amount of premiums paid in 1879 is much 
greater than that paid at any preceding 
fair. 

At a meeting of the society held at the 
court-house on the 7th day of February, 
1880, Joseph Waggoner was elected di- 
rector at large, but declined to act as such, 
and William J. Smith was elected to the 
office. 



The directors for the year 1880 were 
as follows : For Fremont township, M. 
Maurer, one year; York, T. E. Gardner, 
one year; Riley, Joseph R. Clark, one 
year; Ballville, James E. Wickert, one 
year; Scott, D. S. Tinney, one year; 
Woodville, H. Herman, one year; Madi- 
son, J. Marvin, two years, Jackson, Dan- 
iel Sueckert, two years; Washington, N. 
Engler, two years; Green Creek, Joseph 
Lutz, two years; Rice, Peter Darr, two 
years; Townsend, Frank Dirlam, two years; 
Sandusky, Fred Smith, two years; direc- 
tor at large, William J. Smith, for one 
year. 

Amongst the proceedings at this meet- 
ing was the passage of a resolution forbid- 
ing the sale of beer or any intoxicating 
liquors on the grounds of the society, 
which was passed by a unanimous vote 
of the members of the society present at 
the meeting. At this meeting another 
resolution was unanimously passed, that 
the directors be requested to obey the 
laws of the State of Ohio in the matter of 
gambling, and that no wheel of fortune 
or gambling device of whatever kind be 
permitted upon the society's grounds at 
their annual fair. 

On the 14th day of February, 1880, the 
board of directors met at the city council 
chamber, and elected the following officers, 
namely: J. L. Greene, president; Joseph 
Waggoner, vice-president; William B. 
Kridler, secretary, and E. B. Moore, 
treasurer. 

At this meeting, February 14, 1880, the 
time for holding the next annual fair of 
the society was fixed for the 28th, 29th 
and 30th of September, and the ist of 
October, 1880. 

The fair was held according to appoint- 
ment, and was a success, as the treasurer's 
report to the board, made on the ist of 
February, 1881, will show, and which is as 
follows : 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



RF.CEIPTS. 

Balance in the treasury February i, 1880. .$ 189 17 

Received from sale of tickets 2,622 27 

Received from sale of stands and permits. . 347 00 

Received from other sources 188 00 

Received from pasturage 95 5° 

Received from county 479 48 

$3,921 42 

DISBURSEMKNTS. 

Amount paid for premiums $1,861 17 

Amount paid for permanent improvements 813 11 

Amount paid for current expenses 794 09 

Amount p .id for interest on certificates.. 63 00 

Amount paid on principal of debt 72 62 

Balance in treasury 316 86 

$3,921 42 



At the meeting on February i, 1881, 
the total indebtedness of the society was 
ascertained, and stated to amount to six 
hundred and sixty dollars. 

This shows the society to be on a solid 
financial basis, with the good will of the 
people to support it in the future, and in 
possession of one of the most attractive 
county fair grounds in the State. 

Note. — The reaaer will find inaccuracies in the 
figures forming the tables of receipts and disburse- 
ments, but wherever they occur the publishers have 
followed the manuscript exactly, and are not respon- 
sible for the errors and discrepancies. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



THE PRESS. 



History of Newspapers Published in Fremont, Clyde, Bellevue and Green Spring — Their Editors, Politics' 
Changes, &c. — A Mistake and its Consequences. 



THE first step toward a complete civil- 
ization of a people is to open a way 
by which facts and ideas can be conveyed 
to and deposited in the storehouse of 
each one's heart and memory. This pro- 
cess may be likened to the removal 
from a highly productive region of country 
to other and new regions, rich by nature 
but unimproved and yielding nothing. To 
clear the way and prepare the track to such 
new region of undeveloped hearts and 
minds of the people is the peculiar office 
and result of common education. And 
here the simile ends, for the whole earth 
may, within some vast period of time, be 
reached and subdued, and put in director 
indirect communication with every other 
part. But new territory to be reached 
and developed in the cause of civilization 
will be found in every succeeding genera- 



tion of men, and will be as perpetual as 
humanity itself. 

When education has opened the way to 
the hearts and understandings of the peo- 
ple, then next in nnportance comes 

THE PRESS, 

which may be likened to the locomotive 
and train attached, transporting rich car- 
goes of fact, science, thought, and infor- 
mation from the old to' the new region; 
and when the new region is developed, the 
train returns with rich freights from the 
new to the old, thus establishing a vast 
exchange of new thought and facts to en- 
rich the world. 

The later inventions of the telegraph 
and telephone have not yet superseded 
the newspaper. The first is used for busi- 
ness chiefly, and beyond that is the hand- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



229 



maid of the press only; the second is too 
Hmited in its capacity for communication 
with the great masses of the people. 

Notwithstanding the wonderful progress 
of invention, the newspaper yet remains 
the great engine for the rapid diffusion and 
transportation of facts and thoughts from 
mind to mind, and to-day stands the 
strongest helper in the great work of ele- 
vating mankind to a higher plane of sym- 
pathy and civilizition. 

It is probably true that the press has 
not always raised those seed thoughts o! 
progress which have produced so much 
good. These have in part come from the 
scientist's laboratory, the advanced think- 
er's brain, or the pulpit. But the press 
has sown the good seeds of progress, from 
whatever source they came, further, wider, 
and more broadcast amongst the people 
than any other instrumentality auKmg men. 

It is, therefore, fitting that, whatever has 
been done toward establishing and sup- 
porting the press here should be made 
part of the county's history. Such a rec- 
ord will furnish interesting matter for ref- 
erence and comparison in the future, and 
at the same time be only an act of justice 
to those who worked so hard, under finan- 
cial discouragements, to establish this great 
medium of communicatiou amongst the 
people of the county. 

LOWER SANDUSKY GAZETTE. 

The first printing press brought to 
Lower Sandusky (now Fremont), was a 
small hand press, introduced by David 
Smith. The first paper printed on it was 
called the Lower Sandusky Gazette, edit- 
ed and published, and in fact printed by 
the proprietor himself, alone, he being the 
only hand about the office. The first 
number was issued in July, 1829. The 
size of this paper when opened and en- 
tirely spread out, was seventeen by twenty- 
one inches, by exact measurement. The 



editor and publisher, type-setter and press 
man, all in one person, was a thin, pale, 
slip-shod specimen of humanity. He al- 
ways wore his shoes, or rather slippers, 
broken down at the heels, and his socks 
were ragged. He was afflicted in the au- 
tumn of the year 1829, soon after the 
commencement of his brave enterprise, 
with fever and ague, which at that time 
no person of fashion was without in the 
dread month of September, who resided 
at Lower Sandusky. The'editor and pub- 
lisher's wood-pile was always out doors in 
front of his ofifice, and the pieces were 
eight feet long, to be chopped by himself 
into proper lengths of about four feet for 
the fire-place, from which the whole office 
was to be warmed in the winter. He 
would leave the care of the press when- 
ever the temperature of his office fell near 
the freezing point, and go out to chop 
wood to replenish his fire, warm up the 
ofifice, and then resume his place at the 
press, or case, or the editorial table, as the 
case might be. While, after a sudden, 
cold snap in the weather. Smith was cut- 
ting wood one winter in the snow, his 
heels being bare, were frozen before he 
could cut sufficient wood for the night, 
and his feet remained sore for a long time, 
during which kind friends volunteered to 
cut and carry in his fire-wood. 

Smith found after a while that the pa- 
per would not pay, and being generally dis- 
gusted, left the country with his press, and 
the Lower Sandusky Gazette died of ma- 
laria and hard times at the age of about 
eighteen months. The future life and 
fate of Mr. Smith is not obtainable at the 
present day, but wherever he may be, 
whatever his fate, David Smith stands as 
the pioneer newspaper editor and publish- 
er of the county, and we cheerfully give 
him the honor in return for his daring and 
sufferings in the attempt to establish a pa- 
per at that early day in Lower Sandusky. 



230 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Mr. Reuben Rice, now deceased, late of 
Ottawa county, near Elmore, in a communi- 
cation to tht' Sandusky County Pioneer and 
Historical Society, on the 26th of August, 
1875, said he was a practical printer, and 
settled on Portage River in 1823, after 
spending some time at Lower Sandusky 
and trading there. Mr. Rice, in this com- 
munication, further said: 

That in the year 18 — year not recollected — there 
was a man by the name of Smith started a paper at 
Lower Sandusky, called, I t link, t'le Lower San- 
dusky Gazette. He was taken sick and he — no, he 
didn't, — but his paper drooped and died, not a 
natural death ; but Sandusky being at that time a 
place infested with the effluvia arising from themarshes 
and stagnant waters, jeopardized almost every 
thing that had life, and some things inanimate as 
well as animate, suffered from the malaria of a sickly 
place, so the printing of the paper died out though 
the printing materials he removed. I had the honor 
of printing said paper for a few weeks while the edit- 
or and proprietor was sick, but whether this had a 
tendency to bring about a more speedy termination 
of the malady with which said paper was afflicted, I 
know not, but this I do know, that the paper was to 
no great degree benefited by the operation, as the 
sequel goes to prove. 

It is not known now that the Lower 
Sandusky G izette was the organ or advo- 
cate of any political party, church, or sect. 
It was probably only a newspaper and ad- 
vertising medium of no marked proclivi- 
ties or objects except to live, and in this 
primary object it failed. From some time 
in 183 1 to the month of June or July, 
1837, a period of more than si.x years, no 
paper was printed in Lower Sandusky, 
and newspapers published in other locali- 
ties and townships, which, in a small vil- 
lage is about equal to a daily paper, fed 
the appetite for news. 

The next venture in the way of news- 
paper publication in Lower Sandusky was 
the publication of 

THE LOWER SANDUSKY TIMES. 

The press for this paper was brought 
here by Alvin G. White, who edited and 
published it for a time, under the auspices 



of some leading politicians of the county 
who were opposed to the administration 
of Martin VanBuren. The first number 
was issued in June or July, A. D. 1837. 
It was, under the management of Mr. 
White, a very useful medium for advertis- 
ing, and in advocating moral order in so- 
ciety. Mr. White published the Lower 
Sandusky Times several years, when ill 
health caused him to retire, and Peter 
Yates succeeded him in the management 
and editing of the paper. Mr. Yates was 
a bitter partisan and a most acrimonious 
writer, and under his management the 
paper lost ground in popularity and pat- 
ronage. The Democratic party being in 
the ascendancy in the county, it had no 
public patronage, and was printed at a loss 
to those interested. Mr. Yates' sharp, per- 
sonal attacks on men, and the bitterness 
in the treatment of the feelings and opin- 
ions of the party opposed to him, finally 
resulted in a transfer of the management, 
and a change of the name of the paper. 
In 1839 Clark Waggoner, then a young 
printer, was placed in charge of the press 
and materials of the of^fice, and com- 
menced the publication of the. 

LOWER SANDUSKY WHIG. 

At this time events were tending to a 
great political excitement. Mr. Ogle, of 
Pennsylvania, had made his remarkable ex- 
pose, in Congress, of the extravagance of 
the administration of Martin VanBuren. 
His great speech about the gold spoons 
and other golden furniture of the White 
House, and the immense defalcations 
which had taken place under his adminis- 
tration, amongst which was the notable 
defalcation of Swartwout, collector of cus- 
toms in New York, were being exposed, 
and party spirit was being aroused under 
the cry of reform. The Lower Sandusky 
Whig, printed and published by Mr. Wag- 
goner, was the organ of the Whig party of 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



231 



the county, through the memorable cam- 
paign of 1840. It had the patronage and 
support of such men as Ralph P. Buck- 
land, who was an active leader in the 
Whig party, with many other able and in- 
fluential men, such as Revirius Bidwell, 
John A. Johnson, Dr. L. G. Harkness, 
Barney Kline, Amos Fenn, Fredetick 
Chapman, Alpheus Mclntyre, William S. 
Russell, Norton Russell, Caleb H. Bid- 
well, Elisha W. Rowland, Thomas L. 
Hawkins, Dr. Thomas Stillwell, and many 
others, whose names do not now occur to 
the writer, who took an interest in the sup- 
port of the paper, and many of whom be- 
came contributors to its columns. Some 
of these men still live, and will remember 
the political contest; but most of them 
have "passed to that bourne from whence 
no traveller returns," unless they return to 
communicate with the Spiritualists. It was 
in the heated campaign of 1840 that the 
now veteran editor of the P>einont Jour- 
nal, Isaac M. Keeler, took his firstjlessons 
in the art of printing. The paper became 
an effective one in the campaign of 1840, 
and was rewarded for its labors by the tri- 
umph of its party in the election of Wil- 
liam Henry Harrison to the Presidency. 

It is proper here to place on record a 
description of the printing press on which 
the Lower Sandusky Whig was printed. 
It was what was called a "Ramage," almost 
a fac-simile of Benjamin Franklin's old 
press, now so carefully preserved in the 
patent ofifice in Washington, and the same 
one on which, years before, the Albany 
Argus had been prmted. With three pulls 
to print one side of the paper, it was no 
small job to work off an edition. 

The Lower Sandusky Whig was, after a 
few years, transferred to John Shrenk and 
changed to the 

LOWER SANDUSKY TELEGRAPH. 

Mr. Shrenk edited and published the 



paper with fair success until March, 1849, 
when it was purchased by James S. Fouke, 
who changed the name and edited and 
published it under the title of the 

LOWER SANDUSKY FREEMAN. 

Whtn, at the October term of the Court 
of Common Pleas, the name of the city 
was changed from Lower Sandusky to 
Fremont, of course the name of the i)aper 
was changed accordingly. Mr. Fouke 
edited and published the paper until No- 
vember 6, 1852, when it was transferred to 
Mr. J. M. Main, who issued about six 
numbers, when he sold the ofifice. 

On the 27th of January, 1S53, Mr. I. 
W. Booth commenced, with the same 
press, the publication of 

THE FREMONT JOURNAL, 

and continued it until December 24, 
1853, when John Mastin, became the sole 
proprietor. 

On the 26th day of May, 1854, Isaac 
M. Keeler purchased a one-half interest 
in the press and paper, and became the 
editor of it, and continued the publica- 
tion under the firm name of Mastin & 
Keeler. 

On the I St of December, 1854, Mr. 
Keeler bought out Mr. Mastin's interest 
and became editor and sole proprietor. 
Under Mr. Keeler's management the 
paper flourished, and became not only a 
paying concern, but the best record of 
passing events, local and national, in the 
county. He managed it carefully and 
ably in the interest of the city and county, 
and was always stalwart and able on the 
side of morality, law and order, and the 
right in politics, as he understood the 
right. The paper was born a Whig, and 
under his management did good service 
to that party, and also the Republican 
party since its organization. 

Mr. Keeler continued to publish and 
edit the Journal until the 15th of Septerii- 



232 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ber, 1865, when he sold the estabHshment 
to Redvvay Brothers, under whose man- 
agement the paper was published until 
the 5th of October, 1866, when they sold 
out to Messrs. Wilcox and Greene. 

On the 2 2d of May, 1868, Mr. Wilcox 
sold his interest in the paper to his part- 
ner, J. H. Greene, who managed it some 
months, when he sold the establishment to 
A. H. Balsley. Mr. Balsley continued in 
the management of the paper until No- 
vember 12, 1875, when Messrs. Harford 
& Grove became the proprietors and pub- 
lishers, and conducted the Journal until 
December 12, 1877, when Mr. Keeler 
again became the owner of the Journal 
office, and resumed control of the paper, 
after having been out of the publishing 
business for more than twelve years. 

The frequent changes in the manage- 
ment of the paper had not improved it 
in either popularity or i)rofit in the publi- 
cation of it. 

Mr. Keeler says that in all the twelve 
years he was engaged in other business he 
had a yearning for the Journal otfice, 
where, for a period of twenty-five years, 
he had labored almost continuously. 

Since Mr. Keeler resumed the manage- 
ment of the Fiemont Journal, it has been 
much improved in all respects. It is now 
on a sound financial basis. The Journal 
is now printed on a Wells' cylinder power 
press, moved by steam power. It has in 
the job-room two steam power-presses, 
and has a full patronage. 

Mr. Keeler, it is true, continues to edit 
and manage the paper, but has associated 
with him his son Samuel, who is local 
editor, and who is now in well advanced 
training in the newspaper business. The 
father now regrets that he ever left the 
management of the Journal. He intends, 
however, when the course of human 
events shall disable him from the proper 
discharge of editorial labors, that his son, 



who is already a promising proficient in 
the business, shall become the editor and 
manager of the Journal, and the indica- 
tions are now quite plain that whenever 
the Fremont Journal shall pacs to the con- 
trol and management of the son the paper 
will be fully sustained in all those qualities 
which make it an able, and pure, and 
popular county newspaper. 

The Lower Sandusky Times, the Lower 
Sandusky Whig, the Lower Sandusky 
Telegraph, and the Lower Sandusky Free- 
man were all staunch advocates of the 
Whig party and its principles, and the 
Fremont Journal has always been an 
earnest Republican paper, and has been 
consistent in urging the party to organ- 
ize and contend for its principles. It 
opposed the election of Buchanan, and 
supported the war for the Union with zeal 
and great effect. 

THE S.^NDUSKY COUNTY DEMOCRAT. 

It should be noticed that the Lower 
Sandusky Times, which by sundry mutila- 
tions and changes of name became the 
Fremont Journal, was first issued in 
Lower Sandusky in June or Julv, 1837. 
It soon appeared that A. G. White, the 
editor, was opposed to the Democratic 
party. After a few months the political 
course became clearly apparent, as it grew 
more and more pronounced in its political 
inclinations. This at once aroused the 
attention of the dominant Democracy, 
and they at once began to counsel, and 
devise the ways and means of meeting 
the advantages which the opposition had 
acquired by the establishment of a party 
organ in the county. 

About this time Adolphus Kreamer 
had purchased a tract of land at the 
head of navigation of the Portage River, 
then in Sandusky, but now in Ottawa 
county, and had laid off and platted a 
town there, which was named Hartford, 
and was to become a great city. Among 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



233 



other wise things, Mr. Kreamer, in order 
to make known the existence of the future 
city of Hartford, had determined to start 
a newspaper there, and had obtained for 
that purpose a printing press and type 
for a newspaper and moved them from 
Toledo to Hartford. It was an old and 
second-hand press, as was also the ma- 
terial. Mr. Kreamer was a good Demo- 
crat, and Hartford was then in the bounds 
of the county. The newspaper material 
had lain there some time but the paper 
did not make its appearance. A financial 
crisis occurred, and the sale of town lots 
in a wilderness, as Hartford was at that 
time, was cut off and the future prospects 
of the embryo town were shadowed by 
thick, dark clouds. 

In the fall of 1837, about three months 
after the advent of the Lower Sandusky 
Times, the leaders of the Democratic 
party were called together for consulta- 
tion upon the question of establishing a 
Democratic paper in Lower Sandusky. 
John Bell was perhaps foremost in this 
enterprise and was chairman of the meet- 
ing. An association was formed to pur- 
chase a press and publish a Democratic 
paper. Stock was libtrally subscribed, 
and a committee appointed to visit Hart- 
ford and endeavor to negotiate with Mr. 
Kreamer for his press and printing ma- 
terial. In due time the committee re- 
ported, and the press and printing material 
were finally purchased for twelve hundi'ed 
dollars. The press, etc., was hauled by 
wagon from Hartford up the Portage 
River to the Maumee and Western Re- 
serve road, and by that to Lower Sandus- 
ky. The paper was to be published by 
the joint stock company, not incorporated, 
and was to be under the control of a 
committee, of which John Bell was chair- 
man. A young printer by the name of 
William Davis was employed to superin- 
tend the mechanical department, and the ed- 



iting was to be done by anyone who wished 
to write for the paper, the matter subject 
to the admission or rejection of the com- 
mittee. The first number of the paper, 
under the title of the Sandusky County 
Democrat, was issued in the fall of 1837. 
The paper was managed in this way for a 
year, perhaps a year and a half, when it 
was found not to pay expenses. The office 
was, during this time, on the second floor 
of the old building on the southwest cor- 
ner of Front and Croghan streets, where 
the First National Bank now (1881) 
stands. The company afterward gave the 
publication of the pai)er entirely into the 
hands of William Davis, the printer, on 
his agreement to faithfully publish and 
edit the paper, and to keep the stockhold- 
ers from further charges and expense. 

Mr. Davis took charge of the paper on 
these conditions, and managed it to some 
profit for himself until after the October 
election of 1838. At this election Homer 
Everett, then a young man not quite 
twenty-five years of age, vvas elected sheriff 
of the county. Everett had written for 
the paper during the cam[)aign, and on 
his election to the office, of course, be- 
came the dispenser of considerable adver- 
tising patronage. For, be it remembered 
that the financial crisis of 1836 and 1837 
produced more sheriff's sales than any 
period before or since in the history of the 
county. 

The stockholders by this time had be- 
come willing to donate their subscription 
for the benefit of the party, if the paper 
could be continued without further charge 
upon them. There was about four hun- 
dred dollars still due from the committee 
who had given their notes for the press, 
and they offered it to Mr-. Davis if he would 
print the paper and pay that sum, or keep 
the signers harmless from the notes. On 
these conditions Everett and Davis bought 
the paper in the fall of 1838, or early in 



234 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



the year 1839. From this time Everett & 
Davis published the Sandusky County 
Democrat until 1842, when they dissolved, 
and at which time Everett was admitted 
to the bar, and entered the practice of the 
law in partnership with Nathaniel B. Eddy. 
Mr. Davis contmued to publish the paper 
until some time in the year 1842, when he 
sold it to Charles J. Orton, who, for a 
time, had sole charge of it, after which 
Edward F. Dickinson bought an interest 
in the paper, and it was published a while 
by the firm of Orton & Dickinson, who 
transferred it to John Flaugher. Mr. 
Flaugher was a high-minded, honorable 
man, and a true Democrat, but his views 
on slavery and the war of the Rebellion 
were not satisfactory to the anti-war and 
pro-slavery portion of the Democratic 
party, who gave it a rather poor support, 
and the paper lost patronage and influence. 
In fact, as early as 1856, during the great 
discussion over the extension of slavery, 
the leaders of the extreme pro-slavery por- 
tion of the Democrats of the county started 
another paper, which drew off a large part 
of the patronage formerly enjoyed by the 
Sandusky County Democrat, and it had a 
hard struggle for life until, sometime in 
the spring of 1856, Mr. Flaugher sold the 
press and materials of the Democrat to 
Isaac M. Keeler, and the publication of 
the paper caused the radical pro-slavery 
Democrats of the county, who were dis- 
satisfied with the principles advocated by 
the Democrat, to combine and bring about 
the establishment, in 1856, of 

THE DEMOCRATIC MESSENGER. 

This paper was started in 1856, under 
the editorial control of Jacob D. Botefur, 
who came from Boston. Mr. Botefur suc- 
cessfully conducted the paper for several 
years, but he had been reared where De- 
mocracy was composed of men of different 
characteristics from those of Sandusky 
county. Although his Democracy was radi- 



cal enough, he did not understand the men- 
tal and moral condition, or tastes of those 
who 'supported the Messenger, and it was 
thought best for the party to put the paper 
in charge of men to the manor born, 
and Mr. Botefur accordingly sold out and 
retired from the editorial charge of the 
Messenger, and it passed to the hands and 
control of John B. B. Dickinson. After 
managing the paper for some time suc- 
cessfully, and with more talent than the 
paper before had shown, he was willing to 
retire from the charge of the paper, and 
sold it to Messrs. John and Frank Foulke 
brothers, and young men of some literary 
aptness, but of too romantic proclivities to 
make a solid Democratic paper. The 
Foulke Brothers, after a short experiment, 
failed to please the Democracy, and failed 
financially. 

'i his condition of things resulted in a 
transfer of the press and materials for the 
printing of the Democratic Messenger to 
Mordecai P. Bean, who assumed the edit- 
orship and publication of the paper. For 
a time Mr. Bean conducted the paper and 
gave it considerable party popularity, but 
the patronage declined and the party then 
placed the paper in charge of J. S. Van 
Valkenburg, who conducted it until about 
the ist day of April, 1872, when the estab- 
lishment passed to the control of James M. 
Osborne, who had been a partner with Van- 
Valkenburg about one year before, and 
who took charge as editor and publisher. 
Since Mr. Osborn took charge of the 
paper it has been a well-conducted politi- 
cal journal, thoroughly and decidedly 
Democratic. It is well received as the 
organ of the Democracy of the county. 
The Messenger office has a steam power- 
press, and a large job office attached, 
which is doing a thriving business aside 
from the [)atronage of the county officials, 
who are all of the Messenger's political 
party. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



235 



THE FREMONT COURIER. 

This is a weekly paper published in 
Fremont, in the German language, to sup- 
ply the reading wants of a large, indus- 
trious, and intelligent portion of the in- 
habitants of Sandusky county. The 
Courier was founded and first published 
in Fremont, March 10, 1859, by Dr. 
Ferdinand Wilmer, a German physician 
by birth and education. Dr. Wilmer was 
a man of much learning, a ready translator 
of the English and German languages, and 
became at once, through his paper, the ad- 
vocate of the most extreme party measures 
of the Democratic organization. Dr. Wil- 
mer was not a practical printer, and Mr. 
George Homan was the printer of the 
Courier until the 14th of June, i860, 
when Mr. Homan withdrew from the firm, 
and Dr. Wilmer assumed sole control of 
the paper until August 28, 1862, at which 
time Mr. Paul Knerr took charge of the 
mechanical departmtnt of the office. Dr. 
Wilmer, however, continued as editor un- 
til the 6th day of November, 1862, when 
he sold the office to George Homan. 

It was during the day of the i8th of 
April, 1 86 1, when the excitement pro- 
duced by the Rebellion was kindlmg into 
flame, and many patriotic Democrats were 
going into the service to fight for the 
Union, that one forenoon the Fremont 
Courier, printed that day, fell into the 
hands of Frederick Fabing, a prominent 
German citizen of Fremont and a thor- 
oughly patriotic man at heart. Mr. Fabing 
read and translated an eduorial article to 
the bystanders. The Courier was, at the 
time spoken of, printed in the third story of 
what is now known as White's block, cor- 
ner of Front and Croghan streets. 

The effect of this article in the Courier 
so well illustrates the temper of the times, 
that we give it as a part of the history of 
the Courier, as well as to show to future 
generations the true state of feeliuii at that 



memorable time. This can not better be 
done than by a simple and brief narration 
of what followed Mr. Fabing's interpreta- 
tion of the Courier's article. 

In thirty minutes after the nature of the 
article was made known by Fabing, Front 
and Croghan streets, facing the Courier 
office, were filled with men. There were 
men with set teeth, and pale countenances, 
and eyes that expressed unutterable in- 
dignation ; in fact, the whole crowd, num- 
bering from five hundred to a thousand 
determined and angry men, had congre- 
gated under the windows of the office. 
One of the most pallid countenances in that 
crowd was our cool, level-minded fellow- 
citizen, Stephen Buckland, as patriotic a 
man as the city contained, and it contained 
many good ones. As he saw the crowd 
sweHing and every moment becoming 
more threatening, he secured a location 
on the northwest corner of Front and 
Croghan streets. Colonel R. P. Buckland 
and Charles O. Tillotson took a position 
about half way up the outside stair leading 
to the Courier office. 

When the storm was about to burst, and 
a movement of the crowd, and the utter- 
ances from below indicated a rush up 
stairs, with threats looking to the destruc- 
tion of the office, and to serious personal 
injury, if not the life of the editor of the 
Courier, Stephen Buckland mounted a 
railing running along the street, near the 
northwest corner of Front and Croghan 
streets, and holding by an awning post, 
called the meeting to order, saying, that if 
the paper had done wrong, as was claimed, 
he was in favor of doing all that was fair to 
su|)press it. "True," said he "the ])aper 
can speak to thousands while by our words 
we can speak to few. Now," said Mr. 
Buckland, "we must not do anything un- 
manly or rash. I move that Judge John 
L. Green be chosen chairman of this 
meeting, that we may deliberate in an 



236 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



orderly manner." The crowd listentd, 
and Mr. Green was chosen chairman. 

This firm and manly stand by Mr. 
Buckland had the desired effect. A com- 
mittee was chosen, consisting of William 
E. Haynes, Chailes O. Tillotson, Doctor 
Robert S. Rice, and Jacob Snyder, who 
were at once peimitted to pass up the 
stairs to perlorm the duty assij^ned ihem. 

In less than five minutes alter the com- 
mittee passed Tihotson and R. P. Buck- 
land on the stairs, a window of the Courier 
office was raised, and the whole edition ot 
the Courier, containing the offensive ar- 
ticle, came whirling down hke leaves upon 
the pavement. The papers were carefully 
piled near the middle of the street, and 
every one burned to ashes. None of the 
edition had been sent beyond the city 
limits, and the angry multitude was satis- 
fied when the committee announced fiom 
the window that the whole edition was 
destroyed, and the type which printed 
the offensive article distributed, and that 
the paper would print no more articles to 
prevent the enlistment of men in the 
Union army. 

The following is the translation of the 
offensive article, which appeared as edito- 
rial in the Courier of April 18, 1861 : 

The Union in its past proportions is irrevocably 
lost. Thie Republicans will be answerable at the 
judgment seal of history for the annihilation of the 
freest republic in the world, and the curse of the op- 
pressed, whom they have robbed of the last place of 
refuge, and last hope that could become their part. 
The Repul)licans are now everywhere calling meet- 
ings of all citizens, irrespective of party, to devise 
means how to support the Government. They suc- 
ceed in their ruse to get some easily deceived Demo- 
crats into their trap. We caution all our Democratic 
friends to take no active part in such meetings, for 
after the first heat of the excitement is over, they 
will repent of having been caught in such a dull 
way. 

The next day, April 19, 1861, the Fre- 
mont Journal published the foregoing in- 
terpretation of the Courier's article, with 
the following comment: 



When the liberty-loving citizens of our town and 
vicinity, without distinction of party, understood 
the above, their indignation knew no bounds. They 
at once secured an American flag and took it to 
that office, and saw that it was flung to the breeze 
from can of the window. 

The edition of the Courier, which had just been 
printed, was destroyed, and the editor requested to 
issue an extra, both in the English and German lan- 
guage, giving some explanation of his treasonable 
and palpably lalse article, winch he did. 

DOCTOR WILMER'S C.'\KD. 

A CARD TO THE PUBLIC. — An article which ap- 
peared in my paper of this morning, it seems, has 
created an immense excitement in our to\\;n. But 
few papers have been circu ated, the balance of the 
edition has been destroyed. I declare to the public, 
upon my honor as a man, that it never has been, 
and is not now, my intention to write or publish a 
woid, or to commit any action, against the General 
or State Government, 01 advise it to be done by 
others. 

F. WiLMER. 

Isaac M. Keeler was, at the time spoken 
of, when this affair occurred, editor of the 
Fremont Journal, and appended to Dr. 
Wilmer's card in his paper, the following 
fair and manly editorial comments: 

The above explanation seems to have satisfied the 
people. We do not think Mr. Wilmer is a seces- 
sionist, or that he really had any intention of injur- 
ing the Government, but that he has permitted the 
partisan to get the upper hand of his pati"iotism. Let 
us all now throw aside party feeling, and unite in an 
endeavor to save the country at this serious crisis of 
its existence. Neither party, nativity, or sect, should 
now stand in the way of a hearty union of the peo- 
ple for putting down treason and rebellion, and of 
restoring peace and civil liberty to the whole country. 

Mr. Homan continued the publication 
of the Courier until July, 1865. He, 
however, labored under some disadvan- 
tages, arising from the war, and the posi- 
tion he had taken on that question. He 
therefore concluded to discontinue the 
publication of the paper, and its issue was 
suspended for a period of about eighteen 
months, when Messrs. Anthony Young 
and Paul Knerr bought the office, and 
re-commenced the Courier, which again 
appeared. In 1867 Mr. Young sold 
his interest in the paper to Mr. Knerr, 
who remained the sole owner until 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



237 



1870, in which year Dr. VVihiier, who 
all the time edited the paper, became a 
partner with Mr. Knerr. Dr. VVilmer 
stood thus connected with the paper until 
his death, which took place on the 17th 
of July, 1879. Mr. Joseph Zimmerman, 
an editor Irom Cleveland, at once took 
charge of the editorial management of the 
paper. Mr. Knerr, meantime, bought ot 
Dr. Wilmer's widow the interest his estate 
held in the paper, and continued to be 
sole proprietor cjf the Courier until July 
I, 188 1, at which date Mr. Zimmerman, 
by purchase, became sole jjroprietor of 
the concern, and so remains sole editor 
and proprietor of the pajjer. 

The Courier is now doing well. Mr. 
Zimmerman is a fine writer, as well as a 
gentleman of winning manners, whose 
management and talents will make the 
Courier welcome to the German reading 
citizens of the county and elsewhere. 
While thoroughly Democratic, Mr. Zim- 
merman is not of that bitter partisan 
nature which will make his paper odious 
to his opponents; on the other hand, he 
is a gentleman of such broad views and 
intelligence, that no doubt the paper will 
prosper under his management. 

■ THE CLYDE TIMES. 

Mr. Joseph C. Loveland has the honor 
of making the first attempt to establish a 
newspaper at Clyde. He issued the Clyde 
Times in April, 1866, sold it in 1867 to 
J. M. Lemmon and Mr. Notly, who con- 
tinued the publication about one year, and 
sold out to parties from Elmore, in Ottawa 
county, who moved the press and material 
away. 

THE CLYDE NEWS 

was the next paper printed in Clyde. It 
was started by Clark Brothers, from Be- 
rea, in 1868. Six months afterwards one 
of the brothers died and the printing of 
the paper was for a time suspended. In 



the fall of the year 1868, George E. 
Sweetland & Brothers bought the material 
and resumed the publication of the paper. 
In 1869 H. H. Sweetland became the sole 
owner, and for a time published the paper; 
then L. D. Sweetland bought an interest 
in the business. The two Sweetland 
brothers last named carried on the paper 
until 1870, when it was discontinued for 
want of support. 

THE CLYDE INDEPENDENT. 

This paper was started by W. VV. White 
in 1870, who conducted it until 1874, 
when he sold the paper, and material for 
printing it, to F. J. Tattle, on whose 
hands the paper lost patronage and died 
within a year. Mr. White emigrated to 
Canada, and, after his departure it was 
revealed that he had so badly dealt with 
the patrons of the paper as to ruin it, 
hence the chief cause of its failure in the 
hands of Mr. Tuttle. 

THE CLYDE REVIEW. 

In 1873 Mr. George E. Sweetland re- 
turned to Clyde and comiiienced the pub- 
lication of the Clyde Review, and carried 
it on until August, 1877, when he sudden- 
ly removed the press and material, and 
himself also, to the State of Michigan, 
and the publication of the Review was 
discontinued. In August, 1881, Mr. 
Sweetland came back to Clyde and re- 
sumed the publication of the Review, be- 
ginning where he left off in 1877. It is a 
small sheet, printed in an amateur office 
owned by William Frederick, publisher of 
an insurance paper, Mr. Sweetland having 
no office or printing material of his own. 

THE CLYDE SENTINEL. 

In the winter of 1874-75 A. D. Ames, 
who was publishing a paper at Green 
Spring, came to Clyde and began the 
publication of the Clyde Sentinel. George 
J. Holgate afterwards became his partner, 
and, in company with his brother, R. P. 



238 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Holgate, subsequently bought the paper 
and material. The Sentinel was discon- 
tinued in May, 1880, when it became 
merged in the 

CLYDE ENTERPRISE. 

The Enterprise was established in 
March, 1878, by Mr. H. F. Paden, with 
whom H. N. Lay was a partner until 
May, 1880, and A. D. Kinney from that 
date until July, 1881. In May, 1880, as 
above mentioned, the Clyde Sentinel was 
discontinued as a distinct publication, and 
its material and subscription list trans- 
ferred to the Enterprise. The Enterprise, 
under the management of Mr. Paden, has 
become a public favorite. He wields a 
free, graceful, and fluent pen, and is a 
genial gentleman, of straight-out Republi- 
can principles, though courteous to oppo- 
nents when duty will permit him to be so. 
The Enterprise under his editorial control 
has obtained a much larger circulation 
than any former paper of Clyde, and 
seems to rest on a solid foundation, not 
only financially, but in public favor. While 
we acknowledge ourselves under obliga- 
tion for much information concerning the 
press at Clyde, we must clear him of ego- 
tism by saying that the favorable com- 
ments on Mr. Paden and his paper are 
made by the writer, and must -not be at- 
tributed to himself 

THE PRESS OF BELI,EVUE. 

Although the wealthy, pleasant village 
of Bellevue is not wholly within Sandusky 
county, it may be interesting to some of 
the people of the county to have the his- 
tory of the whole press of that !)lace put 
on record in this work, and we therefore 
do so. 

The first venture was made by G. W. 
Hopkins, in the fall of 185 1. He opened 
an office in the old Howard house — now 
defunct — on Monroe street, and issued 



THE BELLEVUE GAZETTE, 

with the still more pretentious title of 
Huron, Seneca, Erie, and Sandusky Ad- 
vertiser, having a spread eagle at its mast- 
head, bearing a scroll with "open to all" 
emblazoned upon it. The paper was a 
five-column folio, in coarse type, devoted 
to current news and the ventilation of 
such ideas as contributors were ambi- 
tious to furnish. C. C. Cook, at present 
deputy postmaster, served in the ca- 
pacity of "devil," thus being the first 
"printer's devil." His most vivid re- 
membrance is that of his duty to ink the 
forms on an old wooden Franklin press — 
a duty with little sentiment and no poetry 
to allure him on to continued service. The 
people felt disposed to give the paper a 
fair support, but its editor was a victim to 
that human bane — strong drink; so, after 
a brilliant but'brief career of six months, 
the fledgeling perished. 

In April of 1861, Mr. O. B. Chapman 
opened a j^rinting office in Squire's block, 
corner of Main and Sandusky streets, and 
issued 

THE BELLEVUE INDEPENDENT, 

a seven-column folio, devoted to general 
and local news. This was the first year 
of the great rebellion, and it would seem 
that the stirring events of those times 
would furnish the necessary pabulum to 
make it a success. But it continued only 
a short time, and then perished for rea- 
sons not now apparent. 

We now come to consider the first suc- 
cessful paper established in the village — 
one to which the town is largely indebted 
for many of its most valued improve- 
ments, being always intensely devoted to 
the welfare of the place and the advocacy 
of such public works and measures as 
would secure its greatest prosperity. We 
therefore think its editor worthy of more 
than a passing notice. Mr. E. P. Brown 
says of himself that he was born at Oxford, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



239 



Ohio, March 5, 1842, of distressingly 
poor but outrageously honest pmrents, and 
claims that the laws of hereditary trans- 
mission have not, therefore, allowed him 
a fair chance. His early life was one of 
toil, with little advantage in the way of 
education, an old darkey preacher being 
his best tutor, but was successful in ob- 
taining a "sheepskin" in a public school 
and valedictory honors. He learned the 
trade of printer in the office of the Oxford 
Citizen at the age of fourteen, when he 
obtained employment in a Cincinnati job 
ofifice. He enlisted in the Thirteenth 
Ohio volunteer infantry at Urbana, Ohio, 
in 1 86 1, and fought the enemies of his 
country for two years, lacking a week, 
serving in all the engagements of that regi- 
ment until the battle of Shiloh, when a 
rebel bullet between the eyes placed him 
hors du combat. He was left for dead, 
and was thus reported, and had the pleas- 
ure of reading his own obituary, contain- 
ing much of a laudatory nature, a privilege 
seldom accorded the human family; but 
subsequent events show him to be an ex- 
ceedingly lively corpse. His wound gave 
him an honorable discharge from the 
' Thirteenth, but he finally re-entered the 
army in the one hundred day's service as 
substitute for a Dutchman, in the One 
Hundred and sixty-seventh regiment, re- 
ceiving three hundred dollars therefor. 
After the close of the war Mr. Brown 
casually made the acquaintance of William 
L. Meyers, of the Tiffin Tribune, who 
proved a fast, firm friend, and proposed 
that, since Bellevue was an excellent place 
to establish a paper, they embark together 
in the enterprise. They did so, but at the 
end of the first six weeks Mr. Meyers be- 
came discouraged and sold his interest to 
his partner for four hundred and fifty dol- 
lars, on a year's time. Mr. Brown him- 
self had had but two years' experience in 
editorial work, and never managed an 



office on his own responsibility, hence he 
entered upon it with fear and trembling, 
almost certain he would fail inside the 
first six months. The outfit of type was 
purchased of the Franklin foundry, amount- 
ing to eight hundred and twenty-three 
dollars. A six-column Washington hand 
press and a half-medium Wells' jobber 
was purchased second hand of other par- 
ties, for two hundred and thirty-seven 
dollars. This comprised the outfit. On 
Saturday, August 10, 1867, the first num- 
ber of 

THE BELLEVUE GAZETTE 

saw the light. The interest taken by the 
business men in the success of the paper 
is shown by the material aid they accorded 
it. C. A. Willard, a leading business man, 
solicited all the subscriptions. Business 
men pledged one thousand two hundred 
dollars, deposited in Sinclair's bank, to be 
paid at the first issue, and taken in adver- 
tising during the first year, which was con- 
scientiously done, and made the capital 
used by the energetic, intelligent, and 
careful management of Mr. Brown, insur- 
ing success. 

At the time the first number was print- 
ed, an all-absorbing interest gathered 
around the press. Indeed, the room was 
full, and as the clean, handsome twenty- 
four-column sheet was taken off the press, 
Mr. Willard's rhapsody was beyond ex- 
pression. Peter Brady, present village 
mayor, was present, and as deeply inter- 
ested as any until, in looking over the 
church notices, the blunder was discovered 
of dubbing him Rev. Peter Brady, pastor 
of the Catholic church. This was too 
much, and any idea that the editor may 
have had that Mr. Brady was a member of 
the clerical profession was immediately 
dispelled then and there. Proper correc- 
tion being made, the printing of the edi- 
tion proceeded. 



240 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Under Mr. Brown's careful manage- 
ment and the fulfillment of every anticipa- 
tion the citizens may have had as to the 
benefits the village would derive from the 
paper, it proved an unbounded success, 
and all fears on his part of a failure were 
dispelled like clouds before the morning 
sun. In the course of the next three years 
Mr. Brown purchased a Hoe cylinder rail- 
road press at a bargain, one which origi- 
nally belonged to Dan Rice, and was used 
to print his show bills. This enabled him 
to branch out in the business. He, there- 
fore, engaged in furnishing ready-prints for 
other offices, and introduced steam. Busi- 
ness increased on his hands until Mr. 
Aiken, the originator of the ready-print 
method of publishing newspapers, made 
him a very advantageous offer to accept 
the management of a new establishment 
in Cincinnati, which he did, and ultimately 
became, as he is now, the sole proprietor — 
only another exam|)le of what pluck, en- 
ergy, and good management will do. 

Mr. E. J. Hammer bought the Gazette 
when Mr. Brown went to Cincinnati, en- 
tering upon its management July 1, 1874. 
Mr. Hammer was not a large man, but 
had large ideas, aspiring to greater things 
than the conduct of a one-horse country pa- 
per. Although that was very well done, yet 
his more ambitious views led him to unite 
with Geogre B. Pratt to start the Norwalk 
Chronicle, which, being a county paper, 
was a step, at least, in the direction of ex- 
celsior. He finally turned the Gazette 
over to his father. Rev. George Hammer, 
of Van Wert, Ohio. The old gentleman^ 
though very kindly disposed, had little or 
no practical skill in the publishing busi- 
ness, hence found it an elephant on his 
hands. In the spring of 1877, he sold it 
to Messrs. C. D. Stoner and S. C. Thomp- 
son, under whose care the paper throve, 
finding a cordial, generous support among 
the people of the community, whose at- 



tachment for an old friend was proof 
against mismanagement of the former pro- 
prietors, as well as the machinations of 
enemies. In the fall of 1879 Mr. Thomp- 
son retired from the paper, and C. D. 
Stoner conducted it until the following 
year, when he associated with himself Mr. 
C. R. Callighan, a promising young man, 
under the firm name of Stoner & Callig- 
han, who continue the publication with a 
fair degree of success. 

At the time, Mr. E. J. Hammer had 
started the Chronicle, and therefore con- 
templated the sale of the Gazette, as well 
as removal to Norwalk, H. F. Baker, son 
of Hiram Baker, one of the early pioneer 
settlers in Lyme township, proposed to 
buy it, but, unable to agree upon the 
price, he decided to purchase new material 
and start another paper. He had really 
no experience in the i)rinting business, 
but his son, H. L. tSaker, had mastered 
some of the intricacies of the trade in the 
Gazette office, and having a natural tact 
for it, they together hoped to make their 
venture a success. This determination 
was acted upon ; an office was opened in 
the new Union block, and on Thursday, 
October 21, 1875, the first number of 

THE BELLEVUE LOCAL NEWS 

was issued. The paper flomished from 
the start. Being managed with full aver- 
age abihty, and by those brought up in the 
community, well versed in all its lore, it 
represents the local interests of the town 
with greater intensity than any other has 
been able to do. In April, 1878, Mr. 
Baker purchased the old Burlington stone 
building, contiguous to the new city hall, 
and tearing down the old front, rebuilt of 
brick in the same style of the city hall, 
which together make as fine a block among 
the many fine business houses as the town 
can boast. The proprietors put steam 
presses and engine into their new quarters 
and are conducting a flourishing business. 




The Mcpherson Moj^umem* at Clyde, Ohio 



CHAPTER XXII. 

MILITARY HISTORY. 

The War of 1812 — Mexican "War — Volunteers of the War of the RebelUon, with Brief Histories of Regi" 
ments Recruited in whole or in part in Sandusky County. 

first opportunity to display their zeal in 
the military service of the country. In 
the spring of 1847, a company of infantry 
was promptly recruited by Captain Samuel 
Thompson, a veteran who was wounded 
in the battle of Lundy's Lane, in the War 
of 18 1 2. The members of this company 
were : 

COiMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Samuel Thompson. 
First Lieutenant Isaac Knapp. 
Second Lieutenant George M. Tillotson. 
Second Lieutenant Lewis Leppelman. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Orderly Sergeant Isaac Swank. 
Sergeant Thomas Pinkerton. 
Sergeant Michael Wegstein. 
Sergeant James R. Francisco. 
Corporal John Williams. 
Corporal John M. Crowell. 
Corporal Benjamin Myers. 
Corporal Edward Leppelman. 
Musician Charles Everett. 
Musician Grant Forgerson. 

PRIVATES. 

William Scothorne, David Beery, C. D. Bishop, 
David Mowry, Joseph Stout, John Quinn, David 
Sane, David Beagel, John Beag^el, Charles Faught, 
Charles Dennis, Samuel Faught, Timothy Wilcox, 
Franklin Dirlam, Frank Rathbun, Hosea Maxham, 
Henry McMillen, George A. Wheeler, Byron Wheel- 
er, David Westfall, Albert Stinson, W. L. Engst, 
George Smith, Henry Swint, Sebastian Smith, John 
Deterly, Christian Steblin, Jacob Gugle, Jacob Ful- 
ler, Alexander Hartdrink, G. F. Wisner, L. D. Bunce, 
John Linebaugh, Darwin Clark, David Morton, Mar- 
tin Zeigler, George Newman, William Parrish, Elias 
Shawl, Lewis Barkimer, Levi Hufford, Holly New- 
ton, Elias Lowens, John McConnel, Samuel Hartly, 
John Stull, David Garret, Monroe Coffin, Erastus 
Honeywell, John G. Bartow, John J. Clark, Henry 
Lovejoy, Evan Davis, George Beem, Barzillia Inman, 
Holly Seeley, Theodore Fitzgerald, Frank Robbins, 
Charles Michael, Jacob Yanny, John Davis, John 
Fabing, James Van Pelt, Henry Fisher, Daniel Ben- 
der, George W. Kershner, Frederick Grider, Fred- 

241 



THE war of the Revolution was history, 
the Indian wars in which Wayne's 
memorable campaign occurred, the mem- 
orable battles at sea, the battles of Tippe- 
canoe and the Thames under Harrison, 
the last gun fired by Jackson at New Or- 
leans had ceased to reverberate, Packen- 
ham had surrendered, and the War of 
1812 brought to a glorious termination by 
American valor, before Sandusky county, 
as a civil and political organization, came 
into existence. 

Although the county was not organized 
until several years after the close ot the 
War of 181 2, a number of the soldiers of 
that war were pioneer settlers and aided in 
the organization. Amongst these we are 
able to give the following names, not 
doubting that there were others whose 
names cannot now be obtained. Among 
those soldiers of the war with England 
commonly designated as the War of 1812, 
who are known to have been here when 
the county was organized, we give the fol- 
lowing: David Gallagher, Jeremiah Ever- 
ett, Thomas L. Hawkins, Charles B. 
Fitch, Captain Jonathan H. Jerome, Israel 
Harrington, Josiah Rumery, and James 
Justice. 

The county, however, embraces ground 
rendered memorable by the War of 181 2, 
and such localities as Fort Stephenson, in 
the present city of Fremont, and Ball's 
battle ground, in Ballville township, are 
places of which our people are proud, and 
from which they stui inhale the inspiration 
of true patriotism. The war with Mexico 
offered the citizens of the county their 
31 



242 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



erick Weikar, Jacob Sabley, Lewis Newcomer, Pat- 
rick Dougherty, Richard Cowper, Thomas Mason, 
Charles Cook, Charles Fitch. 

After Captain Thompson had enhsted 
the required number of men for his com- 
pany, he was ordered to report at Cincin- 
nati. The company travelled by wagons 
from Lower Sandusky, now Fremont, to 
Perrysburg, where canal-boats were fur- 
nished for their further movement. Thence 
they were transported through the Miami 
Canal to Cincinnati on the same boats. 
They arrived at Cincinnati in due time, 
and in June, 1847, ^^''^re mustered into 
service in the Fourth regiment of Ohio 
Volunteers, then forming in that city. 

The Fourth regiment of Ohio \'olun- 
teer Infantry, of which this company, C, 
now formed a part, were : 

Colonel Charles H. Brough. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Augustus Moore. 
Major William P. Young. 
Surgeon Oliver M. Langdon. 
Assistant Surgeon Henry E. Foote. 

The regiment was transported by steam- 
boat down the Ohio and Mississippi 
Rivers to a place called Carleton, eight 
miles above New Orleans. From New 
Orleans the regiment was transported by 
steamer to Brazos Santiago, Texas, thence 
it marched to the mouth of the Rio 
Grande River. From the mouth of the 
the Rio Grande the regiment moved by 
water transportation to Matamoras; thence 
to Vera Cruz, where the regiment was in- 
corporated into, and became part of Brevet 
Major-General Joseph Lane's brigade. 

At Vera Cruz Captain Thompson re- 
turned home, on account of age and dis- 
ability, and from that time the command 
of the company devolved upon Lieuten- 
ant Knapp through the entire war. 

The company, with the brigade, left 
Vera Cruz on the afternoon of Sunda}', 
September 19, 1847. At this time Gen- 
eral Lane's brigade consisted of a battery 
of five pieces from the Third regiment 



United States artillery, under Captain 
George Taylor, also a battery of two pieces 
from the Second artillery, under First 
Lieutenant Henry C. Pratt, Lewis's cav- 
alry, Simon's battalion. Fourth regiment 
Indiana volunteer infantry, and Fourth 
regiment of Ohio volunteer infantry, com- 
manded by Colonel Charles H. Brough. 
A part of the road between Vergara and 
Puentade Marino, lay through sand ridges 
almost destitute of verdure, and the sol- 
diers were obliged to push the artillery 
carriages up many of the steep ascents, 
on account of the large, deep ruts which 
had been formed. General Lane and his 
staff accompanied the brigade. About 
night-fall the brigade halted for the night 
at a little hamlet called Santa Fe. Here 
were found signs of the ravages of war, 
in the blacked and charred remains of the 
beautiful little hamlet. It had been the 
scene of a fight on the 25th of March, 
1847, between Harney, with his dragoons, 
and a body of Mexicans. At this place 
the command camped for the night. 

The brigade marched thence with vari- 
ous interesting incidents, to the National 
bridge. This bridge is an ancient struc- 
ture, and a brief description of it will be 
interesting to the general reader, and 
especially so to those who have an in- 
terest in what the volunteers from San- 
dusky saw on their march, as well as where 
they went. The National bridge of Mex- 
ico is a magnificent structure, and crosses 
the Rio Antaiqua, a swift stream which 
rises near the base of Mount Orizaba, and 
rests on a number of arches. The mason- 
ry is of the most durable character. It 
was finished in the year 1776, and at that 
date, 1847, ^^^^' three-quarters of a cen- 
tury after its completion, showed no sign 
of decay or displacement. At the middle 
of the bridge is a monument giving the 
date of its commencement and its com- 
pletion, and by it are stone seats for weary 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



243 



travellers. There is a strong wall on each 
side of the bridge, running the whole 
length of it, which is between three and 
four feet high. Midway between the east 
and west ends ot the bridge there is a 
high rocky eminence on which a fort was 
built by the Mexican empire. The bridge 
was formerly called Puente del Rey, or 
the Bridge of the King, but after Mexico 
became a republic the name was changed 
to Puenta Nacional, or National Bridge, 
and was a pomt of great military impor- 
tance during the rev(;lutions in Mexico. 
This bridge, with surrounding scenery, 
travelers say without doubt forms one 
of the most sublime landscaj^es in 
Mexico. The brigade of which the San- 
dusky volunteers formed a part, arrived 
at the National bridi^e about the 23d ol 
September. 1847. ^^'^^ bridge was then 
under the control of the American forces, 
but the possession of it had cost several 
severe struggles and the loss of more than 
a hundred brave men. Finally Colonel 
Hughes, in command of a battalion of 
Maryland, District of Columbia troops, 
after a hard struggle obtained possession 
of the fort at the summit of the rocky ele- 
vation, and thenceforward there was no 
more trouble from that fort. This action 
took place on the 9th of September, and 
about two weeks before General Lane's 
brigade arrived at that point. 

The ascent of this eminence, which was 
necessary to dislodge the Mexicans, was, 
if possible, more difficult than that of 
Lookout Mountain. Historians say that 
the only way the men could get up, 
was to pull themselves up by clinging to 
the roots and branches of the shrubs 
which covered the rocks on the sides of 
the steep acclivity. 

The brigade pushed forward, passing the 
battle ground of Cerro Gordo, and reach- 
ing the city of Jalapa on the afternoon of 
the 30th of September, 1847. 



Although it would be interesting to de- 
scribe minutely the marches, incidents, 
country, and scenery through which our 
Sandusky boys passed, still such narration 
would involve a portion of the history of the 
Mexican War, and would hardly be perti- 
nent to our history of the county — still, to 
show the true state of affairs, and why 
Lane's brigade was urged on to Pueblo, it 
is proper to say, that when General Scott 
advanced upon the city of Mexico, which 
is seventy miles from Pueblo, he left 
Colonel Childs, of the artillery, at Pueblo 
with a body of men to guard the city, and 
protect the sick who were in the hospitals 
to the number of eighteen hundred men. 
The force left under the command of 
Colonel Childs numbered in all three hun- 
dred and ninety-three men. The cured 
from the hospitals afterward swelled this 
force to the number of fourteen hundred 
effective men. 

Everything was quiet about Pueblo 
while Scott was fighting at the city of 
Mexico, but as soon as the Mexicans there 
were overcome, they turned their attention 
toward Pueblo. On the 24th of Septem- 
ber a large body of Mexicans came into 
Pueblo, and commenced the siege of that 
place which lasted until the 12th of Octo- 
ber, when General Lane arrived with his 
column. 

On the 22d of September, 1847, Santa 
Anna arrived at Pueblo from Mexico, with 
a considerable force, and assumed com- 
mand of the Mexican forces, which at this 
time amounted to eight thousand men. 
Childs was summoned to surrender, but 
politely declined to do so, saymg that 
Americans were not inclined to do such 
things. And he did not surrender, but 
held the fort until the arrival of Lane with 
his brigade, which, after a fight in the 
streets of Pueblo, drove the Mexicans 
away, and relieved Colonel Childs. 

The Fourteenth Ohio regiment re- 



244 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



mained at Pueblo until after the treaty 
with Mexico was ratified. On the 2d of 
June, 1848, the regunent left Pueblo on 
the return home. They reached Cin- 
cinnati in the latter part of July, where 
they were discharged, and Company C, 
homeward bound, travelled to Tiffin by 
railroad, thence to Fremont by wagons, to 
be warmly and thankfully received by their 
friends. Although the company lost few 
in battle, there were few sound men in the 
ranks when they reached home. Nearly 
all were greatly enfeebled by the diseases 
incident to Mexico and army life, and 
chronic diarrhoea carried off a number after 
reaching home, and enfeebled many dur- 
ing the remainder of life. 

Captains Anion C. Bradley and J. A. 
Jones also recruited a number of men in 
Sandusky county for the Mexican war. 
It has been ascertained that the following 
named were enlisted in the company of 
Captain Jones, whose company, however, 
was chiefly composed of men from Huron 
county, their headquarters being at Nor- 
walk : 

Matthew H. Chance, John.Stahl, George Momeny, 
John Griffin, Nathan Griffin. 

The following other named men were 
volunteers from Sandusky county, and went 
into service, but whether in Captain 
Bradley's or Captain Jones' company, 
cannot be determined by the information 
within our reach, to wit : 

Jesse Herbster, Ephraim Herbster, Amos Grain, 
Frederick Noss, Michael Oberst, Amos Cumings, 
Aitkin Morton, George Fafer, George Parrish, Joseph 
F. Francis, Henry S. Francisco, and Andrew KHne. 

THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 

The election of Abraham Lincoln in 
i860, gave offense to the leading statesmen 
of the South. 

The baneful teachings of Calhoun had 
planted deeply and widely in the minds 
of the Southern people the political heresy 
that the several States of the Union were 



each sovereign, and had the right to 
secede, and to be the judge of their cause 
for seceding, and when they might respect- 
ively exercise the right. Not only did this 
doctrine prevail in the South, but the 
Northern Democracy, under the same, had 
for years given at least tacit assent to the 
teachings of Calhoun as the true theory 
of our Government. The Republican 
party rejected this theory, and claimed 
that we were a Nation, that for National 
purposes the Government of the United 
States must necessarily he supreme and 
the States, subordinate. 

The right and wrong of slavery in the 
Southern States, and the question of its 
extension into the territories which were 
soon to become States, had for years been 
debated in Congress, by the press of the 
country, by orators on the stump, and 
by lecturers on the platform, until the 
public mind had become profoundly agi- 
tated^on the subject, both North and South. 

The election of Abraham Lincoln dem- 
onstrated that the institution of slavery 
could not be extended, and Southern 
statesmen whose influence had dominated 
the Government so long, saw plainly that 
without an extension of their peculiar 
institution, their power was destined to 
pass away, and that the sentiment of 
freedom would dominate in all depart- 
ments of the Government. They clearly 
foresaw that such a condition, coupled with 
the growing and aggressive anti-slavery sen- 
timent in the free States, would not only 
take from them the ascendency m the 
Government and the benefits of its pat- 
ronage, but threatened the very existence 
of their own peculiar institution of slavery 
in the States where it existed. Hence, we 
see, political convictions. State pride, love 
of power, and a tremendous force of self 
interest in the ownership of slaves, all 
converging to drive them to the terrible 
resort of a conflict of armed force. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY, 



245 



It is unnecessary here to recite all the 
steps taken by the enemies of the Union 
anterior to the inauguration of Abraham 
Lincoln. 

Fort Moultrie, when surrounded by 
scowling, deadly foes too numerous to be re- 
sisted, had been wisely abandoned by Ma- 
jor Anderson, who was compelled to trans- 
fer his feeble force to Fort Sumter in the 
night of December 26, i860. 

John B. Floyd, Secretary of War, had 
resigned his post on the 29th of the same 
month. 

Jacob Thompson, Secretary of the Inte- 
rior, had left his post with a heavy defalca- 
tion of eight hundred and seventy thou- 
sand dollars in his department. 

The Star of the West, carrying rein- 
forcements and supplies to Major Ander- 
son at Fort Sumter, had been fired upon 
by the rebels and compelled to turn back. 

General Twiggs, commanding the United 
States military forces in Texas, had, on 
the 23d of February, 1S60, treacherously, 
traitorously, turned over to the State of 
rebellious Texas, all the forces under his 
command, being nearly half the then reg- 
ular army of the United States, with all 
the property and military stores in that 
State, amounting to near twc millions of 
dollars in value. 

The ship Star of the West, which, after 
its return from the abortive attempt to re- 
inforce and provision Fort Sumter, was 
dispatched, laden with supplies for the 
army of the frontier, went into the harbor 
of Indianola unsuspicious of the extent of 
the rebellion, and became an easy prey to 
the exultant rebels. 

The defensive fortifications located with- 
in the seceded States, mounting over three 
thousand guns, and having cost more than 
twenty millions of dollars, had been seized 
and appropriated by the Confederates — all 
under the eyes of President Buchanan, 
without a hand raised to prevent the rob- 



bery of the Nation, or to punish treason 
to the Government. 

There it no doubt but the naturally 
weak President, by accepting the doc- 
trines of Calhoun, and by pledges to 
administer the Government according to 
the requirements of Southern statesmen, 
was fettered and bound hand and foot, 
and all his powers to save the Union 
were paralyzed. Hence he stood stupid, 
amazed, and hepless while the Union was 
crumbling, betrayed, and robbed, and an 
opposing confederacy formed with the 
purpose of overthrowing the Constitution 
of the fathers, and subjugating the North 
by armed force. 

While the later events above noticed were 
being enacted, and on the nth of Febru- 
ary, 1 86 1, Abraham Lincoln left his home 
at Springfield, Illinois, for Washington 
City. The story of his journey, how the peo- 
ple honored him on the way, how at Harris- 
burg his friends, having good ground to 
believe he would be assassinated at Balti- 
more if he should pass through there 
at the appointed time, started him on his 
journey through that city twenty-four 
hours in advance of the contemplated time, 
that he should escape from the assas- 
sins lying in wait for their opportunity ; 
how he arrived at Washington; how he 
was inaugurated, his pleading with the 
rebels to desist and accept his most gen- 
erous ofTPers for peace consistent with the 
existence of the Union, are all too familiar 
to the people to need particularizing here. 

On the 15th of April, 1861, President 
Lincoln issued his proclamation for 
seventy-five thousand volunteer militia to 
be furnished by the several States accord- 
ing to population. The apportionment to 
Ohio was thirteen regiments, of seven 
hundred and eighty men each. 

The intelligent people of Sandusky 
county had watched all the events preced- 
ing this proclamation, with a burning, pat- 



246 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



riotic indignaiion. And now, when ihis 
proclamation came to them, the)' fairly 
leaped into the service. The first oppor- 
tunity offered was to form two com[)anies 
of the Eighth Ohio volunteer infantry, to 
serve three months. Hundreds of able- 
bodied men of .Sandusiky county offered 
to volunteer, but the quota for Ohio was 
so suddenly filled that they were denied 
the coveted privilege of serving their 
country under tiiis first call. 

The Eighth regiment Ohio volunteers 
was first organized as a three months' rc-gi- 
ment, at Camp Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio, 
and sent to Camp Dennison for e([uipmcnt 
and drill, April 28, 1S61. It was subse- 
quently reorganized fur three years, and 
left camp foi West Virginia Julv 8, 1861, 
the following named officers and com 
panies having been mustered into the 
service: 

FIELD AND STAFF. 

Colonel Herman G. DePuy, Erie county. 

Lieutenant Colonel Charles A. Park, Lorain 
county. 

Major Franklin Sawyer, Huron county. 

Adjutant Joseph R. Swigout, Crawford county. 

Qutrttrmaster Herman Reus=, Huron county. 

Surgeon Benjamin Tappan, Jefferson county. 

Assistant Surgeon Samuel Sexton, Hamilton 
county. 

Chaplain L. iN. Freeman, Erie county. 

Surgeons 8. Tappan, resigned; Thomas Mc- 
Ebright, resigned; Joseph L. Bunton. 

Assistant Surgeons — S. Se.xton, resigned; T. Cul- 
ver, resigned; Freeman .A. Tuttle and James S. 
Pollock. 

Chaplains — Rev. L. N. Freeman, resigned, and 
Alexander Miller. 

Adjutants — Lieutenant Joseph R. Swigart, trans- 
ferred to General Kimball's staff; Lieutenant Divid 
Lewis, promoted to captain, and Lieutenant Jolin 
W. DePuy. 

Quartermasters — Lieutenant Herman Ruess and 
Lieutenant E. F. Dickinson, promoted to captain. 

The regiment was composed of ten 
companies: Company A, from Seneca 
county; Company B, Cleveland; Com- 
pany C, Crawford county; Company D, 
Huron county; Company E, Erie county; 
Companies F and G, Sandusky county; 



Company H, Medina and Lorain; Com- 
pany I, Lorain, and Company K, Medina. 

Company F was organized in Sandu.sky 
county. Captain George M. Tillotson 
died at Fremont, Ohio, March 4, 1863; 
first Lieutenant Charles M. Fouke, re- 
signed; Second Lieutenant E. W. Cook, 
resigned; First Lieutenant Henry Farnum, 
promoted from sergeant, also promoted to 
captain, wounded at Gettysburg; Second 
Lieutenant Thomas H. Thornburgh, pro- 
moted from sergeant, wounded at Mine 
Run. 

Company G was organized in Sandusky 
count)-. Captain William E. Haynes, pro- 
UKjted to Lieutenant ( !olonel 'i'enth Ohio 
volunteer cavalry; First Lieutenant Ed- 
ward F. Dickinson, promoted to captain, 
served as regimental quartermaster (>ince 
a member of Forty-first Congress from 
Ninth Congressional district of Ohio); 
Second Lieutenant Creighton 'J'hompson, 
wounded at Antietam. 

The regiment left Camp Dennison for 
Virginia, July 8, 1861, and served in the 
campaign against Garnett's force; was 
present at an attempt on Romney, under 
Colonel Cantwell of the Eighty second 
Ohio, at its capture under General Kelley. ' 
It was also engaged in a skirmish at Blue 
Gap and at Bloomey Gap. During the 
winter of 1861-62 it formed a part of 
General Lander's force, on the Upper 
Potomac, Patterson's Creek, and Paw Paw 
Tunnel. 

In November, 1861, Colonel DePuy and 
Lieutenant-Colonel Park resigned and Cap- 
tain S. S. Carroll, of the United States Army, 
was appointed colonel. Major Sawyer 
was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and 
Captain A. H. VVinslow to major. Col- 
onel Carroll was a graduate of West Point, 
brave, active, and devoted to his profes- 
sion. During six weeks under his com- 
mand, at Ronmey, the regiment attained a 
high state of proficiency in drill and tac- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



247 



tics, and the esprit du corps for which it 
was afterwards greatly celebrated. 

In March, 1862, the regiment joined 
General Shields' division, in the Valley of 
the Shenandoah, and took part in the 
campaign against "Stonewall" Jackson ; 
and, on the 23d of March, in the battle 
of Winchester, Colonel Carroll, with part 
of the regiment, was at one time hotly 
engaged on the left of the position, losing 
three men killed, and receiving several 
balls in his clothing. Colonel Sawyer, 
with companies C, D, E, and H, was on 
the right, and charged the enemy in flank, 
in conjunction with the Fifth and Sixty- 
second Ohio. The loss in these four 
companies in killed and wounded was 
more than one-fourth the number engaged. 

After this battle Colonel Carroll was 
placed in command of a brigade, and did 
not again command the regiment, which 
was, during the balance of its service, in 
command of Lieutenant Colonel Sawyer, 
with brief exception. The regiment was 
at this time assigned to General Kimball's 
brigade, consisting of the Fourth and 
Eighth Ohio, Fourteenth Indiana, and 
Seventh Virginia. 

Shields' division now moved to Fred 
ericksburg, and left General Banks to his 
fate in the valley; and as soon as he had 
been driven back into Maryland, Shields 
marched back to the valley. Kimball's 
brigade retook Front Royal, the Eighth 
being in front, and Captain Haynes, of 
Company G, entered the town, capturing 
most of the force and supplies of the 
rebels, also capturing the famous Belle 
Boyd. After Shields' failure at Port Re- 
public he was relieved, and Kimball, with 
his brigade, sent to join McClellan, on 
the James, where he arrived on the 2d of 
July, by steamer, and debarked at Harri- 
son's Landing as McClellan was falling 
back from Malvern Hill. Immediately, 
under command of General Ferry, the 



brigade pushed out for the Chickahominy, 
constantly skirmishing with the enemy for 
several days. On the 4th of July the 
Eighth drove in the enemy's pickets, losing 
seven men killed and wounded. 

The regiment remained at Harrison's 
Landing until the line of the James 
River was abandoned, August 16, 1862, 
when, being organized with French's di- 
vision, Sumner's corps, then and after- 
wards known as Second Division, Second 
Corps, the regiment returned to Yorktown, 
thence to Newport News, whence, by 
transports, it arrived at Alexandria; thence 
marched to Centreville, where the retreat- 
ing army of Pope was met. Here the 
corps protected the retreat of the army; 
supported Kearney at Chantilly, and 
moved on the left flank, crossing the 
Potomac at the chain bridge. From this 
point the corps moved to the Monocacy, 
having a brisk skiimish, thence to South 
Mountain, where the corps supported 
Burnside, and witnessed the battle of the 
15th Sepiember. The corps crossed the 
mountain next morning, and took position 
on the Antietam which it crossed early 
on the morning of the xyth, and attacked 
the enemy by divisions in front of Sharps- 
burg. The First division, under Sedgwick, 
had been driven back, and our division, 
under French, was ordered forward, and 
finally carried an important position at the 
point of the bayonet. Kimball led his 
brigade gallantly to the work; not a man 
faltered, but the position was gained only 
at a loss of nearly one-half his men. But 
few over three hundred, rank and file, of 
the Eighth were present, and its loss in 
the battle was one hundred and sixty-two 
killed and wounded. Lieutenants Delany, 
Lantry, Bill, and Barnes were killed, and 
Lieutenants Shilletto Smith, company A, 
and Thompson, company G, each losing 
an eye, were carried from the field sup- 
posed to be dead. Nine other ofificers 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



were severely wounded. Colonel Sawyer's 
and Adjutant Lewis' horses were both 
shot. Lieutenant Dickinson, then acting 
as quartermaster, was on the field during 
the day acting as aid-de-camp to General 
Kimball. The Fourteenth Indiana lost 
heavily, and in conjunction with the 
Eighth made a partial change of position 
under fire. The Seventh Virginia lost 
heavily also, and Colonel* Oakford, One 
Hundred and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania, 
was killed. This regiment — One Hundred 
and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania — replaced 
the Fourth Ohio, which was at the time 
in convalescent camp at some distance 
from the battlefield. General French 
honored the brigade with the title of "the 
Gibraltar brigade." 

From this place the brigade was pushed 
rapidly to Harper's Ferry, and thence to 
Leesburgh, on a tedious and fruitless ex- 
pedition. From Harper's Ferry the regi- 
ment, with the army, marched to Falmouth, 
and participated in the battle of Frederieks- 
burgh, December 12, 1862. In this bat- 
tle the Eighth and Fourth Ohio and First 
Delaware on the left, in command of Col- 
onel Sawyer, formed a sort of forlorn 
hope, being ordered to drive in the pick- 
ets and sharpshooters between the town 
and Marie's Hill, to cut and level the 
fences, etc. This was gallantly done, and 
the position designated taken by the 
troops, at a point beyond which no organ- 
ization of troops passed during the terrible 
battle that followed. 

Captain Allen, company I, and Sergeant- 
Major Henthorn were killed, and seveial 
men were killed and w-ounded. 

^Vinter quarters were estabhshed at Fal- 
mouth. General Kimball having been 
severely wounded was relieved from com- 
mand. On the loth of January, 1863, 
Colonel Carroll assumed command of the 
brigade, which he retained until wounded 
at the battle of Spottsylvania, May 12,1864. 



The next battle was Chancellorsville. 
The Eighth regiment, though engaged in 
line of battle during the 2d, 3d, and 4th 
days of May, suffered but little, losing 
but one man killed and six wounded. 

Next came the Gettysburg campaign. 
In this battle the regiment showed con- 
spicuous bravery. Midway between the 
two armies the turnpike is cut through a 
ridge, thus forming a good rifle-pit. This 
the rebels held, and from it their sharp- 
shooters were picking off our officers and 
men. The Eighth was ordered to take 
and hold the place. Colonel Sawyer led 
the charge, mounted, and drove out and 
captured the rebels in fine style. They 
were soon reinforced and attempted to 
retake it, but were driven back with great 
loss. 

This was on the afternoon of July 2d. 
The loss in the regiment had been severe, 
but the order was to "hold the fort." At 
daylight on the morning of the 3d the 
rebels again made a determined attack, 
but were repulsed. About noon a tre- 
mendous cannonade began, the shot from 
both armies passing overhead, and two of 
the men were killed. As soon as the 
artillery duel had ceased the rebel infantry 
began to move in force toward the line, the 
main body moving to our right, but three 
regiments confronting us. The whole 
regiment now remaining was drawn up in 
line and made a desperate charge with the 
bayonet as the rebel line approached, 
which broke and ran, leaving half its men 
and three battle-flags in our hands. 
One-half the regiment present were killed 
and wounded. Among the killed were 
Lieutenant Hayden, company H, Sergeant 
Kipko, company A, and Sergeant Peters, 
company G; among the wounded were 
Lieutenants Farnam and Thornburgh, com- 
pany F, and Captains Pierce, Miller, Ried 
and Nickerson. The regiment, with its 
corps, followed up the rebels, skirmish- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



249 



ing continually, to Harper's Ferry, and 
thence to Culpeper. At this point the 
regiment was relieved from the front, and 
sent, with other troops, to New York city, 
by steamer, to suppress the draft riots. 
This trip was, to all, a most pleasant epi- 
sode in aruiy life. 

Returning from New York the regiment 
joined its corps, still at Culpeper. Gen- 
eral Lee had turned the right wing of the 
army and was forcing it back over the 
path of Pope's retreat of the year before. 
During the retreat the Eighth was en- 
gaged in a severe skirmish at Auburn, 
and the brisk little battle at Bristow Sta- 
tion. Colonel Carroll's horse was killed, 
our baggage horses captured, and several 
men wounded. 

Lee now fell back to Mine Run, and 
Meade, commanding our army, followed. 
At a skirmish near Robmson's Tavern 
Colonel Sawyer's horse was killed, and 
several men killed and wounded. 

The army now went into winter quar- 
ters. On the 8th of February the Eighth 
participated in the skirmish at Morton's 
Ford, crossing the ford with the division 
under General Alexander Hayes. 

On the 3d of May, 1864, the regiment, 
with its corps, the Second, still com- 
manded by General Hancock, crossed the 
Rapidan for the final campaign. The 
corps struck the enemy on the afternoon 
of the 5th, and the Eighth recaptured a 
gun just taken from Sedgwick, in which 
skirmish Lieutenant McKisson was wound- 
ed. The next morning the brigade was 
pushed forward, and the Eighth become 
hotly engaged in an almost hand to hand 
fight. Captain Craig, commanding com- 
pany F, was killed, and Captain Lewis, 
commanding company G, was danger- 
ously wounded, his left thigh bone being 
shot off. Several other losses occurred. 
Two wounded men fell into the hands of 
the rebels, and were carried to Anderson- 
32 



ville. Following the enemy to Spottsylva- 
nia the Eighth, was engaged on the 9th, 
charging the enemy's works, with the divi- 
sion, which was repulsed. Lieutenant 
Huysungand Color-bearer James Conlan, 
were among the severely wounded. 

At a little after midnight on the morn- 
ing of the 1 2th, the Second Corps drew 
out of its position, and, amid profound 
darkness, passed noiselessly to the left, 
with the design of attacking the enemy's 
right wing. By daylight we were sup- 
posed to be in its vicinity. The Eighth 
Ohio and First Delaware, in command of 
Colonel Sawyer, were ordered forward to 
clear out what appeared to be a few troops 
in an orchard and some negro huts in 
front. This developed the picket line, 
and the whole corps was soon in motion. 
The Eighth joined its brigade as it came 
up, and the whole division, moving for- 
ward at a quick-step, came upon a rebel 
brigade, which surrendered with hardly a 
shot, and soon received the first volley 
from the real rebel line. 

The salient, as the rebel right was re- 
pulsed, had been struck, and the whole 
corps, pushing forward at a double-quick, 
was soon master of the rebel works. The 
whole corps suffered fearfully, and the 
loss in the Eighth was terrible. Lieuten- 
ant Manahan, Company D, was killed; 
the color-bearer, Sergeant Gallagher, mor- 
tally wounded, with manv others. Colonel 
Sawyer was severely wounded, at the time 
it was supposed mortally; Colonel Coons, 
Fourteenth Indiana, with other officers of 
his regiment, were killed; Colonel Lock- 
wood, Seventh Virginia, terribly wounded; 
Colonel Davis, Twelfth New Jersey, the 
captain commanding the First Delaware, 
and several officers of the Fourth Ohio, 
all from our little brigade, lay dead around 
us as the smoke of the battle for a mo- 
ment cleared away. The enemy soon 
rallied, and the fight went on. During 



250 



HISTORY OFj SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



the day Colonel Carroll was severely 
wounded and carried from the field. 

Major Winslow now assumed command 
of the regiment. On the 19th it partici- 
pated in the battle of the North Anna, 
crossing the river under fire, and losing 
several men. On the 26th it was again 
engaged at Hanover Court House, and 
on the 31st at Cold Harbor, in which bat- 
tle the loss in the regiment was twenty- 
four killed and several wounded. 

The regiment was not again seriously 
engaged, but followed the fortunes of the 
Second Corps to the front of Petersburg, 
from which place it was relieved, and re- 
turned home, its term of enlistment hav- 
ing expired. It arrived in Cleveland on 
the morning of the 3d of July, 1864, and 
was mustered out on the 13th, numbering 
less than one hundred rank and file fit for 
duty. 

The regiment had been engaged in for- 
ty-eight battles and skirmishes. It had 
never wavered in its duty, never had lost 
its position in battle, had lost, all told, 
but six prisoners, and they were wounded 
and unable to be removed from the field. 
It had taken four rebel battle flags and 
twice its own number of prisoners. It had 
frequently, as a regiment, been com- 
mended by commanding generals for its 
bravery, and was complimented by Gov- 
ernor Bi-ough as one of the best of Ohio's 
brave regiments. 

COMPANY F. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain George M. Tillotson died March 4, 1863, 
at Fremont, Ohio. 

First Lieutenant Charles M. Fouke, resigned. 
Second Lieutenant Edward W. Cook, resigned. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Henry A. Farnum, promoted to first Heu- 
tenant and captain, wounded at Gettysburgh, [uly 
3. 1863. 

Sergeant Thomas H. Thornburgh, promoted to 
second lieutenant, wounded at Gettysburgh, July 3, 
1863, and at Mine Run, December 4, 1863. 

Sergeant James Daugherty, jr. 



Segeant William H. Kirk, wounded at Antietam 
and discharged. 

.Sergeant Joseph A. Fry, discharged January 16, 
1862, for disability. 

Corporal Alfred M. Brown, discharged February 
4, 1863, for disability. 

Corporal Louis Mathews, killed at Antietam, Sep- 
tember 17, 1862. 

Corporal Michael Halderman, killed at Antietam. 

Corporal Richard Smithurst, killed at Antietam. 

Corporal Joseph Fisher, killed at Antietam. 

Corporal Edward S. Cooper. 

Corporal Charles A. Klegin, wounded at Chancel- 
lorsville. 

Corporal William H. Myers. 

PRIVATES. 

Charles D. Atkinson, discharged for disability; 
Zenus Nye, wounded at Antietam; Michael Moore, 
killed at Gettysburg; Philip Andrews, wounded at 
Gettysburg; Rudolph Arman; Noah Alspah; John 
Ashnell; Jonas Bosler, killed at Antietam; William 
Burton, died September 21, 1872; Bernard Bondeli, 
discharged; John A. Bonnell, wounded at Winches- 
ter, discharged (since has been county treasurer of 
Wood county , Ohio) ; William W. Crandal, wounded at 
Antietam; Frank C. Culley, discharged for disability; 
Anthony C. Culver, discharged for disability; Isaac C. 
Chamberlain, wounded at Antietam; Vincent Dung- 
heet, wounded at Chancellorsville, May 6, 1863; John 
B. Davis, discharged for disability; Benjamin D. 
Evans, discharged for disability; Josiah Fitzgerald; 
Joseph Fitzgerald; John S. .Fields, killed at Antietam; 
Matthew Freek, discharged for disability; Theodore 
Foster, wounded before Richmond; John D. Francis, 
discharged for disability; Henry Fairbanks, dis- 
charged for disability; Thomas W. Gordon, dis- 
charged for disability; Charles S. Grant; George 
Grisshaber, discharged for disability; Charles Guss, 
discharged for disability; Henry Graback, wounded 
in battle; Simon Gobble wounded in battle; John 
Heller; Morris Hill, wounded at Antietam and dis- 
charged; William Jones, promoted to sergeant; 
Christian Jacobs; Joseph Kihm, discharged for dis- 
ability; Josiah Linton, discharged for disability; John 
E. Lemon, died November 21, 1862; Balsar Leblo, 
wounded at Gettysburg; Emelius J. Leppleman, 
discharged for disability ; Devit C. Lloyd, discharged 
for disability; John C. Mason, discharged for disa- 
bility; William McBride; William Mullen, killed at 
Fredericksburgh, December, 1862; William Miller; 
George W. Myers, wounded at Winchester; Anthony 
Magram, killed at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864; 
Sophery Mayram; Jacob H. Milburn; Rufus M. 
Norton, wounded at Wilderness and Spottsylvania; 
James Olds, killed at Antietam; Samuel Paden, 
wounded at Cold Harbor; John Pepfer, discharged; 
W. S. Palmeter, killed at .Antietam; Eurotus A. Pel- 
ton, discharged; Francis B. Reynolds, killed at Antie- 
tam; Julius Reynolds, killed at Antietam; James 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



251 



Richmond, killed at Spottsylvania, May 12, i8£4; 
George Saur, wounded at Gettysburg; Martin A. 
Shrenk, promoted to ordnance sergeant; Eli Stanley, 
discharged; Emanuel Smith, wounded at Antietam 
and discharged; John Teel, wounded in Wilderness; 
Charles Taylor wounded at Fredericksburgh and dis- 
charged; William A. Wilson, wounded at Gettys- 
burg; Louis Zimmerman, wounded at Antietam and 
dischatged; Simon Louis, discharged; Andiew J. 
Beith; Myron Watts, wounded at Chancellorsville 
and died; George Meyers, wounded at Winchester 
and discharged; Joseph Gullant, died at Grafton, 
Virginia, August 27, 1861; George Douglass, died at 
Grafton, Virginia, August 31, 1861; David A. Lemon, 
killed at Mine Run, November 27, 1863; John Fisher, 
wounded at Antietam; C. Shoemaker, died in Ander- 
son ville prison. 

COMPANY G. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain William E. Haynes, promoted to lieu- 
tenant-colonel Tenth Regiment Ohio cavalry. 

First Lieutenant Edward F. Dickinson, promoted 
to captain, and served as regimental quartermaster, 

Second Lieutenant Creighton Thompson, wound- 
ed at Antietam, and resigned. 

NON-COMMISSONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Harrison Hoffman. 

Sergeant Morris Morrison, died December 9, 
1862, at Cumberland, Maryland. 

Sergeant Daniel Miller, wounded at Winchester 
and the Wilderness. 

Sergeant Philip Tracy, wounded at Gettysburg, 
and died July 6, 1863. 

Sergeant Cyrus P. Taylor, wounded at Antietam. 

Corporal Charles W. Arlin. 

Corporal )ohn A. Bevington, wounded at Wm- 
chester and Gettysburg. 

Corporal Virgil J. Crowel, wounded at Antietam. 

Corporal Manville Moore, wounded at Gettysburg, 
and died at Baltimore. 

Corporal William Luckey. 

Corporal Samuel S. Thirwictor. 

Corporal Rodolphus Dickinson, wounded at Antie- 
tam. 

Corporal James Hagarty, wounded at Gettysburg. 

Bugler Edward Sheetinzer. 

PRIVATES. 

Henry Hone, Charles H. Culp, Charles G. Aid- 
rich, Lewis S. Baker, Nicholas Frunkhouser, Wilbur 
G. Finch, Peter Grover, John Ghense, Michael Gas- 
sin; Charles Baker, George J. Bixler, John D. Brady, 
Charles F. Clark, Albert Fayo, Alvin R. Gossard, 
Anthony George, Peter J. Hershey, John J. Haynes, 
James Lordand, David Nighswander, John W. Stone, 
discharged for disability; David Biddle, died Febru- 
ary 13, 1863 ; Christian Binkley, Peter Bohler, 
wounded at Fredericksburg; Orville B. Cole, killed 



at Antietam; Bartholomew Conner, George W. Cros- 
ley, Richard Clark, Tobias M. Edwards, killed at 
Winchester; Nathaniel G. Foster, wounded at Get- 
tysburg; John Guither, wounded at Fredericksburg 
and Gettysburg; JohnGazin; John M. Hite, wound- 
ed at Antietam and discharged; Henry Herman; 
Eugene A. Hodges, wounded at Gettysburg; Thos. 
M. Heffner, Peter Heidelman, Adam Innes, Jason J. 
Jack, John W. James; Professor James, wounded at 
Antietam; William Jacobs, wounded at Fredericks- 
burg; Matthias Knobble, killed at Fredericksburg; 
John Keran, killed at Antietam; John M. Roch; 
Samuel Kepfer, killed at Spottsylvania ; Henry 
Kaettz, John Keefer; Jacob Saemstcll, died March 
12, 1862, at Cumberland, Maryland; Daniel Sarg, 
Cornelius Mulachi; Philip Michael, wounded at An- 
tietam and discharged; Samuel Metzker, died at 
Cumberland, Maryland; Homer Millious, wounded 
at Gettysburg; James McKeefer, died in Anderson- 
ville prison; Anthony Moier, wounded at Antietam 
and discharged; Austin J. Moore, died at Falmouth, 
Virginia, April 17, 1863; John Miller, Henry Nahliz, 
Joseph Orr, Henry Pulaski; John G. Peters, pro- 
moted to sergeant, and killed at Gettysburg July 3, 
1863; George Reinhard, wounded at Antietam and 
Gettysburg; Francis M. Rivets, wounded at Gettys- 
burg; Patrick Roch, wounded at Antietam; William 
Shuher; Jefferson Taylor, died at Grafton, Virginia, 
Septembers, 1861; John M. Vail, Isadora Wentling; 
Lewis Winegardner, died at Fortress Monroe; Hiram 
Wing, wounded at Gettysburg and Antietam; John 
A. Williams, died at PVemont, Ohio, in November, 
1862; John Walker, Morris Yates; Absalom Zeducer, 
wounded at Spottsylvania; Milton Miers, James M. 
Johnson; Myron Watts, wounded at Chancellorsville; 
Samuel Nafe. 

THE TWENTY-FIFTH OHIO VOLUNTEER IN- 
FANTRY. 

Sandusky contributed a company, or 
nearly a company, to the Twenty-fifth Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was 
organized at Camp Chase in June, 1861, 
and contained men from various localities 
in all quarters of the State. On the 29th 
day of July, 1861, it went into service in 
West Virginia, and was stationed along the 
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, from Oakland 
to the Ohio River. While there the regi- 
ment paid attention to bushwhackers 
which infested the vicinity and broke up 
several gangs of them, to the great relief of 
the forces, as well as the loyal inhabitants. 
The regiment went through a long course 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



of suffering and arduous service. It was 
in the battles of Cheat Mountain, Grccn- 
briar, Camp Baldwin, Monterey; the en- 
gagements and marches in the Shenandoah 
Valley ; in General Pope's campaign along 
the Rappahannock, in the second battle 
of Bull Run, at Gettysburg, and a great 
many battles, and many trying marches. 

It re-enlisted on the 15th of January, 
1864, and started for home, on veteran 
furlough, reaching Camp Chase on the 5th 
of March, 1864. While there, many re- 
cruits were added to the regiment, and 
were organized, and called Company B. 

On the 1 6th of February, 1864, the reg- 
imental flags, which had passed through 
twenty battles, and under which eighteen 
color-bearers had been killed or wounded, 
were presented to Governor Brough, to be 
placed in the archives of the State, and the 
regiment received a beautiful new stand of 
colors. 

It served well in the Carolinas, and, in 
fact, all through the war; and on the i8ih of 
June, 1866, when it held its last parade at 
Columbus, Ohio, surrendered again its sec- 
ond set of colors to Governor Cox, and 
was then mustered out, and discharged, 
having been in active service over five 
years. 

The following are the men of Sandusky 
county who enlisted in the Twenty-fifth 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and who are en- 
titled to a share of its glory, and the 
thanks of the country : 

COMPANY E. 
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Moses H. Crowell, resigned. 
Captain Michael Murray. 
First Lieutenant Hezekiah Thomas. 
Second Lieutenant George W. Iden. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Peter Molyett. 
Sergeant Samuel Hoffman. 
Sergeant Henry Barnup. 
Sergeant Christian Joseph. 
Corporal Henry Overmeyer. 
Corporal Frederick Gilyer. 



Corporal John Wise. 
Corporal Edward J. Teeple. 
Corporal Richard Kenny. 
Corporal Daniel Potter. 
Corporal Frederick Holderman. 
Corporal Byron Hutchins. 
Wagoner Joseph Hess. 
Musician Bryan Carrigan. 
Musician .Andrew J. Lake. 

PRIVATES. 

Obediah A. Bidgely, Gephard Rush, P. Duffey' 
Thomas J. Overman, Joseph \"allance, Samuel 
Black, George W. Algyer, John Bigley, James Bacon, 
Frederick T. Bigler, James W. Barnes, Charles Cim- 
merer, Elbridge Comstock, Frederick Cannell, Charles 
Caul, George W. Clelland, Thomas C. Coalwell, 
Samuel H. Deselms, Andrew J. Davis, George 
Dagan, Samuel Edgar, John Everingham, Isaiah 
Eastick, George C. Edgerton, Josiah Fought, Sam- 
uel Frantz, August Freeh, ' John'^Ferrell, Monta 
Heath, Har\'ey N. Hall, Thomas C. Hemminger, 
William S. Hutton, Thomas Howell, John Q. Hutch- 
ins, Frederick Halderman, Oliver P. Hershev, Vir- 
gil Jacobs, John Jell, George Kessler, John Knap- 
penberger, Jesse Little, John Leary, John Lose, 
Lawson Maish, Joseph Mitchell, William Meuser, 
Linnus Marsh, Darius'^iMinnier, William Mackey, 
John Morris, Lewis Moore, Michael Mulgrove, 
Blando L. Mills, Harrison L Meyers, Peter Miller, 
Isaac Nye, Hiram Odell, Hiram Ostrander, Richard 
D. Phelps, .Ale.vander Pemberton, John E. Rearick, 
Joseph Riddle, Lewis Robber, Frederick Shultz, 
William R. Stump, .A.bednego Stephens, Norton G. 
Skinner, Joel Spohn, Levi S. Stewart, Henry Smuch, 
Florian Smith, .Alexander Scott, Benjamin Staley, 
Charles Slaughterbeck, Edward Teeple, Christopher 
Thayer, John Tweedle, Decatur Whiting, George 
D. Wormwood, Joseph C. Wright, Lewis Zeigler, 
Volney A. Dubel. 

THE FORTY-NINTH REGIMENT, OHIO VOL- 
UNTEER INFANTRY. 

This regiment, which did such conspic- 
uous service in the war for the suppression 
of the Rebellion, was organized at Tififin, 
in the county of Seneca. It left Camp 
Noble, near Tiffin, on the loth of Septem- 
ber, 1861, for Camp Dennison, where it 
received its equipments on the 21st of the 
same month, and moved for Louisvillt;, 
Kentucky. The next day it reported to 
Brigadier General Robert .'Knderson, then 
in command at that place, and was the 
first organized Union regiment to enter 
Kentucky, where it met a most cordial re- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



253 



ception on its arrival at Louisville. Two 
boats lashed together, conveying the regi- 
ment, approached the wharf at Louisville, 
while the regimental band was playing 
National airs. Its arrival was a surprise 
to military headquarters, and as the regi- 
ment debarked, the people received them 
with great enthusiasm. As they marched 
from the landing, the citizens formed in 
the rear and marched with them through 
the principal streets to the headquarters of 
General Anderson. The General appeared 
on the balcony of the hotel, and welcomed 
the regiment in a short address. To this 
address General Gibson responded, and 
tradition says that his response was full of 
that soul-stirring, heart-warming eloquence 
in behalf of the Union cause for which he 
is so celebrated wherever he speaks on the 
great theme of Union and liberty. 

A magnificent dinner for the regiment 
was given at the Louisville hotel by the 
citizens, and the men of the regiment 
were magnificently entertained. In the 
evening of the same day the regiment 
started from Louisville by railroad for 
Lebanon Junction, to report to General 
W. T. Sherman, then at that point. The 
next morning it crossed the Rolling Fork, 
wading the river, and marched to Eliza- 
bethtown and went into camp at Mulds- 
draugh's Hill. Here the regiment re- 
mained until the loth of October, when 
it moved to Nolan Creek, and went into 
Camp Nevin. 

The Forty-ninth regiment was soon after 
assigned to the Sixth Brigade under com- 
mand of General R. W. Johnson, of the 
Second Division of the Army of Ohio. On 
the roth of December, 1861, the Second 
Division moved to Mumfordsville, on the 
Green River, and drove the rebels to the 
opposite side of the river, and established 
Camp Wood. On the 17th of December 
the National pickets from the Thirty-sec- 
ond Indiana Infantry, on the south side of 



Green River, were attacked by Hinman's 
Arkansas Brigade and Terry's Texas Ran- 
gers. In sending troops to the relief of 
the pickets, the Forty-ninth Ohio was the 
first to cross the river, followed by the 
Thirty-ninth Indiana. The enemy was 
met and repulsed. Colonel Terry, one of 
the rebel commanders, being killed. 

The regiment remained at Camp Wood 
perfecting itself in discipline and drill 
until the 14th of February, 1862, when it 
left the camp for Bowling Green, Ken- 
tucky. It marched thence towards Nash- 
ville, Tennessee, which place it reached 
on the 3d of March, 1862, and established 
there Camp Andrew Johnson. From this 
camp it moved on the i6th of March 
with Buell's army, to join General Grant's 
forces at Pittsburg Landing, and arrived 
there on the 6th of April. Here Colonel 
Gibson took command of the brigade, 
leaving the Forty-ninth regiment under 
the command of Lieutenant-Colonel A. 
M. Blackman. The regiment went into 
the fight at 1 1 o'clock in the morning, 
occupying the left of the brigade, and 
next to Crittenden's division. This posi- 
tion was maintained under a terrible fire 
from the enemy until 4 o'clock in the 
afternoon, when, with the enemy in full 
retreat, the regiment stacked arms and 
lay down to rest. In this battle the regi- 
ment twice successfully performed the 
hazardous feat of changing front under 
fire. 

The Forty-ninth then moved towards 
Corinth. The other portions of the army 
had some severe fighting at Bredges's 
Creek, and at other points on the way, and 
entered Corinth with the army on the 30th 
of May, 1862. From Corinth it was sent 
in pursuit of the enemy, passing through 
Jericho, luka, and other points to Tus- 
cumbia, Alabama, and Florence, crossing 
the river at Florence. Thence it marched 
to Battle Creek, Tennessee. At this time 



254 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Bragg's army was found to be ihivatcning 
Louisville, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, 
and the Forty ninth was put in pursuit 
of him. On the march from Battle 
Creek, Tennessee, the Union forces were 
urged forward with all the speed the 
men could endure, and they suffered ter- 
ribly from exhaustion, intense heat of the 
weather and from want of water and 
ration^. These sufferings were, however, 
born with fortitude by the men, and the 
appreheiision that their own Ohio might 
be invaded by rebels nerved them to 
most extraordinary endurance and hard 
marches. The regiment reached Louis- 
ville on the 29th of September, where, 
after a few days rest, the march in pursuit 
of the enemy was resumed. Moving 
out on the Frankfort turnpike, through 
Shelbyville, driving the enemy before 
them, Frankfort was reached on the 5th 
of October in time to disperse the rebel 
troops gathered there to guard the inaugu- 
ration of Captain Dick Hawes as rebel 
Governor of Kentucky. The march was 
resumed on the morning of the 7th of 
October, under orders to join the main 
army, the junction being made the day 
following the battle of Perryville. During 
the whole of the march from Louisville to 
Perryville, there was daily skirmishing. 
At Lawrence and Dog Walk brisk en- 
gagements were fought, in each of which 
the Forty-ninth Ohio was conspicuously 
engaged, under command of Lieutenant- 
Colonel Levi Drake. Pursuing the enemy 
to Crab Orchard the regiment, with its 
brigade and division, marched to Bowl- 
ing Green. Thence it marched toward 
Nashville, and on the 5th of Novem- 
ber was with the advance that raised 
the siege of that city. The regiment 
then went into camp at Mill Creek, 
where it remained until the 26th day 
of December. On the 26th of Decem- 
ber, 1862, General Rosecrans then, in 



command of the Army of the Cumber- 
land, commenced his movement on Mur- 
freesboro. The Forty-ninth moved out of 
Nashville, on Nelsonville turnpike, with 
the right wing, under Major General Mc- 
Cook, and after constant skirmishing found 
itself in line of battle on the extreme right 
of the Union army before Murfreesboro, 
on the evening of the 30th of December, 
1862. At six o'clock the next morning 
Kirk's brigade was furiously assaulted by 
the enemy, and giving way was pressed 
back on the Forty-ninth, which at once 
became engaged, and was in its turn borne 
back by overwhelming numbers to the 
Nashville turnjjike, a distance of a mile 
and a half from the point of encounter. 
Li this resistance to the rebel forces the 
Forty-ninth sustained an incessant conflict 
of nine hours' duration. 

The following morning the regiment 
was sent to reconnoiter on the right and 
rear of the main army. Returning from 
this duty, it rejoined its brigade, and that 
day was more or less engaged, operating 
on the extreme right of the army, in con- 
nection with Stanley's cavalry. On Fri- 
day, January 2, it occupied a position in 
reserve to the centre until late in the af- 
ternoon, when, upon the repulse of Van 
Cleve's division on the left, it was ordered, 
with its brigade, to retrieve the fortunes 
of the day on that part of the field. It 
joined in a magnificent bayonet charge, 
which resulted in recovering the lost 
ground, and a severe defeat of the enemy. 

The Forty-ninth went into this battle 
with the entire field and staff officers pres- 
ent. At its close it was under command 
of junior Captain S. F. Gray. The cap- 
ture of General Willich placed Colonel 
Gibson, of the Forty-ninth, in command 
of the brigade. Lieutenant Colonel Drake 
was killed while bravely cheering on his 
men. Major Porter was wounded, and 
all the senior captains present were either 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



255 



killed or wounded. It should be noted 
here that, before this battle, Captain J. R. 
Bartlett had been promoted to the office 
of major, and was not in the immediate 
command of Company F, but served dur- 
ing the fight. 

For a time after this battle the Forty- 
ninth was engaged in various foraging ex- 
peditions, wherein it had frequent en- 
counters with the enemy, and lost a num- 
ber of men. 

From Murfreesboro, the regiment 
marched, on the 24th of June, 1863, and 
found the enemy strongly posted at Lib- 
erty Gap, to dispute the further advance 
of the Union forces. The Forty-ninth 
was attached to the First brigade, which 
was at once formed in line of battle, and, 
aft^r some hard fighting, the Forty-ninth 
assaulted the enemy's works on a high 
hill, advanced upon him, scaled the 
heights in the face of severe fire, and drove 
the enemy from that position, and com- 
pelled him to fall back upon another 
equally strong position about a mile m the 
rear. 

On the following day the National forces 
attacked the enemy again in the new po- 
sition. The Forty-ninth vras brought into 
action about 3 o'clock p. M., after other 
troops had been engaged several hours. 
The regiment was selected to attack the 
enemy's centre, which rested in a valley, 
while the flanks rested upon the hill, on both 
sides. Here the Forty-ninth adopted a 
new method of attack, which had then 
lately been introduced, by the formation 
of four ranks, and to advance while firing. 
This method of attack proved efficient in 
this case, and the enemy's centre was soon 
broken, and the position occupied by the 
Union army. Without further fighting, 
the brigade, with the Forth-ninth, reached 
Tullahoma July i, and the regiment then 
went into camp. 

At the bloody battle of Chickamauga 



the Forty-ninth did great service, and dis- 
played the fighting qualities of veterans. 
It made a charge on the right of the en- 
emy, drove him out of a dense wood, and 
captured two pieces of artillery. 

The next day the Forty-ninth was con- 
stantly engaged in various parts of the 
field, and accomplished a brilliant exploit 
in connection with Goodspeed's Battery, 
the Fifteenth Ohio, and other troops, 
which, it is claimed, saved Thomas' Corps 
from being swept from the field. 

In the battle of Mission Ridge the 
Forty-ninth shone with conspicuous gal- 
lantry, and was amongst the first to plant 
its colors on the summit of the ridge. It 
next moved with Granger's Corps to 
the relief of Burnside's forces at Knoxville. 
This march was of the most severely try- 
ing nature upon the troops. The weather 
was intensely cold, and snow was on the 
ground. The men were almost naked, 
and without shoes, and the rations 
were exhausted. Like the march from 
Valley Forge in the Revolutionary War, 
the army could be tracked by the bloody 
foot marks of the indomitable patriots 
who went out to save the Union. And 
yet these brave men did not complain, 
but were eager to be led against the 
foes of their country who were also the 
foes of liberty. At Strawberry Plain they 
heard that Burnside had repulsed Long- 
street, and as he was no longer in need 
of relief the National troops returned to 
Chattanooga. At the heel of all this 
sufiering, the men of the Forty-ninth were 
called upon the re-enlist for the war. To 
this call a prompt response was given in 
the affirmative.' The regiment returned to 
Ohio to enjoy its veteran furlough of thirty 
days. At Tiffin, its place of organization, 
the regiment was received with every pos- 
sible manifestation of respect and honor. 
Judge John K. Hord, now of the Cleve- 
land Bar, but formerly a citizen of Tiffin, 



256 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



welcomed the brave men in an eloquent 
speech in their praise, which was re- 
sponded to by Colonel Gibson and other 
officers of the regiment. 

Thirty days, oh ! how brief to the 
soldier who returns after three years' ab- 
sence, to see his father, mother, wife, chil- 
dren and friends, and meantime hear the 
plaudits, and enjoy the feastings and 
manifestations of honor from a grateful 
people, for whom he has encountered 
danger and toiled and suffered. Still true 
to country, with the instinctive patriotism 
of the Union soldier, the Forty-ninth in 
due time reported at the headquarters of 
the Fourth Army Corps at Cleveland, 
Tennessee. 

At this time the National forces were 
concentrating and reorganizing at Cleve- 
land, Tennessee, and making all things 
ready for the campaign against Atlanta, 
Georgia. Here the Forty-ninth was incor- 
porated into the Fourlh Army Corps, and 
the history of that corps is the history of the 
Forty-ninth regiment Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry. The regiment participated in the 
engagements at Dalton, Resaca, Dallas, 
Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochie River, 
and Atlanta, suffering severely in the loss 
of men killed and wounded in all these 
battles. The regiment pushed on with 
the army beyond Atlanta, and participated 
in the battles at Jonesborough, and at 
Lovejoy's Station, and after abandoning 
the pursuit of the enemy, returned to 
camp at Atlanta. The Forty-ninth from 
this time was assigned with the Army of 
the Cumberland to the command of Gen- 
eral Thomas who was left to look after the 
rebel forces under General Hood, who was 
moving toward Nashville. 

In the movements of Thomas' forces 
the Forty-ninth Ohio, under command of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Strong, fully sustained 
its reputation for bravery and military 
skill, and bore a prominent part in many 



skirmishes and displayed great courage 
and efficiency in the battles of Franklin 
and Nashville. The battle of Nashville 
occurred in December, 1864, and on the 
15th and 1 6th of that month the regiment 
made several brilliant charges and suffered 
severely in killed and wounded. 

After this battle and after returning 
from the pursuit of Hood's army, the 
regiment went into camp at Huntsville, 
Alabama, where it remained until the 
middle of March, 1865. It then moved 
by rail into East Tennessee and went into 
camp at Greenville. On its return from 
the expedition to Nashville the regiment 
was, on the i6th of June, 1864, taken by 
transports to Texas, by way of New Or- 
leans. Reaching Texas in July, the regi- 
ment landed at Victoria, and moved to 
the interior as far as San Antonio, passing 
by way of Green Lake and Gonzales. 
After suffering great hardships in this ser- 
vice for four months the regiment returned 
to Victoria, where it was mustered out of 
service on the 30th day of November, 
1865. 

The whole number of names on the 
rolls of the regiment was fifteen hundred 
and fifty-two. Nineteen were born in 
Europe, seven hundred and sixty in Ohio, 
of whom four hundred and forty were 
from Seneca county. Eight officers were 
killed in battle, and twenty wounded (six 
of them mortally). Of the privates, one 
hundred and twenty-seven were killed in 
battle, seventy-one were mortally wounded, 
one hundred and sixty-five died from 
hardships or disease, and seven perished 
in rebel prisons at Andersonville and 
Danville. Six hundred and sixteen were 
discharged on account of wounds or other 
disability, five survived with the loss of 
an arm, and two with the loss of a leg. 
The killed and mortally wounded of the 
enlisted men were as one to seven and 
four-fifths, and the entire deaths as one to 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



257 



five and one-sixth. The men of the regi- 
ment suffered nine hundred and forty-two 
gunshot wounds. During two-thirds of 
his term of service, Colonel Gibson com- 
manded a brigade by virtue of his rank. 

Although the Forty-ninth Regiment of 
the Ohio Volunteer infantry, engaged in 
the war for the suppression of the Southern 
Rebellion, was organized in the adjoining 
county of Seneca, and drew largely and 
chiefly from the patriotic and able-bodied 
citizens of that county, Sandusky county, 
in her exuberaiice of patriotism, contrib- 
uted a company to the regiment, consist- 
ing of some of her best and bravest men. 
The history of Company F cannot be 
fully and fairly written without giving an 
account of its organization, marches, bat- 
tles, victories, achievements, sufferings and 
losses of the regiment, of which it formed 
an important part. 

We would here acknowledge that for 
many of the facts regarding this regiment 
we are indebted to Colonel J. R. Bartlett, 
also to Ohio in the War, by Whitelaw 
Reid, as well as from records kindly sub- 
mitted for inspection by the Adjutant- 
General of Ohio. 

INCIDENTS AND PERSONAL MENTION. 

The following incident, which occurred 
in the battle of Shiloh, in front of the 
Forty-ninth regiment, illustrates the ap- 
preciation which true soldiers entertain for 
bravery and desperate daring, when dis- 
played by an enemy. The Forty-ninth 
made a dashing and sudden charge on 
the enemy in front of it, and drove them 
with great precipitation from their position. 
So sudden was the onset and the retreat, 
that the rebels forgot their colors, leaving 
them standing on the ground from which 
they retired. A storm of bullets were fly- 
ing after the retreating foe, when the ene- 
my discovered their forsaken flag, then but 
a little way in advance of the Forty-ninth. 
Suddenly a rebel on a white horse was seen 
33 



to leave the ranks, coming at full speed 
back to the flag. As soon as the men 
of the Forty-ninth realized the object 
of the desperate attempt to rescue the 
flag, struck by the bravery and daring of the 
act, and recognizing his qualities as a sol- 
dier devoted to his colors, they instinctive- 
ly ceased firing and spared the life of the 
brave fellow while he took the flag and 
carried it back to his command, without 
harm. Had they not ceased firing as 
they did, the man would have been cut to 
pieces by their volleys. 

ORGANIZATION OF COMPANY F. 

Captain Joseph R. Bartlett began re- 
cruiting, or rather enlisting men for Com- 
pany F, in July, 1861. After obtaining 
about forty men recruiting became dull and 
it seemed impossible to obtain a full compa- 
ny in any reasonable time. Charles A. Nor- 
ton had assisted actively so far in procuring 
men, and expected to be first lieutenant of 
the company. Meantime Timothy H. 
Wilcox had enlisted about forty men to 
form a company of Home Guards, who 
were willing to join Captain Bartlett's 
company, and go into the service, on con- 
dition that Mr. Wilcox should have the 
position of first lieutenant. Mr. Norton 
generously gave way to Mr. Wilcox, and 
the men enlisted by the latter entered, 
and this, with little further effort, soon 
completed the company, and it went to 
Camp Noble, near Tiffin, Seneca county, 
for equipment and drill. 

The generosity of Mr. Norton soon met 
with reward in his appointment to the 
office of adjutant of the regiment, in 
which capacity he proved a good soldier 
and ef^cient officer during the service. 

About the middle of November, 1862, 
Captain Bartlett's soldierly qualities at- 
tracted the attention of General I. W. 
Sill, who appointed him Inspector-General 
of the Second Division of the Army of 
the Cumberland, of which General Sill 



258 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



was then in command. In December, 
1862, General Sill was assigned to another 
command, and on leaving the division ad- 
dressed to Inspector Bartlett the following 
complimentary and friendly letter: 

Camp on Mill Creek, December 10, 1862. 
Captain Bartlett, Acting Division Inspector, Divi- 
sion Aid-de-Camp : 

Sir : In parting with you I beg to express my 
thanks for the zeal and fidelity with which you have 
performed your duties, and to assure you that if as- 
sociated in future it will be a souce of much gratifica- 
tion, as it is now a source of regret, that I am obliged 
to separate from you. Whatever be your course 
hereafter, I doubt not it will be creditable in the 
highest degree, and I tender you my best wishes for 
youi success and promotion. 

Very respectfully, your friend, 

I. W. Sill, 
Brigadier-General. 

General R. W. Johnson then took com- 
mand of the division, and continued Cap- 
tain Bartlett in the same position on his 
staff that he had held under General Sill, 
and, until after the battle of Liberty Gap, 
he acted as chief of staff and Adjutant- 
General of the division, in addition to the 
duties of Inspector-General. Captain 
Bartlett has numerous testimonials of 
faithful service, and also recommendations 
for promotion. Amongst these are found 
commendations and recommendations 
from Colonel Keufler, commanding Third 
Brigade, Third Division, Fourth Army 
Corps; Major-General D. S. Stanley, com- 
manding Fourth Army Corps; Major- 
General O. O. Howard, formerly com- 
mander of the same corps; Brigadier- 
General Thomas J. Wood, commander 
Third Division, same corps; also Colonel 
William H. Gibson, afterwards Brigadier- 
General commanding First Brigade, Third 
Division. 

COMPANY F. 
COMMISSIONED OFI-ICERS. 

Captain Joseph R. Bartlett. 
F'irst Lieutenant Morris E. Tyler. 
Second Lieutenant Timothy Wilcox. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant John J. Kessler. 



Sergeant Israel C. Totten. 

Sergeant Charles W. England. 

Sergeant Levi Laughlin. 

Sergeant Myron Sweet. 

Corjjoral James Maxwell. 

Corporal Edward Haff. 

Corporal Eli Lewman. 

Corporal William H. H. Wadsworth. 

Corporal David J. Wilson. 

Corporal William Whittaker. 

Corporal John W. Heason. 

Corporal Josiah Terry. 

Drummer James Michael. 

Fifer Thomas P. Folton. 

PKIV.^TES. 

(.'\11 of Fremont.) 
Isaac N. .Anderson, David Armstrong, James M 
Dennison, John Wesley Ash, Lewis Baker, Austin O. 
Bolton, Gustavus Boesh, David H. Barber, George 
H. Bearss, Thomas Bovill, Charles S. Bon, James 
N. Campbell, Eli Chaney, Thomas Clarke, George 
Davis, Albert Dodge, Jonathan Durfee, Wilson S. 
Flaugher,' LaQuino Fletcher, Benjamin S. Frank, 
John Frees. Richard Gallagher, George W. Gurst, 
Charles E. Haskins, Joseph Huntsinger, George W. 
Heberling, Oscar June, Daniel Jackson, Edward D. 
Kintz, Cyrus C. Laughlin, Henry O. Marsh, John 
D. Maine, Henry Markwalter, George Mears, Wes- 
ley Miller, Lewis Michael, John L. McAfee, Daniel 
McSorley.JohnW. Maxwell, John A. Nash, Charles .A 
Norton, Jasper Palmer, John Charles Parrish, George 
H. Phillip, Joshua Powell. James Ragan, James 
Ramsey, Jeremiah Reed, Phillip Reiling, Moses Rog- 
ers, Josiah Rollins, Josiah T. Russell, William B. 
Richards, George Skinner, Josiah Stocking, Charles 
Stull, Daniel Sweet, Albert Sweet, Joel G. Shutts, 
Jeremiah Smith, John H. Stoner, George J. Ferry, 
Luther White, George W. Yencer, William J. 
Yencer. ^ 

THE FIFTY-FIFTH REGIMENT OF OHIO VOL- 
UNTEER INFANTRY. 

This regiment went into camp at Nor- 
walk, Ohio, on the 17th of October, 1861. 
On the 25th of January, 1862, it left Nor- 
walk for Grafton, West Virginia, and after 
a short stay there it moved to New Creek. 
It moved by hard marches thence through 
Romney to Moorefield, where it partici- 
pated in some skirmishing. It was raised 
chiefly by the exertions of Colonel John 
C. Lee, who afterwards became Lieuten- 
ant Governor of Ohio. Colonel Lee re- 
signed May 8, 1863, and the command of 
the regiment devolved on Lieutenant Colo- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



259 



nel Charles Gambee, of Bellevue. Colo- 
nel Gambee was killed at the battle of 
Resaca, on the 15th of May, 1864. On 
the ist of January, 1864, three hundred 
and nineteen of the men of the Fifty-fifth 
had re-enlisted and returned to Ohio, ar- 
riving at Norwalk on the 20th of the same 
month. On the 4th of March, 1864, it 
was again encamped in Lookout Valley. 
It marched through Atlanta with the 
Twentieth Army Corps, toward the sea 
coast, and entered Savannah, Georgia, on 
the 2ist of December and camped near 
that city. After much hard service and 
suffering, having passed through Golds- 
boro and Raleigh, on the 30th of April, 
1865, it commenced its march to Wash- 
ington, reaching Richmond on the nth of 
May, and on the i8th camped in the vicin- 
ity ot Alexandria. On the 24th of May, 
1865, it crossed the long bridge and partici- 
pated in the grand review and went into 
camp near Washington. On the iithot 
July, 1865, the Fifty-fifth was mustered out 
of service, was paid off at Cleveland, Ohio, 
and discharged on the 19th day of July, 
1865. 

The fighting qualities of this regiment 
are displayed in a brief statement. Dur- 
ing its term of service it enrolled one 
thousand three hundred and fifty men, 
and of these about seven hundred and 
fifty were either killed or wounded in 
battle. 

A number of good men for this regiment 
were recruited in Sandusky county in the 
vicinity of Bellevue. The memoranda 
furnished the writer gives the names of 
men of certain companies of the regiment, 
but does not designate those of Sandusky 
county from those enlisted from other 
counties. We therefore give the list as 
furnished, as the time allowed the writer 
to finish his work will not permit of further 
search or investigation into the places of 
enlistment. 



COMPANY A. 
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Charles B. Gambee. 

First Lieutenant Benjamin F. Eldridge. 

Second Lieutenant William H. Long. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Henry H. Moore. 
Sergeant John E. Kunkel. 
Sergeant Charles M. Smith. 
Sergeant Albert J. Demick. 
Sergeant William H. Harringer. 
Corporal Lyman Ford. * 
Corporal Martin O. Smith. 
Corporal John Stevens. 
Corporal John Ryan. 
Corporal James W. Saunders. 
Corporal George H. Stillson. 
Corporal Sidney F. Sinclair. 
Corporal Oren J. Stark. 
Musician Daniel Herring. 
Musician George W. Goodell, 
Wagoner William H. Cryder. 

PRIVATES. 

Horace B. Adams, Horace A. Bartlett, Nelson 
Barber, Philip Beckley, Thomas Beckley, Stephen 
Beckley, James Boughton, Lewis S. Bergstrener, 
Joseph Ball, James Carrer, John Chenrock, Howard 
M. Coleman, Albert Chapman, Albert P. Curry 
William Charrill, Nelson Crockett, Elliot A. Cobb, 
Alonzo Corser, Henry R. Carrer, Levi Close, Miles 
Duesler, John J. Duesler, Francis Davis, George G. 
Deitiich, Uriah M. Eckhart, Martin J. Ford, Benja- 
min F. Fulkerson, Arthur Franklin, John Grubb 
William H. Goodson, Francis Gale, Henry Gale 
John Gleason, Henry Gerring, George H. Gale 
Charles Gale, Charles Haler, Henry J. Hay ward 
Henry Hanney, Theopholis P. Howard, William 
Hartman, Samuel Henney, William J. Hanson 
William Hyde, Dexter R. Jones, Rollin Jacoy 
Henry C. James, Thomas A. Kunkel, Jesse Kline 
William E. Miller, John Moyer, Charles Mathis, 
Mandus Mohr, Aretas Miller, James G. Millen 
David McCormick, James C. Moon, George W 
Orning, John Peightle, Silas P. Riley, Elias Smith 
William Stegman, Samuel Smith, Elias Stephens 
Dewalt J. Swander, James Slinker, Jonas Shoema- 
ker, William E. Sheffield, James Sowards, William 
Sowards, Ashael P. Smith, Ross C. Treamain, Ama- 
ziah Thorp, George W. Todd, Charles H. Welch, 
Eli C. Wright, George O. Winters, Jefferson 
Wright, Moses P. Wilt, Russell S. Williams. 
Benjamin Zimmerman, Martin Kinney, Samuel 
Hoofnagle, Francis A. Pixley, Moses H. Smith,James 
H. Bitting, Sylvester Hevelone, Martin Lauden- 
schlager, William M. Giles, James J. Null, Milton 
Crockett, Edward Farnsworth, John Noriis, Robert 
Otis, John Ryan. 



26o 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



COMPANY E. 

PRIVATES. 

William Clinton, Joseph Hewitt. 

COMPANY A. 
Private Francis Pixley. 

COMPANY E. 
Private William Clinton. 

COMPANY D. 
Private William Upton. 

FIFTY-SEYENTH REGIMENT OHIO YOLUN- 
TEER INFANTRY. 

The Fifty-seventh regiment Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry was organized at Camp 
Vance, near Findlay, in Hancock county, 
Ohio, under authority of Governor Denni- 
son, given September 14, 1861. Before 
its organization was completed the regi- 
ment, on the 22d of January, 1862, moved 
to Camp Chase, where its organization 
was completed, on February 10, 1862. It 
numbered, when mustered in, nine hun- 
dred and fifty si.x men, and thirty-eight 
commissioned officers. 

Sandusky county furnished a number of 
men for different companies of the Fifty- 
seventh, whose services cannot be properly 
known and appreciated without a brief 
sketch of the services of the whole regi- 
ment. 

On the 18th of February, 1862, the 
Fifty-seventh was ordered to report at 
Fort Donelson, On its way, and while at 
Smithland, Kentucky, the order was 
changed, and it consequently reported at 
Paducah, Kentucky. Here it was assigned 
to the Third Brigade, Fifth Division of 
the Army of the Tennessee. Thence it 
was moved, by the steamer Continental 
to Fort Henry, arriving there on the 9th 
of March, 1862. From Fort Henry it 
moved to Savannah, Tennessee, arriving 
there on the iith of March. After par- 
ticipating in an ineffectual attempt to 
strike the Memphis and Charleston rail- 
road at luka, Mississippi, they returned 



and went to Pittsburg Landing, where 
they arrived on the i6th of March. Here 
the Fifth Division was employed in recon- 
noitering towards Pea Ridge, and also 
towards Corinth. On the 19th it went into 
camp at Shiloh Chapel, three miles south 
of the Landing. On the ist of April the 
regiment in company with other troops 
and two gunboats, went to Eastport, Mis- 
sissippi, about thirty miles from the Land- 
ing. The Fifty-seventh was on the fore- 
most transport. The boats shelled the 
woods and towns along the way, but 
elicited no reply. Passing up as far as 
Chickasaw, Alabama, they there shelled 
the town and the rebel works, but the 
enemy had left, and the Fifty-seventh was 
ordered to debark and scout the surround- 
ing hills and villages. In this scouting 
the regiment captured a few prisoners, 
men and boys, and then returned to camp. 
So much had the regiment suffered 
from sickness, that on the morning of the 
6th of April there were but four hundred 
and fifty men for duty. Being posted with 
the right resting on the Corinth road im- 
mediately south of the church, it was 
among the first to meet the advance of 
the rebel forces. About six o'clock a. 
M., of the 6th of April, 1862, the Fifty- 
seventh formed and advanced until it 
reached the little eminence upon which 
Shiloh church stood. It held this posi- 
tion until ten o'clock, and successfully 
withstood the attack of the Mississippi 
Rifles, Crescent Guards from New Orleans, 
and the Fourteenth Tennessee, from 
Memphis. It was then ordered to fall 
back upon the Purdy and Hamburg road, 
which it did in good order. The Union 
line was pressed back three-quarters of a 
mile further. In three days fighting in 
and around Shiloh, the Fifty-seventh lost 
twenty-seven killed and one hundred and 
fifty were wounded (sixteen mortally), and 
ten captured. The regiment remained in 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



261 



camp at Shiloh Church until the 
29th of April, and was engaged in 
drilling and preparing for the com- 
ing campaign. On the 29th the regi- 
ment started for Corinth, and did good 
service until the rebels evacuated that 
place. It did good fighting at camps Six 
and Seven, and at the Russell House was 
warmly engaged. While advancing on 
Corinth the Fifty-seventh was assigned to 
the First brigade of the Fifth division. Af- 
ter various services in repairing roads and 
guarding bridges, the regiment, on the 
1 2th of November, was assigned to the 
First brigade of the First division of the 
Fifteenth Army Corps. During the stay at 
Memphis the regiment was drilled thor- 
oughly in the skirmish drill and bayonet 
exercise. 

The Fifty-seventh was part of a con- 
siderable force sent against General Price 
on the Tallahatchee River near Wyatt, in 
Mississippi, which place it reached on the 
2d of December, and finding the place 
evacuated the march was continued to- 
wards Grenada. 

On the 9th of December the P'ifteenth 
Corps returned to Memphis, where it ar- 
rived on the 13th. Here the Fifty-seventh 
was strengthened by receiving one hun- 
dred and eighteen volunteers and two 
hundred and five drafted men, which 
made the aggregate force six hundred and 
fifty men. Thence the regiment next 
moved, with the Fifteenth Army Corps, 
down the Mississippi, and reached 
Young's Point on the 26th of December. 
The corps next moved up the Yazoo 
River and disembarked at Sidney John- 
son's plantation; marched thence to 
Chickasaw Bayou, where the corps, in try- 
ing to effect a crossing, was for five days 
engaged with the enemy. In this action 
the Fifty-seventh lost thirty-seven killed 
and wounded. 

On the 2d of January, 1863, the corps 



moved down the Yazoo to the Mississippi, 
and up the Mississippi to White River, 
and up the latter river to the cut-off, and 
through the cut-off into the Arkansas, and 
up the Arkansas to Arkansas Post, disem- 
barking there on the loth of January, 
1863. 

The Fifty-seventh led the brigade in 
the charge and assault of Fort Henderson 
where, after three days hard fighting, the 
enemy surrendered. In this action the 
regiment lost in killed and wounded, 
thirty-seven men. The regiment then 
moved back towards Vicksburg, disem- 
barking at Young's Point on the 21st of 
January, 1863, and went to work on the 
canal. The regiment advanced upon 
Vicksburg, participating in the battles of 
Raymond, Champion Hill, and Black 
River, and reached the works around 
Vicksburg on the i8th of May, and partic- 
ipated in the general assault on the 19th, 
and after considerable hard fighting, 
was within seventy yards of the rebel 
line when, at 2 o'clock of the morning 
of the 20th, the entire brigade was with- 
drawn to a position three hundred yards 
in the rear of the line of fortifications. 
Excepting a short time spent in reconnoit- 
ering between the Big Black and Yazoo 
Rivers, the regiment was in service in the 
trenches or on picket duty, until the sur- 
render of Vicksburg. 

After much hard service, on the ist 
of January, 1864, it re-enlisted in the Fif- 
teenth Army Corps. After spending a 
furlough of thirty days at home among 
friends, the regiment rendezvoused at 
Camp Chase with two hundred and seven 
recruits. On the 29th of March, 1864, it 
arrived at Nashville, and was there de- 
tained until the 4th of April when it 
marched to Larkinsville, Alabama, where, 
on the 17th of April, it rejoined its brig- 
ade. On the I St of May it moved with 
the corps in the Atlanta campaign, arriving 



262 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



in the vicinity of Chattanooga on the 6th, 
and advanced through Snake Creek Gap 
to Resaca, where it participated in the 
battle at that place, on the 13th and 
14th of May, 1864. This was one of the 
most severe contests in which the regi- 
ment was engaged, and its loss was fifty- 
seven killed and wounded. It joined m 
the pursuit of the enemy, who made a 
stand at Dallas, where fighting continued 
for three days. The regiment here lost 
fifteen men. After several days skirmish- 
ing, the regiment, on the 27th of June, 
participated in an assault on the enemy's 
lines at Kenesaw. In this engagement it 
lost fifty-seven men in killed and wounded. 

From Atlanta the regiment was with 
Sherman's army, doing good service and 
enduring much hardship, until it reached 
Richmond by way of Petersburg. Thence 
it passed to Washington city and was in 
the grand review there on the 24th of 
May, 1865; was ordered thence to Louis- 
ville, Kentucky, where it arrived on the 
7th of June. On the 14th of June it was 
mustered out and paid at Camp Chase 
and finally discharged from the service. 

When the Fifty-seventh was first organ- 
ized the regimental ofificers were : Colo- 
nel William Mungen, Lieutenant Colonel 
William Mungen, Major Silas B. Walker, 
Surgeon John P. Haggett, There were 
many promotions and changes in rank 
and date of rank of these ofificers which 
are here omitted. 

The following list shows the men of 
Sandusky county who volunteered and 
served with the Fifty-seventh regiment 
and the companies to which they belonged. 

COMPANY c. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Samuel R. Mott. 

First Lieutenant John W. Underwood. 

.Second Lieutenant John Doncyson. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant George Bush. 



Sergeant David W. Baker. 
Sergeant David C. Edmiston. 
Sergeant Anthony Bentler. 
Corporal Hamilton Granville. 
Corporal Israel W. Giberson. 
Corporal Franklin Burden. 
Corporal Henry Bruntuter. 
Corporal David Clenger. 
Corporal Francis Ganther. 
Corporal William H. Kellison. 
Corporal John Schlegel. 
Musician John M. Lanning. 
Musician John T. Scliawn. 
Teamster Andrew L. Donnelly. 

I'RIVATES. 

George Casanova, Jacob Frank, Anthony Frees, 
Frederick Heltwein, Joseph Haberstock, Henry 
Link, Andrew Mai tine, John Malliet, Henry 
Winnes, Griffith F. Wilson, George Shriner, An- 
thony Rendlez, David Ohhnger, William P. Ayres. 

COMPANY F. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Alva S. Skilton. 

First Lieutenant George T. Blystone. 

Second Lieutenant Edward E. Root. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Marcellus B. Dickey. 
Sergeant Henry H. Swisher. 
Sergeant Alexander K. .Sipes. 
Sergeant Peter N. Gaberel. 
Sergeant William Berwick. 
Corporal Lewis Winemiller. 
Corporal William H. Pelton. 
Corporal Alonzo Biackson. 
Corporal William H. Green. 
Corporal David T. Bull. 
Corporal James Hathaway. 
Corporal Charles Hathaway. 
Corporal John Byers. 
Musician Sidney D. Briggs. 

PRIVATES. 

William Brown, Daniel Beyer, Peter Boyer, Moses 
Courchune, Thomas Current, John Current, John P. 
Franks, William King, John Matthews, John Mal- 
lett, Patrick Madigan, Frederick Picker, Lewis 
Peter, Edgar Peter, Frank .Snope, .Adam Sorg, Levi 
Smith, John W. Smith. 

COMPANY H. 
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Daniel N. .Strayer. 
First Lieutenant John A. Smith. 
Second Lieutenant Lucius Call. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant William M. Newell. 
Sergeant Thomas B. McCormick. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



263 



Sergeant Stephen H. Carey. 
Sergeant George M. Berger. 
Sergeant James R. Wilson. 
Corporal Robert J. Hemden. 
Corporal Jesse Meranda. 
Corporal William B. Carl. 
Corporal James R. McCormick. 
Corporal Bernard Poorman. 
Corporal Philip Hank. 
Corporal Henry Whitney. 
Corporal Henry Schuitz. 
Musician Josephus Dodd. 
Musician John Botkin. 

PRIVATES. 

Levi Binkley, Melancthon Binkley, Eugene A. 
Chapman, Ernst Dippmm, James Head, Emanuel 
Lyburger, Daniel McMahon, James McMahon, 
Jacob Miniries, Michael Norton, Albert Overmier, 
William Poorman, Thomas Poorman, George S. 
Royce, Samuel Shannon, Samuel A. Shroud. 

COMPANY I. 

PR I VAT res. 
Edgar Peter, Levi Smith, Perry Russell, John Mol- 
liett, William O'Neil, Tarleton Schuitz, Frank 
Swope, D.miel Boyer, Peter Boyer, Thomas Current, 
John P. Franks, John Matthews. 

COMPANY K. 
PRIVATES. 

Henry E. Charrs, Edwin Wrenn, George Wager- 
man, Philip Harck. 

THE SEVENTY-SECOND REGIMENT OF OHIO 
VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

Although Sandusky county had fur- 
nished quite hberally of her brave and 
patriotic men to the Eighth, the Twenty- 
fifth, Forty-ninth, and Fifty-seventh regi- 
ments of volunteer infantry, all of which 
were organized in other counties, and also 
to the naval, artillery and cavalry service, 
and although these different organizations 
attracted those most ready and eager to 
go, there remained in the county many 
patriotic men whose business, family ties, 
or some particular temporary reasons held 
them back. But as the progress of events 
developed the dangers which environed 
the Nation and threatened more alarm- 
ingly the existence of the Union, it became 
evident that another appeal must be made 
to the men of the county, and more sacri- 



fices offered to save the country's flag from 
disgrace and to rescue the Constitution 
from the hands of traitors. These grave 
apprehensions for the Nation's existence 
brought out that state of feeling which in- 
duced the organization of the 

SEVENTY-SECOND OHIO VOLUNTEER IN- 
FANTRY. 

The first formal public notice of such 
an undertaking appeared in the Fremont 
Journal of October 4, 1861. It was an 
editorial mention that Hon. R. P. Buck- 
land, of Fremont, had received orders 
from Governor Dennison, dated October 
2, 1 86 1, to raise regiment number seven- 
ty-two, and establish Camp Croghan in 
Fremont, of which he had been commis- 
sioned Lieutenant - Colonel. Isaac M. 
Keeler, then editor of the Journal, made 
an appeal to the people to come forward 
and help to fill and organize the proposed 
regiment, and send it forward promptly to 
sustain the Constitution and the Union. 

The next issue of the paper, October 
II, 1861, contained a call over the signa- 
ture of Colonel Buckland. He reminded 
the men of Sandusky county that Ken- 
tuckians fought for us at Fort Stephenson, 
and that Kentucky was now appealing 
for help from us to drive back the invad- 
ing enemies of the Constitution and of 
liberty; of the obligations we owed them 
and to the cause of constitutional liberty, 
and urged men to enlist and fill up the 
regiment as soon as possible, and march 
to the aid of brothers and fathers who had 
preceded them to the scenes of conflict 
and danger, and assist in rescuing them 
from impending danger and destruction. 

On the 6th of December it was an- 
nounced through the press that recruiting 
for the Seventy-second was progressing 
satisfactorily. At that date company A, 
Captain C. G. Eaton, of Clyde, Ohio, had 
eighty-four men ; company B, — Captain 
George Raymond, First Lieutenant Henry 



264 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



W. Buckland, Second Lieutenant William 
T. Fisher — had eighty-three men; com- 
pany F, — Captain S. A. J. Snyder, First 
Lieutenant Jacob Snyder, Second Lieu- 
tenant Daniel Huffman — had eighty-four 
men ; that two hundred Enfield rifles 
for the flanking companies, A and B, had 
been received at camp. 

On the 19th of December, 1861, the cit- 
izens of Fremont presented Colonel R. P. 
Buckland with a beautiful and trusty 
sword, which he still retains and treasures 
with great care. 

On the 20th of December, 1861, the 
citizens of Clyde presented a sword to 
Captain C. G. Eaton, with an appropriate 
address, to which Captain Eaton respond- 
ed in a short address, full of patriotism 
and eliciting hearty applause. 

On Friday, the 17th day of January, 
1862, it was announced that the Seventy- 
second regiment was full and formed, and 
that the captains and lieutenants were as 
follows : 

COMPANY A. 
(One hundred men.) 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain G. C. Eaton. 

First Lieutenant W. H. Gifford. 

Second Lieutenant S. Russell. 

COMPANY B. 
(Eighty-six men.) 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain George Raymond, 

First Lieutenant Henry W. Buckland. 

Second Lieutenant W. J. Fisher. 

COMPANY C. 
(Ninety men.) 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain S. A. J. Snyder. . 

First Lieutenant Jacob Snyder. 
Second Lieutenant D. W. Huffman. 

COMPANY D. 
(Eighty-six men.) 

Captain Andrew Nuhfer. 

First Lieutenant M. A. Fowler. 

Second Lieutenant Jesse J. Cook. 



COMPANY E. 
(Eighty-two men.) 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain J. H. Blinn. 

First lieutenant C. D. Dennis. 

Second Lieutenant W. A. Strong. 

COMPANY F. 

(Eighty-five men.) 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Leroy Moore. 
Fiist Lieutenant A. H. Rice. 
Second Lieutenant J . B. Gilmore. 

COMPANY G. 

(One hundred men.) 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain T. C. Fernald. 
First Lieutenant J. Fernald. 
Second Lieutenant J. Foyer. 

COMPANY H. 

(Eighty-four men.) 

COMMLSSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Michael Weigstein. 
I'irst Lieutenant A. Young. 
Second Lieutenant A. Kline. 

COMPANY L 

(Eighty-five men.) 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Jacob Fickes. 
First Lieutenant A. Bates. 
Second Lieutenant J. W. Donneli. 

COMPANY K. 

(Eighty-one men.) 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain S. A. Barron. 

Fiist Lieutenant W. C. Biddie. 

Second Lieutenant T. \V. Egbert. 

It was at the same time also announced 
that the regiment would be armed with 
Minnie rifles, which were then daily ex- 
pected at camp. 

REGIMENTAL COLOR PRESENTATION. 

On Friday, January 17, 1862, it was 
announced that the next day, Saturday the 
1 8th, would be a lively day at Camp 
Croghan. A picnic for the soldiers had 
been prepared by the ladies of Fremont 
and vicinity, to be served out to them 
at 12 o'clock of that day. There was 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



265 



also notice that on the same day at 2 
o'clock p. M., a beautiful regimental color, 
worked by the ladies, would be presented 
to the regiment by Homer Everett, on be- 
•half of the ladies, and to Captain Weig- 
stein's company (German) through the 
Rev. Henry Lang, a beautiful National 
silk flag, thus completing the stand of 
colors for the regiment. 

The picnic and flag presentation took 
place according to announcement, and 
the following extracts from the San- 
dusky County Democrat, published on 
Friday, the 24th day of January, 1862, 
will show what was done and the manner 
of the ceremonies on that occasion. 
These extracts will also awaken in the 
minds of the surviving soldiers of the 
Seventy-second regiment, and of the men 
and women who participated in the cere- 
monies, many pleasing and many sad 
thoughts of persons and events connected 
with the regiment and the men who went 
out with it. 

PRESENr.-\TION OF COLORS TO THE SEVENTY-SEC- 
OND REGIMENT. 

The presentation of a stand of colors to the Sev- 
enty-second Regiment took place at Camp Croghan 
on Saturday last, and was witnessed by a large num- 
ber of citizens from town and country. The day was 
very favorable, and the occasion was one of deep 
and heart-felt interest to all, but more especially to 
the soldiers, their families, sisters, brothers, fathers, 
mothers, and sweethearts, who there greeted each 
other with words of counsel, encouragement, and 
affection, while their hearts were stirred by those 
feelings and an.xieties which none but they can know. 

Through the enterprising liberality of the ladies of 
Fremont, a picnic dinner was served up at 12 o'clock, 
of which the soldiers partook with a hearty relish. 
They will never forget the kindness of the ladies, as 
evinced in this as well as other acts intended to pro. 
mote their comfort. 

After dinner, the chaplain of the regiment. Rev. 
Mr. Poe, assisted by Rev. Messrs. Bushnell, Lang> 
and Phelps, distributed to each officer and private in 
the regiment, a copy of the Testament and Psalms. 

Prayer was then offered by Rev. Mr. Bushnell. 
Homer Everett, Esq., on behalf of the ladies, then 
presented the regimental flag — a splendid one — pref- 
acing the presentation by the following address, for 
34 



a report of which, as well as the other addresses 
which follow, we are indebted to Mr. J. Burgner, 
teacher of the Fremont high school : 

MR. EVERETT'S ADDRESS. 

"Colonel Buckland :— The ladies of Fremont 
have observed your untiring energy and labor, and 
your exertions in enlisting and organizing the Seven- 
ty-second regiment — the Fort Stephenson regiment. 
They are always patriotic, always quick to observe 
merit ; and they have observed, sir, how you have 
proved yourself willing to give up, for a time at least, 
the enjoyments of an ample competence, a pleasant 
home, a dear family, and all the enjoyments of social 
life amongst us, and exchange them for the labors, 
the trials, and the dangers of a command like yours. 
They have observed, sir, how, when our county had 
sent to the service Captains TiUotson, Haynes, 
Crowell, Bartlett, and Amsden, furnished with men 
for the service, and had furnished many to other 
commands to fight the battles of this country, that 
when more help was called for, you came forward, ' 
and by the exertion of your widely extended personal 
influence, your personal efforts, your zeal, your stir- 
ring appeal to the hearts and patriotism of the peo- 
ple, which touched in them a deeper chord than had 
been touched before, you impelled them to come for- 
ward and enroll themselves under your command, 
and they have. observed that, under difficulties which 
would have prevented others from succeeding, by 
your perseverance the Seventy-second regiment is 
formed, and now ready for the field of action. Ob- 
serving all these merits in you, they have determined 
to give proof of their appreciation and approval of 
these virtues, and to that end they have determined 
to present you with such proof as may be ever pres- 
ent to you and your command, reminding you, 
and stimulating you to high and noble action; and, 
sir, as a means of this expression on their part, have 
bid me present to you this beautiful regimental ban 
ner. 

" You will see, sir, upon its azure field, that beauti- 
ful, rich likeness of the soaring eagle, and that motto, 
'The Seventy-second, Fort -Stephenson regiment;' 
and, sir, it is an apt and beautiful inscription. Let 
the one be ever suggestive to you and to the noble 
men under your command, of fearless and lofty senti- 
ments; while the other, by its historic recollections 
and associations, will inspire you to emulate, in deeds 
of valor and daring, the cherished hero of Fort 
Stephenson. Sir, the ladies, in presenting this to 
you, would have me say : ' Men of the Seventy-sec- 
ond regiment, of Fort Stephenson, officers, privates, 
and all : The ladies of Fremont have not been inat- 
tentive to your merits. They know well that every 
one of you has sacrificed much and will suffer much 
in the cause of our country; and they wish me to as- 
sure you, each and all, that these sacrifices, these 
labors on the altar of the country, are seen and ap- 
preciated by them, and will be remem ed, too.' 



266 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



"Colonel Buckland, in your regiment are those of 
extended relations amongst us. Fathers and broth- 
ers, sisters, wives, and lovers, who refused and could 
not consent that their dear ones should go forward 
under any other commander, relying upon your jus- 
tice, your courage, your kindness, and your reputa- 
tion for all the qualities that fit you for the command, 
have consented that under you they may go and 
fight for the restoration of the Government that our 
fathers gave us, over the rebellious territory. 

"Sir, what higher expression of approbation of 
your character could w'e give ? What greater re- 
sponsibility, sir, could you receive ? Your regiment, 
sir, is composed of those who, by the ties of kindred, 
acquaintance — father, brother, sister, wife — extends to 
every heart and hearthstone throughout our county. 
Not only so, but many of the other counties adjoin- 
ing, and in distant portions of the State. More than 
this, your regiment embraces men who have come 
from Germany, from France, from Ireland, and per- 
haps from other foreign lands, wliose connections 
and sympathies stretch across the wide Atlantic itself. 
And, sir, the happiness of all this connection, by this 
voluntary act on the part of our people, is, for a 
great measure, committed to your hands; and these 
sympathies and sentiments on the part of the ladies, 
permit me to assure you, are entertained by all the 
people as far as the Seventy-second regiment is 
known. 

" Take, then, that beautiful banner; and the ladies 
bid me say that it is presented to you and to all the 
members of the Seventy-second regiment; and when 
you go hence, if it shall be your fortune to do serv- 
ice, remember that the sympathies of all this people 
will follow you, and let that banner always be speak- 
ing to you of their happiness and your responsibili- 
ties. Let it be a beacon light, an assurance of the 
affection, respect, and confidence of the people who 
have given all these dear ones into your hands with 
such implicit confidence and trust. And when you 
are brought upon the soil of the enemies of this Gov- 
ernment, whether upon the march, or in camp, or in 
the front of battle, remember, whenever that banner 
is unfurled, that the cords of affection in your regi- 
ment reach back to us; and that every heart in San- 
dusky county will thrill with the fortune of the Sev- 
enty-second regiment; and if it be its fate to be in- 
jured and to fall, every household in Sandusky county 
will shed a tear over its loss. 

" Colonel Buckland, take this banner, and remem- 
ber that the prayers of this extended connection will 
follow you through every trial, every day and every 
moment while you are in the service of the country, 
for your own welfare, and the welfare, safety, and 
honor of the Seventy-second, Fort Stephenson Regi- 
ment." 

KEY. MR. L.\NG'S ADDRESS. 

The flag of the German company, the gift of the 
German ladies of Fremont, was next presented to 



the regiment by Rev. H. Lang, who spoke as follows : 
"Colonel Buckland: It has fallen to my lot 
to present you this day, this standard, bearing the 
National colors. It was in the first instance the gift 
of the German ladies of Fremont to the German 
company of your regiment. In behalf of those 
ladies, and also of that German company, I bequeath 
it to you and your regiment, the noble band of pa- 
triots whom you have gathered around you to assist 
in fighting the battles of your country. You will 
perceive, sir, that it is a true pattern of the old noble 
ensign of '76; and I believe that the patriotism of 
those who betjueath it, as well as those who receive 
it, is of the old stamp of '76. The German com- 
jiany of your regiment. Colonel, will take care that 
not a leaf of the laurels of the German revolutionary 
heroes shall be disgraced by their cowardice, their 
treachery, or their want of bravery. I am ]iroud, 
sir, of my German countrymen, who have, al lover 
the land, rushed to the rescue. You will remember 
Sigel, Blencker, Willich, and other noble German 
patriots. You will expect bravery from this company 
as well as from the rest of your regiment, and be as- 
sured, sir, you may depend upon them as long as 
you lead them to battle for the Constitution and the 
I'nion. The officers of the German company of 
your regiment have seen severe military service in 
Mexico. They have smelt Southern powder once be- 
ftire, and they are going to try it again. They will 
stand by your side in every contest. Give them an 
opportunity, sir, and they will show themselves 
worthy of your trust. 

"'Accept then, this Star Spangled Banner; bear it on 
to victory and triumph; and be assured, sir, that my 
prayers and the prayers of this whole community 
shall follow you to the field of danger and honor; 
and, if called into actual service, see to it that not 
one star of this glorious constellation shall fall under 
the feet of those that have forgotten that they who 
take the sword shall perish with the sword. May 
you return with this flag after glorious deeds of mill 
itary honor, and may history inscribe upon its broad 
stripes: 'The Ohio Seventy-second was as true as 
the patriots of '76.' God sjieed you, sir, and let this 
be the w^ar cry in your regiment: 'The sword of 
God and our country." 

On account of the throng it was impossible to ob- 
tain a verbatim report of 

COLONEL BUCKL.VND'S RESPONSE. 

" I tender my heartfelt thanks to you, the noble 
donors of these flags, and also the thanks of the 
Seventy-second regiment, which I have the honor to 
represent; and I know that I express not only my 
own feeling, but the feelings of the officers and men 
under my command, when I say to you that, so far 
as bravery and courage will do it, we have pledged 
ourselves here to-day to sustain the honor of the flags 
which you have done us the honor to present to us. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



267 



I heartily concur in the remarks made by my friend, 
Lang, in behalf of my German fellow-soldiers. It 
is true that incidents are recorded everywhere in the 
history of this country, in every war, proving that 
the Germans have been among the bravest, most 
loyal, and patriotic of our countrymen. They were 
such during the Revolution, and in the present war 
we have a Sigel, a Blencker, and a host of German 
patriots; and wherever the fight has been the hottest, 
there have been our German fellow-countrymen; — 
and nobly have they sustained the German character 
by their courage and patriotism. They are friends 
of liberty the world over, and when they are fighting 
under the stars and stripes, they are fighting under 
the emblem of liberty known wherever civilization 
has made any headway. They are here now, and 
we rely upon those in our regiment, as well as in 
others, to help sustain the honor of the regiment 
and the honor of the colors you have this day pre- 
sented to us. I am well aware of the great responsi- 
bility I myself have assumed as colonel of this regi- 
ment f and I feel that I am not competent to the task; 
not so well qualified for the position as I wish I 
were. But all I can say in leply to that is, that I 
consented to supply that place, and that I will de- 
vote all my energies and abilities, whatever they may 
be, to advance the interests, the comforts, and the 
glories of the Seventy-second regiment. It is per- 
haps the greatest undertaking of my life, and I have 
pledged myself and my all to sustain the honor of 
this regiment. More than this I cannot do. 1 know 
it is one thing to propose what we will do, and an- 
other thing to accomplish that promise when the day 
of trial comes; and it would be useless for me to de- 
tain you here to-day with any promises. All I have 
to say is, look to these praying men who are sur- 
rounding me, and ask yourselves if you have any fears 
of the result. I say no! you cannot. I believe, yes 
I have full confidence, that we shall some day return 
marching under these glorious banners; and when 
you come to examine them you will not find anywhere 
on them a single stain of dishonor. However much 
they may be shattered and torn, they will be untar- 
nised so far as honor is concerned. If I shall be 
mistaken, then I shall consider that my efforts have 
been in vain; but I have no fears, so far as the of- 
ficers and men under me are concerned. When 
tney bear in mind by whose influence these banners 
have been conferred to-day, they will be prompted to 
deeds of bravery, and the presence of these flags 
will have an influence on every act and every duty 
which shall be performed by the Seventy-second reg- 
iment. Whenever they go into the battlefield and 
behold these banners, the glorious stars and stripes 
under which our fathers gained their independence, 
and under which our men are now in the field fight- 
ing for the honor and glory of this country — I say 
whenever they go into battle under these banners, 
they will go in with a shout, remembering the beauti- 



ful donors, and be encouraged to acts of heroism by 
the recollection that they are fighting not only for 
themselves and the regiment, but for the honor of 
the ladies who have presented these banners to them. 
Therefore, ladies, I say I have no fear but that when 
these banners are returned to you, which I hope they 
will be, they will be returned covered with honor, 
and that there will be no spot of dishonor anywhere 
within their folds. 

' ' Mr. Everett has referred particularly to the part I 
have taken in getting up this regiment. I wish in re- 
ply to that barely to remark that I owe very much to 
the officers and men who have taken hold with me 
and worked so faithfully and energetically in this 
cause. I do not wish to assume to myself the whole 
honor of getting up the Seventy-second regiment; it 
does not belong to me. I only say I have done what 
I could, and I will give honor to those who have 
done what they could. We have raised a regiment 
where it was thought none could be raised. It has 
been well remarked that many of these men have 
left families and kindred at home. They have made 
greater sacrifices than I have made. Some can not 
well leave their families; and I wish now on this occa- 
sion to ask you to look well to the families of the men 
who have assembled here to do battle for our country 
and for your benefit. In our absence let them not suf- 
fer for want of the necessaries of life. I will not detain 
you longer, but will return you the heartfelt thanks 
of the whole regiment for these beautiful flags. 

" And now, fellow soldiers! Attention battalion ( 
I propose that the whole battalion give the donors 
three hearty cheers. " (Cheers by the regiment.) 

In the afternoon of Friday, the 24th ot 
January, 1862, the Seventy-second left 
Camp Croghan, and travelled by railroad 
to Clyde, Ohio, and thence by the same 
conveyance to Camp Chase. 

The soldiers were apparently in good 
spirits and cheerful. But the very heart- 
strings of social life and love throughout 
the county quivered with suppressed an- 
guish while the men cheered, and the 
women waved them on to duty. The 
Infinite Ciod alone can ever know and 
measure the secret anguish that found 
relief in tears shed in secret, and the 
inarticulate prayers which followed the 
march of the brave boys of the regi- 
ment, as they took their departure for 
three years to expose their lives to all the 
chances of war. 

Companies A, E, C, D, E, F, H, and I 



268 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



were formed almost entirely ot citizens of 
Sandusky county; company G, with a 
small portion of companies H and A, 
were recruited in Erie county, and com- 
pany K was mostly recruited in Medina 
county, while a few men in companies C 
and E were of Wood county, Ohio. 

As the regiment did not, when it left 
Fremont, contain the maximum number 
of men, company K was broken up, and 
distributed among the other companies, 
and the officers of that company dis- 
charged. A company originally recruited 
for the Fifty-second Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, was assigned to the Seventy-second 
at Camp Chase, and denominated com- 
pany K, which made the regiment full. 

*The regiment was fully equipped in 
February, and was ordered to report to 
General Sherman at Paducah. Here it 
was assigned to a brigade composed of 
the Forty-eighth, Seventieth, and Seventy- 
second Ohio regiments, and Colonel Buck- 
land placed in command. The Seventy- 
second proceeded with Sherman's division 
to Fort Henry on the steamer Baltic, by 
way of the Tennessee River. This move- 
ment was early in March, 1862. From 
Fort Henry the main army proceeded to 
Savannah, but Sherman's division was or- 
dered up to Eastport, Mississippi, for the 
purpose of cutting the Memphis &: Charles- 
ton Railroad, and thus prevent General 
J. S. Johnson from reinforcing Beau- 
regard. Heavy rains and consequent high 
water defeated the plan, and after a deten- 
tion of sixteen days on board of the boats 
Buckland's brigade disembarked at Pittsl 
burg Landing, and encamped near Shiloh 
Church. 

From the long confinement on the 
transports and bad water at Shiloh, the 
troops under General Buckland suffered 

*For the following account of the services of the 
Seventy-second regiment we are indebted to Reid's 
Ohio in the War. 



greatly in health, and the Seventy-second 
was weakened and greatly reduced in 
numbers. On the 3d of April Buckland's 
brigade was engaged in a reconnoissance, 
in which the Seventy-second met the 
rebel pickets, and exchanged shots. On 
the next day (the 4th of April) companies 
B and H were ordered to reconnoiter the 
front of the picket line. These com- 
panies became separately engaged, and 
Major Crockett and two or three men of 
company H were captured, and several 
were wounded. Company B was sur- 
rounded, but it fought for an hour against 
great odds, and was saved by the fortu- 
nate arrival of companies A, D and F, 
which were sent forward to their relief. 
Company B lost four men wounded. 

All this time the rebels were massing 
near Shiloh, and preparing to sweep away 
the Union forces there, by an unexpected 
attack in force. But General Buckland, 
by reconnoitering, had felt the enemy, and 
was too vigilant to be prepared for an at- 
tack at any moment, so far as he was 
concerned. Whatever has been said, or 
may be said about our forces being sur- 
prised at Shiloh, sure it is that General 
Buckland was not surprised. His brigade 
was ready, from the time of Crockett's 
capture, and all that prudence and bravery 
could do, General Buckland did to be 
ready for the enemy at any and every 
moment. He felt sure from the 3d of 
April, that the rebels intended an attack 
in force on the army at Pittsburg Land- 
ing, and acted accordingly. And when, 
on the morning of the 6th of April, 1862, 
the onset came, he was up and ready. 
His brigade met the enemy on that memor- 
able morning, and withstood the furious 
onset of three successive lines; and not- 
withstanding the defection of the brigade 
on his left, he held his position for two 
hours, when General Sherman ordered his 
brigade to retire. Therebels had advanced 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



269 



on the left, and threatened to cut off the 
retreat, but Buckland's brigade made a 
rapid detour to the right through a dense 
wood, and at 11 o'clock was in posi- 
tion to the right of the National line. 
The regiment was constantly at the front, 
and acted with great bravery and coolness 
throughout the day, and on the 7th effect- 
ively participated in the charge which 
finally swept the enemy from the field, 
and that night rested in the camp from 
which it had been ordered to retire the 
day before. In this action the regiment 
lost Lieutenant-Colonel Canfield mortally 
wounded, and two company officers 
killed, one of them being the brave cap- 
tain of the German company, H, and 
one officer missing. Thirteen men were 
killed, seventy were wounded, and forty- 
five were missing. The Seventy second 
participated in the pursuit of the enemy 
as far as Monterey. 

At the siege of Corinth the Seventy- 
second bore a conspicuous part, and al- 
though its losses in the action were not 
great, it suffered great loss by disease and 
consequent disability. During the siege 
General J. W. Denver assumed command 
of Buckland's brigade, and Colonel Buck- 
land returned to the command of his 
regiment. 

After the evacuation of Corinth, Sher- 
man's division moved along the Memphis 
& Charleston Railroad, in a westerly di- 
rection, and on the 21st of July, 1863, en- 
tered Memphis. When the regiment ar- 
rived at Memphis it presented a dilapida- 
ted condition; the men were worn, sick, 
weary, and ragged, having drawn no cloth- 
ing since the battle of Pittsburg Landing. 
Here the Seventy-second was brigaded 
with the Thirty-second Wisconsin, Ninety- 
third Indiana, Ninety-third Illinois, and the 
One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois. 
This brigade was designated the First 
brigade of the Third division. The di- 



vision was placed under the command of 
General Lanman, while Colonel Buckland 
command d the brigade under the new 
organization. 

On the 26th day of November the reg- 
iment marched toward Wyatt, on the Tal- 
lahatchie. The rebels retreated, and Sher- 
man's forces were ordered back to Mem- 
phis. When the Memphis & Charleston 
Railroad was reached, the regiment was 
ordered to Moscow, to hold the bridge 
over Wolf River. Here the regiment fell 
in with Richardson's guerillas, but expe- 
rienced no loss. It remained at Moscow 
about two weeks, in the performance of 
picket duty there, until the 9th of January, 
1863, when it was ordered to Cormth. 
The march to Corinth was made by way 
of Bolivar and Purdy. In the night next 
after arriving at Corinth, the weather be- 
came intensely cold, from which the men 
suffered severely. Here Buckland's bri- 
gade was assigned to the Sixteenth Corps, 
and was concentrated near Memphis. 

The Seventy-second reached White's 
Station, nine miles east of Memphis, on 
the 31st of January, 1863, and was en- 
gaged in picket duty, and in work on the 
fortifications. It moved to Memphis on 
the 13th of March, embarked on the 
steamer Champion, and on the 14th pro- 
ceeded down the stream. 

The regiment had been reinforced by 
about forty nine-months recruits, which, 
with returning convalescents, somewhat 
increased its effective strength. On the 
2d of April the regiment went into camp 
four miles above Young's Point. Here 
it was for a time engaged in working on 
the canal, and in preparations for the 
coming campaign. It commenced its 
march for a position in the rear of Vicks- 
burg on the 2d of May, 1863, moved 
seventy miles southward, through Louisi- 
ana, and reached the Mississippi opposite 
Grand Gulf. It crossed the river on the 



270 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



7th of May, and on the 8th moved toward 
Jackson, Mississippi, and was in the battle 
there on the 14th of May. The next day 
the ref2;iment continued the march toward 
Vicksburg, and arrived there on the i8th. 

The regiment took a part in the assault 
on the rebel works at Vicksburg, on the 
19th and 2 2d days of May, and then be- 
gan the labors of the siege. The position 
of the regiment was on the right of Tat- 
tle's division, and within a half mile of the 
Mississippi River, and north of Vicksburg, 

On the 22d of June the Seventy-second 
formed part of the force ordered to Big 
Black River to intercept Joe Johnson, 
who was attempting the relief of Vicks- 
burg. After this the Seventy-second was 
thrown out on the advance picket-line, 
and continued to hold that hazardous po- 
sition until the surrender of Vicksburg. 

The regmient then moved against Gen- 
eral Johnson at Jackson, and after the 
battle pursued the rebels to Brandon, 
where it had an engagement. After de- 
stroying a portion of the railroad it re- 
turned to Big Black to rest and refit. 

In the latter part of the summer the 
regiment moved to Oak Ridge, twenty-one 
miles distant from Vicksburg and near 
the Yazoo River, and in September it 
participated in a four days' scout to Me- 
chanisville, in which it experienced some 
very hard marching, and lively skirmishing. 
On the 15th of October, 1863, it took part 
in General McPherson's expedition to Can- 
ton, Mississippi, and on its return went into 
camp eight miles in the rear of Vicksburg. 
About the middle of November the regi- 
ment was ordered with its division to 
Memphis, to guard the Mississippi and 
Charleston railroad, and was stationed at 
Germantown, fourteen miles east of Mem- 
phis. 

On the 2d of January, 1864, the regi- 
ment re-enlisted and soon after moved to 
Memphis. In February it took part in 



the expedition under Colonel McMillen, 
to the Tallahatchie River, to create a 
diversion in favor of General W. S. Smith's 
cavalry expedition, all being part of Gen- 
eral Sherman's Meridian expedition. This 
lasted thirteen days, and the regiment 
marched one hundred and fifty miles. 

VETERAN FURLOUGH. 

On the 23d of Februaiy, at Memphis, 
it received a veteran fui lough and pro- 
ceeded North. And it is the pleasing 
duty of the historian to follow the gallant 
veterans of the Seventy-second regiment, 
who had re-enlisted, from the scenes of 
their labors and suffering, their marches, 
sieges, and battles, back to their homes 
and friends and dear ones, from whom 
they parted more than two years before. 

On Friday, the 26th day of February, 
1864, a telegram to Fremont announced 
that the regiment was at Cairo the day 
previous, on its way home. This good 
news soon put the public mind in the city 
and county in motion. The brave men 
we had sent out more than two years be- 
fore, and who had toiled and suffered, and 
marched and fought at the front so many 
weary days, were now coming home to 
greet those whom they left behind shad- 
owed with anxiety and tears at their de- 
parture. It may truly be said that the 
hearts of the whole county thrilled and 
throbbed with joyous anticipations at the 
meeting, and with a desire to honor the 
veterans on their arrival. The mayor of 
Fremont at once gave notice of a public 
meeting of the citizens to make arrange- 
ments for a proper reception of the regi- 
ment. A large meeting was held, over 
which the mayor. Captain John M. Kline, 
was called to preside, and D. W. Krebs 
was chosen secretary. On motion the 
mayor and common council of the city 
appointed a committee of arrangements, 
with power to appoint such sub-commit- 
tees as they might think proper. The sub- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



27 1 



committees were then promptly announced 
as follows: The committee on arrange- 
ments and refreshments were: H. R. 
Shomo, Isaac E. Amsden, John Flaugher, 
Captain A. Young, C. H. Burdick, and 
Isaac M. Keeler. The committee on 
reception were: Homer Everett, J. L. 
Greene, sr., John Bell, David Betts, James 
Justice, Dr. Thomas Stilwell, William N. 
Morgan, Isaac Knapp, Nathaniel Haynes, 
and William S. Russell. Dispatches were 
then sent to Columbus, Ohio, inquiring 
what time the regiment might be expected- 
in Fremont, and also to Governor Brough, 
asking that the regiment might be ordered 
to come here in a body, and be furloughed 
at Fremont instead of at Columbus. To 
this the Governor gave his assent, and the 
information came that it was expected to 
arrive in Columbus Saturday afternoon, 
and would leave that night at 10 o'clock, 
and reach Fremont at 10 o'clock a. m., 
Sunday morning. This left but a few 
hours to make arrangements to receive 
the brave men in a proper manner. The 
great Daniel Webster once proclaimed at 
Philadelphia during a great financial cri- 
sis, that "there are no Sabbaths in revo- 
lutionary times." All our statutes on the 
observation of the Sabbath, have an ex- 
ception from the prohibition of labor on 
the Sabbath, which says works of neces- 
sity and charity excepted. Here, in the 
reception of the brave bo^'s in blue, our 
people found a work of necessity and 
charity combined, and notwithstanding 
the fact that our people loved the Sabbath, 
and the common, quiet duties of that 
sacred day as well as any other people, 
on this occasion they made it a holy duty 
to feed the hungry and thank the brave 
defenders of our flag. 

Our people at once took hold of the 
preparations with a will. Union hall was 
procured in which to set the tables for re- 
freshments. Word was immediately sent 



through the town and vicinity foi provis- 
ions to be sent in. The Ladies' Aid So- 
ciety at once began work with an energy 
only known to the women of Fremont, 
who know no such word as faint or fail. 
Their efforts soon put the question of 
ample provision for the patriots beyond all 
doubt. Had there been twenty-four hours 
more time there would have been suffi- 
cient to feed five times the number. 

Eight tables were set, each containing 
forty plates, besides, in the ante-room ad- 
joining, about fifty more plates were set. 
Tables were never more tastefully ar- 
ranged, nor more bountifully supplied. 
There were oysters, stewed and raw, hot 
coffee, turkeys, chickens, ham, beef, sliced 
tongue, slaw, pickled cabbage, cucumbers, 
tomatoes, peaches, cherries, bread, biscuit, 
cakes in quantity, pies, apples, canned 
peaches, strawberries, cherries, currants, 
with all other varilies of fruits. No such 
sumptuous tables were ever before spread 
in Fremont; they were, in short, loaded 
with the best that could be provided. At 
half past eight o'clock Sunday morning a 
telegram announced that the train convey- 
ing the Seventy-second had passed Ober- 
lin at 8 o'clock that morning, on its way 
to Fremont. At Wakeman this train lay 
on the side track an hour and a half, wait- 
ing for a freight train to pass. After this 
delay the train bearing our brave boys 
came thundering into the depot at Fre- 
mont, a few minutes after 12 o'clock, 
Sunday, February 28, 1864. Acres of peo- 
ple were assembled at the depot, and wel- 
comed them with well rendered music 
from the Fremont band, and cheers and 
shouts from the glad multitude. The 
soldiers quickly left the cars and promptly 
took position in the regiment for the march. 
The reception committee conducted them 
down in good order, through Croghan 
street to Main, on Main street down to 
State, down State to Front, and up Front 



272 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



street to Union hall, on the corner of 
Front and Garrison streets. Here the 
regiment standing amidst a throng of 
men, women, and children, were wel- 
comed on behalf of the citizens by Homer 
Everett, esq., in a brief speech, which was 
as follows: 

Brave Men, Patriots and Soldiers of the 
Army of the Union : — The people of Fremont and 
vicinity, by the mayor and common council of Fre- 
mont, desire me to say that during your absence in 
the field of active military duty for more than two 
years, they have watched your conduct with intense 
interest. We have all observed your sacrifices, 
hardships, suffering, and sympathized in them all. 
Our best wishes and prayers have been constantly 
offered in your behalf. We feel that the honor and 
glory you won on the bloody field of Shiloh, and at 
the laborious and trying siege of Vicksburg, is in a 
measure reflected back on us, and we rejoice to 
share it with you. We thought and believed when 
we parted with the Seventy-second, that we were 
sending into the field as fine, intelligent and brave a 
regiment as ever adorned the service of any State or 
Nation. Now we know it to be so. You left as 
volunteer citizens unused to war; you return sol- 
diers, veteran soldiers, with banners soiled and tat- 
tered in the storms of battle. It is the Sabbath 
day ; we hope we do not violate it in discharging 
our solemn duty to thank you on the only occasion 
we can have to do so. We remember that on the 
Sabbath of the 6th of April, 1862, you beat back the 
assailing foe, that we might enjoy this day in peace. 
Hence to-day you see this great assemblage of men, 
women and children here to thank you. You went 
away a thousand strong, you return with less than 
half that number. Battles and disease have thinned 
your ranks. Many dear and once familiar faces no 
longer answer to the roll call. Many cheering voices, 
once animating your ranks, are heard no more. To 
all those who fell or died of wounds received in bat- 
tle, as Canfield, Weigslem, Witmer, Wonders, 
Glass, and many others; to all those who died of 
disease in the service, as Crocket, Caldwell, and 
many others of the Seventy-second, as well as 
to all who have perished in this great war, we here 
pay our grateful tribute of dear remembrance, holding 
them as priceless offerings on the altar of Freedom 
and Union. They have not died in vain. Your 
brave and beloved Colouel Buckland, so devoted to 
the honor and welfare of the Seventy-second, though 
not present on this occasion, we rejoice to know still 
lives to serve the country in another and advanced 
sphere of service. 

Brave men, notwithstanding your sufferings and 
services, with a full knowledge of all the privations 
and dangers of war, you have further proved your 



devotion to the great cause by re-enlisting, by volun- 
tarily promising to fight the battle through. This 
noble act crowns your merit, proves you worthy of 
the country's confidence and excites our admiration 
to the highest point. We thank you! We are 
proud of you! You are weary and hungry; fathers, 
mothers, wives and sisters, and other dear ones, are 
yearning to embrace you; your hearts are bounding 
to embrace them. It is not the time to hold you 
here to recount all, all you have done for us. 

Brave men, veteran soldiers of the Grand Army of 
the Union! The people with open arms gratefully, 
thankfully welcome you to our hearts, our homes, 
and the best cheer we can give. 

After heartily cheering the welcome, the 
regiment marched in order into the hall 
for refreshments. The men had eaten 
nothing since 8 o'clock the Saturday 
niglit previous to their arrival. They were, 
as may be properly supposed, in a condi- 
tion to appreciate the repast prepared for 
them. Never did men eat with a better 
relish, or with more earnest, heartfelt 
thankfulness take a feast of good things 
amidst siv/ilitig and grateful faces of beau- 
tiful and good women than did the veter- 
ans of the Seventy-second on that mem- 
orable day. Such expressions of gratitude 
by both the entertained and the entertainers 
were never heard before in the county. 
The hearts of all the soldiers, and all the 
citizens, were never before so manifestly 
sympathetic and tender. It was a scene 
and a time long to be remembered in Fre- 
mont, and in fact throughout the county 
of Sandusky. 

In two hours after the men had sur- 
feited on the good things, all but forty or 
fifty had left town for their homes in the 
country. The remaining ones took sup 
per at the hall, and about thirty were 
present at breakfast on Monday morning. 
There were three hundred and fifteen men 
w-ho re-enlisted. About one hundred 
were left beiiind who had not re-enlisted, 
and were, of course, not entitled to the 
veteran furlough. No accident occurred 
to mar the joys of the occasion, and no 
impropriety was manifested during the day. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



273 



As the men marched along their way 
from the depot to the front of the hall, 
between lines of cheering citizens, they 
appeared grave, silent, and almost sad. 
In fact, they were travel-worn, weary, and 
hungry. Their march was not a holiday 
parade; they moved steadily and slowly 
along, without noise or demonstration of 
emotion whatever. As they took position 
in front of the hall, and listened to the 
words of welcome, some countenances in 
the ranks were momentarily lighted by an 
expression of satisfaction. There was a 
total absence of everything gay, or gaudy, 
or frivolous about them. But behind 
those bronzed faces could be seen the 
deep determination of brave, patriotic 
men, who had tasted war and knew its 
perils, and were slill determined to en- 
dure more for the flag and the Union. 
Beneath the soiled and battered caps on 
their heads there were brains sufficient to 
organize and conduct the affairs of a 
State; underneath the ragged blouses 
were big, brave, noble hearts, ready to dare 
and to do for their country. x-Ynd, al- 
though the external appearance of the 
men as they stood plainly indicated that 
they were in want of the bath, the barber, 
and the tailor to fit them for parlor enter- 
tainments in the lives they had led in the 
homes they had left for the tented field, 
there were thousands present who knew 
that each man was a precious jewel, 
whether placed m the storm of battle for 
his country, or in the discharge of civic 
duties in social or political life. "God 
bless the boys," was the heartfelt utter- 
ance of thousands on that day. 

No doubt equal merit should be awarded 
to hundreds of thousands of our volun- 
teers from other localities, but as we are 
writing the history of Sandusky county, of 
course it is our special duty to mention 
our own soldiers. 

3S 



AGAIN TO THE FRONT. 

On the 5th of April, 1864, the regiment 
reassembled at Fremont and moved to 
Cleveland, Ohio. During the furlough 
considerable recruiting was done, and the 
regiment returned to the front with nearly 
five hundred men. It next moved, April 
8th, to Cairo, by railroad, and arrived 
there on the loth of the same month; and 
while there, awaiting river transportation, 
it was ordered to Paducah, Kentucky, to 
assist in the defence of that place against 
Forrest, whose forces made a slight attack 
on the place, which was repulsed. It re- 
mained at Paducah until the 2 2d of April, 
1864, when it embarked for Memphis, 
and arrived there the next day. The 
regiment here remained quietly in camp, 
drilling the new recruits, until the 30th of 
April, when it joined an expedition under 
General Sturgis, against Forrest. They 
moved by rail nearly to Wolf River, thirty- 
eight miles from Memphis, and from there 
marched to Bolivar, arriving just in time 
to see the place evacuated. From there 
the regiment marched with the expedition 
southward, toward Ripley, Mississippi, 
but finding no enemy, turned back, and 
on the 9th of May reached Memphis. 
The regiment formed part of an expedi- 
tion which started June i, 1864, against 
Forrest. The forces sent on this expedi- 
tion consisted of twelve regiments of in- 
fantry and a division of cavalry. The 
force encountered Forrest's men at Brice's 
Cross Roads, Mississippi, and the cavalry 
began skirmishing. The enemy was in a 
well chosen position at and behind Tisho- 
mingo Creek. The infantry was brought 
up on the double-quick for several miles, 
and at once went into action. No attempt 
was made to establish a line, and the regi- 
ments were hurled against the enemy one 
at a time, and thus each regiment was sub- 
jected to great odds, and was badly cut 
up. To make matters worse, an attempt 



274 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



was made to advance the wagon train 
across the creek, directly under the en- 
emy's fire. This attempt brought great 
confusion; a retreat was ordered, and the 
retreat became a panic. A portion of the 
train was destroyed, and the remainder 
fell into the hands of the enemy, and the 
National troops were left without ammuni- 
tion and without rations. No attemi)t was 
made to cover the rear or to secure an 
orderly retreat. It was a regular stam- 
pede, and on the same day of the fight 
the expedition fell back twenty-three miles, 
to Ripley. Here an attempt was made to 
reorganize, but to no purpose. The 
Seventy-second was the last to retreat 
from the fight at Guntown or Tishomingo 
Creek, and the last to reach Ripley. 
Whitelaw Reid's History of Ohio in the 
War, says the ofificer in command of the 
expedition surrounded himself with cav- 
alry and started for Memphis, leaving the 
infantry, as he expressively said, "to go to 
the devil." Why any historian could sup- 
press the name of the wretch who would 
so imprudently lead — no, not lead, but 
order — his men to certain destruction, 
and coward-like ride away and leave them 
to their fate, seems to be an emphatic 
omission. The name of the miserable 
mismanager of this expedition was General 
Sturgis, and his name should always be 
connected with that terrible disaster, to 
shut out all chance for inference that 
some worthy man who was there might be 
charged with the slaughter and terrible 
imprisonment of the brave men who were 
there sacrificed. In this expedition Gen- 
eral Buckland took no part, but was at the 
time post commander in Memphis, and 
faithfully doing duty as such, while the 
immediate command of the Seventy- 
second devolved on Lieutenant -Colonel 
Charles G. Eaton, a brave man and noble 
commander. 

The only safety to the infantry from 



death or rebel prison lay in reaching 
Memphis, and to do this the men on foot 
must outmarch the rebel cavalry. In- 
credible as it may seem, nine officers and 
one hundred and forty men of the Seven- 
ty-second, reached Germantown on the 
morning of the 12th; thus marching at 
the close of a battle without a morsel of 
food, one hundred miles in forty-one hours. 
Eleven officers and two hundred and 
thirty-seven men of the Seventy-second 
were killed, wounded, or captured. The 
greater portion were captured, and of these 
very few returned to the regiment. Many 
of those who reached Germantown were 
broken down completely, and on reaching 
Memi)his, where the regiment was trans- 
ported by rail, many of the men were ut- 
terly helpless and could neither walk nor 
stand. 

On the 15th day of June, 1864, five 
days after the sad affair. Captain Leroy 
Moore, of Company F, wrote from Meri- 
dian, Mississippi, to the Fremont Journal, 
as follows : 

Meridian, Mississippi, June 15, 1864. 

Mr. Keeler, Sir ; — The following is a list of 
prisoners from the Seventy-second regiment Ohio 
Veteran Volunteer Infantry, now at this place. We 
arrived here this (Wednesday) morning, )une 15. 
The greater number of these men were taken on the 
nth and 12th of June. Quite a number have un- 
doubtedly been since taken, and perhaps some have 
been killed and wounded, but I have no account of 
any but the above named. The health of the men 
is good and they are in excellent spirits, but are very 
hard up for clothing — about one-half being without 
shoes, and a less number without blankets or coats. 

Knowing the anxiety which our friends feel for our 
welfare, I have concluded to send this to you for 
publication. 

Very respectfully, 

Leroy Mooke, 
Captain Company F, .Seventy-second Ohio Veteran 

Volunteer Infantry. 

A more complete list was furnished a 
few days later by Captain J. M. Lemmon, 
which is published below: 

On the i8th of June, 1864, Lieutenant 
Colonel C. G. Eaton, who commanded 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



275 



the Seventy-second regiment in this ex- 
pedition, made the following report to his 
superior officer. Of course military dis- 
cipline would not allow him to criticise 
General Sturgis' conduct, but the facts 
stated in the report are sufficient for the 
purpose. 

Headquarters Seventy-second Regiment, 
Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, 
Memphis, Tennessee, June 18, 1864. 
Lieutenant O. H. Able, Acting Assistant Adju- 
tant-General First Brigade, First Division, Six- 
teenth Army Corps : 

Sir : — In compliance with special order No. 39, 
headquarters First Brigade, First Division, Sixteenth 
Army Corps, dated Memphis, Tennessee, May 31st, 
1864, this regiment, as part of the infantry force com- 
manded by Colonel W. L. McMillen, reported at the 
Memphis & Charleston depot, at 6 o'clock A. m. , 
June ist, 1864. From the depot we were transported 
by rail to a pomt about three miles east of Colliers- 
ville, from whence we proceeded, by slow and easy 
marches, to our camp on the side-hill, about four 
miles north of the Hatchie bottom, where we arrived 
the evening of June 9. The march of the command ' 
of which the Seventy-second Ohio formed a part, 
from Colliersville to this camp, was slow, on account 
of rainy weather, muddy roads, and being encum- 
bered with a train of some two hundred and fifty 
wagons. At 6 A. M., June 10, we moved from this 
camp, marching at a good pace for about nine miles, 
when I was notified by Captain Buckland, of Colonel 
McMillen's staff, that the cavalry command was en- 
gaged with the enemy in front, and that it would be 
necessary for nie to hurry up my regiment. Accord- 
ingly, I moved my regiment at a very rapid pace, 
some three miles, to the battlefield, where we arrived 
between 2 and 3 p. m. The day being extremely 
hot and sultry, quite a number of my men fell out 
before we arrived there, being overcome with heat 
and fatigue. Upon arriving at the battlefield, by 
order of Colonel W. L. McMillen, commanding in- 
fantry division, the Seventy-second regiment was 
stationed on the left of the line, to support Miller's 
battery — which was immediately on its right — and 
cover the road to the rear. The battery was sta- 
tioned on a hill in front of a log house, the right of 
the Seventy-second resting near the battery, and the 
regiment extending to the left nearly to the foot of 
the hill. In front of the Seventy-second, about two 
hundred and fifty yards, was another hill, on top of 
which were stationed a few rebels, concealed by 
bushes and a rail fence. The space between the 
Seventy-second and the rebel line was an open field, 
giving us a good opportunity to see any advance on 
the part of the enemy. I had five companies deploy 
as skirmishers to the front, and to the right. They 



kept up a little skirmishing with the enemy for about 
an hour and a half, when Colonel Wilkins, com- 
manding brigade, ordered me to withdraw my regi- 
ment from the position on the left of the line, and to 
form it in line, so that the left would rest about one 
hundred yards to the right of Miller's battery. Col- 
onel Wilkins informed me that the object of this 
movement was to protect the cavalry while they 
should retreat across the bridge to the rear. Accord- 
ingly, I withdrew my regiment, with the exception of 
the five companies which had previously been de- 
ployed as skirmishers, but had not arrived at the po- 
sition where I was ordered to establish my regiment, 
before the five companies deployed as skirmishers 
were heavily engaged with the skirmishers of the 
enemy. I suggested to Colonel Wilkins the propriety 
of moving my regiment back to its former position, 
for the reason that, if the enemy should drive back 
my five skirmish companies, it would enable him to 
pass up the road to our rear, thereby cutting us off 
from retreat in case of disaster, and also enable him 
to destroy the large train of ammunition and com- 
missary stores. Colonel Wilkins, seeing how much 
damage the enemy could do by forcing back the left 
of our line, consented to my returning to my first po- 
sition. 

As soon as my regiment arrived at the first posi- 
tion, a heavy line of the enemy's skirmishers, which 
extended quite a distance beyond the left of my 
skirmish line, was seen advancing across the open 
field. I formed my command so as to give my men 
a good range of that part of the enemy's line of 
skirmishers which extended beyond the left of my 
line of skirmishers. A few volleys fired by my com- 
mand caused the enemy to withdraw. Just at this 
moment I discovered that the whole infantry com- 
mand, with the exception of my regiment, was re- 
treating. In a very few minutes, Colonel McMillen, 
in- person, ordered me to hold my position until all 
of the other regiments should have crossed a creek 
and swamp to our rear, to the end that they might 
have time to form a new line of battle about half a 
mile in the rear. By the time the last regiment had 
crossed, the enemy was advancing from the right, 
left, and front of my position, and it was almost by 
chance that my regiment escaped being captured. 
After crossing the creek and swamp. Colonel McMil- 
in ordered me to march my regiment along with the 
train, keeping the right hand side of the soad, This 
I did until I arrived at a house on a ridge about half 
a mile to the rear of the battlefield, where General 
Grierson suggested that I should station my regiment 
behind a rail fence, to protect the train until it should 
all have passed this point. This suggestion I con- 
sidered a good one, and immediately formed my 
regiment in line on the right hand side of the road, 
where I remained until the last wagon passed. Again 
I moved my command to the rear, keeping the right 
hand side of the road, as directed. We had gone 



276 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



but a few rods when the teamsters near the middle of 
the train began to destroy their wagons by setting 
them on fire, thus blockading the road so that all 
the wagons in the rear of those destroyed had to be 
abandoned. Seeing that no new line of battle was 
established, and that all the rest of the command 
were continuing to retreat, and receiving no order 
from my superiors in command, I continued to march 
to the rear, until I arrived on the hill on the north 
side of the Hatchie bottoms, where I ordered my 
regiment to halt, intending to allow the men a rest 
of about an hour, as they were getting very much 
fatigued, having marched about eight miles from the 
battlefield without rest. The regiment had hardly 
halted when an aide to General Slurgis, in the name 
of the General, ordered me to keep up the retreat 
still further to the rear. 

In obedience to these orders I again moved my 
command to the rear until I arrived on the ground 
where my regiment had bivouacked the night previ- 
ous. My men, overcome by fatigue, having marched 
some twelve miles from the battlefield, without rest, 
I ordered a halt intending to remain until I should 
receive orders from some of my superiors in com- 
mand. About half an hour afterward Colonel War- 
ren's brigade of cavalry came up and the command- 
ing officer ordered to move my command to Ripley. 
I enquired by what authority he gave me such or- 
ders. He replied, "By order of General Sturgis." 
Again I moved my command to the rear, and came 
up with General Sturgis and Colonel McMillen at a 
bridge crossing a creek about si.\ miles south of Rip- 
ley. Colonel McMillen ordered me to continue the 
retreat to Ripley, which I did, arriving there at 5 
o'clock the following morning. — having, in twenty- 
three hours, marched a distance of thirty-eight miles, 
and engaged the enemy two hours. At a little before 
7 o'clock Colonel McMillen sent an aid (Lieuten- 
ant Livings), ordering me as the senior officer of the 
brigade then present, to immediately move the brig- 
ade on the Salem road following the cavalry, with in- 
structions to have the armed men organized so as to 
be available at a moment's warning. Only three reg- 
iments were in motion before Colonel D. C. Thomas, 
Ninety-third Indiana infantry, came up and assumed 
command. After marching about two miles Cap- 
tain Fernald, of Colonel McMillen's staff, ordered 
me to keep well closed up on the cavalry, which was 
the last order I received that day from any of my 
superior officers. 

About eight miles from Ripley the enemy fired into 
the centre of the regiment from the left hand 
side of the road, which caused a slight delay of the 
left companies, thereby forming quite a gap between 
the fourth and fifth companies. The cavalry in ad- 
vance began to march at such a rapid pace that it 
became utterly impossible for infantry to keep closed 
up with them — but the organization of my regiment 
was still kept up, keeping as close to the cavalry in 



front as possible. After marching about two miles 
further, the Fouith Missouri cavalry, which was act- 
ing as rearguard to the whole command, suddenly 
made a rush to the front, riding through the ranks of 
my regiment, causing the men to scatter in all direc- 
tions to avoid being ridden over; at the same time 
the enemy made an attack on the rear. My men , 
being wholly out of ammunition, and seeing that it 
was absolutely necessary to rid tliemselves of all in- 
cumbrances in order to avoid being captured, broke 
their guns and destroyed their accoutrements by cut- 
ting them in pieces. They then pressed rapidly for- 
ward, with the intention of keeping up with the cav- 
alry and saving themselves if possible ; but the ma- 
jority of them being overcome by the e.xcessive heat 
of the day and the long and rapid march, were com- 
pelled to leave the road and seek safety in the 
woods. However, one hundred and forty-three of 
my command kept pace with the cavalry, and ar- 
rived at Colliersville about 8 o'clock the following 
morning, having marched a distance of nearly 
ninety miles in forty-eight hours. After resting part 
of the day at Colliersville, these men became so 
stiffened as to require assistance to enable them to 
walk, — some of them, too foot-sore to stand upon 
their feet, crawled upon their hands and knees to the 
cars. 

When I left Ripley in the morning my command 
had three hundred and twenty guns, and averaged 
about eight rounds of ammunition to the man. Eleven 
officers and two hundred and thirty-five enlisted men 
have not yet returned to Memphis. They are most 
of them undoubtedly prisoners of war in the hands 
of the enemy. Of the officers and men under my 
command, I have just reasons for feeling proud. 
Not an officer or man did I see who failed to do his 
whole duty, and none of them surely are responsible 
for any part of the disaster. 

* C. G. E.-^TON. 

Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Seventy-second 
regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 

On the 19th of June, 1S64, Captain J. 
Mack Lenimon sent the following letter, 
which was published in the Fremont Jour- 
nal of the following week: 

MiCMPHis, Tenn., June 19, 1864. 
Editok Joi'RN.M.: Enclosed I send you a com- 
plete list of names of missing officers and men of the 
Seventy-second Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, in 
the retreat from Guntown, June 10 and 11, 1864. It is 
hoped — though hardly possible — that some may yet 
come in. Prisoners who made their escape from the 
rebels report that our men were well treated when 
they fell into rebel hands. The loss of the expedi- 
tion will amount to very nearly two thousand killed, 
wounded, and missing; besides, we have lost one 
hundred and eighty wagons, si.xteen pieces of artil- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



277 



lery, about thirty ambulances, and two thousand 
animals. Major General A. J. Smith has been 
placed in command of the active forces here, and we 
may now look for belter results. 

Respectfully, 

J. Mack Lemmon, 
Captain Seventy-second Ohio Infantry. 

The following is a list of the officers and 
men of the Seventy-second Ohio, who were 

missing: 

COMMISSIONED OEFICERS. 

Captain Andrew Xu])her, commanding Compa- 
ny D. 

Captain Leroy Moore, commanding Company F. 

Captain Charles L. Dirlam, commanding (Compa- 
ny K. 

First r^ieutenant John B. (jillmore, Company F. 

l''irst Lieutenant Lorenzo Dick, commanding 
Company H. 

Second Lieutenant Edward McMahon, Compa- 
ny F. 

Second Lieutenant Zelotus Perrin, Company K. 

Second Lieutenant Jay Winters, Company B. 

Second Lieutenant Morris Rees, Company D. 

Second Lieutenant David Van Doren, Company G. 

Second Lieutenant Josiah Fairbanks, Company L 

NON-COMMISStONED STAFF. 

Hospital Steward G. A. Gessner. 

Principal Musician James Drinkwater. 

COMPANY A. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant S. K. Dwight. 
Sergeant H. N. Lay, 
Sergeant J. N. Wadams. 
Sergeant W. Woolverton. 
Sergeant C. N. Davis. 
Corporal W. G. Miller. 
Corporal A. L. Bush. 
Corporal A. Bradbury. 
Corporal Charles Boyd. 
Corporal S. Chadwick. 
Musician William Fega. 

PRIVATES. 

A. Almond, T. Babcock, F. Babcock, G. Burkett, 
Andrew German, Jacob Helsel, Augustus Harris, Z. 
Hutchinson, William Hinton, Jesse Hemp, Frank 
Lay, A. Murry, L. McCarty, N. B. Mason, Henry 
Miller, Valentine Ott, Morris Pilgrim, Noble Perrin, 
Almon Rodgers, E. Rorebach, William Ross, A. 
Simmerson, W. Sturtivant, L. Wentworth, Eli 
Whitaker, John Whitaker. 

COMPANY B. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant W. Millions. 
Sergeant W. F. McEntyre. 



Sergeant John Collins. 
Corporal Christ Bower. 
Corporal G. W. Camp. 

PRIVATES. 

J. F. Adams, D. Bruner, C. H. Bennett, H. 
Bischoff, M. Cowell, John Dardis, F. M. Engler, A. 
T. Fisher, T. H. Fisher, J. F. Faust, Peter Gurst, 
F. Hollager, Thomas Hearly, P. Mulrain, B. E. 
Mclntyre, S. P. Obermier, H. Overmyer, A. Policy, 
Sol Stage, H. B. Whitaker, M. Rubels. 

COMPANY C. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Corporal A. Brackley. 
Corporal Jacob Huffman. 
Corporal Jeremiah Heath. 
Corporal Hiram Edgar. 
Corporal J. P. Heritage. 

PRIV.\TES. 

J. C. Beery, John L. Cook, Emanuel Smith, John 
Whitcome, Daniel Shoe, Ed Chapman, J. Hutchin-' 
son, Lewis Edgar, W. C. Team, David Henline, 
John P. King, R. Kelvington, M. Lattig, S. Over- 
myer, Fred Smith, Henry Martin, H. E. Hassen- 
plug, Owen Hudnell, Jacob Bunket, George Lowe. 

COMPANY D. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

.Sergeant John Carbaugh. 
Sergeant Perry Chance. 
Sergeant William Duke. 
Corporal George Albert. 
Corporal Solomon Cook. 
Corporal Franklin Grove. 
Corporal Elijah Neible. 
Musician J. Sherwood. 

PRUWTES. 

Henry Basor, Joseph Beam, Orson Bower, M. 
Cuthbertson, H. Ewing, James Findley, George 
Grove, James Hales, Jacob Ludwig, J. McDaniel, 
Charles Piper, John Purcell, John Reese, Conrag 
Sheller, Fred Visher, John Walter. 

COMPANY E. 
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant L. A. Jackson. 
Sergeant J. P. Elderkin. 
Sergeant Jacob Snyder. 
Sergeant D. J. Hagarty. 
Sergeant Jacob Baker. 
Corporal Fred Stattler. 
Corporal William Furry. 
Corporal M. S. Haines. 
Corporal R. W. Medkirk. 
Corporal George Eslibe. 

PRIVATES. 

B. C. Beach, J. GuUenbeck, C. J. McGurnsey, 
Henry Innus, Martin Lochner, Henry Potter, M. 



278 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Slateler, A. Shoemaker, William Stewart, A. J. 
Zink. 

COMPANY F. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant E. B. Moore. 
Sergeant T. N. Russell. 
Corporal I. A. Entsminger. 
Corporal A. Brunthaver. 



Andrew Barto, A. R. Ballard, Chris Beck, William 
Craft, Ira Crane, H. W. Chamberlain, J. S. Duer- 
ler, J. M. Gillmore, George Hawk, Louis Hawk, 
John Johnson, Thomas Jackson, William H. Kirk, 
Hiram Neff, James Nesbit, Sardis Patterson, Chaun 
Reynolds, William Repp, Orrin Russell, Henry 
Shook, Jerry Scanlon, Martin Staner, William Scrim- 
eger, T. Whittington. 

COMPANY G. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Joseph L. Turner. 
Corporal John Warner. 
Corporal Charles Kramb. 
Musician C. Engle. 

PRIVATES. 

S. Blackman, W. S. Grain, P. Eslewooder, W. 
H. French, E. Frankenburg, Charles Harley, A. 
Mulchey, Philip Moses, John Mowery, W. H. Mc- 
Enally, William Seitt, Piatt Soper, C. Thompson, 
DeWitt C. Vance. 

COMPANY H. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Charles Hobert. 
Sergeant J. S. Welch. 
Corporal Christ Molter. 
Corporal G. Everhardt. 
Corporal Fred Bimmick. 
Musician J. H. Rose. 

PRIVATES. 

Mori is Aubrey, C. Benedict, Jacgb Fessler, Wil- 
liam Frank, Fred Frank, Chris Gardner, Martin Kil- 
lian, Theobald Kirsch, Louis Muth, John Michael, 
Michael Nice, Joseph Orth, Andrew Spaeth, Henry 
Stoll, Marcus Wolf, Fred Wermer, Michael Weaver. 

COMPANY I. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFIC;EKS. 

Sergeant Chaun Walters. 
Sergeant Lewis Monroe. 

PRIVATES. 

Dan Brienman, Charles Caldwell, William Eckert, 
Thomas Flinn, D. A. Goodrich, H. K. Hurlbut, A. 
Hoilman, P. C. Miller, Perry Walters, Michael 
Walters. 



COMPANY K. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant H. B. Turrill. 
Sergeant J. W. Prickett. 
Sergeant W. Baumgartner. 
Sergeant L. Albershardt. 
Sergeant Michael Burns. 
Sergeant George W. Cox. 
Sergeant Thomas Cavanaugh. 
Sergeant William Chrisman. 
Sergeant Pat Donoughe. 
Sergeant Patrick Handley. 

PRIVATES. 

A. E. Inloes, Phili]5 King, Henry McCabe, John 
Ollendick, Elijah Purdy, Joseph Service, J. .A.. Woer- 
ner, R. Webster, E. Williamson. 

Enlisted men missing 237 

Officers missing 11 

Total . .• 248 

These communications present a sad 
view of the terrible consequence of a mili- 
tary blunder in the ofificer — Sturgis — in 
command of the expedition. The indig- 
nation of the returned men was such that 
General Sturgis found it prudent to keep 
out of sight and out of reach of their fury. 
And, although more than seventeen years 
have elapsed since this terrible scene was 
enacted, such is the indignation of the 
surviving men of the Seventy-second, 
that any insurance policy on General 
Sturgis' life would be collectable soon 
after any of them should find him in the 
county. 

Soon after the sad affair General Buck- 
land heard that Sturgis had tried to screen 
himself from accountability by reporting 
that the men would not fight. General 
Buckland lost no time in writing a letter 
to General Sherman, indignantly denying 
the truth of any such charge as to the 
men of the Seventy-second, or of the brig- 
ade he had commanded, asserting boldly 
that he had often witnessed their patient 
endurance of the hardships of the ser- 
vice; had often led them in battle, and 
knew that truer, braver, or better soldiers 
never went into action; and that if properly 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



279 



commanded no men would do better any- 
where than the men of the Seventy- 
second. 

In an interview with the writer in Sep- 
tember, 1881, Archibald Purcell, who was 
color-bearer for the Seventy-second in the 
Guntown fight, related the following inci- 
dent: 

He said that the Seventy-second regi- 
ment was the last to cross the bridge over 
Tishomingo Creek on the retreat. They 
arrived in a body and \n order at Ripley 
about 3 o'clock in the morning of the 12th 
of June. Colonel Watterhouse's Board 
of Trade Battery, of Chicago, lost their 
battery about half a mile from Ripley, the 
guns being stuck in the mud and aban- 
doned. 

Purcell had brought away the flag and 
staff safely as far as Ripley, but when the 
men left there, after daylight, he found 
that he, with the flag in view, was a con- 
spicuous target for the shots of the pursu- 
ing rebels. Concealing himself as well as 
he could he took the flag off the staff 
and wrapped it around his body, under 
his shirt, so that it could not be seen. "I 
thought," said he, "if I got killed the flag 
might be undiscovered, or buried with 
me, and thai if I escaped I would save it 
for the regiment, and prevent the rebels 
from getting it." He escaped, and after 
entering the depot at Memphis General 
Buckland asked him, with a sad counte- 
nance, what had become of the flag. Not 
seeing it in Purcell's possession, he seemed 
to fear it was lost. Purcell finally told 
him it was safe, and pulling open his 
shirt he drew it forth, when the General's 
countenance brightened as he took it, and 
the men and women in the depot cheered 
and shouted as they realized the fact that 
the sacred emblem had been safely 
brought away. 

Having thus given the sad results of 
the disaster at Guntown, we resume the 



subsequent history of the Seventy-second, 
which happily was not destined to any 
more such reverses, but soon entered on 
a brighter career, in which the conduct of 
the regiment proved that the assertion of 
General Buckland was true, and the base 
insinuation of Sturgis was false. 

After a little rest, the Seventy-second 
regiment was assigned to the First bri- 
gade, under command of General McMil- 
len, and became a part of General Mow- 
er's division of the Sixteenth Army Corps. 

On the 22d of June it was ordered on 
an expedition, moving in the direction of 
Tupelo, Mississippi. 

On the nth of July the rebels were 
found near Pontotoc. The corps made a 
feint against the enemy and then moved 
rapidly eastward toward the Mobile & 
Ohio Railroad at Tupelo. In this move- 
ment McMillen's brigade, only nine hun- 
dred strong, was in the rear of the infantry 
column, and just in advance of the wagon 
train. When about two miles west of 
Tupelo, Bell's brigade of N. B. Forrest's 
command, which was in ambush, attacked 
the column. This attack fell mainly upon 
the Seventy-second. They at once charged 
the enemy. The remainder of the bri- 
gade was brought into action, and within 
twenty minutes the rebels were driven 
from the field utterly routed. On the re- 
turn march McMillen's brigade again 
marched in the rear of the infantry col- 
umn, and just as it was about to bivouac 
fur the night at Tishomingo Creek, Bell's 
rebel brigade fell upon the cavalry rear 
and drove it into camp. McMillen's bri- 
gade formed rapidly and advanced. A 
volley checked the enemy, and a charge 
drove the rebels from the field. 

It was in this charge that the brave, 
gallant, and much loved Major Eugene 
Allen Rawson, of Fremont, Ohio, lost his 
life while bravely leading his men in a 
charge upon the enemy. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-SECOND 
RESUMED. 

Although the charge at Tishomingo 
Creek was fatal to the brave Major Raw- 
son, the rebels were driven from the field. 
Color-bearer Archibald Purcell says that 
some rebels, when they made the attack, 
were imprudent enough to shout, "Give 
them Guntovvn." This so exasperated our 
boys that in the charge and pursuit there 
was a spirit of vengeance and retalia- 
tion manifested ^wliich, under other cir- 
cumstances, would have been unbecom- 
ing a cool soldier, but the provocation was 
great, and the men felt keenly, even to 
madness, the taunting mention of Gun- 
town, and he could pardon them for the 
cruelties they committed. After the charge 
in which Major Rawson fell, and after the 
rebels were driven from the field, the ex- 
pedition returned to Memphis without 
again encountering the enemy. The Sev- 
enty-second had, however, lost nineteen 
men and two officers wounded, one otifi- 
cer. Major Rawson, and four men, mor- 
tally. 

The regiment next moved, about the 
27th of July, 1864, from Memphis in the 
direction of Oxford, Mississippi, but the 
Third division of the corps was ordered 
to Atlanta, and the troo[js returned to 
Memphis. Mower's division was ordered 
to Arkansas on the ist of September to resist 
General Price. The regiment embarked 
on the 2d on a steamer for Duvall's Bluff, 
but did not reach its destination until 
Price had passed north, and therefore 
failed to intercept him. From Duvall's 
Bluff the division moved northward. The 
march lasted eighteen days, and in that 
time the troops travelled three hundred 
and fifty miles, forded four rivers, and 
reached the Mississippi River at Cape 
Girardeau, Missouri. During this march 
the weather was hot and the troops on 
half rations. At Cape Girardeau the 



troops took transports for St. Louis, and 
from there moved to Jefferson City, from 
which point the division moved against 
Price. The troops made extraordinary 
marches, from early morning until late at 
night, making from thirty to forty-five 
miles each day. But Price's division was 
well mounted, and it proved vain to at- 
tempt to overtake him. The pursuit, 
however, continued to Little Santa Fe, 
on the Kansas hnc, wliere the infantry 
turned bac"k to St. Louis. The weather 
during this march became intensely cold, 
and the men had only the clothing which 
was on their backs and a rubber blanket. 
No wood was to be found, and snow fell 
twelve inches deep. After enduring many 
hardships the Seventy-second reached St. 
Louis on the i6th of November, 1864. 
The division was next ordered up the 
Cumberland, and on the 30th of Novem- 
ber it joined the forces under General 
Thomas, at Nashville, and was posted on 
the right of the Hue there. The com- 
mand of the division now devolved on 
General J. A. McArthur, General Mower 
having been ordered to General Sherman. 
On the 7th of December the Seventy- 
second was on a reconnoissance, and was 
warmly engaged and lost eleven men 
killed and wounded. During the first 
day of the battle of Nashville, the regi- 
ment ])articipated in a charge, in which 
three hundred and fifty prisoners and six 
pieces of artillery were captured from the 
enemy. This, among many other brave 
acts, proved that the men of the Seventy- 
second would fight when properly com- 
manded. General good-for-nothing Sturgis 
to the contrary notwithstanding. At night 
the Seventy-second was sent to Nashville 
with prisoners, but it returned in time to 
take part in the fight of the i6th of Novem- 
ber, 1864, and engaged in the charge on- 
Walnut Hills. In this battle McMillen's 
brigade, numbering less than twelve hun- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



281 



dred men, captured two thousand prison- 
ers and thirteen pieces of artillery, while 
its total loss was only one hundred and 
sixty men. Here the Seventy-second 
proved again it would fight when properly 
commanded, as General Buckland assert- 
ed, and that the assertion of the miserable 
sham of the regular army, Sturgis, that 
they would not fight, was a base falsehood. 

The division then moved to Eastport, 
Mississippi, and w-ent into camp, where 
supplies were very scarce, and there the 
brave men of the Seventy-second, as well 
as the other soldiers of the division, sub- 
sisted for days on parched corn and water 

In February, 1865, the regiment moved 
with the division to New Orleans, and 
there camped. February 28, it embarked 
on the ocean steamer Empire City, and 
on the 3d of March landed at Fort Gaines, 
on Dauphin Island. On the 19th it 
crossed the east side of Mobile Bay, and 
moved up Fish River and landed about 
thirty miles east of Spanish Fort. Here a 
short time was allowed for bringing up 
supplies, and on the 27th Spanish Fort 
was invested. The siege lasted until the 
8th of April, when the rebels evacuated 
the fort. In these operations the Seventy- 
second lost one man killed and three 
wounded. On the 9th of April it marched 
for Montgomery, Alabama, and after a 
toilsome march of thirteen days reached 
its destination. On the loth of May the 
division moved toward Selma, and arrived 
there on the 14th. On the following day 
McMillen's brigade was ordered to Me- 
ridian, Mississippi. Here the regiment re- 
mained on garrison duty until June, when 
it was placed along the line of the railroad 
west of Meridian. About this time orders 
were received to muster out all men in the 
regiment whose term of service would ex- 
pire before October i, 1865. Under this 
order forty-one men were discharged. In 
September the Seventy-second moved to 
36 



Corinth, but was soon ordered to Vicks- 
burg, where it was mustered out on the 
nth of September, 1865. It then at once 
embarked for Ohio, and was paid off at 
Camp Chase. ' 

AN ERROR CORRECTED. 

The hasty correspondents who sent to 
the press an account of the battle of Shiloh 
were inaccurate, and did injustice to the 
Seventy-second regiment. This corres- 
pondence was hastily compiled, and thus 
the errors were incorporated into some 
early histories of that battle. These errors 
were a source not only of injustice to the 
brave men of the regiment, but caused 
much mortification to all the ofificers and 
privates. No one, perhaps, felt so keenly 
the mortificaction of the mistake as Gen- 
eral Buckland himself, who always after- 
ward labored to correct the error. Fi- 
nally a most fitting opportunity to set the 
history right occurred. 

At a meeting of the Army of the Ten- 
nessee, at Cincinnati, on the 6th of April, 
1881, a paper was read on the battle of 
Shiloh by General Sherman. The state- 
ments in this paper were such as to call 
from General Buckland a full and true 
statement of his part, and of the part of 
the Seventy-second regiment in that battle. 
General Buckland's statement was pub- 
lished in the Toledo Blade of June 9, 
1881, and copied into many other papers 
in different parts of the United States. 
The principal error which appeared in the 
correspondence first published giving an 
account of the battle, was in stating that 
the troops under General Buckland's com- 
mand were surprised. General Buckland's 
communication refutes this statement suc- 
cessfully. It has been submitted to Gen- 
eral Sherman and many others, and has 
been adopted by the Society of the Army 
of the Tennessee as the true statement, 
and printed by it as the correct history of 
the battle of Shiloh. Therefore, as a mat- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ter of justice to General Buckland and the 
men under his command, and especially 
the brave men of the Seventy-second regi- 
ment, we give his statement in full in this 
history. 

THE BATTLE OF SHILOH.* 

At the Reunion of the Society of the Army of the 
Tennessee in Cincinnati, April 6, i88r, General 
Sherman read a paper on the battle of Shiloh, and 
submitted a map (made by himself) of the battle- 
field and the location of the Union troops on Sunday 
morning, and at the close of the fighting at night. 
This map he sent to my seat, and requested my 
opinion as to its correctness. From a cursory ex- 
amination I expressed the opinion that it was sub- 
stantially correct. At the same time I said that the 
commencement of the battle of Shiloh had been 
grossly misrepresented, and the truth about it had 
never been properly understood by the public; that 
the first accounts published in the Northern papers 
from their correspondents, particularly the account of 
"Agate," (Whitelaw Reid) correspondent of the 
Cincinnati Gazette, stated that officers and men of 
my brigade, among others, were surprised in their 
tents, etc., and these accounts had been adopted 
by historians, whereas there was not one word of 
truth in such statement. I then made a brief state- 
ment of the events which occurred within my own 
knowledge in front of Sherman's division during the 
three days preceding the battle, and the circum- 
stances of the commencement of the battle on Sun- 
day morning, and the position of my brigade at the 
close of the fighting at night. My remarks were very 
imperfectly reported in the papers, and have been 
criticized by the Gazette's correspondent, "H. V. B." 
I had not read Agate's account for several years. 
Upon examination of it as published in The Re- 
cord of the Rebellion, by Frank Morse, I find that 
he does not say that my brigade was surprised in 
their tents, but as this account of "Agate " has been 
quoted for history, I will give here the following ex- 
tract: 

" About dawn Prentiss's pickets were driven in; a 
very little later Hilderbrands (in Sherman's division) 
were; and the enemy were in the camps almost as 
soon as were the pickets themselves. 

"Here began scenes which, let us hope, will have 
no parallel in our remaining annals of war. Some, 
particularly among our officers, were not out of bed; 
others were dressing, others washing, others cook- 
ing, a few eating their breakfasts. Many guns were 
unloaded, accoutrements lying pell-mell, ammunition 
was ill-supplied — in short, the camps were virtually 
surprised, disgracefully, it might be added, unless 
some one can hereafter give some yet undiscovered 

* By General R. P. Buckland. 



reason to the contrary — and were taken at almost 
every possible disadvantage. 

"The first wild cries from the pickets rushing in, 
and the few scattering shots that preceded their ar- 
rival, aroused the regiments to a sense of their peril. 
An instant afterward shells were hurtling through the 
tents, while before there was time for thought of pre- 
paration, there came rushing through the wood, with 
lines of battle sweeping the whole front of the di- 
vision camp, and bearing down on either flank, the 
fine, dashing, compact columns of the enemy. 

"Into the just aroused camps thronged the rebel 
regiments, firing sharp volleys as they came, and 
springing toward our laggards with the bayonet. 
Some were shot down as they were running, without 
weapons, hatless, coatless, toward the river. The 
Searching bullets found other poor unfortunates in 
their tents, and there, all unheeding now, they still 
slumbered, while the unseen foe rushed on. Others 
fell as they were disentangling themselves from the 
flaps that formed the doors of their tents; a few, it 
was even said, as they were vainly trying to impress 
on the cruelly exultant enemy their readiness to sur- 
render. 

"Officers were wounded in their beds, and left for 
dead, who, through the whole two days' fearful 
struggle, lay in their agony, and on Monday were 
found in their gore, inside their tents, and still able 
to tell the tale. 

"Such were the fearful disasters that opened the 
rebel onset on the line of Prentiss's division. Simi- 
lar were the fates of Hilderbrand's brigade in Sher- 
man's division. 

"Meantime what they could our shattered regi- 
ments did. Falling rapidly back through the heavy 
woods till they gained a protecting ridge, firing as 
they ran, and making what resistance men thus 
situated might, Sherman's men succeeded in partially 
checking the rush of the enemy long enough to form 
their hasty line of battle. Meantime the other two 
brigades of the division (to the right) sprang hastily 
to their arms, and had barely done so when the 
enemy's lines came sweeping up against their fronts 
too, and the battle thus opened fiercely along Sher- 
man's whole line on the right." 

This is certainly a most sickening and, if true, 
would be a disgraceful picture of a great army sur- 
prised and slaughtered by its enemy, but 1 aver that 
as to the three brigades of Sherman's division 
camped near Shiloh Church, there is not a particle 
of truth in this story of surprise on Sunday morning. 
I have no personal knowledge as to Prentiss's divis- 
ion; but 1 have good reason to believe that the story 
as to that division is equally false. 

Again "Agate" writes to the Cincinnati Gazette, 
under the date of April 15, 1862, and after saying 
that other troops besides Ohio's run on Sunday, says: 
"The amount of that 'disgraceful' running of Ohio 
troops" on Sunday morning is substantially this: 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



283 



the men were completely surprised; some of their 
officers were bayoneted in their beds, others were shot 
in their tents while sleeping; all were under heavy 
fire from an enemy fairly in their camps before they 
had an instant for seeking and grasping their weap- 
ons. There may have been Spartan veterans, who 
under such circumstances would have stood to be 
shot down rather than 'disgracefully run,' but I sus- 
pect that modern armies do not contain many of 
them." 

In Headley's History of the Great Rebellion, among 
other equally absurd and false statements about the 
surprise of Shiloh, I find this ; 

"The on-pouring thousands swept the camps of 
the front division like an inundation, and the dread- 
ful spectacle of a vast army in disorderly flight, 
before it had time to form a line for battle, was pre- 
sented. So swift was the onset on Buckland's bri- 
gade, of Sherman's division, that between the long 
roll of the drum and the actual presence of the 
shouting foe in the camp, the officers were not yet 
up and had not time to dress, and the troops seizing 
their muskets as they could, fled like a herd of sheep 
towards the rest of the division." 

Such are the fiist reports of the commencemeut of 
the battle of Shiloh, given by newspaper correspond- 
ents, who must have obtained their information from 
the cowards who sneaked away to the rear on the 
first appearance of danger. These widely published 
newspaper reports have been adopted by several his- 
torians as true, and are still believed by some peo- 
ple. The facts which 1 shall give will show how 
utterly false and groundless are all such stories to 
these brigades of Sherman's division encamped near 
Shiloh Church. 

Sherman's division was organized at Paducah, 
Kentucky, about the ist of March, 1862, and con- 
tained four brigades, each of three regiments of in- 
fantry, as follows: 

First — Sixth Iowa, Colonel McDowell command- 
ing brigade; Forty-sixth Ohio, Colonel Worthington, 
and Tenth Illinois, Colonel Hicks. 

Second — Fifty-fifth Illinois, Colonel Stewart com- 
manding brigade; Fifty-fourth Ohio, Colonel Smith, 
and Seventy-first Ohio, Colonel Mason. 

Third — Seventy-seventh Ohio, Colonel Hildebrand 
commanding brigade; Fifty-third Ohio, Colonel Ap- 
pier, and Fifty-seventh Ohio, Colonel Mungen. 

Fourth — Seventy-second Ohio, Colonel Buckland 
commanding brigade; Forty-eighth Ohio, Colonel 
Sullivan, and Seventieth Ohio, Colonel Cockerill. 

Most of these regiments were new and reported at 
Paducah, mostly unarmed. My brigade embarked 
on the steamers on the 6th of March, and our arms 
were sent on board in bo.xes and were distributed to 
the men on the boats after we left Paducah. We 
left Paducah on the morning of the 7th of March, in 
advance of General Sherman, v/ith orders to report 
to General C. F. Smith, near Fort Henry, he then 



being in chief command. I reported to General 
Smith, who ordered me to remain there until further 
orders. After some delay we steamed up to Savan- 
nah, then up to the mouth of Yellow Creek, above 
Pittsburg Landing, for the purpose of cutting the 
Memphis & Charleston Railroad, but the extreme 
high water prevented the accomplishment of that 
purpose, and we came back to Pittsburg Landing. 
On the i8th of March we commenced disembarking 
at that point, and on the 20th we took our position 
at Shiloh Church, fronting towards Corinth. The 
road leading from Pittsburg Landing to Corinth 
passes along close to, and on the left of the church. 
The right of Hildebrand's brigade rested on the 
road, and the left of mine at the church, there being 
only a few rods between the two brigades. The 
Seventieth Ohio on the left. Seventy-second Ohio on 
the right, and Forty-eighth Ohio in the centre. Mc- 
Dowell's brigade was some thirty rods to the right 
of mine, there being a considerable ravine or valley 
between the two. Stewart's brigade was located, as 
I understood, about one mile to the left of Hilde- 
brand's, and to the left of Prentiss's division, to 
guard an important crossing of Lick Creek. In 
front of our line was Owl Creek, which is a crooked 
stream and ran neater our line at the church than at 
any other point. According to my recollection the 
creek was about thirty rods from the left of my brig- 
ade and about twice that distance from the right. 
The space between my color line and the creek was 
covered with woods and underbrush, but not very 
thickly. Along the creek and beyond it was densely 
wooded. There was a bridge across the creek on the 
Corinth road, and we built a bridge about in front 
of the centre and another to the front and right of 
the brigade. It seems to me that this latter brigade 
was near half a mile from the right of my brigade. 
Something like a mile in front of our line were large, 
open fields, beyond which our picket line was estab- 
lished, and beyond these fields were dense woods for 
several miles. I don't know whether any regular 
cavalry pickets were established in front of our picket 
line or not, but the Fifth Ohio cavalry were out in 
front of us and consequently had frequent skirmishes 
with rebel cavalry for ten days or two weeks before 
the battle. 

On Thursday, April 3, General Sherman ordered 
me to take my brigade to the front on the Corinth 
road four or five miles, send out scouting parties and 
see what I could discover ; but cautioned me not to 
be drawn into a fight with any considerable force of 
the enemy. I marched my brigade to the forks of 
the road about five miles from our line, where I halt- 
ed and formed the brigade in line between the two 
roads facing towards Corinth. Both roads, as I un- 
derstood, led to Monterey, about two miles further 
toward Corinth. I then sent two companies of the 
Seventieth Ohio, under Major McFarran, forward on 
the left hand, and two companies of the Seventy-sec- 



2 84 



HISTORY Ol' SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ond Ohio, under Major Crocket, on the right hand 
road. Thoy both oncoiintered rohol cavalry jiicki'ts 
witliiiiloss than lialf a mile, and commenced skirmish- 
ing with them. Major Crdcket soon after sent word to 
me that there was a large force of cavalry in sight, and 
that he would need reinforcements. Inaccordancewith 
my mstructions not to be drawn into a tight, I ordered 
Major Crocket and Major Mcbarran to return to the 
brigade. While there several of the soldiers rejiort- 
ed to me that they distinctlv heard the long roll in 
the direction of Monterey. 1 did not. Soon .iflcr 
the scouting companies returned, we commenced our 
march back to camp, where we arrived a little before 
dark, and 1 reported iniincdi.Uely to lleneral Sher- 
man. 

The next day, April 4, about 3 o'clock i". m., a 
consiilerable force of rebel cavalry attacked tlie left 
of my picket line, capturing a lieutenant and se\en 
men of the Seventieth Ohio. Happening at the 
time to be near the right of the line, where the 
Seventy-second Ohio was drilling under Major 
Crocket, I rode in the direction of the firing, direct- 
ing Major Crocket to follow with his regiment. On 
ascertaining what had occurred I sent Lieutenant 
Gear, of the Korty-eighth Ohio, acting as my aid, to 
inform tieneral Sheiman, who soon returned with 
word that General Sherman would send one hundred 
and fifty cavalry to pursue tlie enemy. In the mean- 
time, on Iciuning from Nfajor Crocket that he had 
sent company B of the Seventy- second to scout out- 
side the picket line, I told him that was wrong ; the 
officers and men being inexperienced, 1 feared they 
would get into trouble, and directed him to take 
company H, find company B and return with them 
to the regiment as soon as possible. Soon after we 
began to hear musketry firing in front. Colonel 
(."ockerill arrived on the picket line with several com- 
panies of the Seventieth. Ohio. The fiiing in front 
became constant and more regular. We therefore 
concluded that our men were intercepted and unable 
to return as ordered. I took three companies of the 
Seventy-second, .A, D, and I, and started into the 
woods in the direction of the firing, directing Colonel 
Cockerill to come to my aid if he heard heavy tiring. 
We had not gone far when we met some of Major 
Crocket's men, and learned that they had been inter- 
cepted and attacked before reaching company B, the 
Major either killed or captured, and that comp;^ny 
B was surrounded by a large force of rebel cavalry. 
About the s.ime time there came upon us one of the 
severest rain and thunder storms I ever witnessed. My 
boots, worn ontsideof my pants, hlkxi full of waterand 
ran over the tops. The storm stopped us and the fir- 
ing for a time, but as soon as the storm was over the 
firing commenced ag-ain, and we pushed on with as 
much speed as possible, my men being deployed in 
line, and I riding eight or ten rods in front. About 
two miles from the yiicket line, on reaching near the 
top of something of a hill, 1 discovered through the 



thick underbrush that I was nearer a line of rebel 
cavalry faced from me than I was to my own line, 
and the rebels just at that moment gave a cheer, evi- 
dently prep.iratory to charging on company B. 
1 waived my hand to my men, indicating that I de- 
sired them to hurry up. As they came in sight of the 
rebel line, distant only a few rods, they opened a de- 
structive fire, taking the enemy completely by .sur- 
]irise, and threw them into such confusion that they 
ni.ide but a short stand. Mv men charged upon 
tluMu and drove them from the field, killing a con- 
siderable number of horses and men, and capturing 
several prisoners, and company I^ was saved. I 
soon discovered that the enemy were reforming in 
great force, with the evident intention of charging 
back upon us ; and whilst I was getting my men in 
jiosilion to meet the charge. Major Ricker came up 
with his Fifth Ohio cavalry, and enquired where the 
enemy were. I pointed them out to him, and he im- 
mediately charged them, dispersing them and cap- 
turing several prisoners. I followed him as rapidly 
as I could. We pursued about a mile.wlien the ene- 
my commenced firing artillery at us. Some of Ma- 
jor Ricker's men charged right into a rebel battery, 
and one of his men was killed at the battery. We 
discovered that the enemy had a large force of infan- 
try and artillery in line. We thereupon deemed it 
prudent to retire to our own lines with as little delay 
as possible. When we reached our picket line Gen- 
eral Sherman was there with several regiments in line 
of battle. When I rode up to him at the head of 
my column, with about fifteen prisoners close behind 
me the General asked me what I had been doing. 
His manner indicated that he was not pleased. I 
replied that I had accidentally got into a little fight, 
and there was some of the fruits of it, pointing to 
the prisoners. He answered that I might have 
drawn the whole army into a fight before they were 
ready, and directed me to take my men to camp. 1 
knew enough to know that my proceedings were ir- 
regular, but consoled myself that I had saved one of 
my companies from annihilation, whatever might be 
the consequences to myself. Soon after reaching camp 
one of General Sherman's aids came and said, '•The 
General desires you to send him a written statement 
of what you have done and seen to-day," which I 
did the same evening. General Sherman afterward 
informed me that he sent my statement to General 
Grant the same niglit. 

I was along the picket line several times during 
(he day, and saw rebel cavalry at different points in 
front of the line. The pickets reported seeing infan- 
try and artillery. I saw Lieutenant-Colonel Canfield, 
commanding the Seventy-second regiment. Colonel 
Hildebrand, and several other ofticers of the division, 
on the picket line watching the movements of the 
enemy in our front. I talked with Colonel Hilde- 
brand and other officers about the situation, and it 
was believed bv all that the enemv intended to at- 



HISTORY OK SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



2«5 



tack ns, either during the night or eariy in the morn- 
ing, and I talked with Colonel Hildebrand particu- 
larly about the measures we ought to take to prevent 
a surprise. Colonel Hildebrand went with me to 
General Sherman's headquarters, and we told him 
what we had seen and that we apprehended an at- 
tack, I saw General Sherman se%'eral limes during 
the day, and talked with him about the matter. He 
said we must strengthen our pickets, and instruct 
them to be vigilant, and keep our commands in 
readiness for an attack at any time. He said he was 
embarrassed for the want of cavalry, that his cavalry 
had been ordered away that morning, and that the 
cavalry he was to have in their place had not arrived, 
and that, as soon as his cavalry returned, he would 
send them to the front and find out what was there. 
My understandmg was that by order of General 
Grant there had Ijeen a re-a-ssignment of both cavalry 
and artillery, which was being carried into effect on 
Saturday. 

Late in the afternoon I had a consultation with the 
commanders of my regiments and it was agreed that 
several additional companies should be sent forward 
to strengthen and sustain the pickets, which was 
done accordingly. I also established a line of .senti- 
nels from my camp to the reserve of the pickets 
under command of an officer, with instiuctions to 
notify me instantly of any alarm on the picket line. 
Officers and men of my brigade were well aware of 
the near approach of the enemy; all were expecting 
an attack ; and such precautions were taken that a 
surprise was impossible. The same must have been 
true as to McDowell's and Hildebrand's brigades, for 
there could hardly have been an officer or soldier in 
the three brigades ignorant of the fight on Friday, or 
of the presence of the enemy in oui front on .Sautrday. 
Officers of my brigade were instructed on Saturday 
evening to tje prepared for a night attack, and to have 
their men up and at breakfast as soon as daylight or 
before. As may well be imagined, I was very uneasy 
during the night, and slept very little. I was up be- 
fore daylight and ordered my horse fed and saddled. 
Soon after daylight, Ijefore I had quite finished my 
breakfast, word was brought that the enemy was ad- 
vancing in strong force. I immediately ordered the 
long roll, mounted my horse and rode toward the 
picket line. I found the reserve of the pickets had 
fallen back across the bridge in front of the right of 
my brigade, and the pickets were skirmishing with the 
enemy's advance, and slowly falling back. I in- 
structed the reserve of the pickets to make a stand 
at the bridge, take to the trees and keep the enemy 
Vjack as long as they could. I then returned and 
found my brigade formed on the color line, awaiting 
orders. I rode through and along the line, and 
spoke to Colonels Sullivan and Cockerill, and to 
Colonel Canfield and others in passing, telling them 
that the rebels were coming, and that we should 
soon have a big fight, and cautioning them to be 



ready. I rode to Genera! Sherman's headquarters, 
eighty to one hundred rods to the left and rear of my 
camp, and about in the rear of the right of Hilde- 
brand's brigade. I informed General Sherman that 
I had fjeen to the front and found the enemy advanc- 
ing in strong force, and my pickets falling fiack; that 
my brigade was in line, ready for orders. He an. 
swered, "You must reinforce the pickets. Send a 
regiment forward and keep them back." I returned, 
and met Colonel Sullivan and Lieutenant-Colonel 
Parker on their horses in rear of the Forty-eighth 
Ohio. 1 told them what General Shermans orders 
were. They both requested me to send their regi- 
ment, which I designed to do, it being the centre 
regiment. I ordered Colonel Sullivan to take his regi- 
ment, as speedily .-is possible, across the bridge in his 
front, take po.sition in the woods beyond with the 
pickets, and keep the enemy teck as long as possible. 
When the head of his column reached the bridge he 
discovered that the enemy was forming line of bat- 
tle under the bank, on our side of the creek, to the 
right. He fell back a short distance, and reported 
the fact to me. I first ordered companies A and B, 
of the Seventy-second, forward as skirmishers, and 
in a few minutes after ordered the Seventy-second 
and the .Seventieth to advance, and the Forty-eighth 
to form on the advanced line. We advanced from 
thirty to forty rods, to within full view, and short 
musket range of the enemy's line, and the fight com- 
menced simultaneously on both sides. The right of 
the brigade was considerably in advance of the left, 
to take advantage of the formation of the ground, 
the creek Vjeing much nearer the left than the right of 
the brigade color line. 

Up to this time there had been no artillery firing, 
or heavy musketry, on any part of the line. My 
brigade had been in hne awaiting orders full one 
hour before it advanced, and before any fighting any- 
where within our hearing, except .skirmishing by the 
pickets, and the brigade fought, with great bravery, 
in this position more than two hours, driving the 
enemy back under the bank of the creek as often as 
they attempted to advance; and the right of the 
brigade was advanced considerably forward during 
the fighting to obtain a better position, which 
widened the space l^etween my right and the left of 
Colonel McDowell's brigade. I sent an officer to 
say to Colonel McDowell that I feared the enemy 
would turn my right and get in between the brig- 
ades, and asked him to look to it. Colonel McDowell 
sent Colonel Hicks, with the Fortietn Illinois, who 
took a position to the right and rear of my right 
flank, where he remained at least one hour. I re- 
member riding up to Colonel Hicks and sjieaking to 
him twice during the time he was there. The first 
time I asked if he did not think my men were fight- 
ing bravely. He replied: "Yes, they are doing 
splendidly." The second time was after we had 
been fighting about two hours, and I found the 



286 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Seventy-second was getting out of ammunition. I 
asked Colonel Hicks if he would hold my position 
until the Seventy-second could replenish their am- 
munition. He replied that he was ordered not to 
engage in the fight unless attacked in his position. 
After we had been fighting about one hour one of 
General Sherman's aids came to me and said: "The 
General desires to know whether you can hold your 
position." I replied: "Tell General Sherman that 
my men are fighting bravely, and I will hold my 
position." At that time, I had not the least idea 
that we would be compelled to go back, although 
Lieutenant-Colonel Canfield, commanding the Sev- 
enty-second, had been mortally wounded and car- 
ried from the field, leaving the Seventy-second with- 
out a field officer, and many company officers and 
men had been killed and wounded. During the re- 
mainder of the battle the Seventy-second was com- 
manded by myself, with the efficient aid of Adju- 
tant Eugene Rawson, who displayed great courage 
from the beginning to the ,end of the battle. My 
adjutant's horse was killed, and my own horse 
wounded just in front of the saddle, and was bleed- 
ing profusely. As I rode along the line, speaking 
to officers and men, I found them everywhere stand- 
ing up to the work bravely, and when I saw that my 
brigade was making a glorious fight and beating back 
every attempted advance of the enemy, I felt highly 
gratified and full of confidence. As the Seventy- 
second was without a field officer to command, the 
senior captains of companies A and B, were both 
sick and unable to command their companies. Cap- 
tain Wegstein, of company H, was killed early in 
the fight, and other company officers had been 
wounded, I spent most of my time on the right of 
the line, the Forty-eighth and Seventieth having all 
their field officers. Consequently, I did not know 
what was going on in Hildebrand's brigade on my 
left. I discovered, however, that the enemy were 
bringing up heavy reinforcements in my front, and, 
after we had been fighting about one hour and a 
half, I sent word to General Sherman that the enemy 
were being heavily reinforced, and that I would 
need help. He returned for answer that he could 
not send me any reinforcements, and that I must do 
the best I could. This answer convinced me that 
matters were going wrong somewhere, and that 
sooner or later I would be compelled to fall back, 
and so informed my quartermaster. Lieutenant D. 
M. Harkness, and my surgeon. Dr. J. B. Rice, and 
directed them to make arrangements to take the 
sick and wounded to the rear as speedily as possible. 
We maintained our position, however, along the 
whole line for more than two hours, when the Sev- 
enty-second was compelled to fall back for ammuni- 
tion, finding it impossible to distribute it along the 
line under the fire of the enemy; but the enemy did 
not advance at that point. The Seventy-second 
quickly filled their cartridge boxes, and were ad- 



vanced into line again, and were about ready to re- 
new the fight, when I received an order from Gen- 
eral Sherman to fall back to the Purdy road. The 
Seventy-second marched by the right of companies 
to the rear through their camp. In the meantime, 
Hildebrand's brigade had been fiercely attacked 
and given way, so that my left flank was completely 
turned, and Colonel Cockerill was compelled to face 
his regiment to the left. We fell back in good order 
to the Purdy road, followed closely by the enemy in 
front and on the left. We had formed our line on 
the Purdy road, and were ready to renew the fight, 
when we were shoved out of the road and thrown 
into confusion by Berk's battery of artillery, which 
came rushing along the road at full speed from the 
right, and a mass of flying men from Hildebrand's 
brigade on the left. The enemy were so close upon 
us that it was impossible to form again along the 
Purdy road. Back of the road was all woods and 
thick underbrush, and I found great difficulty in 
riding through it. Farther back — some forty rods — 
it was more open, and I succeeded in forming a new 
line, but in the confusion the Seventieth Ohio be- 
came separated from the rest of the brigade, but was 
constantly engaged in the fight farther to the left, 
and rejoined me later in the day. Soon after leaving 
the Purdy road I received an order from General 
Sherman to go to the left, and as soon as I had suc- 
ceeded in rallying and reforming my men, I at- 
tempted to obey the order, but encountered a su- 
perior force of the enemy and was compelled to fall 
back again. We were all day contending against 
superior numbers, and resisting their advance at 
every point as long as we could. 

Late in the afternoon, after the last repulse of the 
right of our line, my brigade was near a bridge 
across Snake Creek, which, i was informed by some 
staff officer whom I did not know, it was very 
important to protect, as General Wallace would 
have to cross his division over it in coming from 
Crump's Landing. I placed my brigade in position 
to defend the bridge, but after remaining there some 
time and no enemy appearing, I was not satisfied 
that [ was where I ought to be, and rode to the left 
to find General Sherman and get his orders. I had 
not gone far when I found a new line being formed, 
and not finding General Sherman I said to the 
officer in command that if desired I would form my 
brigade on the right of his line, which he said he 
would be glad to have me do. 

When I returned to my brigade, to my surprise, I 
learned that the Forty-eighth Ohio had marched 
away toward the landing. I immediately formed the 
Seventieth and Seventy-second on the right of the new 
line, about one mile and a half from the landing. 
Soon after my line was formed, General Sherman 
came along our front and said to me, "You are just 
where I want you. Remain where you are until fur- 
ther orders." 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



287 



About dark General Wallace's division commenced 
arriving, and formed to the right of my brigade. 
About 10 o'clock my quartermaster. Lieutenant 
Harkness, came to us from the landing. I learned 
from him that the Forty-eighth Ohio was at the land- 
ing, and had been ordered by General Grant in posi- 
tion to defend his batteries, and that the regiment 
had done good service there. I sent orders by Lieu- 
tenant Harkness to Colonel Sullivan to join me with 
his regiment forthwith, but owing to the rain and dark- 
ness he did not arrive until just after day light. Col- 
onels Cockerrill and Hildebrand and myself tied our 
horses to trees and lay down together for the night, 
in rear of and close to my brigade line. The rebels' 
line was only a short distance from us on the other 
side of a ravine. 

General Wallace opened his batteries on the enemy 
early Monday morning, and the three regiments of my 
brigade were formed in line of battle, with all their 
field officers present e.xcept Lieutenant-Colonel Can- 
field and Major Crockett, of the Seventy-second, the 
one having been mortally wounded on Sunday morn- 
ing, and the other captured on Friday. Sherman's 
division during the day occupied a position on the 
left of Wallace's division, and we kept steadily up 
with his left, frequently under very severe fire from 
the enemy. General Wallace in his report says that 
at one time "the right of Sherman's division fell has- 
tily back." I think General Wallace is mistaken. I 
know that my brigade was not driven back one rod 
on Monday. On one occasion when General Sher- 
man ordered an advance under heavy fire of musketry 
and artillery from the enemy, I gave the order; but 
at the moment the men seemed to hesitate. I im- 
mediately rode to the color-bearer of the Seventy- 
second Ohio, took hold of the flag staff, and con- 
ducted the bearer to the point indicated. The whole 
brigade quickly advanced and was on the desired ad- 
vanced line as soon as I was. Colonel Sullivan was 
wounded and taken to the rear. 

Our forces drove the enemy back over the same 
ground that they drove us the day before. The 
fighting was severe but not so destructive, at least to 
our troops, as on Sunday. We drove them back 
more rapidly than they drove us. About 4 p. m. 
the enemy were in full retreat, and about 5 P. M. my 
brigade took possession of its camp at Shiloh Church. 
The rebels took such articles as they could on their 
hasty retreat, but my tent and bed I found in good 
condition, and I enjoyed a good sleep in them Mon- 
day night. 

Early Tuesday morning I, with others, visited the 
ground of our fight on Sunday morning. In a small 
space on the line of the enemy in front of the 
Seventy-second, were found eighty-five dead bodies, 
and the dead of the enemy were found thickly 
strewn all along the line in front of the brigade. 
General Wallace also visited that battle ground, and 
when he saw the number of dead bodies of the 



enemy in so small a space, asked what troops did 
that. When told that it was the Seventy-second 
Ohio, he said, "That was the best fighting on the 
field." The number of the wounded in that Sunday 
morning fight with my brigade must have been very 
great, as the number of the wounded is always much 
greater than of the killed. The underbrush between 
the two lines was literally mowed down by musket 
balls. Not a twig could be found that was not hit; 
and every tree from the ground ten or fifteen feet up 
was literally peppered with bullets. I think more of 
the enemy's fire was too high than of ours, and, for 
that reason, more of the enemy were killed. The 
enemy in that fight greatly outnumbered my brigade, 
but our men, though inexperienced in war, were 
many of them used to the rifle at home, and took 
good aim. 

I have detailed incidents of small importance in 
themselves, perhaps, in order that the reader may 
better judge how much truth there is in the charge 
that my brigade was surprised, in any sense, on 
Sunday morning. Instead of being surprised we 
were all expecting an attack early in the morning, if 
not attacked during the night, and we took every 
precaution and made every preparation that one 
knew how to make to be ready for the attack when- 
ever it should come, and we were ready when it did 
come, as the result abundantly proves. I feel per- 
fectly justified in saying that no troops ever went 
into battle more deliberately or with more coolness, 
and none ever fought more bravely or effectively 
than did my brigade on Sunday morning. 

On the question of surprise I give the following ex- 
tract from a recent letter to me from General M. T. 
Williamson, now United States marshal at Memphis, 
Tennessee, who was First Lieutenant of company C, 
Seventy-second Ohio, and in command of the com- 
pany at the commencement of the battle. General 
Williamson says: 

"On the morning of the 5th of April, company C 
furnished a portion of the pickets for the Seventy- 
second, under Lieutenant Hoffman, and company E 
the remainder, under Captain Blinn. In the after- 
noon I went out to the picket line and could distinct- 
ly see some suspicious movements on the Confederate 
side. We were confident they were preparing for an 
attack, and I knew this was our conviction. We ex- 
pected it before morning, and had arranged a line of 
communication from the pickets to the camp, so as 
to know when the forward movement began. I have 
forgotten the name of Captain Snyder's company 
clerk at that time, but he communicated with me 
during the night. I was up early Sunday morning, 
and had breakfasted, as had the men of the regiment, 
before the long roll was ordered, and I do not be- 
lieve there was a man in the regiment but expected 
the long roll before it came, and every man was 
ready to fall in when it did come." 

Since writing the foregoing I have read, with great 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



interest, the article on the battle of Shiloh, by Gen- 
eral B. W. Duke, published in the Cincinnati Gazette 
of the 28th of May. The article evinces candor, 
and was evidently prepared with care and considera- 
tion. He fully sustains all I have said in regard 
to the fight my brigade made on Sunday morning, 
but he is mistaken about McDowell's brigade partici- 
pating in that fight, and as to some other matters. 
He says: 

" While McDowell's and Buckland's brigades of 
Sherman's division had not been fiercely assailed at 
the inception of the Confederate advance, they soon 
received their full share of attention. The ground 
which they occupied, however, was, perhaps, the 
strongest position on the line. Every demonstration 
against it was repulsed ; artillery was used in vain 
against it; some of the best brigades of the army moved 
on it, only to be hurled back and strew the morass in 
its front with their dead. The Confederate loss at 
this point was fiightful. At last, after having held 
the position from 7 or 7:30 A. M. until after 10 A. m., 
everything upon its right (left) having been driven 
back, and the Confederate artillery having reached a 
point where the guns could play upon its rear, it was 
abandoned as no longer tenable. The tenacious de- 
fence of this position, and the fact that, by massing 
on his own right. General Johnson turned it, when it 
proved impregnable to direct assault, ought to be of 
itself a sufficient explanation of the correctness of his 
plan of battle. Sherman falling back, formed on 
McClernand's right, the same relative position he had 
previously held." 

Now, the fact is, that McDowell's brigade was not 
attacked at all on tlie front line, and did no fighting 
until after we had fallen back to the Purdy road. As 
1 have stated above, the F'ortieth Illinois, Colonel 
Hicks, at my request, came and took position at the 
right and rear of my right flank, and remained there 
without firing a gun, until the Seventy-second went 
back for ammunition, when the Fortieth Illinois 
marched back to its own brigade ; and this was after 
my brigade had been fighting more than two hours, 
and only a few moments before the whole line was 
ordered back to the Purdy road. What General 
Duke says about the fighting at that point is all true, 
and his is the first account I have seen that does full 
justice to my brigade. My brigade advanced to the 
front and commenced the fight before Hildebrand's 
brigade was attacked, and remained until ordered 
back to the Purdy road, after Hildebrand's brigade 
had been driven back and the enemy had completely 
turned my left flank. 

General Duke, in another part of his article, says: 

" Hardee's line carried all before it. At the first 
encampment it was not the semblance of a check. 
Following close and eager after the fleeing pickets, it 
burst upon the startled inmates as they emerged, half 
clad, from the tents, giving them no time to form, 
driving them in rapid panic, bayoneting the dilatory 



— on through camps swept together pursuers and pur- 
sued. " 

I wish General Duke had pointed out which camps 
were thus surprised. They were certainly not the 
camps of McDowell, Hildebrand, or Buckland's 
brigades. Captain Skelton, of the Fifty-seventh 
Ohio, one of Hildebrand's regiments, informs me 
that the first alarm he heard was the long roll in my 
camp, which was immediately followed by the long 
roll in the camps of Hildebrand's brigade, and that 
the brigade was in line of battle very soon after. I saw 
the brigade in line when I was returning from General 
Sherman's headquarters with orders to send a regi- 
ment forward to sustain the pickets. General Sher- 
man says he rode to the front of Hildebrand's brigade 
into the woods, where his orderly, Holliday, was 
killed. He then went to Colonel Appier, of the 
Fifty-third Ohio, and ordered him to hold his posi- 
tion. It cannot be, therefore, that any of Hilde- 
brand's brigade were surprised, bayoneted, or shot in 
their tents. 

It is a well-established fact, I think, that General 
Prentiss was well aware of the presence of the enemy 
in considerable force in his front. His cavalry had 
skirmished with them on Saturday, and at 4 o'clock 
in the morning of the 6th he sent to the front one of 
liis regiments to look for the enemy. 

General Prentiss has made his statement, in which 
he says: " My division was in line of battle near one- 
fourth of a mile in advance of the color line, and re- 
ceived the assault of the enemy at an early hour of 
the morning of April 6, 1862, and held them in check 
for hours, until the enemy appeared in our right rear, 
and, as I learned afterwards, aided by the misconduct 
of a regiment not of my division." He further 
states that his division fought gallantly during the 
day, and "at 5:30, completely surrounded by num- 
bers so numerous, the gallant officers and soldiers, 
with myself, were compelled to surrender." 

It is quite probable that some sick and wounded 
men were left in the camps, but I cannot believe the 
enemy would have shot and bayoneted such, or any 

unarmed or helpless men. Private Smith, of 

company I, Seventy-second Ohio, was shot through 
the breast and left in camp, or near it, as too badly 
wounded to be moved. When we returned to camp 
on Monday evening, we found him alive in one of the 
tents. The enemy had taken good care of him, and 
he is now an inmate of the Soldiers' Home at Day- 
ton. Therefore, I am compelled to believe that all 
these horrible stories about our officers and men 
being surprised, shot, and bayoneted in their tents 
are false. 

There has been a persistent effoit on the part of 
newspaper correspondents and others, ever since the 
battle, to make it appear that Sherman's and Pren- 
tiss's divisions were asleep on the morning of the 6th, 
ignorant of the approach of the enemy, and surprised 
and thrown into almost utter confusion by the first 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



onset of the enemy. I think the facts I have given 
ought to convince every candid person that such was 
not the case. It is true that Colonel Appier of the 
Fifty-third Ohio, of Hildebrand's brigade, after his 
regiment had fired a few rounds, ordered a retreat, 
and then abandoned his regiment to its fate. This 
was no fault of the regiment. Such conduct of a 
commanding officer would demoralize any troops. 
This gave the enemy such advantage over Hilde- 
brand's brigade that, although Hildebrand heroically 
strove to maintain his position, he was unable to 
withstand the overpowering onslaught, and his brig- 
ade was forced back and irretrievably broken to 
pieces. Yet a large portion of his officers and men 
rallied by companies and squads, joined other com- 
mands and fought bravely during the day. But for 
this unfortunate conduct of Colonel Appier, of the 
Fifty-third, which is the regiment where bad conduct 
is referred to in the statement of General Prentiss, I 
have no doubt but Hildebrand's brigade would have 
maintained its position as did mine, and we would 
have held the enemy in check on the front line much 
longer and given McClernand's and other troops 
ample time to come to its support or place them- 
selves in positions where they could best meet the 
enemy. The stubborn resistance of my brigade 
alone saved our army from greater disaster. The 
splendid fighting of our troops during the entire day is 
a sufficient answer to the charge that any considera- 
ble portion of them were demoralized by being sur- 
prised in their camps, or otherwise. The number 
that disgracefully fled to the rear was not much 
greater, if any, than in other great battles. Sutlers, 
teamsters, and all other non-ccfmbatants and hang- 
ers on of the army were concentrated into a small 
space at the landing, and mi.xed with the sick, the 
wounded, and runaways, and altogether they made 
a great, panic-stricken mob. No wonder Buell's 
men, in passing through such a mob, supposed the 
Army of the Tennessee was demoralized, but if they 
had been in front at any time during the bloody day, 
they would have come to a different conclusion. 

If General Lewis Wallace, with his division of 
eight thousand men, had continued on the road he 
started upon, which I think he ought to have done, 
and struck the enemy on the left flank and rear by 
two or three o'clock P. M., the tide of victory would 
have been turned against the enemy. It would have 
saved the disaster to Prentiss's division, and I think 
we would have driven the enemy from the field the 
first day. I will not undertake to say who was in 
fault for the course General Wallace took. It is not 
the purpose of this article to defend Generals Hal- 
leck, Grant, or Sherman, but to state facts within 
my own knowledge and observation, and such as I 
believe to be true, taken from other reliable sources, 
and leave to the reader to determine in his own 
mind, from the facts, where blame or credit should 
be awarded. 

37 



We are indebted to Dr. G. A. Gessner 
for a record of the officers and men of the 
regiment. 

OFFICERS OF SEVENTY-SECOND OHIO VOL- 
UNTEER INFANTRY. 

Colonel Ralph P. Buckland, appointed lieutenant- 
colonel October 2, 1861; appointed colonel October 
30, 1861, mustered into service January 10, 1862; 
commission dated January ir, 1862; appointed brig- 
adier-general November 29, 1862. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Herman Canfield, appointed 
lieutenant-colonel October 30, 1861; mustered into 
service January 10, 1862; commission dated January 
II, 1862; mortally wounded at Shiloh April 6, 1862; 
died April 7, 1862. 

Major Leroy Crockett, mustered into service De- 
cember 10, 1861; commission dated January 11, 1862; 
taken prisoner April 4, 1862; promoted to lieutenant- 
colonel April 6, 1862; date of commission June 20, 
1862; paroled at Richmond, Virginia, October 12, 
1862; exchanged November, 1862; found regiment 
January 17, 1863, in obedience to Special Ordei No. 
I, Headquarters Paroled Forces, Columbus, Ohio, 
January 5, 1863; died at home of disease December 
10, 1863. 

Adjutant Eugene A. Rawson, appointed Decem- 
ber 4, 1 861; mustered into service December 12, 
1861, commission dated January II, 1862; promoted 
to major July 23, 1863; died of wounds received at 
the battle of Tupelo, Mississippi, July 15, 1864. 

Quartermaaster Daniel M. Harkness, ppointed 
October 8, 1861; mustered into service October 8, 
1861; commission dated January 11, 1862; resigna- 
tion accepted January 16, 1863; Special Order No. 
10, Headquarters Department, Memphis, Ten- 
nessee, January 16, 1863. 

Surgeon John B. Rice, mustered into service No- 
vember 25, 1861; commission dated January 11, 
1862; detailed surgeon-in-chief District of Memphis, 
Tennessee, Special Order No. 89, Headquarters Dis- 
trict of Memphis, Tennessee, April 28, 1864. 

Chaplain Abraham B. Poe, mustered into service 
January 11, 1862; commission dated January 11, 
1862; resignation accepted January 15, 1863, Special 
Orders No. 15, Headquarters Department of the Ten- 
nessee, by order of Major-General U. S. Grant. 

Assistant Surgeon William M. Kaull, mustered in- 
to service November 6, 1861; commission dated Jan- 
uary II, 1862; resignation accepted June 4, 1863, 
Special Order No. 150, Headquarters Department of 
the Tennessee, near Vicksburg, Mississippi. 

Assistant Surgeon John W. Goodson, mustered 
into service August 21, 1862; commission dated Au- 
gust 21, 1862; deserted November 20, 1862, from 
Memphis, Tennessee; dismissed the service of the 
United States of America March 30, 1863; Special 
Order No. 205, War Department Adjutant-General's 



29° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Office, Washington, District of Columbia, May 7, 
1863. 

Steward William Caldwell, appointed steward 
February 6, 1862; mustered into service February 
6, 1862; appointed assistant surgeon April 17, 
1863 ; mustered into service April 27, 1863 ; re- 
signed on account of disability January 7, 1865, 
Special Order No. 8, Par. 5, Headquarters Depart- 
ment of Mississippi, Memphis, Tennessee. 

Principal Musician Nicholas B. Caldwell, died at 
Keokuk, Iowa, in general hospital, June 5, 1862, of 
disease. 

COMPANY A. 

Captain Charles G. Eaton, appointed and mus- 
ered into serxice as second lieutenant October 9, 
1861; appointed captain November 30, i86r; com- 
mission dated January 11, 1862; promoted to major 
April 6, 1862; date of commission June 20, 1862; ap- 
pointed lieutenant-colonel July 23, 1863; mustered as 
lieutenant-colonel December 24, 1863, at Memphis, 
Tennessee. 

First Lieutenant H. W. Gifford, appointed first 
lieutenant November 30, 1861; mustered into service 
as private October lo, 1861, date of commission as 
first lieutenant January 11, 1862; promoted to cap- 
tain April 6, 1862; commission dated June 20, 1862; 
died at Cincinnati, Ohio, July 27, 1862, of wounds 
received in the battle of Shiloh April 6 and 9, 1862. 

Second lieutenant Spencer Russell, appointed sec- 
ond lieutenant November 30, 1861, commission dated 
January 11, 1862^ mustered into service as private 
October 10, 1862; promoted to first lieutenant April 
6, 1862; date of commission June 20, 1862; promoted 
to captain May 17, 1862; resignation accepted August 
21, 1863; Special Order No. 228, Headquarters De- 
partment of the Tennessee, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 
August 21, 1863. 

COMPANY B. 

Captain George Raymond, mustered into service as 
private October 9, 1861; appointed captain Dec- 
ember 2, 1861, commission dated January 11, 1862; 
resigned May 23, 1862; Special Field orders No. 
71, Headquarters Department of the Mississippi, 
camp in Corinth road, Mississippi, May 28, 1862. 

First Lieutenant Henry W. Buckland, mustered 
into service as second lieutenant October 8, 1861; 
mustered into service as first lieutenant December 2, 
1861; commission datedjanuary 11, 1862; promoted 
to captain May 23, 1862, date of commission June 
20, 1862; mustered out by reason of expiration of 
term of service, Memphis, Tennessee, November 23, 
1864. 

Second Lieutenant William T. Fisher, mustered 
into service as private October 23, 1861; appointed 
second lieutenant December 2, 1861, commission 
datedjanuary 11, 1862; promoted to first lieutenant 
May 23, 1862, date of commision June 20, 1862; re- 
signation accepted July 27, 1863; Special order No. 



198 Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, 
Vicksburg, Mississippi, July 22, 1863. 

COMPANY C. 

Captain Samuel A. J. Snyder was mustered into 
service as second lieutenant October 16, 1861; ap- 
pointed captain December 8, 1861, commission dated 
January 11, 1862; appointed major April 9, 1864; 
mustered as major July 27, 1864. 

First Lieutenant Milton T. Williamson was mus- 
tered into service as second lieutenant October 29, 
1861; appointed first lieutenant February 13, 1862, 
commission dated April 24, 1861; aid-de-camp to 
General Denver, General Orders No. 4, Headquar- 
ters, Third brigade, Fifth division. Camp No. 8, June 
2, 1862; mustered out by reason of expiration of term, 
Memphis, Tennessee, November 4, 1864. 

Second Lieutenant Daniel W.|Hoffnian was mus- 
tered into service as private November 19, 1861; ap- 
pointed second lieutenant December 8, 1861, com- 
mission dated January 11, 1862; appointed first 
lieutenant February 18, 1864; mustered March i, 
1864; wounded severely at the battle of Tupelo, 
Mississippi, July 13, 1864; left at Tupelo, Missis- 
sippi, in hospital, prisoner of war. 

COMPANY D. 

Captain Andrew Nuhfer was mustered into ser- 
vice as second lieutenant; appointed captain De- 
cember 12, i86r, commission dated January 11, 
1862; wounded severely at Shiloh, Tennessee, April 
6, 1862; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross 
Roads, Mississippi, July 11, 1864. 

First Lieutenant Manning A. Fowler was mustered 
into service as private October 18, 1861; appointed 
first lieutenant December 12, 1861, commission dated 
January 11, 1862; appointed captainjanuary 15, 1863; 
mustered into service as captain March 8, 1863; re- 
signed July 23, 1863, Special Order No. 199, Head- 
quarters Department of the Tennessee, Vicksburg, 
Mississippi, July 23, 1863. 

Second Lieutenant Jesse J. Cook was mustered 
into service as private; appointed second lieutenant 
December 12, 1861, commission dated January 11, 
1862; resigned June 6, 1862, Special Field Orders 
No. 90, Headquarters Department of the Mississip- 
pi, Corinth, Mississippi, June 6, 1862. 

COMPANY E. 

Captain John H. Blinn was mustered into service 
as second lieutenant; appointed captain December 
28, 1861, commission datedjanuary ir, 1862; resig- 
nation accepted January 15, 1863, Special Orders 
No. 15, Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, 
Mississippi, General U. S. Grant. 

First Lieutenant Charles D. Dennis was mustered 
into service as private October 12, 1861; appointed 
first lieutenant December 28, 1861, commission dated 
January 10, 1862; appointed captain January 15, 
1863; mustered into service as captain March i, 1863, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



291 



Special Orders No. 210, Headquarters Department 
of the Tennessee, Vicksburg, Mississippi, August 3, 
1863. 

Second Lieutenant William A. Strong was mus- 
tered into service as private November 10, 1861; ap- 
pointed second lieutenant December 28, 1861, com- 
mission dated January 11, 1862; appointed first lieu- 
tenant January 15, 1863; mustered into service 
March i, 1863; resigned, on account of disability, 
August I, 1864, Special Orders No. 172, Headquar- 
ters Department of the Tennessee, Chattanooga, 
Tennessee, August i, 1864. 

COMPANY F. 

Captain Leroy Moore was mustered into service 
as second lieutenant October 8, 1861; appointed 
captain January 4, 1862, commission dated January 
II, 1862; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross 
Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; mustered out of 
service, by reason of expiration of term, March 12, 
1865, Washington, District of Columbia. 

First Lieutenant Alfred H. Rice was mustered 
into service as private November 2, 1861; appointed 
first lieutenant January 4, 1862, date of commission 
January 11, 1862; discharged at Washington August 
18, 1863, by order of Secretary of War, for disability. 

Second Lieutenant John B. Gillmore was mus- 
tered into service as private October 9, 1861; ap- 
pointed second lieutenant January 4, 1862, commis- 
sion dated January ir, 1862; appointed first lieuten- 
ant February 18, 1864; mustered as first lieutenant 
April 24, 1864; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's 
Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; died in 
prison, October 9, 1864, at Charleston, South Caro- 
lina. 

COMPANY G. 

Captain James I'ernald was mustered into service 
as second lieutenant October 9, 1861; appointed 
first lieutenant January 10, 1862; appointed captain 
February 13, 1862, commission dated February 13, 
1862; re-enlisted 1865. 

First Lieutenant William C. Bidle was mustered 
into service as second lieutenant November 12, 1861; 
appointed first lieutenant January 10, 1862, commis- 
sion dated January II, 1862; appointed captain April 
9, 1864; mustered as captain April 23, 1864; mustered 
out, by reason of expiration of term, at Vicksburg, 
Mississippi, February 15, 1865. 

Second Lieutenant John H. Poyer was mustered 
into service as second lieutenant October 19, 1861, 
commission dated January 11, 1862; resigned De- 
cember 10, 1862, Special Orders No. 43, Headquar- 
ters Thirteenth Army Corps, Department of the Ten- 
nessee. 

COMPANY H. 

Captain Michael Wegstein was mustered into 
service as private October 14, 1861; appointed cap- 
tain January 10, 1862, commission dated January 11, 
1862; killed at .Shiloh April 6, 1862. 



First Lieutenant Anthony Young was mustered 
into service 'as second lieutenant October 12, 1861; 
appointed first lieutenant January 10, 1862, commis- 
sion dated January 11, 1862; promoted to captain 
April 6, 1862, date of commission June 20, 1862; 
resignation accepted July 23, 1863, Special Order 
No. 199, Headquarters Department of the Tennes- 
see, Vicksburg, Mississippi. 

Second Lieutenant Andrew Kline was mustered 
into service as private; appointed second lieutenant 
January 10, 1862, commission dated January 11, 
1862; discharged at Washington, September 11, 
1862, by order of Secretary of War, for disability, 
Special Orders No. 234. 

COMPANY L 

Captain Jacob Fikes was mustered into service as 
second lieutenant October 12, 1861; appointed cap- 
tain January 10, 1862, commission dated January 11, 
1862; resignation accepted February 4, 1863, Special 
Orders No. 35, Headquarters Department of the Ten- 
nessee, Young's Point, Louisiana. 

First Lieutenant Albert Bates was mustered into 
service as private, October 11, 1861; appointed first 
lieutenant January 10, 1862, commission dated Jan- 
uary II, 1862; resignation accepted August 7, 1863, 
Special Orders No. 215, Headquarters Department of 
the Tennessee, Vicksburgh, Mississippi. 

Second Lieutenant James Donnell was mustered 
into service as private; appointed second lieutenant 
January 10, 1862; commission dated January 11, 
1862; resigned September 3, 1862, at Memphis, Ten- 
nessee, Special Orders No. 316, Headquarters De- 
partment of the Mississippi. 

COMPANY K, 

Captain Thes M. Thompson was mustered into 
service as second lieutenant, October 5, 1861; ap- 
pointed captain January 11, 1862, commission dated 
March 13, 1862; mustered out by reason of expira 
tion of term, October 4, 1864, Memphis, Tennessee, 

First Lieutenant W. H. Skerrett was mustered in- 
to service as private, November 2, 1861; appointed 
first lieutenant January 11, 1862; detailed as division 
quartermaster April 15, 1862, Special Orders No. 
22, Headquarters Fifth division; mustered out by 
reason of expiration of term of service, January 11, 
1865. 

Second Lieutenant Caleb T. Goshom was ap- 
pointed second lieutenant February 13, 1862; mus- 
tered into service as second lieutenant February 19, 
1862; resignation accepted January 15, 1863, Special 
Orders No. 15, Headquarters Department of the 
Tennessee, Mississippi, General U. S. Grant. 

COMPANY A. 

Second Lieutenant Charles Dirlam, mustered into 
service as private October 10, 1861; appointed sec- 
ond lieutenant April 23, 1862, commission dated 
June 20, 1862; promoted to first lieutenant Decern- 



292 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ber 30, 1863; mustered as first lieutenant March 
I, 1863; appointed captain April 9, 1864; mustered 
as captain April 28, 1864; taken prisoner at the bat- 
tle of Brice's Cross Roads June 11, 1864. 
COMPANY B. 

Second Lieutenant John M. Lemmon, mustered 
into service as private October 9, 1861; appointed 
second lieutenant April 23, 1862, commission dated 
June 20, 1862; appointed captain July 23, 1863; 
mustered into service as captain January 29, 1864. 

Second Lieutenant Alfred Putman, mustered into 
service as private October 12, 1861; appointed sec- 
ond lieutenant September i, 1862, commission dated 
September 16, 1862; promoted to first lieutenant 
February 18, 1864; mustered into service as first 
lieutenant March 2, 1864. 

COMPANY A. 

Second Lieutenant Jonathan F. Harrington, mus- 
tered into service as private October 15, 1861; ap- 
pointed second lieutenant January i, 1863; mustered 
as second lieutenant March i, 1863; appointed first 
lieutenant April 9, 1864; mustered as first lieutenant 
April 9, 1864; promoted to captain May 2, 1865; 
mustered as captain, May 25, 1865. 

Second Lieutenant Morris Leese, appointed sec- 
ond lieutenant September 5, 1862; mustered into 
service as second lieutenant March i, 1863; taken 
prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads June 
It, 1864. 

Second Lieutenant Merritt Sexton mustered into 
service as private November 7, 1861; appointed sec- 
ond lieutenant November i, 1862; mustered as sec- 
ond lieutenant April 24, 1863; appointed first lieu- 
tenant April 9, 1864; mustered as first lieutenant. 
April 28, 1864; promoted to captain March 18, 1865; 
mustered as captain April 11, 1865 

Second Lieutenant Lorenzo Dick mustered into 
the service as private October 15, 1861; appointed 
second lieutenant April 6, 1862 ; appointed first 
lieutenant February 26, 1863; mustered as first lieu- 
tenant March i, 1863; taken prisoner at the battle of 
Brices's Cross Roads June 11, 1864. 

Joseph Seaford appointed second lieutenant Feb- 
ruary 26, 1863: appointed first lieutenant Novem- 
ber 20, 1864; mustered as fi-st lieutenant January 
3, 1865, at Clifton; promoted to captain May 2, 
1865; mustered as captain May 25, 1865. 

Second Lieutenant James H. Stewart, appointed 
second lieutenant January 15, 1863; mustered as 
second lieutenant March 5, 1863; resignation ac- 
cepted May 3, 1863, Special Orders No. 123, Head- 
quarters of the Department of the Tennessee, Milli- 
ken's Bend, Louisiana, May 3, 1863. 

Adjutant Alonzo C. Johnson, July 23, 1863; mus- 
tered as first lieutenant and adjutant August 11, 
1863; resignation accepted August i, 1864, Special 
Orders No. 172, Headquarters Department of the 
Tennessee, Chattanooga, Tennessee. 



Captain Charles L. Hudson, appointed second 
lieutenant November 16, 1864; mustered into the 
service as a private November 8, i86r; mustered as 
second lieutenant November 22, 1864; wounded se- 
verely at the battle of Tupelo, Mississippi, July 15, 
1864; appointedfirst lieutenant and adjutant March 
18, 1865; mustered as first lieutenant and adjutant 
April II, 1865; appointed captain September 4, 
1865; never mustered into service. 

Second Lieutenant Joy Winters, appointed April 
9, 1864; mustered as second lieutenant April 29, 
1864; takfin prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross 
Roads June 11, 1864. 

First Lieutenant Jacob Snyder, appointed Decem- 
ber 8, 1861; appointment revoked by Governor 
Dennison, of Ohio, February 18, 1862; mustered into 
service as private October 25. 1861. 

Charles McCleary, second lieutenant, appointed 
April 9, 1864; mustered into the service as sergeant 
October 12, 1861; mustered as second lieutenant 
April 29, 1864; appointed first lieutenant November 
16, 1864; mustered as first lieutenant November 20, 
1864; promoted to captain April 14, 1865; mustered 
as captain June 14, 1865. 

Rollin A. Edgerton, mustered into service as quar- 
termaster-sergeant November 14, 1861; appomted 
second lieutenant February 26, 1863; mustered as 
second lieutenant April 24, 1863; resigned on ac- 
count of disability September 28, 1864, Special Or- 
ders No. 220 Headquarters Department of the Ten- 
nessee, Eastport, Georgia. 

Andrew Unckle, second lieutenant, appointed 
April 9, 1864; mustered as second lieutenant April 
9, 1864; mustered out ot service by reason of expir- 
ation of term of service, December 10, 1864, Nash- 
ville, Tennessee. 

Edward McMahon, second lieutenant, appointed 
April 9, 1864; mustered as second lieutenant May 
14, 1864; appointed first lieutenant March 18, 1865; 
mustered as first lieutenant April 11, 1865; taken 
prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Missis- 
sippi, June II, 1864. 

David Van Dorn, second lieutenant, appointed 
Apsil 9, 1864; mustered as second lieutenant April 
9, 1864; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross 
Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864. 

Josiah Fairbanks, mustered into service as a private 
October 3, i86i; appomted second lieutenant April 
9, 1864; mustered as second lieutenant April 9, 1864; 
taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, 
Mississippi, June 11, 1864. 

Zelotus Ferrin, mustered into service as private 
October 10, 1861; appointed second lieutenant April 
9, 1864; mustered as second lieutenant April 9, 1864; 
taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, 
Mississippi, June 11, 1864. 

John G. Nuhfer, mustered into service as a private 
October 16, i85i; appointed first lieutenant March 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



293 



18, 1865; re-enlisted; mustered as first lieutenant April 
12, 1865. 

PRIVATES. 

John P. Aldrick, native of Massachusetts, enlisted 
at Clyde, Ohio, November 24, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 20, term three years; re-enlisted as veteran De- 
cember I, 1863, at Germantown, Tennessee. 

Spencer Ames, native of Connecticut, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 16, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 
19, term three years; died in Cincinnati, April 20, 
1862. 

Alexander Almond, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Sandusky, Ohio, February 26, 1864, by Z. Perrin; 
age 20, term three years; taken prisoner at the battle 
of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June ir, 1864; 
died at Andersonville, July 23, 1864. 

Thomas Babcock, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 16, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 
28, term three years; taken prisoner April 6, 1862, at 
Shiloh, Tennessee, paroled during guard duty at Co- 
lumbus, Ohio; re-enlisted as a veteran at German- 
town, Tennessee, December 22, 1864; taken prisoner 
at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, 
June II, 1864. 

William Blanchard, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, November 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 18, term three years; mustered out by reason of 
expiration of term of service at Nashville, Tennes- 
see, December 14, 1864. 

Frank Babcock, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, March 7, 1864, by Z. Perrin; age 18, term 
three years; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads, 
Mississippi, June 11, 1864, exchanged and returned 
to company for duty June 20, 1865. 

Huway W. Brown, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, November 8, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 18, term three years; discharged at Columbus, 
February 20, 1862, by order of supreme court, cause 
under age. 

Jacob Brant, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, March 18, 1864, by Z. Perrin; age 27, 
term three years; taken prisoner at the battle of Tu- 
pelo, Mississippi, July 15, 1864. 

Albert L. Bush, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, October 10, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 28, 
terra three years; appointed third corporal December 
2, 1861; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross 
Roads, June II, 1864; mustered out by reason of ex- 
piration of term of service, January 13, 1865, at Co- 
lumbus, Ohio. 

Charles Barber, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, October 21, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 17, 
term three years; re-enlisted as a veteran at German- 
to\vn, Tennessee, December 22, 1863; promoted to 
eighth corporal, December 14, 1864. 

Nelson Barber, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, November 15, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 18, 
term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Ten- 
nessee, December i, 1863. 



George W. Brace, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, November 23, 1861, by C.G. Eaton; age 
24, term three years; discharged September 3, 1862, 
at Camp Dennison, Ohio, for disability. 

Thomas Bartlett, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, March 21, 1864, by Z. Perrin; age 21, term 
three years; died of chronic diarrhoea in hospital at 
Memphis, Tennessee, October 24, 1864. 

Andrew Bradbury, native of Maine, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 16, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 
16, term three years; promoted to corporal February 
26, 1863; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross 
Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; mustered out by 
reason of expiration of term of service; killed in rail- 
road accident, December 2, 1878. 

Samuel Berger, native of Switzerland, enlisted at 
Tuckertown, October 21, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 
37, term three years; died at Monterey, Tennessee, 
June 9, 1862, of fever. 

George Burkett, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, February 29, 1864, by Captain 
Strong; age 25, term three years; enlisted as veteran 
February 29, 1864; taken prisoner at battleof Brice's 
Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864. 

Charles Boyd, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, October 15, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 19, 
term three years; promoted to corporal February 26, 
1863; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross 
Roads, }une ri, 1864; mustered out by reason of ex- 
piration of term of service, March 20, 1865, at Colum- 
bus, Ohio. 

George Bolander, native of Ohio, enlisted at Atti- 
ca, November 8, 1861, by P. Bolinger; age 40, term 
three years; re-enlisted as veteran at Germantown, 
Tennessee, December 22, 1863. 

Robert Barron, native of Ohio, enlisted at Lowell, 
Ohio, November 3, 1861, by Lieutenant W. Egbert; 
age 18, term three years; discharged August 9, 1862 
at Columbus, Ohio, for disability, 

William E. Colwell, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, December 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 19, term three years; died at Cincinnati, Ohio, 
May 21, 1862, of fever. 

Williard Chapin, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, May 7, 1864, by Z. Perrin; age 19, term three 
years; died of typhoid fever at Memphis, Tennessee, 
September 14, 1864. 

David Collver, native of New Jersey, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, November 8, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 
18, term three years; discharged March 10, 1863, at 
Memphis, Tennessee, for disability. 

William Chamberlain, age 19, term three years; 
deserted January i, 1862, from Camp Croghan, Ohio. 

Samuel Chadwick, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, December 20, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 34, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, 
Tennessee, January i, 1864; promoted to corporal 
February 28, 1864; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross 
Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864. 



294 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



Seth Cloud. 

James A. Drown, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Clyde, Ohio, October i6, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 22, term three years; discharged October 24, 
1862, at Columbus, Ohio, for disability. 

William Dennis, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Clyde, Ohio, January 5, 1864, by Lieutenant Per- 
rin; age 30, term three years. 

Reuben Drinkwater, native of Ohio, enlisted in 
Adams township, November 8, 1861, by L. W. Eg- 
bert; age 21, term three years; discharged at Cincin- 
nati, Ohio, January 28, 1863, by General Order 65. 

John Davis, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Sandusky, Ohio, March i, 1864, by Lieutenant Per- 
rin; age 44, term three years; deserted at Clyde, Ohio, 
March 5, 1864. 

James Drinkwater, native of Ohio, enlisted in 
Adams township, by L. W. Egbert; age 16, term 
three years; re-enlisted as veteran at Germantown, 
Tennessee; transferred to field and staff as chief mu- 
sician, January 2, 1864; taken prisoner at the battle 
of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864. 

Sidney D wight, native of New York, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, January i, 1862, by C. G. Eaton; age 
26, term three years; promoted to sergeant January 
15, 1863. 

Charles Durham, native of Massachusetts, enlisted 
at Clyde, Ohio, October 10, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 30, term three years; appointed first sergeant 
December 2, 1861; promoted to second lieutenant 
April 6, 1862, commission dated June 20, 1862. See 
officers. 

Richard Dalton, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, Novem- 
ber 12, 1861; term three years; deserted January i, 
1862, at Camp Croghan, Ohio. 

John H. Downs, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, November 18, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 31, 
term three years; mustered out by reason of expira- 
tion of term of service, December 14, 1864. 

Nelson Dennis, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, February 
10, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 29, term three years; 
discharged November 13, 1862, at Memphis, Ten- 
nessee, for disability. 

David Doing, native of New York, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 11, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 
42, term three years; discharged at Camp Shiloh, 
Tennessee, March 24, 1862, by order of Surgeon 
John B. Rice, cause disability. 

David Denison, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, October 
17, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 20, term three years 
deserted January i, 1862, Camp Croghan, Ohio. 

Edward L.oudenslager, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, November 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 26, term three years; mustered out by reason of 
expiration of term of service, December 13, 1864, at 
("olumbus, Ohio. 

Peter Ernst, native of Germany, enlisted at Co- 
lumbus, Ohio, January 30, 1862, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 45, term three years; discharged at Columbus, 



Ohio, August 13, 1862, by order of the Secretary of 
War, cause disability. 

William Yeaga, native of Maryland, enlisted at 
Seneca, Ohio, November 8, 1861, by L. W. Egbert; 
age 25, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, 
Tennessee, December 22, 1863; taken prisoner at 
the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 
II, 1864. 

George Black, native of Ohio, enlisted at Homer, 
December 28, 1861, by Lieutenant Bidle; age 35, 
term three years; mustered out by reason of expira- 
tion of term of service. 

Albert Fry, native of Switzerland, enlisted at San- 
dusky, Ohio, March i, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; 
age 26, term three years; died at home March 25, 
1864. 

Martin Golden, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, October 18, 1861, by C. G. Eaton, age i8, 
term three years; discharged, place and date un- 
known. 

.Andrew German, native of New York, enlisted at 
Sandusky, Ohio, February 29, 1864, by Lieutenant 
Perrin; age i8, term three yeajs; taken prisoner at 
Brice's Cross Roads, June 11, 1864. 

James Gessinger, native of Ohio, enlisted at Me- 
dina, January 5, 1862, by W. C. Bidle; age 17, 
term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Ten- 
nessee, January i, 1864; deserted near Sedalia, 
Missouri, October iq, 1864. 

Freedom S. Gates, native of New York, enlisted 
at Clyde, Ohio, October 16, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 23, term three years; died at Clyde, Ohio, May 
5, 1862, of wounds received at the battle of Shiloh, 
Tennessee, April 6, 1862; appointed second sergeant 
December 2, 1861. 

Thomas Genanan, native of New York, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 14, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 
17, term three years; discharged, date unknown. 

George H. Godfrey, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, February 29, 1864, by Lieutenant Per- 
rin; age 23, term three years; died of disease in gen- 
eral hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, March 15, 1865. 

James Gorden, native of Massachusetts, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, August 22, 1862, by A. B. Rut- 
man; age 22, term three years; deserted September 
I, 1862, Memphis, Tennessee. 

.Andrew German, native of New York, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 18, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 
15, term three years; discharged, date unknown; re- 
enlisted as veteran February 29, 1864; taken prisoner 
at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, 
June II, 1864. 

William Gorden, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, Novem- 
ber 21, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 28, term three 
years; deserted January i, 1862, Fremont. 

Augustus Harris, native of New York, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, January 5, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; 
age 39, term three years; taken prisoner at the battle 
of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



295 



Emmons Harkness, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 10, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 
16, term three years; mustered out by reason of ex- 
piration of term of service, November 10, 1864, at 
Columbus, Ohio. 

George Gearhout, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Clyde, Ohio, March i, 1864, by Lieutenant Per- 
rin; age 37, term three years. 

Charles L. Hudson, native of Canada, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, November 8, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 18, term three years; mustered out by reason of 
appointment as second lieutenant (see commissioned 
officers' list). 

Benjamin F. Hannin, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, November 3, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 23, term three years; mustered out by reason of 
expiration of term of service, December 4, 1864. 

Zemira Hutchinson, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, February 25, 1864, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 19, term three years; taken prisoner at the bat; 
tie of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 
1864; died at Andersonville, October, 1864. 

William Hassingtinger, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, 
October 17, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; aged 20, term 
three years; deserted January i, 1862, Fremont. 

Oslin Harrison, native of New York, enlisted at 
Clyde, November 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; aged 18, 
term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, 
August 5, 1862, b^y order of the Secretary of War; 
cause disability. 

William Hinton, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Clyde, Ohio, February 29, 1864, by Lieutenant 
Perrin; age 33, term three years; taken prisoner at 
the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 
II, 1864; died at Andersonville, October 5, 1864. 

David Hackett, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, December 20, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 25, 
term three years; discharged at Camp Shiloh, Ten- 
nessee, March 24, 1862, by order of Surgeon John 
B. Rice; cause disability. 

Enoch F. Jones, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, February 29, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 
21, term three years; promoted to corporal Decem- 
ber 14, 1864. 

McFall Harkness, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 
19, term three years; promoted to commissary ser- 
geant January 17, 1864; discharged for disability 
June I, 1864. 

Jacob Heath, native of Maryland, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, December 20, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
aged 53; term three years; deserted Camp No. 5, be- 
fore Corinth, Mississippi; unfit for service. 

Henry W. Kunsman, native of Pennsylvania, en- 
listed at Clyde, Ohio, March 23, 1864, age 40. 

Harkness Lay, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, October 10, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 25, 
term three years; appointed fifth corporal December 
2, 1861; appointed second sergeant April 6, 1862. 



James Hastings, native of Ireland, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, November 21, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
aged 49; term three years; re-enlisted at German- 
town, Tennessee; deserted November 26, 1864, 
Cairo, Illinois. 

John Hastings, native of Ireland, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, February 5, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 17, term three years; deserted March 19, 1862, 
Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee. 

Jesse H. Kemp, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, March 12, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 31, 
term three years; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's 
Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864. 

Charles Hartman, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, October 
23, 1861, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 23; term three 
years; deserted June i, 1862, Fre-mont. 

James Helsel, native of Ohio, enlisted at Adams 
township, November 8, 1861, by Lieutenant Egbert; 
age 19, term three years; taken prisoner at the bat- 
tle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 
1864; mustered out by reason of expiration of term 
of service March 20, 1865, Columbus, Ohio. 

Henry Jax, deserted January i, 1862, Fremont, 
Ohio. 

David Jones, native of New York, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 10, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 
15, term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, 
August 5, 1862, by order of Secretary of War; cause 
disability. 

Frank M. Lay, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, February 25, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 
18, term three years; taken prisoner at battle of 
Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June ir, 1864; 
died at Savannah , Georgia. 

Joseph L. Jackson, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, November 24, 1864, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 29, term three years; discharged at Memphis, 
Tennessee, May 31, 1864, by reason of wounds re- 
ceived during the siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi. 

Jacob D. Lafever, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, March 28, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; 
age 25, term three years; wounded in the foot while 
on picket in front of Nashville, Tennessee, Decem- 
ber 6, 1864, accidentally. 

Martin L. Jordan, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Clyde, Ohio, November 24, 1861, byC. G. Eaton; 
age 29, term three years; discharged at Memphis, 
Tennessee, on surgeon's certificate, date unknown. 

Rodolphus Lagore, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, December 31, 1864, by ]. Winters; age 

22, term three years; discharged on surgeon's certi- 
ficate at Memphis, Tennessee, April 29, 1865. 

William Miller, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 29, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 

23, term three years; deserted January i, 1862, at 
Fremont, Ohio; returned from desertion May i, 1863; 
died in Fifteenth Army Corps hospital, Vicksburg, 
Mississippi, July 29, 1863. 

William S. Miller, native of Ohio, enlisted at 



296 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Clyde, Ohio, October 10, r86i, by C. G. Eaton; age 
25, term three years; appointed first corporal Decem- 
ber 2, 1861; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's Cross 
Roads, June 11, 1864. 

William Murray, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, November 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton. 

Charles H. McCleary, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, November 23, i86r, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 18, term three years; appointed fifth sergeant 
December 2, 1861; appointed sergeant-major Feb- 
ruary 15, 1863; appointed second lieutenant April 9, 
1864. (See officers' list.) 

George Maltby, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, Novem- 
ber 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 18, term three 
years; deserted January 1, 1862, at Fremont 

Nathan Mason, native of New York, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 14, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 
24, term three years; taken prisoner at the battle of 
Brice's Cross Roads, June 11, 1864. 

Israel Mer, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, November 22, 
1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 40, term three years; de- 
serted January i, 1862, at Fremont, Ohio. 

Lafayette McCarty, native of Vermont, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October II, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 
37, term three years; re-enlisted as veteran at Ger- 
mantown, Tennessee, December 20, 1863; taken 
prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mis- 
sissippi, June 11, 1864. 

James Miller, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Homer, Medina county, December 28, 1861, by E. 
Miller; age 43, term three years; discharged at 
Columbus, Ohio, July, 1862, by order of the Secre- 
tary of War; cause disability. 

Morgan Morse, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, November 
22, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 56, term three years; 
deserted January i, 1862, at Fremont, Ohio. 

Ezra Moe, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, 
October 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 20, term three 
years; re-enhsted as veteran at Germantown, Ten- 
nessee, December i, 1864; appointed corporal May 
I, 1865. 

Ludwig G. Miller, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, January 7, 1862, by C. G. Eaton; age 
21, term three years; died at Shiloh, Tennessee, 
March 31, 1862. 

Sherman Nivoman, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, November 3, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 29, term three years; mustered out by reason of 
expiration of term of service, December 14, 1864, at 
Nashville, Tennessee. 

Jacob Metz, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, March 4, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 26, 
term three years. 

Christopher Metz, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, November 24, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 22, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, 
December 22, 1863; drowned in White River, Ar- 
kansas, September 5, 1864. 

Samuel B. Mason, native of Ohio, enlisted at 



Clyde, Ohio, February 25, 1864, by Lieutenant Per- 
rin; age 37, term three years. 

Edwin O'Connor, native of Ireland, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, December 6, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 15, term three years; deserted at Camp Chase 
February 25, 1862. 

Zelotus Perrin, native of New York, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 10, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 36, term three years; appointed sergeant; ap- 
pointed second lieutenant April 9, 1864. 

Henry Miller, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde 
Ohio, January 5, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 27, 
term three years; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's 
Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; exchanged 
and returned to company for duty, May 14, 1864. 

Nathaniel Pittenger, native of New York, enlisted 
at Clyde, Ohio, November 15, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 24, term three years; appointed fourth corporal 
December 2, 1861; mustered out by reason of expi- 
ration of term of service, December 14, 1864, Nash- 
ville, Tennessee. 

James H. P. Martin, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Sandusky, Ohio, March 23, 1864, by Captain Stein- 
er; age 30, term three years; wounded at Old- 
town Creek, July 15, 1864. 

Elihor Parker, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, December 10, i86r, by C. G. Eaton; age 16, 
term three years; discharged October 25, 1862, Co- 
lumbus, Ohio, 

Julius W. Parmeter, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 24, term 
three years. 

George Pittenger, native of New York, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 
23, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, 
Tennessee, as veteran, December 31, 1863. 

Hiram Plain, native of Maryland, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, November 15, i86r, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 41, term three years; killed at the battle of 
Shiloh April 6, 1862. 

Peolo Coy, native of Oliio, enlisted at Sandusky, 
Ohio, May 25, 1864, by Captain Steiner; age 30, 
term three years; substitute. 

Charles Reminger enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, No- 
vember 24, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; term three years; 
deserted January i, 1862, Fremont. 

Almon Rogers, native of New York, enlisted at 
Sandusky, Ohio, October 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 24, term three years; taken prisoner at the bat- 
tle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 
1864; exchanged; mustered out of service by reason 
of expiration of term, June 13, 1865, Columbus, 
Ohio. 

Jeremiah Stage, native of New York, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 20, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 
22, term three years; deserted. May 5, 1862, camp 
Number Five before Cenewth. 

Samuel L. Shuck, native of Ohio, enlisted at Re- 
public, November 20, 1861, by P. Bollinger; age 25, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



297 



term three years; killed at the battle of Shiloh, 
April 6, 1862. 

Noble Perrin, native of Ohio, enlisted at Mans- 
field, Ohio, November 18, 1862, age 42, term three 
years; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross 
Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; died atAnderson- 
ville, August 12, 1864. 

Adam Stoner, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Sharon, January g, 1862, by Captain Barron; age 
45, term three years; died at Monterey, Tennessee, 
June 2, 1862, of fever. 

Emil Roschach, native of Switzerland, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, January 5, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin ; 
age 27, term three years; taken prisoner at battle of 
Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864. 

Solmian Stage, native of Ohio, enlisted at Medina, 
November 20, 1861, by Lieutenant Bidle; age 23, 
term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, 
July 24, 1862, by orders of Secretary of War; cause 
disability. 

Henry J. Roush, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, February 29, 1864, by Lieutenant Per- 
rin; age 27, term three years. 

Alonzo Simerson, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, January i, 1862, by C. G. Eaton; age 
18, term three years; re-enlisted as veteran at Colum- 
bus, Tennessee, January i, 1864; taken prisoner at 
the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 
II, 1864. 

Elisha Taylor, native of New York, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, January i, 1862, by C. G. Eaton; age 
27, term three years; sent to general hospital unfit 
for service. 

William Ross, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandus- 
ky, Ohio, March 16, 1864, by Captain Steiner; age 
40, term three years; taken prisoner at battle of 
Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864. 

Jerome Wentassel, native of Massachusetts, en- 
listed at Clyde, Ohio, November 6, 1861, by C. G. 
Eaton; age 19, term three years; deserted January 

I, 1862, •Fremont, Ohio. 

John Vantessell, native of Massachusetts, enlisted 
at Clyde, Ohio, November 21, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 21, term three years; died at Monterey, Ten- 
nessee, June 15, 1862, of fever; appointed seventh 
corporal December 2, i86r. 

Russell Z. Sturtevant, native of New York, enlisted 
at Clyde, Ohio, January 5, 1864, by Lieutenant Per- 
rin; age 43, term three years; died. 

William Weeks, native of New York, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 10, i86i,by C. G. Eaton; age 
43, term three years; appointed fourth sergeant De- 
cember 2, 1861. 

Warren Sturtevant, native of New York, enlisted 
at Clyde, Ohio, by Lieutenant Perrin, February 29, 
1864; age 18, term three years; taken prisoner at 
the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 

II, 1864; died at Andersonville, September 8, 1864. 
A. J. Whiteman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 

38 



Ohio, January i, 1862, by C. G. Eaton; age 21, 
term three years; died at Cincinnati, Ohio, July 9, 
1862, of fever. 

George A. Stilson, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, March 30, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; 
age 21, term three years; veteran. 

Abraham R. Whiteman, native of Ohio, enhsted at 
Clyde, Ohio, December 21, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 23, term three years; discharged at Columbus, 
Ohio, July 24, 1862, by order of the Secretary of 
War, cause disability. 

Harmon Wright, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, November 3, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 18, 
term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, 
August 5, 1862, by order of Secretary of War, cause 
disability. 

George Collom, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 19, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 

20, term three years; deserted January 7, 1862, 
camp No. 8, before Corinth, Mississippi. 

David Suggitt, native ot England, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, January 5, 1862, by Lieutenant Perrin; 
age 44, term three years; died at Camp Shiloh, Ten- 
nessee, March 30, 1862, of typhoid fever. 

Jacob W. Duesler, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, October 28, i86i,by C. G. Eaton; age 
18, term three years; killed at the battle of Shiloh, 
April 6, 1862. 

William S. Tuck, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, February 29, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 

21, term three years. 

James S. Burroughs, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, September 15, 1862, by A. B. Putman; 
age 22, term three years; died of disease at Young's 
Point, Louisiana, June 27, 1863. 

Luther Wentworth, native of New York, enlisted 
at Clyde, Ohio, March 3, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; 
age 34, term three years; taken prisoner at battle of 
Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; died 
at Andersonville, September 2, 1864. 

Robert M. Bercan, native of New York, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, August 13, 1862, by A. B. Put- 
man; age 34, term three years. 

Seth R. Cloud, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, September 10, 1862, by A. B. Putman; 
age 18, term three years; discharged in rear of Vicks- 
burg, Mississippi, September 7, 1863, on surgeon's 
certificate. 

Allen J. Wentworth, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Sandusky, Ohio, March 22, 1864, by Lieutenant 
Perrin; age 18, term three years. 

Ephraim F. Dwight, native of New York, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, by A. B. Putman, August 22, 
1862; age4i, term threejy ears; discharged at general 
hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, January 25, 1862. 

James Gorden, native of Massachusetts, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, August 22, 1862, by A. B. Put- 
man; age 22, term three years; deserted October 21, 
1862, Memphis, Tennessee. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Eli Whitaker, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, January 5, 1864, by Lieutenant Perrin; age 
24, term three years; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross 
Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; died at An- 
dersonville rebel prison, February 4, 1865. 

John Whitaker, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, February 22, 1864, by Z. Perrin; age 18, term 
three years; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's Cross 
Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; exchanged and 
returned to company for duty February, 1865. 

Valentine Ott, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, September 12, 1862, by A. B. Putman; 
age 26, term three years; taken prisoner at battle of 
Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; ex- 
changed and returned to company for duty May 14, 
1865. 

Samuel Persing, native of New York, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, August 12, 1862, by A. B. Putman; 
age 25, term three years; appointed corporal Febru- 
ary 29, 1864. 

Joshua Watterson, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, November 23, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 26, term three years; appointed commissary ser- 
geant November 24, 1861 ; appointed first lieutenant 
and regimental quartermaster January 17, 1863. 

Reuben W. Hess, native of New Jersey, enlisted at 
Sandusky, Ohio, by Captain Sterner, February 28, 
1865; age 44, term one year. 

J. F. Harrington, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, October 15, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 20, 
term three years; appointed second corporal Decem- 
ber 2, 1861; appointed first sergeant April 6, 1862; 
appointed second lieutenant January 15, 1863. 

Lymon Sturtevant, native of New York, enlisted 
at Sandusky, Ohio, February 24, 1865, by Captain 
Steiner; age 32, term one year. 

T. W. Egbert, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, February 19, 1862, by C. G. Eaton; age 39, 
term three years; appointed third sergeant February 
20, 1862; discharged at Memphis, February, 1863, 

John A. Russell, native of Ohio, enlisted at San- 
dusky, Ohio, February 28, 1865, by Captain Steiner; 
age 37, term one year. 

John Waclams, native of New York, enlisted at 
Clyde, Ohio, November 6, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; 
age 28, term three years; appointed eighth corporal 
December 2, 1861. 

Stephen Rogers, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, October 21, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 24, 
term three years; appointed eighth corporal Decem- 
ber 2, 1862; mustered out by reason of expiration of 
term of service. 

Fredrick Metz, native of Ohio, enlisted at San- 
dusky, Ohio, February 24, 1865, by Captain Steiner; 
age 30, term one year. 

Harrison Whiteman, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, Oc- 
tober, 17, 1861, by C. G. Eaton, age 20, term three 
years; deserted J anuary i , 1862, Fremont, Ohio. 

John Fritz, native of Germany, enlisted at San- 



dusky, Ohio, February 13, 1865, by Captain Steiner; 
age 29, term one year. 

Sebastian Nice, deserted January 1, 1862, Fremont, 
Ohio. 

Leslie E. Sparks, enlisted at Clyde, Ohio, October 
21, i86r, by C. G. Eaton; age 18, term three years; 
deserted January i, 1862, Fremont, Ohio. 

Seth Lovingood, native of Ohio, enlisted at Clyde, 
Ohio, October 18, 1861, by C. G. Eaton; age 23, 
term three years; deserted May 5, 1862, Shiloh, Ten- 
nessee. 

Nathan Sewell, native of Tennessee, enlisted at 
Germantown, January 2, 1864, by Lieutenant Har- 
rington; age 18, term three years; under cook, A. 
F. D. 

Dick Richards, native of Mississippi, enlisted at 
Germantown, Tennessee, January 2, 1864, by Lieu- 
tenant Harrington; age 18, term three years; under 
cook, A. F. D. 

.Stephen C. Aiken, native of New York, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 28, term three years; died at Monterey, 
Tennessee, June 4, 1862, of typhoid fever; appointed 
sergeant December 2, 1861. 

Anderson Anderson, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, 
October 19, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 30, 
term three years; deserted December 24, 1861, Fre- 
mont, Ohio. 

Henry C. Barney, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, December 25, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 19, term three years; wounded at the battle 
of Shiloh, April 7, 1862; died at Louisville April 18, 
1862; appointed sergeant December 25, i86r. 

George J. Bixler, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 45, term three years; died at Cincinnati, Ohio, 
January 23, 1862, of chronic diarrhoea. 

Charles H. Bennet, native of New Jersey, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land, age 38, term three years; discharged Septem- 
ber 21, 1863, Columbus, Ohio, for disability; wound- 
ed in a skirmish at Shiloh April 7, 1862. 

Samuel Burr, native of New York, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, October 15, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 
45, term three years; died at Muscon, Tennessee, 
July 13, 1862, of chronic diarrhoea. 

David Bumer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 24, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 31, term three years; taken prisoner at the battle 
of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; 
re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee, December 
23, 1863; died in prison Millen, Georgia, October 
27, 1864. 

Chester A. Buckland, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 22, 1861, by H. W. 
Buckland; age 20, term three years; wounded at the 
battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862; died on the boat near 
Cincinnati, April 18, 1862. 

Christopher Bower, native of Prussia, enlisted at 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



299 



Fremont, Ohio, December 2, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land ; age 24, term three years ; taken prisoner at the 
battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 
1864; re-enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee, Decem- 
ber 23, 1863; promoted from corporal to sergeant 
[anuary i, 1865; died at Andersonville. 

William Burr, native of Ohio; enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, December 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 
23, term three years; discharged November 22, 
1862, Columbus, Ohio, for disability. 

Joseph B. Brush, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, December 28, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 17, term three years; discharged from ser- 
vice at Fremont, January 24, 1862, by order of Judge 
Green; cause under age. 

John Collins, native of Ireland, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 21, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 21, term three years; appointed sergeant De- 
cember 25, 1861 ; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, 
April 6, 1862; taken prisoner at the battle of Brice's 
Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; exchanged 
and mustered out by reason of e.xpiration of term of 
service, January 21, 1865, at Columbus, Ohio. 

Thomas H. Caffery, native of Ireland, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 12, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 40, term three years; appointed corporal 
December 25, 1861; discharged March, 1863; cause 
disability. 

Martin Cowel, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, October 17, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 
32, term three years; appointed corporal December 
25, 1861; appointed sergeant July i, 1862; taken 
prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mis- 
sissippi, June II, 1864; exchanged and mustered out 
by reason of e.xpiration of term of service, January 

13, 1865, at Columbus, Ohio. 

Nathan Cochrane, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, October 16, 1861, by H. W. 
Buckland; age 20, term three years; mustered out 
by reason of e.xpiration of term of service December 

14, 1864, at Nashville, Tennessee. 

John C. Colloph, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 44, term three years; discharged March 
13, 1863, at Memphis, Tennessee. 

George W. Clark, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 2, 1861; age 18, term three 
years; deserted April 10, 1863. 

Lawrence P. Cunnady, native of New York, en- 
listed at Fremont, Ohio, November 21, 1861, by H. 
W. Buckland; age 39, term three years; dis- 
charged September 6, 1862, at Columbus, Ohio, for 
disability; wounded in a skirmish at Shiloh, Tennes- 
see, April 4, 1862. 

John Dardis, native of Ireland, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, December 2, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 35, term three years; taken prisoner at the battle 
of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864. 

Thomas Donahoe, native of Ireland, enlisted at 



Fremont, Ohio, October 13, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 20, term three years; appointed corporal 
February i, 1863; mustered out by reason of expira- 
tion of term of service, December 14, 1864, at Nash- 
ville, Tennessee. 

Orrin England, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 21, term three years; appointed sergeant major 
December 2, 1861; appointed first lieutenant January 
I, 1863. 

Francis Engler, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 2, r86i, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 20, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, 
Tennessee, December 23, 1863; taken prisoner at the 
battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 
1863. 

Zooth S. Farrand, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 16, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 22, term three years; discharged December i, 
1862, at Columbus, Ohio, for disability. 

John Fisher, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, November 2, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 
23, term three years; died in hospital boat, on Mis- 
sissippi River, between Memphis and Cairo, in the 
fall of 1863. 

Arthur C. Fitch, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, December 5, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 25, term three years; appointed chief musician 
December 25, 1861; mustered out by reason of e.x- 
piration of term of service, December 9, 1864, at 
Columbus, Ohio. 

Samuel Frazier, native of New York, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 18, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 34, term three years; deserted from Jeffer- 
son Barracks, October 28, 1863. 

Peter P. Fussleman, native of Pennsylvania, enlist- 
ed at Fremont, Ohio, October 19, 1861, by H. W. 
Buckland; age 45, term three years; discharged 
March 12, 1863, at Memphis, Tennessee, for dis- 
ability. 

Joseph Fry, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, December 25, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 36, term three years; discharged Novem- 
ber II, 1862, at Columbus, Ohio, for disability. 

James Gunning, native of Ireland, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 4, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 33, term three years; deserted May 28, 1862, at 
Camp Number .Six, before Corinth, Tennessee. 

Peter Gurst, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 25, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 40, term three years; taken prisoner at the battle 
of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864. 

Henr)' Hopwood, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, Octo- 
ber 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 19, term three 
years; deserted December 5, i86i, at Fremont, Ohio. 

Thomas Hearly, native of Ireland, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 16, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 19, term three years; taken prisoner at the battle 
of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; 



300 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



exchanged and discharged by reason of expiration of 
term of service, April 24, 1865, at Columbus, Ohio. 

William H. Hackenberry, native of Pennsylvania, 
enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, October 22, 1861; age 19, 
term three years; died at St. Louis, Missouri, April 
20, 1862, of wounds received at the battle of Shiloh, 
April 6 and 7, 1862. 

ZachinaHendrickson, nativeofOhio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 25, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 22, term three years; discharged October 11, 
1862, at Columbus, Ohio, for disability. 

Michael Hearly, native of Ireland, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 26, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 18, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantovvn, 
Tennessee, December 23, 1864; promoted to corporal 
January i, 1865. 

Levi Hollinger, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, Octo- 
ber 21, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 18, term three 
years; deserted November 15, 1861, at Fremont, 
Ohio. 

William H. Hawkins, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 11, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 20, term three years; wounded at the bat- 
tle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862; died at St Louis, April 
20, 1862. 

Martin Hoofnazel, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, November 11, 1861; age 21, term 
three years; appointed corporal March i, 1863; re- 
enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee, December 28, 
1863; promoted to sergeant April, 1864. 

Henry Hunsinger, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 30, i86i,by H. W. Buckland; 
age 17; discharged without pay or allowance, April 
10, 1863, for absence without leave. 

Allen L. Halcomb, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre 
mont, Ohio, December 11, i86r, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 19, term three years; re-enlisted at Ger- 
mantown, Tennessee, December 23, 1863; promoted 
to corporal January i, 1865. 

Joseph Hunsinger, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, January 14, 1862, by H. W. Buckland; 
•age 23, term three years; re-enlisted, as veteran, at 
Germantown, Tennessee, January 21, 1864. 

Samuel Jackson, native of New York, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 19, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 32, term three years; mustered out by rea- 
son of expiration of term of service. 

Jacob Klusman, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, October 29, 1861, by H. W. 
Buckland; age 22, term three years; died at Quincy, 
Illinois, July 19, 1862, of typhoid fever. 

Peter Kline, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 5, i86r, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 25, term three years; died in Sandusky 
county, Ohio, May 18, 1862, of typhoid fever. 

John M. Lemmon, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 21, term three years; promoted to second lieu- 
tenant May 23, 1862. 



Marcellus Mellious enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, 
October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 19, term 
three years; appointed corporal January i, 1863; re- 
enlisted at Germantown, Tennessee, December 23, 
1863; promoted to sergeant April, 1864; taken pris- 
oner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Missis- 
sippi, June II, 1864; escaped from prison September 
19, 1864; returned to regiment October 17, 1864. 

James McDaniels enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, Octo- 
ber 14, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 36, term three 
years; deserted November 21, 1861, Fremont, Ohio. 

David H. Mclntyre, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 24, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 24, term three years; died September 2, 
1862, at Memphis, Tennessee, of disease; appointed 
corporal December 2, 1862. 

Peter Mulraim, native of Ireland, enlisted at P"re- 
mont, Ohio, October 15, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 39, term three years; taken prisoner at battle of 
Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; ex- 
changed and mustered out, by reason of expiration of 
term of service, March 2, 1864, Columbus, Ohio. 

William F. Mclntyre, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 15, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 25, term three years; appointed corporal 
January i, 1863; taken prisoner at battle of Brice's 
Cross Roads, June 11, 1864; blown up in Sultana, 
near Memphis, 1865. 

Frederick Martin, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohro, October 21, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 20, term three years; missing in action at 
Shiloh, April 6, 1862, reported killed. 

Jacob Myers, native of Virginia, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 11, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 29, term three years; died January 2, 1862, 
at Memphis, Tennessee, of disease. 

Thomas Michaels, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 12, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 20, term three years; died at Cincinnati 
July 21, 1862, of chronic diarrhoea. 

Peter Mapus enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, November 
23, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 23, term three 
years; mustered as deserter April 10, 1863; returned; 
re-enlisted at Germantovvn, Tennessee, December 23, 
1863; deserted August, 1864, Clyde, Ohio. 

Samuel Maurer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, December 15, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 30, term three years; discharged December 
15, 1862, for disability. 

Simeon Obermier, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 13, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 36, term three years; taken prisoner at battle of 
Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; 
discharged at Columbus, Ohio, March 22, 1865, by 
reason of expiration of term of service. 

Henry H. Olds, native of New York, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, January 14, 1862, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 21, term three years; appointed corporal 
January 14, 1862, sergeant January i, 1862. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



301 



Hiram Overmier, native of Pennsylvania, taken 
prisoner at the battle of Brice's Cross Roads June ; 
II, 1864; discharged and mustered out, by reason of 
expiration of term of service, March 22, 1865, Colum- 
bus, Ohio. 

Archibald Purcell, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 11, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 19, term three years; re-enlisted at Ger- 
mantown, Tennessee, December 23, 1863; promoted 
to corporal January i, 1864. 

Thomas Pirson, native of England, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 12, i86r, by H. W. 
Buckland; age 47, term three years; discharged 
September 2, 1862, at Columbus, Ohio, for disability. 

George E. Ryan, native of New York, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 25, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 36, term three years; discharged at Colum- 
bus, Ohio, January 25, 1862, by order of A. B. 
Dod, for disability. 

Alonzo Rhine, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, Decem- 
ber 15, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 30, term three 
years; mustered out by reason of expiration of term 
of service, December 14, 1864, at Nashville, Ten- 
nessee. 

John Rady, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, November 
2, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 21, term three 
years; deserted November 12, 1861, at Fremont, 
Ohio. 

James Ritchey, native of New York, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 17, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 27, term three years; discharged December 
13, 1862, at Columbus, Ohio, for disability; ap- 
pointed sergeant December 2, 1861; wounded at 
battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862. 

Emanuel D. Smith, native of Pennsylvania, en- 
listed at Fremont, Ohio, October 16, 1861, by H. 
W. Buckland; age 25, term three years; appomted 
corporal December 25, 1861; wounded at battle of 
Shiloh April 6, 1862; discharged January 21, 1863, 
for wounds. 

Samuel H. Shutts, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 15, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 24, term three years; wounded at the battle of 
Shiloh April 7, 1862; died at Pittsburg Landing. 

Matthias Swartzbauder, native of Pennsylvania, 
enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, October 16, 1861, by H. 
W. Buckland; age 19, term three years; appointed 
corporal March i, 1865; re-enlisted at Germantown, 
Tennessee, December 23, 1863; promoted to ser- 
geant April, 1864. 

Henry M. Sargeant, native of New York, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, October 25, 1861, by H. W. 
Buckland; age 22, term three years; discharged 
January, 1863, at Memphis, Tennessee, for disability. 

Aaron Spohn, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, October 29, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 18, 
term three years, died in Sandusky county, Ohio, 
June 12, 1862, of consumption. 

Jacob Shoalts, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 



Ohio, November 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 
22, term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, 
by order of A. B. Dod, for disability. 

Lemuel Sparks, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 11, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 25, term three years; died at Camp No. 6, 
Tennessee, of typhoid fever. 

Elisha Sprague, native of Ohio, enhsted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, December 10, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 19, term three years; died at Montery, 
Tennessee, June, 1862, of typhoid fever. 

John P. Thompson, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 25, i86i, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 19, term three years; discharged at Colum- 
bus, Ohio, July 14, 1862, by order of A. B. Dod, for 
disability. 

Edmond J. Thompson, native of Scotland, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, November 18, 1861, by H. W. 
Buckland; age 43, term three years; discharged at 
Sandusky, March i, 1862, by order of surgeon; 
cause drunkenness. 

Aaron Thierwechter, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 2, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 17. term three years; discharged December 
24, i86r, at Fremont, Ohio, by probate judge. 

Douglass Tucker, native of New York, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 16, 1861, byH. W. Buck- 
land; age 30, term three years; discharged at Colum- 
bus, Ohio, September 2, 1862, by order of A. B. 
Dod, for disability. 

James Titswood, native of New York, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 16, 1861, by H. W. 
Buckland; age 26, term three years; died at Cincin- 
nati April 29, 1862; wounded at the battle of -Shiloh 
April 6, 1862. 

Joy Winter, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Oliio, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 22, 
term three years; appointed first sergeant December 
2, 1861; promoted to second lieutenant April 9, 
1864. 

Clarence Williams, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, 
October 9, 1861, byH. W. Buckland; age 18; term 
three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, April 
6, 1862; discharged for disability. 

Matthias Waber, native of France, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 9, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 20, term three years; mustered out by rea- 
son of expiration of term of service. 

Asaph P. Webster, native of New York, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, October 21, i86r, by H. W. 
Buckland; age 20, term three years; died at Coving- 
ton, Kentucky, April 20, 1862, of typhoid fever. 

Jacob Worst, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 16, 1861, by H. W. 
Buckland; age 55, term three years; killed at the bat- 
tle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

George W. Vincent, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, 
October 12, 1861, by H. W. Buckland; age 42, term 
three years; deserted December 29, 1861, Fremont. 



3° 2 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Josiah Williams, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, December 25, 1861, by H. W. Buck- 
land; age 37, term three years; died at Memphis, 
Tennesee, August 21, 1862, of consumption. 

Jeremiah Yeagle, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, October 19, 1861; age 21, term 
three years; deserted April 10, 1863. 

George W. Camp, native of Pennsylvania, en- 
listed at Fremont, Ohio, January 21, 1862, by H. 
W. Buckland; age 27, term three years; taken pris- 
oner at battle of Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, 
June II, 1864. 

Martin Palk, native of Ohio, enlisted at Colum- 
bus, Ohio, February 10, 1862, by H. W. Buckland; 
age 18, term three years; deserted May 26, 1862, 
Camp No. 5, before Corinth, Tennessee. 

William Herrigan, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Columbus, Ohio, February 15, 1862, by H. W. 
Buckland; age 17, term three years. 

A'illiam Whimer, discharged at Columbus, Ohio, 
June 24, 1862, by order of Captain A. B. Dod, cause 
disability. 

Austin Fisher, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, August 29, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 
22, term three years; taken prisoner at battle of 
Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June ri, 1864; died 
at Fremont, September, 1865. 

George W. Hufford, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, August 30, 1862, by A. B. Putman; 
age 24, term three years; died of disease, at Mem- 
phis, Tennessee, November 13, 1862. 

Christian Brinkley, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Cleveland, October 10, 1862, by drafted man; age 
30, term nine months; discharged by reason of e.xpi- 
ration of term of service. 

Roger Casmody, native of England, enlisted by 
drafted man, October 10, 1862; age 19, term nine 
months; discharged by reason of expiration of term 
of service. 

David Mooney, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cleve. 
land, October 10, 1862, by drafted man; age 29, term 
nine months; discharged by reason of expiration of 
term of service. 

Henry Rich, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cleveland, 
October 10, 1862; drafted man; age 21, term nine 
months; discharged by reason of expiration of term 
of service. 

John H. H. Caster, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Cleveland, October 10, 1862; drafted man; age 21, 
term nine months; discharged by reason of expira- 
tion of term of service. 

Michael Lynch, native of New York, enlisted at 
Cleveland, October 10, 1862; drafted man; age 23, 
term nine months; discharged by reason of expira- 
tion of term of service. 

Jacob Seagur, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Cleveland, October 10, 1862; drafted man; age 32, 
term nine months; discharged by reason of expira- 
tion of term of service. 



George W. Maurer, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Cleveland, October 10 1862; drafted man; age 26, 
term nine months; discharged by reason of expira- 
tion of term of service. 

Aaron Maurer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cleve- 
land, October 10, 1862; drafted man; age 19, term 
nine months; discharged by reason of expiration of 
term of service. 

Charles Lautner, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Cleveland, October 10, 1862, by drafted man; age 18, 
term nine months; discharged by reason of expira- 
tion of term of service. 

Henry Amsboch, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 17, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 21, term three years; died at Camp No. 5, Ten- 
nessee, May 12, 1862. 

Allen Amsboch, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 6, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 18, term three years; discharged Septemper 2, 
1862, at Columbus, Ohio, for disability. 

Harrison Anderson, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Sny- 
der; age 21, term three years; discharged December 
25, 1862, at Memphis, Tennessee, for disability. 

Weems P. Acton, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
port, November 29, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 
20, term three years; discharged September 4, 1862, 
at Columbus, Ohio, for disability. 

Henry Algnyre native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
port, December 12, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 
18, term three years; discharged at Fremont, Ohio, 
January 15, 1862, by probate judge. 

August Affel, native of Kentucky, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati, December 16, 1861, by M. F. Williamson; 
age 19, term three years; died at Pittsburg Land- 
ing, April 8, 1862, of wounds received at the battle 
of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

John Bates, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, October 17, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 21, 
term three years; deserted May 12, 1862, at Camp 
No. 5, before Corinth; killed by rebel pickets before 
Corinth. 

Samuel Busket, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 26 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 22, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, 
Tennessee, December 22, 1863. 

Jacob Busket, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, October 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 34, 
term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, Ten- 
nessee, December 22, 1863. 

Ezra Brayton, native of Vermont, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 28, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 46, term three years; died at Camp Dennison, 
April 30, 1862, of wounds received at the battle of 
Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Calvin Boardner, native of Ohio, ei.listed at Free- 
port, Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 19, term three years; died at Fort Pickering, 
Memphis, Tennessee, July 29, 1862. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



303 



Alfred Buchtle, native of Ohio, enlisted at Free- 
port, Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. .Snyder; 
age 24, term three years; mustered out by reason of 
expiration of term of service, December 14, 1864, at 
Nashville, Tennessee. 

Anthony Brackley, native of Ohio, enlisted at Free- 
port, Ohio, December i, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 23, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown; 
Tennessee, Dfjfcember 23, 1863; promoted to cor- 
poral J anurry 2, 1864; promoted to sergeant Decem- 
ber 31, 1864. 

Elias Burkett, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, October 28, 1861, by S. A.J. Snyder; age 22, 
term three years; mustered out by reason of expira- 
tion of term of service, December 14, 1864, at 
Nashville, Tennessee. 

William Ball, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincinnati, 
Ohio, February 3, 1862, by M. T. Williams, age 41, 
term three years; discharged December 25, 1862, at 
Memphis, Tennessee, for disability. 

Joshua Books, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 28, i86r, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 38, term three years; discharged February 22, 
1862, at Fremont, Ohio, by probate judge. 

William T. Cludy, native of Ohio, enlisted at Free- 
port, Ohio, December 12, i86r, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 18, term three years; discharged July 25, 1862, 
by General Order No. 36. 

John L. Cook, native of Ohio, enlisted at Free- 
port, Ohio, November 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 19, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, 
Tennessee, December 22, 1863. 

John Currigan, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, December 10, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 18, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, 
Tennessee, December 22, 1863. 

Lawrence Christ, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
port, Ohio, November 27, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 19, term three years; discharged August 2, 1861, 
at Columbus, Ohio. 

Joseph Christ, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, 
Ohio, November 27, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 
21, term three years; appointed fourth corporal De- 
cember 8, 1861; discharged September 8, 1862, at 
Columbus, Ohio, for disability. 

William Grossman, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Freeport, Ohio, November 23, 1861, by S. A. J. Sny- 
der; age 35, term three years; mustered out by rea- 
son of the expiration of term of service, December 
14, 1864, at Nashville, Tennessee. 

Duncan Carter, native of Ohio, enlisted at Free- 
port, Ohio, October 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 23, term three years; re-enhstedat Germantown, 
Tennessee, December 22, 1863. 

George Crafford, enlisted at Freeport, Ohio, De- 
cember 25, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 35, term 
three years; deserted at Camp Croghan, Ohio, De- 
cember 31, 1 86 1. 

Dennis Debany, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin- 



cinnati, December 9, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; 
age 19, term three years; discharged February 3, 
1863, at Memphis, Tennessee, for disability. 

John Dume, native of Indiana, enlisted at Cincin- 
nati, December 31, 1861, by M. T. Williamson, age 
21, term three years; mustered out by reason of ex- 
piration of term of service, December 14, 1864, at 
Nashville, Tennessee. 

Henry Deal, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, October 13, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 17, 
term three years; deserted January 5, 1862, at Camp 
Croghan, Ohio. 

William Duglass, native of New Jersey, enlisted 
at Freeport, Ohio, December 12, i86r, by S. A. J. 
Snyder; age 38, term three years; re-enlisted at Ger- 
mantown, Tennessee, December 22, 1863. 

Amandis Derhamma, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, December 25, 1861, by S. A. J. Sny- 
der; age 18, term three years; re-enlisted at Ger- 
mantown, Tennessee, December 2, 1863. 

Charles H. Davis, native of Indiana, enlisted at 
Cincinnati, Ohio, December 16, i86r, by M. T. Wil- 
liamson; age 19, term three years; transferred to in- 
valid corps February 15, 1864, by General Order No. 
57, War Department. 

Nathaniel Ebersole, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 17, 1861, by S. A. J. Sny- 
der; age 20, term three years; mustered out by rea- 
son of expiration of term of service, December 14, 
1864, Nashville, Tennessee. 

Corwin Ensmunger, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Freeport, Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. 
Snyder; age 19, term three years; appointed fourth 
sergeant, Decembers, 1861; re-enlisted at German- 
town, Tennessee, as veteran, December 22, 1863; 
promoted to first sergeant March 29, 1864, to quar- 
termaster-sergeant April 12, 1865. 

Hiram Edgar, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, 
Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 
19, term three years; re-enlisted as veteran at Ger- 
mantown, Tennessee, December 22, 1863; promoted 
to corporal February 24, 1864. 

Gotlieb Fisher, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 18, term three years; mustered out by reason of 
expiration of term of service, December 14, 1864, 
Nashville, Tennessee. 

Solomon Peterman, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Sny- 
der; age 20, term three years; discharged July 23, 
1862, Columbus, Ohio, for disability. 

Joseph Furgerson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, December i, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 38, term three years; discharged December 25, 
1862, Memphis, Tennessee. 

Milton Gilnwre, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 25, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 17, term three years; discharged Febraary 3, 
1862, in Fremont, by probate judge. 



304 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Michael F. Fredrich, native of Spain, enlisted at 
Cincinnati, Ohio, December lo, 1861, by S. A. }. 
Snyder; age 25, term three years; re-enlisted at Ger- 
maniovvn, Tennessee, December 22, 1863; wounded 
severely at the battle of Tupelo, Mississippi, July 13, 
1861. 

Reuben Gager, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 28, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 24, term three years; discharged at Columbus, 
Ohio, July, 1862, by order of Secretary of War, 
cause disability. 

Charles Gumsey, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, No- 
vember, 23, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 22, term 
■ three years. 

Wilham Garber, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 23, term three years; appomted first corporal 
December 8, 1861, promoted to sergeant; re-enlisted 
at Germantown, Tennessee, as veteran, December 
22, 1863; promoted to first sergeant April 12, 1865. 

David Grant, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, October 28, i86r, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 31, 
term three years; appointed fifth corporal December 
8, 1861; discharged July 8, 1862, Columbus, Ohio, 
for disability. 

Robert L. Handy, native of Indiana, enlisted at 
Cincinnati, Ohio, February i, 1862, by M. T. Wil- 
liamson; age 44, term three years; died at St. Louis, 
May 2, 1862, of chronic diarrhoea. 

Lawrence Higgins, enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio, 
December 22, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; age 24, 
term three years; deserted February 22, 1862, at 
Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Jerry P. Heritage, native of Kentucky, enlisted 
at Cincinnati, Ohio, December 16, 1861, by M. T. 
Williamson; age 19, term three years; appointed 
corporal September 15, 1862; re-enlisted as veteran 
at Germantown, Tennessee, December 22, 1863; 
promoted to sergeant May i, 1864. 

Thomas Hemminger, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 26, by S. A. J. .Snyder; age 
27, term three years; missing in action near Browns- 
ville, Mississippi, while on the Canton scout; is sup- 
posed to have been killed. 

Martin Homen, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 2, 1861, by S. A. J. Sny- 
der; age 27, term three years; discharged July 30, 
1862, for disability. 

Harrison Hemminger, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 25 1861, by S. A. J. 
Snyder; age 27, term three years; deserted May 23, 
1862, Clyde, Ohio. 

Jacob Huffman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Free- 
port, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 28, term three years; re-enlisted as veteran, at 
Germantown, Tennessee, December 22, 1863; pro- 
moted to corporal; promoted to sergeant April 12, 
1865. 
David Henline, native of Ohio, enlisted at Free- 



port, Ohio, November 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 29, tprm three years; re-enlisted as veteran at 
Germantown, Tennessee, December 22, 1863; taken 
prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads, June ir, 1864; died 
in rebel prison. 

Jacob Hutchinson, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Freeport, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by S. A. J. 
Snyder; age 24, term three years. 

Jeremiah Heath, native of Ohio, enlisted at Free- 
port, Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 21, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, 
Tennessee, December 22, 1863; promoted to cor- 
poral. 

John Hetrick, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 28, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 22, term three years; mustered out by reason of 
e.vpiration of term of service, December 14, 1864, 
Nashville, Tennessee. 

John Jackson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Free- 
port, Ohio, November 22, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 27, term three years; appointed fifth sergeant 
December 8, 1861; died at Fort Pickering, near 
Memphis, August 18, 1862. 

Charles Jeffreys, native of Canada, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 13, i86r, by S. A. J. 
Snyder; age 48, term three years; deserted at Camp 
Croghan, Ohio, October 10, 1861. 

A. P. Johnson, native of New Hampshire, en- 
listed at Fremont, Ohio, November 23, 1861, by S. 
A. J. Snyder; age 25, term three years; appointed 
first sergeant December 8, 1862; promoted to second 
lieutenant July 23, 1862. 

Christian Kiser, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 17, i86r, by S. A. J. 
Snyder; age 19, term three years; mustered out by 
reason of expiration of term of service, Nashville, 
Tennessee, December 14, 1864. 

William H. King, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Port Clinton, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. 
Snyder; age 46, term three years; discharged Decem- 
ber 25, 1863, Memphis, Tennessee, for disability. 

Joseph Kibby, enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, Oc- 
tober 17, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 30, term 
three years; discharged February 2, 1862, at Fremont, 
Ohio, by probate judge. 

Robert Kelrington, native of Pennsylvania, en- 
listed at Cincinnati, Ohio, December 12, 1861, by 
M. T. Williamson; age 27, term three years; re-enlist- 
ed as veteran at Germantown, Tennessee, December 
22, 1863. 

Washington Lewis, native of Pennsylvania, en- 
listed at Cincinnati, December 26, 1861, by M. T. 
Williamson; age 26, term three years; deserted Au- 
gust 7, 1862, at Memphis, Tennessee. 

Michael Latty, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 17, 1861, by S. A. J. 
Snyder; age 20, term three years; mustered out by 
reason of e.vpi ration of term of service. 

William Myres, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



305 



mont, Ohio, December 5, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 22, term three years; re-enlisted as veteran at 
Germantown, Tennessee, December 22, 1863; pro- 
moted to corporal February 24, 1864. 

James Monaghan, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, December 12, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 20, term three years; re-enlisted as veteran at 
Germantown, Tennessee, December 22, 1863. 

William H. G. Meng, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 13, i86r, by S. A. J. 
Snyder; age 18, term three years; died at Monterey, 
Tennessee, June, 1862, of fever. 

James Madden, enlisted at Freeport, Ohio, De- 
cember 12, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 17, term 
three years. 

William Naylor, native of Ohio, enlisted at Free- 
port, Ohio, December i, i86r, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 21, term three years; discharged November 5, 

1862, at Columbus, Ohio, for disability; wounded in 
the thigh at battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Joseph Myres, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 25, term three years; appointed third corporal 
Decembers, 1861; died at Evansville, Indiana, May 

24, 1862, of fever. 

Devault W. Miller, native of Pennsylvania, en- 
listed at Freeport, Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. 
A. J. Snyder; age 32, term three years; appointed 
second sergeant December 8, 1862; killed May 20, 

1863, in action at Vicksburg, Mississippi. 
Benjamin Olinger, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 17, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 18, term three years; promoted and transferred 
to field and staff as commissary sergeant November 
23, 1864. 

Samuel Obermier, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 17, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 19, term three years; died in prison. 

Henry Orindorf, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November i, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 18, term three years; died at Camp Shiloh, May 
6, 1862. 

John Parish, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, November 7, i86i, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 
30, term three years; died at Monterey, Tennessee; 
June, 1862, of fever. 

Mahlon Penn, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, 
Ohio, December 13, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 
21, term three years; died at Fort Pickering, Mem- 
phis, Tennessee, August 17, 1862. 

Ezekiel Penn, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, 
Ohio, November 30, 1861, by S. A.J. Snyder; age 

25, term three years; appointed sixth corporal De- 
cember 8, 1861; discharged September 14, 1862, at 
Columbus, Ohio, for disability. 

Joseph Reed, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, October 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 29, 
term three years; re-enlisted as veteran at German- 
town , Tennessee, December 22, 1863. 

39 



William Pierce, native of Maine, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 32, term three years; appointed third sergeant 
December, 8, 1861; discharged for promotion March, 
1864. 

Demitrius Rood, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October iq, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 18, term three years; re-enlisted at Germantown, 
Tennessee, as veteran, December 22, 1863; died at 
Eastport, Mississippi, January 31, 1865. 

George Rock, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, October 25, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 28, 
term three years; mustered out by reason of expira- 
tion of term of service December 14, 1864, Nash- 
ville, Tennessee. 

Emanuel Reed, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, December 12, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 18, term three years; discharged January 31, 
1862, at Fremont, Ohio, by probate judge. 

Valentine Ran, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, December r, i86r, by S. A. J. Sny- 
der; age 23, term three years. 

Peter Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincinnati, 
Ohio, November 11, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; 
age 20, term three years; deserted August 7, 1862, 
at Fort Pickering, Tennessee. 

Jacob Snyder, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, October 25, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 35, 
term three years. 

Nathaniel Sanderson, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Freeport, Ohio, November ig, 1861, by S. A. J. Sny- 
der; age 18, term three years. 

Daniel Shoe, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, 
Ohio, November 19, i86r, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 
18, term three years. 

Emamuel Shoe, native of Ohio, enlisted at Free- 
port, Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 20, term three years; in prison. 

Columbus St. Clair, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Freeport, Ohio, November 19, i86i,by S. A. J. Sny- 
der; age 18, term three years; discharged Septem- 
ber 18, 1862, at Columbus, Ohio, for disabihty. 

Martin Smith, enlisted at Freeport, Ohio, Novem- 
ber 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 17, term three 
years; discharged January 31, i86r, at Fremont, 
Ohio, by probate judge. 

Emanuel Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 25, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 30, term three years. 

William H. Sharp, enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio, 
January 18, 1862, by M. T. Williamson; age 20, 
term three years; deserted August 10, 1862, Colum- 
bus, Ohio, 

John Sevits, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, November 25, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 
22, term 3 years; died at Camp No. 6, May 29, 
1862, of small-pox. 

James St. Clair, enlisted at Freeport, Ohio, Novem- 
ber 25, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 35, term three 



3o6 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



years; deserted January 15, 1862, at Cincinnati. 
Fredericlc Smith, native of Ohio, wounded at 
Vicksburgh. 

Reuben Stephens, native of Pennsylvania, en" 
listed at Freeport, Ohio, December 12, 1861, by S. 
A. J. Snyder; age 20, term three years; discharged 
September 2, 1862, at CoUimbus, Ohio, for disability. 
William Stanton, native of Ohio, enlisted at Free- 
port, Ohio, November 19, 1861, by S. A. ]. Snyder; 
age 18, term three years; discharged December 6, 
1862, at Columbus, Ohio, lor disability. 

Charles Stanton, native of New York, enlisted at 
Freeport, Ohio, December i, 1861, by S. A. J. 
Snyder; age 21, term three years; appointed second 
corporal December 8, 1861. 

Edward Shorb, native of Ohio, enlisted at Freeport, 
Ohio, December i, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 28, 
term three years; appointed eighth corporal Decem- 
ber 8, 1861. 

Solomon Snyder, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 19, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 41, three years; appointed seventh corporal De- 
cember 8, 1861. 

William Stockhouse enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, 
October 28, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 25, term 
three years, deserted November 18, 1861, at Camp 
Croghan, Ohio. 

Emanuel ShrefSer enlisted at Freeport, Ohio, 
November 26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 24J 
term three years; deserted December 31, 1861, at 
Fremont, Ohio. 

Thomas Smith enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio, 
November 11, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; age 22, 
term three years; died in Memphis, Tennessee; shot 
by provost guard July 22, 1862. 

John I'ndervvood, native of Ohio, enlisted at Free- 
port, Ohio, November 30, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 22, term three years; killed at Vicksburg May 
19, 1863; shot through abdomen. 

James Underwood, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Freeport, Ohio, November 22, 1861, by S. A. J. 
Snyder; age 18, term three years; died on hospital- 
boat City of Memphis. 

Charles W. Seame, native of England, enlisted at 
Cincinnati December 16, 1861, by M. T. William- 
son; age 16, term three years; deserted August 7, 
1862, at Memphis, Tennessee. 

John Vandercook, native of Ohio, enlisted at Free- 
port, Ohio, December 2, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; 
age 19, term three years. 

John Wise enlisted at Freeport, Ohio, November 
26, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 18, term three 
years. 

Reuben Wood, native of Virginia, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, November 17, 1861, by M. T. Wil- 
liamson; age 24, term three years. 

George Worley, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Cincinnati, Ohio, December 26, 1861, by M. T. Wil- 
liamson; age 22, term three years. 



William Wallace enlisted at Fremont, Ohio, Octo- 
ber 28, 1861, by S. A. J. Snyder; age 32, term three 
years; discharged July 31, 1862, at Columbus, Ohio, 
for disability. 

John Witcolmb, native of England, enlisted at 
Cincinnati, Ohio, January 16, 1861, by M. T. Wil- 
liamson; age 42, term three years. 

John P. King, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, August 30, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 26, 
term three years; taken prisoner at the battle of 
Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 11, 1864; died 
while enroutefor our lines from rebel prison. 

William Camnity was appointed fifth sergeant 
August 17, 1862. 

Andrew Abel, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fostoria, Ohio, December 2, 1861, by Andrew Nuh- 
fer; age 18, term three years; discharged at Colum- 
bus, Ohio, September 6, 1862, surgeon's certificate. 

George Albert, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, November 3, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer;'age 19, term three vears; wounded in the 
battle of Shiloh. 

William Allen, native of Ohio, enlisted at Wood- 
ville, Ohio, October 14, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 19, term three years; wounded at the battle of 
Shiloh April 6, 1862; died at Pittsburg Landing April 
9, 1862. 

Henry Basor, native of Ohio, enlisted at Pember- 
ville, Ohio, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 24, term three 
years; deserted from general hospital May 5, 1862; 
returned; re-enlisted. 

Joseph Beem, native of New Jersey, enlisted at 
Fostoria, Ohio, October 15, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 37, term three years. 

Michael Beckly, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fostoria, Ohio, December 2, 1861, by Andrew Nuh- 
fer; age 19, term three years. 

Hyman Billings, native of New York, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 41, term 
three years. 

Nelson Bowen, native of Ohio, enlisted at Mar- 
seilles, Ohio, December 30, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 27, term three years. 

Orson Bowers, native of Ohio, enlisted at Mar- 
seilles, Ohio, December 30, 1861, hf Andrew Nuh- 
fer; age 18, term three years. 

Thomas G. Campbell, native of Pennsylvania, en- 
listed at Arcadia, Ohio, November 13, 1861, by An- 
drew Nuhfer; age 28, term three years. 

John Carbaugh, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Fostoria, Ohio, October 31, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 28, term three years; appointed third 
corporal January 28, 1862; appointed fourth ser- 
geant June I, 1862; died in Andersonville prison. 

Perry Chance, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fosto- 
ria, Ohio, November 5, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 21, term three years; appointed eighth corporal 
January 28, 1862; appointed fifth sergeant July i. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



307 



Solomon Cook, native of Ohio, enlisted at Mar- 
seilles, Ohio, December 20, 1861, by Andrew Nuh- 
fer; age 18, term three years. 

Jesse J. Cook, native of Ohio, enlisted at Wood- 
ville, Ohio, October 14, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 39, term three years. 

Samuel Crais, native of Ohio, enlisted at Wood- 
ville, November 18, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 20, 
term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, 
October 15, 1862, for disability. 

John W. Dale, age 25. 

Charles R. Davis, native of Vermont, enlisted at 
Fostoria, Ohio, November 17, i86r, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 30, term three years, appointed third 
corporal July i, 1862; discharged at Memphis. 

Matthew Degroft, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Woodville, Ohio, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 21, 
term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, 
August 14, 1862, for disability. 

Theodore Dern, native of Maryland, enlisted at 
Fostoria, Ohio, November 19, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 30, term three years. 

Thomas Divine, native of New York, enlisted at 
Pemberville, November 28, 1861, by Andrew Nuh- 
fer; age 18, term three years. 

Thomas Drumheller, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Pemberville, Ohio, November 23, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 19, term three years; died at Overton 
hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, 1863. 

William Duke, native of Ohio, enlisted at Wood- 
ville, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 20, term three years; 
appointed sixth corporal July i, 1862. 

Henry A. Ernst, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Fostoria, Ohio, November 6, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 20, term three years; killed at the bat- 
tle of Shiloh April 6, 1862. 

Samuel Eriom, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fosto- 
ria, Ohio, November 10, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 20, term three years; discharged at Fort Pick- 
ering, September 14, 1862, by surgeon's certificate. 

Joseph Finley, native of Ohio, enlisted at Pember- 
ville, Ohio, November 24, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 18, term three years; killed at the battle of 
Guntown, Mississippi, June 15, 1864. 

Manning A. Fowler, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fostoria, October 18, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 
31, term three years 

Ezra Fowler, native of Ohio, enlisted at Nelson, 
Ohio, February 8, 1862, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 21, 
term three years. 

Franklin Fowler, native of Ohio, enlisted at Nel- 
son, Ohio, March i, 1862, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 
18, term three years. 

Levi Gramling, native of Ohio, enlisted at Wood- 
ville, Ohio, October 23, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 24, term three years; discharged at Fort Picker- 
ing, Tennessee, September 14, 1862, on surgeon's 
certificate. 

William Grotie, native of Germany, enlisted at 



Woodville, Ohio, December 12, 1862, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 24, term three years. 

Cornelius F. Groner, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fostoria, Ohio, December 10, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 18, term three years; wounded at the 
battle of Tupelo, Mississippi, July 18, 1864. 

George W. Grove, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fos- 
toria, Ohio, October 31, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 20, term three years. 

Franklin H. Grove, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fostoria, Ohio, October 31, 1861, by Andrew Nuh- 
fer; age 18, term three years. 

Charles Grove, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Fostoria, Ohio, February 8, 1861, by Andrew Nuh- 
fer; age 44, term three years; deserted from general 
hospital April 11, 1862. 

John Horstman, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 22, term 
three years. 

James P. Hale, native of Ohio, enlisted at Arcadia, 
Ohio, December 7, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 24, 
term three years; deserted from general hospital 
February 11, 1862. 

Moses M. Hartsock, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fostoria, Ohio, November 7, 1 861, by Andrew Nuh- 
fer; age 22, term three years; died in the rear of 
Vicksburg, 1863, probably at Bear Creek, Missis- 
sippi. 

Henry Holtnomp, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, October 23, 1861, by Andrew Nuh- 
fer; age 18, term three years; died at Covington, 
Kentucky, May 18, 1862, of typhoid fever. 

Arthur Householder, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, November 28, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 24, term three years; discharged at 
Columbus, Ohio, August 20, 1862, for disability. 

David Huff, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria, 
Ohio, November 13, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 
22, term three years; discharged at Cincinnati Au- 
gust 28, 1862, for disability. 

Lafayette Halcomb, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Nelson, Ohio, March i, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 19, term three years; discharged at Columbus, 
Ohio, July 23, 1862, on surgeon's certificate, for disa- 
bility. 

William Hutson, age 18; discharged at Fremont, 
Ohio, December 27, 1861, by John Bell; cause under 
age. 

Frederick }. Jaeger, enlisted at Woodville, Ohio, 
December 14, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 25, 
term three years. 

Morris Jones, native of Ohio; age 18; term three 
years; discharged at Camp Shiloh by order of R. P. 
Buckland, colonel of the Seventy-second regiment, 
March 22, 1862, cause disability. 

Benjamin Jones, native of Wales, enhsted at 
Woodville, Ohio, December 30, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 38, term three years. 

Charles A. Johnsmyer, native of Germany, enlisted 



3o8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



at Woodville, Ohio, December 14, i86r, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 26, term three years; appointed fifth 
corporal January 27, 1862. 

WilHam Reil, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, October 14, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 23, term three years; appointed seventh 
corporal January 28, 1862; discharged at Columbus, 
Ohio, September 15, 1862, by surgeon's certificate. 

Jacob J. Ludwig, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fos- 
toria, Ohio, November 18, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 18, term three years; wantonly murdered by 
being shot through the breast by a rebel piison 
guard, at Meridian, Mississippi, June 14, 1864. He 
had been captured near Guntown, June 10. 

Charles H. Lightner, native of Pennsylvania, en- 
listed at Woodville, Ohio, October 30, 1861, by An- 
drew Nuhfer; age 34, term three years. 

John Logan, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, November 12, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer, age 30, term three years. 

Oren Levisee, native of New York, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, December 31, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer, age 28, term three years. 

Isaac Mincks, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria, 
Ohio, January 7, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer, age 21, 
term three years. 

John G. Nachtierb, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, October 23, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 25, term three years; died at Camp 
Shiloh, Tennessee, May 2, 1862, of typhoid fever. 

Elijah Neibel, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria, 
Ohio, October 28, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 22, 
term three years. 

John G. Nuhfer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Wood- 
ville, Ohio, October 16, 1861 , by Andrew Nuhfer; age 
18, term three years. 

Alexander J. Ogle, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, November 3, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 18, term three years. 

Charles Piper, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, December 14, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 30, term three years; died at Anderson- 
ville prison, 1864. 

Morris Rees, native of Ohio, enlisted at Wood- 
ville, Ohio, October 26, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer, 
age 23, term three years. 

Edward C. Owens, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, October 28, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 18, term three years. 

Jackson Peoples, native of Ohio, enlisted at Wood- 
ville, Ohio, October 28, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 36, term three years. 

Frank Percell, native of Ohio, enlisted at Pember- 
ville, Ohio, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 18, term three 
years; died in 1862. 

Ale.\ander Perkey, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fos- 
toria, Ohio, November 6, i86r, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 20, term three years; died on board steamer 
Empress, June 17, 1862, cause rheumatism. 



Archibald Ried, native of Ohio, enlisted at Pem- 
berville, Ohio, November 18, 1861, by Andrew Nuh- 
fer; age 20, term three years; appointed fourth cor- 
poral January 28, 1862; died after return home in 
1865. 

Even Rees, native of Ohio, age 42, term three 
years; discharged at Camp Shiloh by order of Col- 
onel R. P. Buckland, March 22, 1862, cause dis- 
ability. 

John W. Reinhardt, native of Germany, enlisted 
at Woodville, Ohio, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 35, term 
three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, July 
17, 1861, on surgeons certificate of disability. 

George H. Rice, native of New York, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, October 14, i86r, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 24, term three years; appointed third 
sergeant January 28, 1862; died at Vicksburg in 
1865. 

William Richards, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Fostoria. Ohio, December 28, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 33, term three years. 

Lewis Ruppert, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, October 23, 1861, by Andrew Nuh- 
fer; age 22, term three years; appointed second cor- 
poral January 28, 1862. 

Jerome A. Roytt, deserted from Camp Croghan, 
Fremont, Ohio. 

Charles H. Rood died at Camp Shiloh, April 10 
1862, of typhoid fever. 

Conrad Sheller, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fos- 
toria, Ohio, October 31, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 26, term three years; died in Andersonville 
prison in 1864. 

Henry Sheller, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fostoria, 
Ohio, October 31, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 28, 
term three years; discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, 
by order of Major Granger, July 19, 1862, cause 
disability. 

John Stadle, native of Germany, enlisted at Wood- 
ville, Ohio, October 14, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 33, term three years; wounded at Shiloh in 1862; 
died soon after the siege of Vicksburg in 1865. 

Henry Stinkamp, native of Ohio, enlisted at Wood- 
ville, October 23, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 19, 
term three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, 
April 6, 1862; died at Pittsburg Landing, April 10, 
1862. 

William Lains, native of Ohio, enlisted at Wood- 
ville, Ohio, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 28, term three 
years; discharged at Fort Pickering, Tennessee, Sep- 
tember 23, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability. 

Emery M. Sander.";, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Pemberville, Ohio, by Andrew Nuhfer; age 23, term 
three years. 

Hugh Vanelten, native of Ohio, enlisted at Wood- 
ville, Ohio, October 14, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 21, term three years; appointed second sergeant 
January 28, 1862; died after the siege of Vicksburg, 
while at home on a furlough. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



309 



Charles Sanders, age 18. 

Jacob Vanelten, native of Ohio, enhsted at Wood- 
ville, Ohio, December 9, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 45, term three years. 

Christian Whitmer, native of Switzerland, enlisted 
at Woodville, Ohio, October 23, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 44, term three years; appointed first 
corporal January 28, 1862; killed at the battle of 
Shiloh, April 7, 1862. 

Uriah J. Whitmer, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, October ig, 1861, by Andrew Nuh- 
fer; age 18, term three years; appointed sixth cor- 
poral January 28, 1862; died at New Albany, In- 
diana, May 17, 1862, of typhoid fever. 

Rans Whiteman, native of Michigan, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, November 4, i86i, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 20, term three years; died at Camp 
Dennison, Ohio, April 25, 1862, of camp fever. 

Ami Whiteman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Wood- 
ville, Ohio, November 3, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 28, term three years; died at Camp Dennison, 
Ohio, April 25, 1862, of camp fever. 

John Walter, native of Virginia, enlisted at Wood- 
ville, Ohio, November 9, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 20, term three years; died aftei the siege of 
Vicksburg, 1863. 

Andrew J. Wenner, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, December 5, i86i, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 28, term three years; died about the 
time of the seige of Vicksburg, 1863. 

George W. Warner, native of Maryland, enlisted 
at Fostoria, Ohio, November 15, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 28, term three years; appointed fifth 
sergeant January 28, 1862; died at Monterey, Ten- 
nessee, June 17, 1862, of typhoid fever. 

Simon Wiseman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fos- 
toria, Ohio, November 9, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 31 years, term three years; appointed fourth ser- 
geant January 28, 1862; died on board steamer Su- 
perior May 10, 1862, of typhoid fever. 

Samuel Wiseman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fos- 
toria, Ohio, November, 11, 1862, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 37, term three years; died at Fostoria, Ohio, 
May 12, 1862. 

David Wineland, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Fostorio, Ohio, December 12, 1861, by Andrew 
Nuhfer; age 36, term three years; deserted from gen- 
eral hospital May 15, 1862. 

John Wininger, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fos- 
toria, Ohio, December 31, 1861, by Andrew Nuhfer; 
age 22, term three years; died. 

Abram Sams, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, September 12, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 21, 
term three years; living near Wauseon, Ohio. 

William Buffington, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, November 21, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn; age 22, term three years; died at Louisville, 
Kentucky, April 19, 1862, of wounds received at the 
battle of Shiloh, Tennessee, April 5, 1862. 



John Rees, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 20, term three 
years; taken prisoner at the battle of Guntown, Mis- 
sissippi, 1864; paroled at Goldsboro February or 
March, 1865; died at Grant's general hospital, Wil- 
lett's Point, New York, April 3 or 4, 1865. 

Anthony Branard, native of Michigan, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, November 7, 1861, by John H. Blinn; 
age 32, term three years. 

George Buffington, native of Pennsylvania, en- 
listed at Elmore, Ohio, November 24, 1861, by John 
H. Bjnn; age 45, term three years. 

Benjamin C. Beach, native of New York, enlisted 
at Elmore, Ohio, November 25, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn; age 25, term three years. 

Charles H. Baird, native of Ohio, enlisted at Per- 
rysburg November 20, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 
30, term three years; appointed fourth sergeant Feb- 
ruary 25, 1862; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, July 

18, 1862, for disability. 

Jacob H. Baker, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone 
Bridge October 21, 1862, by John H. Bhnn; age 21, 
term three years; appointed fifth corporal January 
28, 1862. 

John Clauser, native of Switzerland, enlisted at 
Stone Ridge October 21, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 
24, term three years; deserted from Memphis, Ten- 
nessee, August 7, 1&62. 

John Clapper, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, November 21, 1862, by John H. 
Blinn; age 27, term three years. 

George Cramer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone 
Ridge, November 10, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 

19, term three years. 

John Croft, native of Ohio; age 18; discharged 
July 5, 1862, at Columbus, Ohio, for disability. 

Henry Cook, native of Germany, enlisted at Co- 
lumbus, Ohio, December 12, 1861, by H. W. Chid- 
sey ; age 44, term three years. 

Lawrence Cremernig. 

David G. Dean, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone 
Ridge November 10, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 
22, term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, 
July 28, 1862, for disability. 

Benjamin Davison, native of Vermont, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, December 4, 1861, by John H. Blinn; 
age 30, term three years. 

Gideon F. Draper, native of New York, enlisted 
at Elmore, Ohio, December 28, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn; age 39, term three years; died July 15, 1862, 
at New Albany, Indiana, of disease. 

John P. Elderkin, jr., native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Woodville, Ohio, October 2, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn; age ig, term three years; appointed third 
sergeant December 28, 1862. 

Morman Easterly, native of New York, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, November 16, 1861, by John H. Blinn; 
age 18, term three years; discharged at Memphis, 
Tennessee, September 16, 1862, for disability. 



3IO 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



John P. Daily. 

Richard Elder, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone 
Ridge December i, 1861, by John H. Blinn;age i8, 
term three years. 

Simeon Eversole, native of Ohio, enlisted at El- 
more, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; 
age 39, term three years. 

Emanuel Fink, enlisted at Elmore, Ohio, October 
20, i86r, by John H. BHnn; age — , term three years; 
appointed first corporal January 28, 1862; died at 
Louisville, Kentucky, April 20, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived at battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862. 

John Furry, native of Ohio, enlisted at Perrys- 
burg, Ohio, October 19, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 
24, term three years. 

Jacob H. Furry, native of Pennsylvania, enlistea 
at Stone Ridge October 19, 1861, by John H. Blinn; 
age 30, term three years; appointed fifth sergeant 
February 25, 1862; wounded at Shiloh April 6, 1862; 
discharged at Columbus, Ohio, August 21, 1862, for 
disability. 

William Furry, native of Ohio, enlisted at Perrys- 
burg, Ohio, November 10, 1861, by John H. Blinn; 
age 20, term three years. 

John Furgurson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Perrys- 
burg, Ohio, November 10, 1861, by John H. Blinn; 
age 23, term three years. 

Harmon G. Fortress, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn; age 20, term three years. 

Christopher Finkbinder, native of Germany, en- 
listed at Perrysburg November 4, 1 861, by John H. 
Blinn; age 18, term three years. 

Francis Gagin, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone 
Ridge November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 
22, term three years; died at Stone Ridge, Ohio, 
April 20, 1862, of rheumatism. 

Alexis T. Garril, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone 
Ridge December 4, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 19, 
term three years. 

Charles T. M. Gunsey, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, November 10, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn; age 21, term three years. 

Mathias Garnhart, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn; age 42, term three years. 

George Gossman, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn; age 28, term three years; deserted from 
Memphis, Tennessee, August 4, 1862. 

John GuUingbuck, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Columbus, Ohio, December 26, 1861, by John PL 
Blinn; age 31, term three years. 

George Hazel, native of Prussia, enlisted at Stone 
Ridge, October 28, 1861, by John H. Bhnn; age 21, 
term three'years. 

George Icelep, native of Germany, enlisted at El- 
more, Ohio, November 29, i86i, by John H. Blinn; 
^S^ 39 1 iet^m three years. 



Richard Hays, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, October 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; 
age 39, term three years; died July 15, 1862, at New 
Albany, Indiana, of disease. 

Henry Hyde, native of New York, enlisted at El- 
more, Ohio, November 25, 1861, by John H. Blinn; 
age 41, term three years; died June 8, 1862, at New 
Albany, Indiana, of disease. 

Levi Heberling, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, January 20, 1862, by John H. Blinn; 
age 24, term three years; discharged at Memphis, 
Tennessee, September 16, 1862, for disability. 

Orin .S. Harris, native of New York, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, October 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; 
age 26, term three years; appointed eighth corporal 
January 28, 1862; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, 
July 22, 1862, for disability. 

William Johnson, native of New Jersey, enlisted 
at Elmore, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn; age 40, term three years; discharged at 
Memphis, Tennessee, September 16, 1862, for dis- 
ability. 

Jerrit Johnson, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Stone Ridge December 4, 1861, by John H. Blinn; 
age 21, term three years. 

John M. Jeffreys, native of New York, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, November 20, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn; age 37, term three years; appointed first ser- 
geant December 28, 1861; discharged at Memphis, 
Tennessee, August 18, 1862, by order of Surgeon 
John B. Rice, cause disability. 

Sherman A. Jackson, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Stone Ridge, November 10, 1862, by John H. Blinn; 
age 29, term three years; appointed fourth corporal 
January 28, 1862. 

Frederick Kepler, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Stone Ridge, October 28, 1861, by John H. Blinn; 
age 21, term three years; discharged at Columbus, 
September 19, 1862, for disability. 

David Kinney, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, November 21, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn; age 30, term three years; deserted from Pa- 
ducah, Kentucky, March 6, 1862. 

Harrison Kinney, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Elmore, Ohio, November 21, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn; age 24, term three years; died July 4, 1862, 
at Cincinnati, Ohio, of disease. 

John Krais, native of Germany, enlisted at El' 
more, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; 
age 18, term three years; died June 13, 1862, New 
Albany, Indiana, of disease. 

Isaac Kaufman, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Cincinnati, Ohio, January 9, 1862, by John H. Blinn; 
age 30, term three years. 

John Lodge, native of Germany, enlisted at El- 
more, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; 
age 39, term three years; appointed third corporal 
January 28, 1862; died May 20, 1862, at St. Louis, 
Missouri, of wounds received at Shiloh. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



311 



Barnard H. Krampleber, native of Germany, en- 
listed at Cincinnati, Ohio, July 31, 1862, by John H. 
Blinn; age 40, term three years; discharged at Co- 
lumbus, Ohio, October i, 1862, for disability. 

Samuel Loosher, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone 
Ridge, October 27, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 20, 
term three years. 

Augustus Lodge, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn; age 37, term three years; died September 17, 
1862, at Elmore, Ohio, of disease. 

Martin S. Luchman, native of France, enlisted at 
Cincinnati, Ohio, December 13, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn; age 42, term three years. 

Henry Lohi, native of Germany, enlisted at Elmore, 
Ohio, December 28, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 
28, term three years. 

Wallace Maine, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone 
Ridge, October 19, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 22, 
term three years; died at Camp Shiloh, Tennessee, 
May I, 1862, of typhoid fever. 

Jacob Mayer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone 
Ridge, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 
22, term three years. 

Henry Maas, native of Prussia, enlisted at Cincin- 
nati, Ohio, December 26, 1861, by M. T. William- 
son; age 39, term three years. 

Robert W. Medkirk, native of Pennsylvania, en- 
listed at Cincinnati, Ohio, November i, 1861, by M. 
T. Williamson, age 29; term three years. 

John March, native of England, enlisted at Stone 
Ridge, December 25, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 
21, term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, 
September 12, 1862, for disability. 

Lewis Otto, native of Poland, enlisted at Elmore, 
Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 
39, term three years. 

Edward Otto, native of Poland, enlisted at Elmore, 
November 29, 1861, by J. H. Blinn; age 20, term 
three years. 

Frederick Snider, native of Switzerland, enlisted at 
Stone Ridge, October 22, 1861, by John H. Blinn; 
age 21, term three years; deserted from Memphis, 
Tennessee, August 7, 1862. 

Alexander Shoemacker, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, November 29, 1861, byjohn H. Blinn; 
age 19, term three years. 

John G. Suifert, native of Germany, enlisted at El- 
more, Ohio, November 29, 1861, byjohn H. Blinn; 
age 34, term three years; deserted from Memphis, 
Tennessee, July 21, 1863. 

Michael Statler, native of Ohio, enlisted at Elmore, 
Ohio, November 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 
18, term three years. 

Francis M. Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at El- 
more, Ohio, December 21, 1861, byjohn H. Blinn; 
age 18, term three years; discharged at Memphis, 
Tennessee, August 13, 1862, by order of Surgeon 
John B. Rice, cause disability. 



Ferdinand Stoller, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, November 29, 1861, byjohn H. Blmn; 
age 27, term three years. 

Jacob Stall, native of Germany, enlisted at Elmore, 
Ohio, November, 29, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 
36, term three years. 

Michael Shimer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone 
Ridge, October 18, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 19, 
term three years; died at New Albany, Indiana, May 
15, 1862, of disease. 

Jacob Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at Stone 
Ridge, October 19, 1861, byjohn H. Blinn; age 36, 
term three years. 

George Scott, native of England, enlisted at Stone 
Ridge, October 19, r86i, byjohn H. Blinn; age 25, 
term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, 
October 15, 1862, for disability. 

Jacob Snider, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, October 12, 1861, byjohn H. Blinn; age 22, 
term three years; appointed si.xth corporal, January 
28, 1862. 

Mathand Tryand, native of Connecticut, enlisted 
at Elmore, Ohio, November 23, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn ; age 45, term three years. 

Miles Treat, native of New York, enlisted at Stone 
Ridge, October 19, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 18, 
term three years; died November 26, 1862, at Mem- 
phis, Tennessee, of disease. 

William Trimer, native of New Jersey, enlisted at 
Elmore, January 6, 1862, byjohn H. Blinn; age 25, 
term three years. 

John J. Thornton, native of New York, enlisted at 
Perrysburg, October 19, 1861, by John H. Blinn; 
age 27, term three years. 

Franklin Tucker, native of New York, enlisted at 
Woodville, October 30, 1861, by John H. Blinn; age 
30, term three years; appointed seventh corporal 
January 28, 1862; died at Corinth, Mississippi, Jan- 
uary 1 , 1863, of disease. 

Francis Yarger, native of Switzerland, enlisted at 
Cincinnati, December 14, 1861, by M. T. William- 
son; age 23, term three years; discharged at Mem- 
phis, Tennessee, September 16, 1862, for disability. 

Louidus Whitmore, native of New York, enlisted 
at Elmore, Ohio, November 21, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn; age 33, term three years; appointed second 
corporal January 28, 1862; appointed first sergeant 
September i, 1862. 

Edgar H. Bowen, native of New York, enlisted at 
Elmore, Ohio, November 21, 1861, by John H. 
Blinn; age 35, term three years; appointed second 
sergeant December 28, 1862. 

James M. Madden, native of Massachusetts, en- 
listed at Fremont, Ohio, October 3, 1862, by drafted 
man; age 18, term nine months. 

George Sminer, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 3, 1862; drafted man; age 
43, term nine months. 

Martin Willeck, native of Germany, enlisted at 



312 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Fremont, Ohio, October 3, 1862; drafted man; age 
39, term nine months. 

Jacob Springer, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Norwalk, Ohio; drafted man; age 27, term nine 
months. 

Henry Wapse, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Norwalk, Ohio; drafted man; age 20, term nine 
months. 

Alfred Marshall, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, November 12, 1861, by L. More; 
age 39, term three months; appointed fourth ser- 
geant January 10, 1862; died at Fremont, Ohio, April 

19, 1862, of fever. 

John Bates, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green 
Creek, Ohio, November i, 1861, by L. More; age 
18, term three years; discharged at Camp Chase, 
Ohio, July 29, 1862, by order of surgeon for disa- 
bility. 

David Bates, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green 
Creek, Ohio, November i, 1861, by L. More; age 

20, term three years; discharged October 9, 1862, 
Camp Chase, Ohio, for disability. 

Abraham Bates, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green 
Creek, Ohio, December 6, 1861, by L. More; age 
22, term three years. 

Robert Bowland, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 4, 1861, by L. More; age 44, 
term three years; appointed third corporal January 
10, 1862. 

Adam Brunthara, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 15, 1861, by L. More; 
age 18, term three years; taken prisoner at Brice's 
Cross Roads June 10, 1864; died at home. 

Andrew Broto, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green- 
creek, October 26, 1861, by L. More; age 22, term 
three years; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads 
June 10, 1864. 

William Croft, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
October 9, 1861, at Fremont, Ohio, by L. More; age 
22, term three years; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross 
Roads June 10, 1864. 

Edgar Carnell, native of Ohio, enlisted October 26, 

1861, by L. More; age 25, term three years; died in 
Camp at Oak Ridge, rear of 'Vicksburg, Mississippi. 

Lafayette Carnell, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 2, 1861, by L. More; 
age 19, term three years; wounded at Guntown June 
10, 1864. 

N. B. Cadvvell died at Keokuk, Iowa, April 27, 

1862, of fever. 

Harvey M. Chamberlain, native of Ohio, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, November 25, 1861, by L. More; 
age 18, term three years; killed on the retreat from 
Guntown June, 1864. 

C. Hubbard Cross, native of Canada, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 16, 1861, by L. More; 
age 45, term three years; deserted from general 
hospital July, 1862. 

Leandet Clark, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 



Ohio, December 16, 1861, by L. More; age 22, 
term three years. 

Shellock Cook, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, December 16, 1861, by L. More; age 19, term 
three years; died at home. 

Ira Grain, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green Creek, 
Ohio, November i, 1861, by L. More; age 15, term 
three years; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads 
June 10, 1864; blown up on the Sultana in 1865. 

Joel Grain, native of Ohio, enlisted November ri, 

1861, age 29; discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio, July 

30, 1862, by order of surgeon; cause disability. 

N. B. Clark, nat ve of Ohio, enlisted at Green 
Creek, Ohio, November 6, 1861, by L. More; age 

20, term three years. 

Abraham Durfee, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 18, 1861, by L. More; 
age 21, term three years; deserted from general 
hospital May, 1862. 

Isaac Etsminger, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October ri, i86t, by L. More; age 27, 
term three years; appointed second corporal January 
10, 1862; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads June 
10, 1864; died at Andersonville. 

William Entsminger, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, October 9, 1861, by L. More; age 

31, term three years; discharged at Camp Chase, 
Ohio, July 25, 1862, by order of surgeon, cause dis- 
ability. 

David Entsminger, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, December 2, 1861, by L. More; 
age 29, term three years; died at Monterey, Tennes- 
see, June 8, 1862, of fever. 

Lewis Entsminger, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, January 28, 1861, by L. More; age 

21, term three years; died in hospital in 1862. 
Rollia A. Egerton, native of Vermont, enlisted at 

Fremont, Ohio, November 14, 1861, by L. More; 
age 21, term three years; appointed quartermaster 
sergeant November 15, 1861. 

John England. 

Christopher Esminger, native of Germany, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, December 19, 1861, by L. More; 
age 19, term thre^ years; discharged, October 24, 

1862, at Columbus, Ohio, for disability. 

Andrew Fisher, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 2, 1861, by L. More; age 
23, term three years. 

W. A. Frances, native of France, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 18, 1861, by L. More; age 
23, term three years. 

James Frances, native of France, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, December 7, 1861, by L. More; age 
23, term three years; wounded at siege of Vicksburg, 
May, 1863, died at Chicago. 

John Fitzgerald, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 23, 1861, by L. More; age 
21, term three years. 

Henry Grant, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



313 



Ohio, October 26, 1861, by L. More, age 23, term 
three years. 

John B. Gillmore, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 9, 1861, by L. More; age 23, 
term three years. 

Peter A. Glass, native of Ohio, enlisted at Ball- 
ville, Ohio, October 28, 1861, by L. More; age 24, 
term three years; appointed second sergeant January 
10, 1862; killed at the battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862. 

Christopher Glos, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 7, 1861, by L. More; age 
32, term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, 
September 16, 1862, by order of Captain A. B. Dod, 
cause disability. 

Marcellus Gray, native of New York, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 20, i86r, by L. More; 
age 18, term three years. 

James Gilmore, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, December 18, i86r. by L. More ; term 
three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, Septem- 
ber 19, 1862, by order of Captain A. B. Dod, for dis- 
ability. 

M. K. Hite, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, October 26, 1861, by L. More; age 20, term 
three years. 

Noah B. Huss, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 26, 1861, by L, More; age 21, 
term three years; appointed si.vth corporal January 
10, 1862; discharged Decem.ber 4, 1864; deserted 
July 20, from general hospital. 

Michael Huffman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 16, 1861, by L. More; age 
24, term three years. 

Jesse Harpster, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 26, 1861, by L. More; age 
18, term three years; severely wounded in the assault 
at Vicksburg May 11, 1863. 

George Hawk, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green 
Creek November i, i86r, by L. More; age 21, term 
three years; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads, 
June 10, 1864. 

John A. Harris, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, December 3, i86r, by L. More; age 18, 
term three years; deserted from general hospital, 
June, 1862. 

Jasper Johnson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Ball- 
ville, Ohio, October 30, 186 e, by L. More, age 20, 
term three years; killed at the battle of Shiloh, April 
6, 1862. 

Daniel Johnson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Ball- 
viUe, Ohio, October 28, 1861, by L. More; age 18, 
term three years; sent to general hospital at Shiloh, 
discharged December 14, 1861. 

Albert Jones. 

Charles Jones. 

William W. Jones, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, January 21, 1862, by L. More; age 25, 
term three years; discharged October 31, 1862, Mem- 
phis, Tennessee, for disability. 
40 



David Kaull, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, January 23, 1862, by L. More; age 
18, term three years; wounded at Shiloh, April 6, 
1862. 

John Lary, native of Ireland, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, October 29, i86r, by L. More; age 19, term 
three years. 

Cyrus Lockwood, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green 
Creek; age 18, term three years; died at New Al- 
bany, Indiana, May 23, 1862, of fever. 

James Logan, native of England, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, December 14, 1861, by L. More; age 33, 
term three years; discharged October 31, 1862, Mem- 
phis, Tennessee, for disability. 

Daniel Mcintosh, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 9, 1861, by L. More; age 25, 
term three years; discharged. 

W. G. Mclntyre, native ot Ohio, enlisted at Green 
Creek, Ohio, October 26, 1861, by L. More; age 18, 
term three years; appointed fifth corporal January 
10, 1862; appointed fourth sergeant April 12, 1862; 
discharged August 28, 1862, for disability, at Mem- 
phis, Tennessee. 

John Miller, a native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 7, 1861, by L. More; age 21, 
term three years; appointed third sergeant January 
10, 1862; died of fever at Cincinn;iti, May 14, 1862. 

Elias B. Moore, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 26, 1861, by L. More; age 20, 
term three years; appointed fifth sergeant January 
10, 1862. 

Ezekiel Mott, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, December 31, 1861, by L. More; age 56, 
term three years. 

William E. Neason, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Fremont, Ohio, October 26, i86r, by L. More; age 
25. term three years; appointed first sergeant January 
10, 1862; died in 1864. 

Hyram Neff, native of Ohio, enlisted in Ballville, 
November 2, 1861, by L. More; age 18, term three 
years; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads, June 
10, 1864. 

Sardis Patterson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 11, 1861, by L. More; age 19, 
term three years; captured at Guntown; died at 
Andersonville rebel prison. 

George Patterson, native of Fremont, Ohio, en- 
listed November 12, 1861, by L. More; age 25, 
term three years; deserted from general hospital, 
July, 1862. 

John Purney, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
Ohio, November 30,1861, by L. More; age 23, term 
three years; died at Whitestone, Tennessee, No- 
vember or December, 1863. 

Danforth Patterson, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, Ohio, November 30, 1861, by L. More; 
age 23, term three years; deserted February i, 1861, 
at Fremont, Ohio. 

Chauncy Reynolds, native of Ohio, enlisted atFr-^^- 



3M 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



mont, October 19, 1861, by L. More; age 18, term 
three years. 

Enos Reynolds, native of Ohio, enhsted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, October 26. 1861, by L. More; age 20, 
term three years; died October 12, 1862, at Memphis, 
Tennessee. 

Jefferson Russell, native of Ohio, enlisted at Ball- 
ville, Ohio, October 28, 1861, by L. More; age 20, 
term three years; appointed first corporal January 
10, 1862, taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads. 

T. M. Russell, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, November 15, i86i, by L. More; age 22, term 
three years; appointed eighth corporal January 10, 
1862. 

A. H. Rice, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fiemont, 
November 2, i86r, by L. More; age 21, term three 
years. 

Burton Rathbun, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, November 15, 1861, by L. More, age 18, term 
three years. 

Wilson Robinson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, by L. More, December 19, 1861; age 18, term 
three years. 

Henry Shook, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Fremont October ii, i86i, by L. More; age 27, 
term three years; died at Andersonville prison of 
gangrene. 

Ezra Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont 
November 6, 1861, by L. More; age 28, term three 
years; died at St. l^ouis, Missouri, June 16, 1862, of 
fever. 

William Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at F're- 
mont November 16, 1861, by L. More; age 21, term 
three years; died at Louisville, Kentucky, May 28, 
1862, of fever. 

Augustus H. Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont November 20, 1861, by L. More; age 21, 
term three years. 

Peter Smith, enlisted October 24, i86i, died at 
Cincinnati May 15, 1862, of fever. 

Absolom Shell, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont November 19. 1861, by L. More; age 22, term 
three years; appointed seventh corporal January 10, 
1862, discharged at Camp Chase, Oiiio, July 17, 
1862, by order of surgeon, cause disability. 

Alrymen Stine, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November 22, 1861, by L. More; age 22, 
term three years; discharged November 11, 1862, at 
Camp Chase, Ohio, lor disability. 

David Stiges, enlisted December 18, 1861. 

David Stager, enlisted November 7, 1861. 

Wesley Tillotson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Green 
Creek, Ohio, November i, 1861, by L. More; age 18, 
term three years. 

David Werner, enlisted November 7, 1861. 

Lewis D. Williams, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont, November 12. 1861, by L. More; age 34, 
term three years; died July 30, 1862, at Fremont, 
of disciise. 



James Tillotson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, November i, 1861, by L. More; aq;e2i, 
term three years. 

Joseph M. Tillotson, enlisted November 5, 1861; 
appointed fourth corporal January 10, 1862; sent to 
general hospital April 13, 1862; deserted. 

Thomas M. Withington, native of Pennsylvania, 
enlisted at Harrisonville by E. Miller, January 9, 
1802; age 44, term three years. 

Reuben Westman, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Harrisonville, December 27, 1861, by E. Miller; 
age 43, term three years; died at H.irrisonville. 

Andrew ]. Culp, native of New York, enlisted at 
I'remont February 5, 1861, by A. H. Rice; age 19, 
term three years; deserted June 10, 1862, at Chu- 
walla, Tennessee. 

David Vandoren, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
monit February 7, i86i, by L. More; age 27, term 
three years; appointed second sergeant April 10, 
1862. 

Orin Russell, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Fremont February 5,1861, by L. More; age 20, term 
three years; taken prisoner at Brice's Cross Roads 
June 10, 1861. 

\\'iiliam Henry Signs, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Fremont February 7, 1861, by L. More; age 21, term 
three years. 

William Rapp, native of Ohio, enlisted at Harri- 
sonville December 15, 1861, by E. Miller; age 21, 
term three years. 

Edwin Miller, native of New York, enlisted at 
Harrisonville December i-;, 1861, hy E. Miller; age 
28, term thiee years. 

Francis Mansin, native of Ohio, enlisted at Harri- 
sonville December 15, 1861, by E. Miller; age 29, 
term three years; died at Harrisonville, of fever. 

Peter Mates, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Harrisonville December 13, 1S61, by E. Miller; age 
41, term three years; discharged November 20, 1862, 
for disability. 

Joseph \'andermark, native of Indiana, enlisted at 
Harrisonville December 31, 1S61, by E. Miller; age 
19, term three years. 

Benjamin Vandermaker, native of New Jersey, 
enlisted at Harrisonville December 16, i86r, by E. 
Miller; age 58, term three years; died at Hairison- 
ville May 25, 1862, of fever. 

Alonzo L. Trapp, native of Ohio, enlisted at Har- 
risonville December 15, 1861, by E. Miller; age 29, 
term three years; discharged at Memphis, Tennes- 
see, September 14, 1852, by order of surgeon, wyh 
certificate of disability. 

George Park, native of Ohio, enlisted at Harrison- 
ville December 30, 1861, by E. Miller; age 20, term 
three years. 

Harlow Underbill, discharged. 

Martin Stann. taken prisoner at Brice's Cross 
Roads, June 10, 1864; died at Andersonville, of gan- 
grene. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



315 



Jeremiah Scantlan, enlisted November 16, i86i. 

William S. Rhodes. 

James Gilmore, taken prisoner at Btice's Cross 
Roads; died at Annapolis, Maryland, in the winter of 
1864, shortly after being paroled. 

George Loveland, term nine months, died in the 
vicinity of Vicksburg in 1863. 

James H. Morrell, discharged with regiment Sep- 
tember 19, 1865. 

Lewis Hawk died in Monterey in 1862. 

James Peudy, discharged with regiment Septem- 
ber 19, 1865. 

John Deusler, taken prisoner at Brice's Cross 
Roads, June 10, 1864. 

Thomas Purcell, discharged with regiment Sep- 
tember 19, 1865. 

James Necbit, taken prisoner at Brice's Cross 
Roads, June 10. 1864. 

H. H. Rozell, discharged with regiment September 
19, 1865. 

Christian Beck, taken prisoner at Brice's Cross 
Roads, June 10, 1864. 

William H. Sheets, discharged with regiment Sep- 
tember 19, 1865. 

Edward Scanlan, discharged with regiment Sep- 
tember 19, 1865. 

RoUm .Ames, died at Memphis, Tennessee, in gen- 
eral hospital, July 4, 1864, cause chronic diarrhoea. 

Timothy Sullivan, sent to general hospital June 9, 
1865; discharged from hospital. 

. Peter Andrew, mortally wounded near Tupelo, 
Mississippi, July 13, 1864. 

Chesney Van Dyke, died at Fremont, February 10, 
1865. 

Bensinger Joseph, mortally wounded at battle of 
Tupelo, Mississippi, [uly 13, 1864; taken prisoner 
and died in rebel hospital Mobile, Alabama, 1864; 
one arm and one leg mangled. 

John C. Yonkman, discharged with regiment Sep- 
tember 19. 1865. 

Louis Bolack, wounded at Tupelo, Mississippi, 
July 13, 1864; discharged September 9, 1865. 

Marion Spohn died at Jefferson general hospital, 
near St. Louis, Missouri, September 17, 1864. 

Peter Byers, discharged at Columbus, September 
19, 1865. 

Henry England, discharged at Columbus, Septem- 
ber 19, 1865. 

Gill Jacob, sent to general hospital at Memphis, 
Tennessee, September 2, 1864. 

Archibald Grubb, discharged at Columbus, Sep- 
tember 19, 1865. 

J. M. Hite, discharged at Columbus, September 
19, 1865. 

David M. Hite, sent to general hospital at Nash- 
ville, Tennessee, December 3, 1864; discharged. 

Samuel Hague, taken prisoner at Tupelo, Missis- 
sippi, July 12, 1864; blown up on steamer Sultana, 
1B65. 



George Jackson, mortally wounded at battle of 
Tupelo, Mississippi, July 13, 1864; taken prisoner, 
died in rebel hospital in 1864, one arm and one leg 
shattered by musket balls. 

Charles Joseph, discharged with regiment Septem- 
ber 19, 1865. 

Daniel Lary, discharged with regiment September 

19, 1865. 

Sidney Adams, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence, 
October 26, 1861, by J. H. Poyer, age 43, term three 
years. 

John R. Akins died May 14, 1862, at general hos- 
pital. 

Erasmus H. Andrews, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Florence December 23. 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 
38, term three years; discharged at Columbus, by 
order of post-surgeon, June 28, 1862; cause dis- 
ability. 

Ebenezer G. Allen deserted February 17, 1862, at 
Camp Chase. 

John Ammon, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Florence December 2, 1861, by W. C. Bider; age 20, 
term thiee years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh 
April 7, 1862. 

Burrell Butman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Flor- 
ence October 25, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 18, terra 
three years; discharged at Columbus, by order of 
Captain A. B. Dod; cause disability. 

Peter Burns, deserted at Camp Chase January 20, 
1862. 

David Brownell, native of New York, enlisted at 
Sandusky November i, 1861, by O. J. Fernald; age 
26, term three years. 

Jacob M. Bucher, native of Michigan, enlisted at 
Sandusky November 11, 1861, by O. J. Fernald; age 

20, term three years. 

Lewis Clark, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky 
November 18, 1861, by O. J. Fernald; age 20, term 
three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh Aprils, 
1862. 

John Coon, deserted January 20, 1862, at Camp 
Chase. 

Nelson S. Crum, native of Ohio, enlisted at Flor- 
ence October 25, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 24, 
term three years. 

John Call, deserted January 8, 1862, at Camp 
Chase. 

Samuel Dailey, native of Ohio, enlisted at San- 
dusky October 28, 1861, by O. J. Fernald; age 18, 
term three years. 

Robert Dalzell, native of Michigan, enlisted at 
Sandusky October 28, 1861, by O. J. Fernald; age 
18, term three years. 

Edward Daniels, native of Michigan, enlisted at 
Sandusky November 10, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 26, 
term three years. 

Willard Dike, native of Vermont, enlisted at 
Florence November 14, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 
33 , term three years. 



3i6 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Cornelius Dunivon, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Florence November 21, by J. H. Poyer; age 18, term 
three years. 

William Davie, native of England, enlisted at 
Sandusky December 14, 1861, by ]. Fernald; age 34, 
term three years. 

Henry W. Dakin, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Sharon December 12, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 21, 
term three years. 

George Downing, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Sandusky October 21, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 
23, term three years. 

Christian Engle, native of Ohio, enlisted at San- 
dusky December 12, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 15, 
term three years. 

Lewis A. Ervine, deserted February 7, 1862, at 
Camp Chase. 

Erastus Erskine, native of Ohio, enlisted at Flor- 
ence October 23, i86r, by J. H. Poyer; age 22, 
term three years. 

W. M. McEnally, enlisted at Sandusky October 23, 
1861, by J. Fernald; age 23, term three years; 
wounded at the battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862. 

Christopher Edwards, native of New York, enlisted 
at Sandusky October 26, i86i, by J. Fernald; age 28, 
term three years. 

Henry Ewmg, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence 
October 20, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 21, term 
three years. 

Henry French, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence 
October 25, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 21, term 
three years. 

Eugene Franklin, deserted December 12, 1862, at 
Camp Chase. 

Hiram B. French, native of Maine, enlisted at 
Florence, October 23, i86r, by J. H. Poyer; age 44, 
term three years; missing since the battle of Shiloh, 
April 6, 1862. 

Edward B. Fuller, deserted February i, 1862, 
Camp Chase. 

Elihu Fernald, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandus- 
ky November 8, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 19, term 
three years. 

Norman Foster, native of Ohio, enlisted at Flor- 
ence November II, 1861, by J. H. Puyer; age 27, 
term three years, 

John Flanigan, native of Ireland, enlisted at Flor- 
ence November 19, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 35, 
term three years; missing since the battle of Shiloh, 
April 6 and 7, 1862. 

Wickeler Groves, deserted Februarys, 1862, Camp 
Chase. 

Edward Gibbs, native of Ohio, enlisted at -San- 
dusky December 2, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 18, 
term three years. 

Joshua Geiger, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Liverpool November 18, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; term 
three years; deserted from camp before Corinth, 
Tennessee, and died near Corinth, Tennessee. 



Charles Harm, native of Ohio, enlisted at Flor- 
ence November 20, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 22, 
term three years. 

John Harm, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence 
November 7, 1861, oy J. H. Poyer; age 21, term 
three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 
1862. 

Alfred Harm, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence 
November 7, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 42, term 
three years; died at Moscow, Tennessee, July 14, 
1862; cause fever. 

Solomon Hower, deserted February 7, 1862, Camp 
Chase. 

Charles Harley, native of England, enlisted at 
Florence November 7, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; term 
three years. 

James Hagely, deserted January 20, 1862, Camp 
Chase. 

Wesley Howard, native of Ohio, enlisted at Liv- 
erpool November 27, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; term 
three years; deserted April 8, 1862, Shiloh, Tennes- 
see. 

W. B. Halsey, native of New Yoik, enlisted at Liv- 
erpool November 27, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 32, 
term three years. 

Francis Higgens, discharged February i, 1862, 
Columbus, for disability. 

Charles Hawes, native of Ohio, enlisted at San- 
dusky October 27, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 23, term 
three years. 

Joseph Imhof, native of Germany, enlisted at San- 
dusky November 8, 1861, by J. ^fernald; term three 
years; discharged at Columbus, by order of Captain 
A. B. Dod; cause disability. 

John Jefferson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence 
November 11, i86i, by J. H. Poyer; age 22, term 
three years; discharged at Columbus September 11, 
1862, by order of Captain A. B. Dod; cause disa- 
bility. 

David H. Jones, native of Ohio, enlisted at San- 
dusky October 26, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 20, term 
three years; discharged from Memphis, Tennessee, 
by order of Captani A. P. Dod, August 18, 1862; 
cause disability. 

Charles Kromb, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Sandusky October 27, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 21, 
term three years. 

Frantz Kramer, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Sandusky January 10, 1862, by J. Fernald; age 43, 
term three years; w^ounded at the battle of Shiloh, 
April 6, 1862. 

John Ladd, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky 
October 20, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 27, term three 
years. 

Andrew Laughlin, deserted February 7, 1862, 
Camp Chase. 

George Lewis, native of Ohio, enlisted at Flor- 
ance, November 20, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 22, 
term three years. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



317 



Comfort Lewis, native of Ohio, enlisted at Flor- 
ence November 4, i86r, by }. H. Poyer; age 18, 
term three years; discharged at Colunibus by order 
of Captain A. B. Dod; cause disability. 

Chnrles Lanson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Flor- 
ance, November 22, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 22, 
term three years; wounded at battle of Shiloh, April 
6, 1862; died on board hospital boat April 28, 1862, 
of wounds received at the battle of Shiloh. 

Dennis Lawler, native of Ireland, enlisted at San- 
dusky, December 23, i8£i, by J. Fernald; age 34, 
term three years. 

Rufus W. Lawrence, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Florence, October 26, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 18, 
term three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, 
April 6, 1862. 

Joseph L. Lumer, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Florence, October 21, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 26, 
term three years. 

Dennis Mack, native of Ireland, enlisted at San- 
dusky, October 27, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 48, term 
three years; discharged at Memphis, Tennessee, Sep- 
tember 14, 1862, by order of Surgeon John B. Rice; 
cause disability. 

Augustus Mulchy, native of New York, enlisted 
at Sandusky, October 27, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 
18, term three years, wounded at the battle of 
Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Michael McCarty, native of Ohio, enlisted at San- 
dusky, November 17, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 18, 
term three years; discharged at Columbus, by order 
of Captain A. B. IJod; cause disability. 

Phillip Moss, native of Germany, enlisted at San- 
dusky, November 23, i86r, by J. Fernald; age 22, 
term three years. 

John Melery, deserted January 18, 1862, Camp 
Chase. 

Robert Meek, native of Ohio, enlisted at Copley, 
December 31, i86r, by W. C. Bidle; age 18, term 
three years; discharged at Columbus July 24, 1862, 
by order of Captain A. B. Dod; cause disability. 

George Metcalf, deserted December 20, 1862, 
Camp Chase. 

Calvin Porter, native of Ohio, enlisted at Shar- 
on, December 28, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 34, 
term three years. 

James Porter, deserted February 7, 1862, Camp 
Chase. 

William Perry, native of Ohio, enlisted at San- 
dusky, December 25, i86r, by J. Fernald; age 18, 
term three years; deserted June 3, 1862, general 
hospital. 

John Plumb, discharged at Columbus July 24, 
1862, by order of (Captain A. B. Dod; cause disa- 
bility. 

William L. Robertson, discharged February i, 
1862, Columbus, for disability. 

Jacob Rath, deserted November 25, 1863, Liver- 
pool, Ohio. 



Albert Rice, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky, 
November 23, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 19, term 
three years. 

Augustus Rice, native of Ohio, enlisted at San- 
dusky, January 4, 1862, by J. Fernald; age 18, term 
three years. 

George W. Reed, deserted February 7, Camp 
Chase. 

William Rood, native of Ohio, enlisted at Flor- 
ence, December 7, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 22, 
term three years; died at Monterey, Tennessee, June 
8, 1862, of typhoid fever. 

J. Y. Right, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky, 
Decembers, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 21, term three 
years. 

George Sutherland, native of New York, enlisted 
at Florence, October 23, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 
43, term three years. 

James M. Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at San- 
dusky, October 26, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 28, term 
three years; discharged at Memphis, Tennessee, 
by order of Colonel R. P. Buckland, August 18, 1862; 
cause disability. 

John C. Stewart, deserted December r, 1862, at 
Camp Chase. 

Frederick Shafer, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Sandusky, October 26, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 26, 
term three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, 
April 6, 1862. 

William Seitt, native of Germany, enlisted at San- 
dusky, October 31, i86i,byj. Fernald; age 34, term 
three years. 

Morris Sweet, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandus- 
ky, December ro, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 18, term 
three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, by order 
of Captain A. B. Dod, cause disability. 

Ephraim Squire, discharged January 25, 1862, at 
Columbus, Ohio, for disability. 

Henry Sprow, native of Germany, enlisted at San- 
dusky, December 9, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 19, term 
three years. 

John Shoddock, enlisted at Sandusky, December 
25, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 30, term three years. 

Merrill Sexton, native of Ohio, enlisted at Flor- 
ence, November 7, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 24, 
term three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh 
April 6, 1862. 

Jonas Stanbury, native of Ohio, enlisted at San- 
dusky, November 4, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 20, 
term three years. 

W. P. Sheik, native of Ohio, enlisted at Florence 
October 23, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 22, term 
three years. 

George Taylor, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Florence, October 23, i86r, by J. H. Poyer; age 18, 
term three years. 

John D. Turner, native of Ohio, enlisted at San- 
dusky, November 23, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 18, 
term three years. 



3i8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Michael Tashher, native of Hungary, enlisted at 
Sandusky, December 4, i86i, by J. Fernald; age 18, 
term three years; promoted to principal musician; 
died in hospital train, near Lunieda, Kentucky, of 
wounds received December 6, 1864; buried from Clay 
United States hospital, Louisville, Kentucky. 

Jonathan Taylor, enlisted at Sandusky, December 
25, 1861, by J. Fernald; term three years; wounded 
at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Dewitt C. Vance, native of Ohio, enlisted at San- 
dusky, December 4, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 36, 
term three years; wounded in the thigh at the battle 
of Guntown, Mississippi, June 10, 1864, captured, 
and died in a rebel prison. 

William M. Walker, native of Tennessee, enlisted 
at Sandusky, December 16, i86i,byj. Fernald; age 
37, term three years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, 
April 6, 1862. 

En Warner, native of Ohio, enlisted at Liverpool, 
January 11, 1862, by W. C. Bidle; age 48, term 
three years. 

John Warner, native of Ohio, enlisted at Liverpool, 
December 2, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 19, term 
three years. 

Henry Will, native of Germ my, enlisted at San- 
dusky, October 27, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 21, 
term three years; died April 10, 1862, on board boat 
on the Tennessee River, of wounds received at the 
battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Harrison Warner, native of Ohio, enlisted at San- 
dusky, December 26, 1861, by J. Fernald; age 20, 
term three years; died at Camp Shiloh, Tennessee, 
April II, 1862, of diarrhoea. 

John R. Akens, native of Ohio, enlisted at Flor- 
ence, October 25, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; a.ge 19, term 
three years; died on board boat near Madison, In- 
diana, of typhoid fever. May 14, 1862. 

Benjamin Thurlby, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Florence, October 29, 1861, by J. H. Poyer; age 18, 
term three years; killed at the battle of Shiloh, April 
6, 1862. 

Lucian Abel, died January 2, 1862, at Camp 
Number Five, before Corinth, of disease. 

John Buchman, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont, November 25, 1861, by A. Young; age 22, 
term three years; appointed second sergeant January 
10, 1862; killed during reconnoissance, December 6, 
1864, on Franklin Pike, Nashville, Tennessee. 

John Burger, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont November 20, 1861, by A. Young; age 45, term 
Jhree years. 

Christian Benedict, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont December 4, 1861, by A. Young; age 32, 
term three years. 

Bernard Brost, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont December 15, 1861, by A. Young; age 26, term 
three years; deserted June 14, 1862, Moscow, Ten- 
nessee. 

Jackson Renter, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 



Fremont October 29, i86r, by A. Young; term three 
years; wounded at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Michael Bauman, native of Germany, enlisted at 
York December 4, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; term three 
years; discharged August i, 1862, at Columbus, for 
disability. 

John Buider, enlisted at Fremont November 15, 
i86i, by A. Young; term three years; deserted Jan- 
uary 16, 1862, Fremont. 

Simon Cable, enlisted at Fremont November 23, 
1861, by A. Young; term three years. 

Lorenzo Dick, native of New York, enlisted at 
Fremont October 15, 1861, by A. Young; age 22, 
term three years; appointed first sergeant January 
10, 1862; promoted to second lieutenant April 6, 
1862; died of consumption June 20, 1862. 

Rudolph Dilger, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Sandusky December 28, 1861, by A. Young; age 37, 
term three years; died October 12, 1862, at Memphis, 
Tennessee, of disease. 

Louis Durr, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont November i, 1861, by A. Young; age 35, term 
three years; died September 7, 1862, at Memphis, 
Tennessee, of disease. 

Henry Dickman, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Sandusky January 5, 1862, by A. Young; age 21, 
term three years; died June 23, 1862, at Lafayette, 
Tennessee, of disease. 

Martin Engle, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
montjanuary 16, 1862, by A. Young; age 22, term 
three years; killed at siege of Vicksburg. 

John Engle, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont 
November 21, 1861, by A. Young; age 18, term 
three years. 

Clemans Eckhorn, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont December 14, 1861, by A. Young; term 
three years. 

Gotthelf Eberhard, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Akron December 11, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; term 
three years. 

Jacob Pessler, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Fremont October 28, 1861, by A. Young; age 29, 
term three years; died in Anderson ville prison 1864. 

John Fileman, native of Germany, enlisted Decem- 
ber 28, by A. Young; age 28, term three years. 

Philip Fertig, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont October 7, i86r, by A. Young; age 24, term 
three years; appointed fourth sergeant January 10, 
1862. 

Frederick Frank, native of Liverpool, enlisted at 
Liverpool November 25, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; term 
three years; discharged September 3, 1862, at Colum- 
bus, because of wound received at Shiloh. 

George Frideritzi, native of France, enlisted at 
Fremont October 25, 1861, by A. Young; age 35, 
term three years; died April 28, 1862, at Shiloh, Ten- 
nessee, of disease; wounded at Shiloh in April. 

Gustavus A. Gessner, native of New York, enlisted 
at Fremont December 9, 1861, by A. Young; term 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



319 



three years; appointed fourth sergeant J anuary 10, 
1862; appointed third sergeant April 6, 1862. 

George Grumbauer, native of Germany, enhsted 
at Warisworth December 20, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; 
term three years. 

Joseph Griner, deserted January 6, 1862, Fremont. 

John Glohr, native of Germany, enhsted at Fre- 
mont October 14, 1861, by A. Young; age 44, term 
three years; died May 10, 1862, at Shiloh, Tennes- 
see, of wounds received at Shiloh. 

John Gerstenberger, native of Germany, enhsted 
at Medina November 16, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 
28, term three years; appointed fifth sergeant Janu- 
ary 10, 1862; appointed fourth sergeant April 6, 1862. 

Christopher Gardner, native of Germany, enlisted 
at Fremont November 25, 1861, by A. Young; age 
33, term three years. 

Simon Gieble, discharged April 2, 1862, at Shiloh, 
Tennessee, for disability. 

William Holderman, native of Germany, enlisted 
at Fremont December 7, 1861, by A. Young; age 
18, term three years; died June 17, i86r, at Padu- 
cah, Kentucky, of disease. 

George Holderman, native of Germany, enlisted 
at Fremont October 23, 1861, by A. Young; age 20, 
term three years; discharged October 11, 1862, at 
Columbus, Ohio, for disability. 

George Hobart, deserted December 15, 1862, at 
Fremont, Ohio. 

Fridolin Haid, native of Germany, enlisted at San- 
dusky December 30, 1861, by A. Young; age 44, 
term three years; discharged September 14, 1862, at 
Memphis, Tennessee, for disability. 

Charles Hobart, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Columbus J anuary 8, 1862, by Able Dod; age 23, term 
three years. 

Nichlaus Huber, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont October 30, 1861, by A. Young; term three 
years; killed by a comrade at Memphis, Tennessee, 
November 13, 1862. 

George Hubbard, enlisted at Sandusky January 5, 
1862, by A. Young; term three years. 

Christian Hauer, enlisted at Sandusky January 8, 
i86r, by A. Young; term three years; deserted Janu- 
ary 13, 1862, at Fremont, Ohio. 

Lucas Haas, enlisted at Fremont November 20, 
1861, by A. Young; terni three years; discharged 
April 2, 1862, at Shiloh, Tennessee, for disability. 

John Carley, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont October 30, 1861, by A. Young; term three 
years. 

Andrew Kline, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont October 24, 1861, by A. Young; term three 
years. 

Frederick Lamnus, enlisted at Sandusky Novem- 
ber 14, 1861, by A. Young; term three years; desert- 
ed January 25, 1862, at Fremont, Ohio. 

Lewis Lehr, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont November 16, 1861, by A. Young; term three 



years; died May 9, 1862, in general hospital, of dis- 
ease. 

Jacob Lang, native of Germany, enlisted at San- 
dusky December 28, 1861, by A. Young; age 28, 
term three years; appointed sergeant January 10, 
1862; died of wounds received May 20, 1863. 

Abel Lucan, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont October 19, 1861, by A. Young; term three 
years. 

Rochus Link, native of Germany, enlisted at San- 
dusky December 14, 1861, by A. Young, age 18, 
term three years. 

Francis Mittler, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Sandusky November 15, 1861, by A. Young; age 2r, 
term three years; deserted June 11, 1862, at Moscow, 
Tennessee. 

Frederick Mittler, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Sandusky November 16, 1861, by A. Young; age 18, 
term three years; murdered Nichlaus Huber Novem- 
ber 13, 1862; was arrested, escaped from prison and 
deserted. 

Henry Markwalder, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont January 11, 1861, by A. Young; age 27, 
term three years; killed accidentally by discharge of 
his gun, July 25, 1862, near Memphis, Tennessee. 

Lorenzo Miller, native of Germany, enlisted at Re- 
public November 25, 1861, by Egbert; age 36, term 
three years. 

John Mailed, native of Ohio, enlisted at Liver- 
pool November 25, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 18, 
term three years. 

Jacob Mohler, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont November 16, 1861, by A. Young; term 
three years- 

Fred. Moerder, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont November 20, 1861, by A. Young; term 
three years. 

George Moll, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont December 7, 1861, by A. Young; age 29, term 
three years; killed at the battle of Shiloh .'^pril 6, 
1862. 

Adam Michal, enlisted at Fremont November i, 
1861, by A. Young; term three years; deserted Janu- 
ary 24, 1862, at Fremont. 

Andrew Mollock, enlisted at Liverpool November 
30, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; term three years; dis- 
charged April 2, 1862, at Shiloh, Tennessee, for dis- 
ability. 

Jacob Naas, native of France, enlisted at Fremont 
October 30, r86i, by A. Young; age 35, term three 
years; appomted first corporal January 10, 1862: 
deserted August 10, 1862, at Memphis, Tennessee. 

Lewis Mouth, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont October 28, 1861, by A. Young; age 40, term 
three years. 

John Momany deserted December T7, 1862, at 
Fremont. 

Sebastian Nice, native of France, enlisted at Fre- 
mont October 14, 1861, by A. Young; age i8, term 



320 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



three years; died July 27, 1862, at Memphis, Ten- 
nessee, of disease. 

Michael Nice, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont October 14, 1861, by A. Young; age 19, term 
three years. 

Anthony Ottne, native of Germany, enlisted Oc- 
tober 26, 1861, by A. Young; age 21, term three 
years. 

Joseph Orth, native of France, enlisted October 
26, 1861, by A. Young; age 21, term three years. 

John Oblinger, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont December 2, 1861, by A. Young; age 29, term 
three years; died of wounds received at Shiloh May 

14, 1862. 

Christian Ostermerir enlisted at Fremont Decem- 
ber 25, 1861, by A. Young; term three years; deserted 
January 16, 1862, at Fremont. 

John Rertzenger deserted December 9, 1861, Fre- 
mont. 

Louis Rapp, native of Germany, enlisted at Har- 
risville December 30, 1861, by W. C. Bidle, age 41, 
term three years; appointed eighth corporal January 
10, 1862; discharged September 16, 1862, Columbus, 
for disability. 

Charles Ruemele, enlisted at Fremont, January 
10, 1862, by A. Young; term three years; deserted 
February 2, 1862, Camp Chase. 

John Row, enlisted at Sandusky, January 6, 1862, 
by A. Young; term three years; deserted December 

15, 1862, Fremont. 

William Roos, enlisted at Sandusky, January 5, 
1862, by A. Young; term three years. 

John Ritz, native of Germany, enlisted at Liver- 
pool, December, 1861, by A. Young; age 32, term 
three years. 

Louis Ran, native of Germany, enlisted at San- 
dusky, December 28, 1861, by A. Young; age 18, 
term three years. 

Joseph Remele, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
November 21, 1861, by A. Young; age i8, term 
three years. 

Joseph Seiffert, native of France, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, October 23, 1861, by A. Young; age 24, term 
three years; appointed second sergeant January 10, 
1862; appointed first sergeant April 6, 1862. 

Jacob Shreiber, native of Bavaria, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, October 26, 1861, by A. Young; age 29, term 
three years; appointed fifth sergeant April 6, 1862. 

Charles Smith, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont, October 13, 1861, by A. Young; age 21, 
term three years; descried June 14, 1862, Moscow, 
Tennessee. 

Andrew Spaith, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont, December 14, 1861, by A. Young; age 20, 
term three years. 

Martin Swartzen, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont, November 2, 1861, by A. Young; age 32, 
term three years. 

Nicholas Stimert, native of Germany, enlisted at 



Medina, December 10, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 
40, term three years; discharged November 15, 1862, 
at Memphis, Tennessee, for disability. 

Frederick Shuler, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont, October 15, 1861, by A. Young; term three 
years; appointed fifth sergeant January lo, 1862; 
died at Macon rebel prison, date unknown. 

Jacob Stirtz, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, December 15, 1861, by A. Young; age 49, 
term three years; died November 15, 1862, in South- 
ern hospital, of wounds received at the battle of 
Shiloh. 

Henry Stoll, native of Ohio, enlisted at Sandusky, 
December 30, 1861, by A. Young; age 21, term three 
years. 

Jacob Stoll, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont, 
November 15, i86r, by A. Young; age 24, term three 
years; died April 30, in general hospital, of disease. 

John Shatymann, enlisted at Fremont, October 31, 

1861, by A. Young; term three years; discharged 
December 20, 1861, at Fremont, Ohio, by probate 
judge. 

Charles Smith, enlisted at Sandusky, January 6, 

1862, by A. Young; term three years; deserted De- 
cember 15, 1862, at Fremont, Ohio. 

Andrew Shoemaker, enlisted at Sandusky, Decem- 
ber 29, i86r, by A. Young; term three years; de- 
serted February 9, 1862, at Camp Chase, Ohio. 

George Unkart, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont, October 17, 1861, by A. Young; age 19, 
term three years. 

John Urich, native of Germany, enlisted Novem- 
ber 25, 1862, by A. Young; age 31, term three years; 
wounded at Vicksburg May 19, 1863. 

Andrew Unkel, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Sandusky November 17, 1861, by A. Young; term 
three years; appointed third sergeant January 10, 
1862; appointed first sergeant April 6, 1862. 

John S. Welch, native of France, enlisted at Fre- 
mont November 7, 1861, by A. Young; age 21, 
term three years. 

Frederick Werner, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont December 14, i86r, by A. Young; age 21, 
term three years. 

Markus Wolfe, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont November 10, 1861, by A. Young; age 21, 
term three years. 

M. Wegstine, native of Germany, enlisted at Fre- 
mont October 14, 1861, by A. Young; age 43, term 
three years; killed at battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

Joseph Willi, native of Germany, enlisted at San- 
dusky December 9, 1861, by A. Young; age 21, term 
three years. 

G. E. Young, native of France, enlisted at Colum- 
bus February 7, 1862, by A. Dod; age 37, term three 
years; deserted May 22, 1862, at Camp No. 5, before 
Corinth, Tennessee. 

George Yeaerger, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont, October 16, 1861, by A. Young; age 41, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



321 



term three years; died April 10, 1862, in general hos- 
pital of disease. 

Joseph Youngel, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont November 6, 1861, by A. Young; age 25, 
term three years; died of wounds received at .Shiloh, 
Tennessee, in hospital at Cincinnati. 

George Vangauzte, enlisted at Fremont October 
14, 1861, by A. Young; term three years; deserted 
October 17, 1862, at Fremont. 

Anthony Young, native of France, enlisted at 
Columbus October 12, i86r, by John Eddie; age 34, 
term three years. 

Lucian Greihch, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont December 14, i86i, by A. Young; age 34, 
term three years. 

Martin Kilian, native of Germany, enlisted at San- 
dusky December 30, 1861, by A. Young; age 28, 
term three years. 

Leonard Keller, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Fremont November 20, 1861, by A. Young; age 36, 
term three years. 

Louis Snyder, deserted January 14, 1862, Mem- 
phis, Tennessee. 

John Denning, drafted man, term nine months. 

John Hine, drafted man, term nine months. 

Frederick Hogrif, drafted man, term nine months. 

Julius Luders, drafted man, term nine months. 

George Stolts, drafted man, term nine months. 

Henry Schloman, drafted man, term nine months. 

George Gemaka, drafted man, term nine months. 

George Kiseling, drafted man, term nine months. 

Wisefield S. Ache, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Greensburg December 16, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 
19, term three years. 

Otis Atwell, native of New York, enlisted at 
Greensburg December 30, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 
34, term three years; discharged at Memphis, Ten- 
nessee, August 13, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of 
disability. 

Samuel Aldstadt, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Greensburg October 15, 1862, by J. Fickes; age 
23, term three years. 

Samuel Boar, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Greensburg October 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 24, 
term three years. 

Norman Brean, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Greensburg October 29, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 
19, term three years. 

William Bates, native of Oiiio, enlisted at Greens- 
burgh November 5, 1861, by J. Fikes; age 18, term 
three years. 

Daniel Breneman, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Greensburg December 5, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 
23, term three years. 

John Berile, native of France, enlisted at Greens- 
burg December 19, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 40, term 
three years; died on the march between Corinth, 
Mississippi, and Grand junction, June 15, 1862. 

F. Bowers, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 



burg, December 20, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 20, term 
three years. 

Joel Bungeret, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Greensburg, October 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 31, 
term three years. 

Jeremiah Baker, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Greensburg January 3, 1862, by J. Fickes; age 

18, term three years. 

Jefferson Baker, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Greensburg December 31, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 
20, term three years. 

Jackson Brawn, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 
burg Januaiy 2, 1862, by J. Fickes; age 18, term 
three years; deserted. 

Albert Bates, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 
burg October 11, 1862, by J. Fickes; age 19, term 
three years. 

Abel H. Campbell, native of Pennsylvania, en- 
listed at Greensburg November i, 1861, by J. 
Fickes; age 18, term three years. 

Levi Clinge, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 
burg November i, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 18, term 
three years. 

Charles Cadwell, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Greensburg November i, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 
20, term three years. 

Hobart Cole, native of Massachusetts, enlisted at 
Liverpool December 9, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 36, 
term three years. 

William Donnell, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Greensburg October 30, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 18, 
term three years. 

Christian Dater, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Greensburg November ir, 186 1, by J. Fickes; age 

19, term three years. 

Jerry W. Doubt, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Greensburg December 31, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 
19, term three years. ^ 

Uriah A. Dunkes, native of Ohio, enlisted a^ 
Greensburg December 3r, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 
27, term three years. 

Henry Dickson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Co- 
lumbus January 24, 1862, by A. B. Dod; age 18, term 
three years; died at Paducah, Kentucky, April 2, 
1862, of fever. 

James Donnel, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Greensburg October 22, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 32, 
term three years. 

Martin Eckhart, native of New York, enlisted at 
Greensburg November 21, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 
22, term three years; discharged at Paducah, Ken- 
tucky, March 22, 1862, by order of Surgeon John 
B. Rice, cause disability. 

Abraham Eldridge, enlisted at Greensburg No- 
vember 9, 1861, by J. Fickes; term three years. 

Henry Friar, enlisted at Greensburg October 16, 
1861, by J. Fickes; age 18, term three years; dis- 
charged at Columbus by order of .Secretary of War 
July 12, 1862, cause disability. 



322 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Jacob Fickes, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Columbus October ii, 1861, by J. R. Eddie; age 39, 
term three years. 

William C. Fancey, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Greensburg October 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 23, 
term three years; appointed eighth corporal Janu- 
ary 10, 1862; died at Cincinnati May 14, 1862, of 
typhoid fever. 

Jesarah Frantz, enlisted at Greensburg December 

21, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 18, term three years. 
Thomas Flinn, enlisted at Groton December 9, 

1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 34, term three years. 

Alexander Games, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Greensburg October 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 18, 
term three years; died at general hospital October 

23, 1862, of disease. 

William Graves, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 
burg November 21, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, term 
three years. 

Martin V. Garn, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Greensburg November 24, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 

22, term three years; discharged at Columbus August 
5, 1862, for disability. 

William Gilger, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 
burg, October 21, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, term 
three years; died at Camp Shiloh, May 3, 1862, of 
typhoid fever. 

Jackson Gossard, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Greensburg, February 12, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 
22, term three years. 

D. L. Goodrich, nati\'e of Connecticut, enlisted at 
Medina, November 21, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 

24, term three years; appointed first sergeant, Janu- 
ary 10, 1862. 

Henry K. Hulbert, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Greensburg, October 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 18, 
term three years. 

John Holland, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 
burg, October 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 18, term 
three years; died at Cincinnati, April 12, 1862, of 
typhoid fever. 

Isaiah Huff, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Greensburg, December 9, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 
43, term three years; discharged at Columbus, July 
21, 1862, by order of the Secretary of War, cause 
disability. 

John W. Hoils, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 
burg, November 13, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 38, 
term three years. 

Minniah Hyatt, enlisted at Harrisville, December 
18, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 42, term three years. 

Wilham A. Hill, Jr., native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Greensburg, October 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, 
term three years; appointed second sergeant January 
10, 1862; discharged at Memphis, Tennessee, August 
August 13, 1862, on sergeon's certificate of disability. 

Milton Hazzer, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 
burg, October 21, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, term 
three years; appointed fifth sergeant, January 10, 



1862; reduced to ranks September i, 1862; deserted 
at Moscow, January 9, 1863. 

Solomon B. Heberling, native of Ohio, enlisted 
at Greensburg, October 21, 1861, by f. Fickes;' age 
21, term three years; appointed seventh corporaj 
January 10, 1862; discharged at Columbus July 20, 
1862, by order of the Secretary of War; cause disa- 
bility. 

Henry Jokes, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Greensburg November 23, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 
35, term three years; appointed first corporal Jan- 
uary 10, 1862. 

William Koutz, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 
burg, November 23, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 31, 
term three years; died. 

Edward Kermerling, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Greensburg, October 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; aged 18, 
term three vears. 

John Kemmerling, native of Pennsylvania, en- 
listed at Greensburg, October 10, 186 1, by J. Fickes; 
age 23, term three years; appointed sixth corporal 
January 10, 1862; discharged at Indianapolis Sep- 
tember 10, 1862, for disability. 

John T. Koontz, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens, 
burg, November 23, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 25, 
term three years; appointed fovrth corporal January 
10, 1862; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, July 11, 
1862, by order of A. B. Dod; cause disability. 

Christian Monarchy, native of Germany, enlisted 
at Greensburg, October 12, i86i,byj. Fickes; age 
44, term three years; died at Fremont, Ohio, of 
fever. 

John Moses, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Greensburg, October 16, i86i,byj. Fickes; age 18, 
term three years. 

Jacob Martyn, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 
burg, October 29, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 22, term 
three years. 

Eii Metcalf, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 
burg, December 28, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 18, 
term three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, 
October 5, 1862, for disability. 

Louis Monroe, native of New York, enlisted at 
Medina, January 8, 1862, by W. C. Bidle; age 36, 
term three years. 

James Mansfield, native of Ohio, enlisted at Chip- 
pewa, January 8, 1862, by W. C. Bidle; age 18, 
term three years; arrested for murdering a negro 
woman in June, 1864; escaped and deserted to 
enemy. 

Ephraim Metcalf, native of Massachusetts, enlisted 
at Greensburg, October 21, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 
20, term three years; appointed second corporal 
January 10, 1862; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, 
September 12, 1862, by order of A. B. Dod; cause 
wounded received at the battle of Shiloh April 6 and 
7, 1862. 

Emanuel Plains, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Greensburg, November 14, 1861, by J. Fickes; 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



323 



age 21, term three years; wounded at the battle ui 
Shiloh April 6, 1862; died April 7, 1862. 

Franklin Plants, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Greensburg November 20, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 
18, term three years. 

James Park, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
December 15, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 52, 
term three years; discharged at Columbus Septem- 
ber 24, 1862, for disability. 

A. B. Putman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 
burg October 12, i86r, by J. Fickes; age 23, term 
three years; appointed fourth sergeant January 10, 
1862; promoted to second lieutenant September i, 
1862: date of commission September 16, 1862. 

William Ream, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 
burg, October ig, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, term 
three years. 

Samuel Raush, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 
burg, October 15, 1861, by J. F'ickes; age 19, term 
years. 

Charles Robinson, enlisted at Greensburg, Octo- 
ber 15, 1861, by J. Fisher; age 22, term three years. 

John C. Rhodes, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted 
at Greensburg January 4, 1862, by J. Fickes; age 
44, term three years. 

John M. Reinhart, enlisted at Greensburg Novem- 
ber 16, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 23, term three years; 
died at Memphis. 

Joseph Shell, enlisted at Greensburg October 2^, 
1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, term three years. 

Daniel D. Snyder, native of Pennsylvania, en- 
listed at Greensburg, November 16, 1861, by [. 
Fickes; age 27, term three years. 

Edwin Smus, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 
burg, November i, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 22, term 
three years. 

William Scott, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 
burg October 21, 1861, by J. Fisher; age 36, term 
three years. 

Godfrey Stahl, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Greensburg November 15, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 44, 
term three years; died in camp near Corinth, Missis- 
sippi, May 29, 1862. 

John Stahl, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Greensburg October 31, 1 861, by J. Fickes; age 26, 
term three years. 

Joseph Smith, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Greensburg November 25, 1861, by J. Fickes; age33, 
term three years; discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, 
June 28, 1862, by order of Major Granger, for disa- 
bility caused by wounds received at the battle of 
Shiloh, Tennessee, April 6 and 7, 1862. 

George Shafer, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Homer December 23, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 
50, term three years. 

Charles D. Trego, enlisted at Greensburg, No- 
vember 14, 1 86 1, by J. Fickes; age 31, term three 
years. 

Henry Unger, native of Ohio, enlisted at Greens- 



burg December 30, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, term 
three years; died at Fremont March 7, 1862, of fever. 

Henry Spangler, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Homer January 14, 1862, by W. C. Bidle; age 
42, term three years; discharged at Paducah, March 
22, 1862, by order of Surgeon John B. Rice, for dis- 
ability. 

Andrew Wanders, enlisted at Greensburg October 
22, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 28, term three years; 
killed at the battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862. 

Jacob Whitmore, enlisted at Greensburg Novem- 
ber 22, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 25. term three years. 

John Whitmore, enlisted at Greensburg October 
22, 1861, by J. Fickes; age22, term three years. 

Charles Woodrough, enlisted at Greensburg No- 
vember ri, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, term three 
years. 

Chauncey Walters, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Greensburg November 13, 1861, by J. Fisher; age 19, 
term three years. 

Cyrus F. Wing, enlisted at Greensburg, Novem- 

18, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 21, term three years; 
mortally wounded at the battle of Spanish Fort, near 
Mobile, in April, 1865. 

Michael Welch, enlisted at Greensburg December 
17, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 40, term three years. 

Joel Woodruff", enlisted at Paducah February 14, 
1862, by J. Fickes; age 19, term three years; dis- 
charged at Columbus, Ohio, June 28, 1862, for disa- 
bility. 

Josiah Fairbanks, native of Massachusetts, en- 
listed at Greensburg October 31, 1861, by J. Fickes; 
age 31, term three years; appointed third sergeant 
January 10, 1862; appointed first sergeant September 
I, 1862. 

John O'Brian, native of Pennsylvania, enlisted at 
Greensburg October 25, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 28, 
term three years; appointed third sergeant January 
ID, 1862. 

Jacob Wagner, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Greensburg October 26, 1861, by J. Fickes; age 30, 
term three years; appointed fifth corporal January 
10, 1862; appointed fifth sergeant September i, 1862. 

Andrew Baker, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont August 13, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 18, 
term three years. 

Solomon Baker, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont August 13, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 21, 
term three years. 

Samuel Frazier, native of New Jersey, enlisted at 
Fremont August 30, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 31, 
term three years. 

Solomon J. Munsell, native of New York, enlisted 
at Fremont August 29, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 
30, term three years. 

Jacob Putman, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont 
August 28, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 18, term 
three years; killed in the assault on Vicksburg May 

19, 1863. 



324 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Hiram Philipps, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont, August 2Q, 1862, by A. B. Putman, age 21, 
term three years. 

John Riley, native of England, enlisted at Fremont 
September 13, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 18, term 
three years. 

Charles Riegler, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fre- 
mont September 6, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 24, 
term three years. 

David F. Shoe, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont 
August 28, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 22, term 
three years. 

Joseph Strause, native of Ohio, enlisted at Fremont 
August 30, 1862, by A. B. Putman; age 18, term 
three years. 

Louis Albershazdt, native of Germany, enlisted 
at Cincinnati December 11, 1861, by L. M. Thomp- 
son; age 18, term three years. 

Michael Bardin, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, December 19, 1861, bv L. M. Thomp- 
son; age 29, term three years; appointed fourth ser- 
geant April 30, 1862. 

Edwin R. Beach, native of Ohio, enlisted at Medi- 
na November 4, 1861, by W. C. Bidle; age 23, term 
three years; appointed first sergeant February 12, 
1862. 

Henry Bookshon, native of Kentucky, enlisted at 
Cincinnati December 14, 1861, by M. T. William- 
son; age 19, term three years; deserted November 
26, 1862, at Memphis, Tennessee. 

William Baumgartner, native of Kentucky, en- 
listed at Cincinnati December 5, 1861, by M. T. 
Williamson; age 16, term three years; murdered by 
rebel prison guard for picking up a small piece of 
wood for fuel on entering the rebel stockade prison 
at Millen, Georgia, in September or October, 1864. 

Michael Byrns, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati November 20, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; 
age 23, term three years. 

Henry Cook, native ot Germany, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati, by L. M. Thompson; age 45, term three 
years; became insane and wandered away. 

Edward Costello, enlisted at Cincinnati December 
9, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 17, term three 
years; died in hospital prison at Camp Chase. 

John Carlisle, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincin- 
nati December 9, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age 44, 
term three years. 

George W. Cox, native of Ohio, enlisted at Miami 
December 25, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age 19, term 
three years. 

Jackson Cox enlisted at Miami December 25, 
1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age 17, term three years. 

Thomas Cavanaugh, native of Ireland, enlisted at 
Cincinnati January 9, 1862, by M. T. Williamson; 
age 32, term three years. 

Andrew H. Crawford, native of Kentucky, age 45. 
term three years; discharged March 22, 1862, at Shi- 
loh, Tennessee, for disability. 



William Dutton, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati November 7, by W. H. Skarrett; age 37, 
term three years. 

John J. Dugans, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati January 25, 1862, by L. M. Thompson; age 
37, term three years; discharged at Memphis, Ten- 
nessee, August 20, 1862, by order of John B. Rice; 
cause disability, by account of wounds received at 
the battle of Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 1862. 

Patrick Donahue, native of Ireland, enlisted at 
Cincinnati December 10, 1861, by M. T. William- 
son; age ig, term three years. 

Peter Eagan, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincin- 
nati December 4, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 18. 
term three years. 

Thomas Erles, died June 9, 1862, at Evansville, 
Indiana. 

William Emasing, native of Prussia, enlisted at 
Cincinnaii November 29, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; 
age 40, term three years; appointed sixth corporal 
January 11, 1862. 

John B. Emerking, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati December 17, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age 
20, term three years; appointed third corporal Janu- 
ary II, 1862. 

Isaac Finley, enlisted at Chillicothe November 5, 

1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age 50, term three years; 
discharged January 14, 1862, at Camp Dennison, for 
disability. 

Patrick Faman, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati Decembers, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 
26, term three years; deserted July 21, 1862, at 
Memphis, Tennessee. 

Henry F. Frank, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Cincinnati December 6, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; 
age 36, term three years. 

Jesse Flinn, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincinnati 
December 12, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 53, 
term three years; discharged September 20, 1862, at 
Memphis, Tennessee, from wounds received at Shi- 
loh. 

James Farrell, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati December 7, 1861, by L. M. Thompson, age 
36, term three years. 

James Foley, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cincin 
nati, January 20, 1862, by M. T. Williamson; age 
20, term three years. 

Leopert Goldsmith, enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio, 
December 17, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 18, 
term three years; discharged December 20, 1861, by 
probate judge. 

Patrick Gallagher, native of Ireland, enlisted at 
Chillicothe, November 13, 186 r, by W. H. Skarrett; 
age 33, term three years; taken prisoner April 6, 

1862, at the battle of Shiloh, Tennessee. 

John Graham, enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio, Decem- 
ber 30, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 33, term 
three years; deserted January 9, i 862, Camp Den- 
nison, Ohio. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



325 



Ephraim Grant, enlisted at Cincinnati, Oliio, 
January 21, 1862, by L. M. Thompson; age 23, 
term three years; deserted January 30, 1862, Camp 
Dennison, Ohio. 

Peter F. Glardin, native of France, enlisted at 
Cincinnati, Ohio, December 25, 1861, by L. M. 
Thompson; age 43, term three years. 

Samuel Green, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, January 28, 1861, by L. M. Thomp- 
son; age 52, term three years; died at Moscow, Ten- 
nessee, July 16, 1862. 

John Harley, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, December 3, 1861, by L. M. Thomp- 
son; age 45, term three years; deserted at Cincinnati, 
February 19, 1862. 

John Henry, enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio, October 
7, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 21, term three 
years; deserted January 25. 1862, Camp Dennison, 
Ohio. 

Isaac B. Holman, native of Massachusetts, en- 
listed at Chillicothe, November 8, i86r, by W. H. 
Skarrett; age 45, term three years; appointed seventh 
corporal January 11, 1862; deserted April 14, 1862, 
Cincinnati. 

John Hinson, native of Ohio, enlisted at Chilli- 
cothe December 10, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age 
56, term three years. 

Patrick Handly, native of Ireland, enlisted at 
Cincinnati, Ohio, December 12, 1861, by L. M. 
Thompson; age 24, term three years. 

Henry Hokkman, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Cincinnati December 13, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; 
age 39, term three years. 

Thomas D. Homer, native of Pennsylvania, en- 
Hsted at Cincinnati December 12, 1861, by L. M. 
Thompson; age 36, term three years; taken prisoner 
at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. 

George W. Howell, native of Maryland, enlisted 
at Cincmnati November 30, 1861, by L. M. Thomp- 
son; age 41, term three years. 

William Isdell, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati, January 16, 1862, by L. M. Thompson; age 
18, term three years. 

Edward Ireland, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati November 4, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 

18, term three years. 

Alexander Inloes, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati October 17, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; age 

19, term three years. 

Charles Johnston, enlisted at Cmcinnati November 
6, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 21, term three 
years, deserted January 15, 1862, Camp Dennison, 
Ohio. 

John W. Jeffries, native of New York, enlisted 
at Cincinnati December 7, 1861, by L. M. Thomp- 
son; age 25, term three years; appointed fifth cor- 
poral January 11, 1862; deserted August 4, 1862, 
Memphis, Tennessee. 

Daniel Lucas, native of Pennsylvania, age 23. 



Philip King, native of Germany, enlisted at Ham- 
ilton November 25, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 
30, term three years. 

William Kelley, deserted February 19, 1862, Camp 
Chase, Ohio. 

John Miller, enlisted at Cincinnati November 19, 

1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 29, term three years; 
deserted February 7, 1862, Camp Dennison, Ohio. 

Peter Michels, native of Prussia, enlisted at Wil- 
liamstown November 20, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; 
age 17, term three years. 

Joseph Maier, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Power Station December 4, 1861, by L. M. Thomp- 
son; age 26, term three years. 

Joseph McMakin, enlisted at Cincinnati Decem- 
ber 10, i86i, Ly L. M. Thompson; age 18, term three 
years; deserted January 11, 1862, Camp Dennison. 

Alexander Mathews, native of Louisiana, enlisted 
at Cincinnati December 12, 1861, by L. M. Thomp- 
son; age 18, term three years. 

William McMillen, enlisted at Cincinnati Decem- 
ber 7, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 17, term 
three years; discharged at Memphis, Tennessee, Au- 
gust 20, 1862, by order of Surgeon John B. Rice, 
cause disability. 

James McNeal, native of Massachusetts, enlisted 
at Cincinnati, October 22, r86r, by L. M. Thomp- 
son; age 18, term three years; discharged March 
22, 1862, Shiloh, Tennessee, for disability. 

Henry McCabe, native of New York, enlisted at 
Cincinnati December 25, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; 
age 18, term three years. 

Allgck Moore, native of England, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati November 26, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; 
age 49, term three years; taken prisoner April 6, 

1862, at Shiloh, Tennessee. 

Edward McMahn, native of Ireland, enlisted at 
Cincinnati, November 16, r86i, by M. T. William- 
son; age 25, term three years; appointed second 
sergeant April 30, 1862. 

Theodore Murray, deserted July 10, 1862, at Mos- 
cow, Tennessee. 

James Musser, native of Maryland, enlisted at 
Cincinnati December 8, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; 
age 30, term three years; appointed eighth corporal 
April 30, 1862; deserted August 4, 1862, at Memphis, 
Tennessee. 

Thomas Neville, native of Ireland, enlisted at 
Cincinnati November 13, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; 
age 33, term three years. 

Patrick Norton, native of Ireland, enlisted at 
Chillicothe November 26, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; 
age 43, term three years. 

John P. O'Connell, native of Massachusetts, en- 
listed at Cincinnati October 28, 1861, by L. M. 
Thompson; age 25, term three years; discharged at 
Memphis, Tennessee, August 22, 1862, by order of 
Surgeon John B. Rice, cause disability. 

Dennis L. O'Connor, enlisted at Chillicothe, No- 



326 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



veniber i6, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; age 45, term 
three years; deserted February 7, 1862, at Camp 
Dennison, Ohio. 

John O'Connor, native of Lower Canada, enhsted 
at Chillicothe, Decemberg, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; 
age 16, term three years; discharged August 20, 
1862, at Memphis, Tennessee, for disability. 

WiUiam O'Donnell, enhsted at Cincinnati, De- 
cember 26, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 26, term 
three years; deserted February i, 1862, at Camp 
Dennison, Ohio. 

David O'Connor, killed at the battle of Shiloh, 
Tennessee, April 6, 1862. 

Jeremiah O'Donnell, native of Ireland, enlisted at 
Chillicothe, December 6, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; 
age 23, term three years. 

Dennis O'Connor, jr., native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Cincinnati, Decembers, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; 
age 18, term three years. 

John Ollendick, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati January 6, 1862, by M. T. Williamson; age 
19, term three years. 

Orlando P. Pierce, native of New York, enlisted 
at Cincinnati by L. M. Thompson, October 29, 
1862; age 43, term three years. 

Henry Pulse, native of Indiana, enlisted at 
Miamitown January 3, 1862, by L. M. Thompson; 
age 18, term three years; discharged August 15, 
1862, at Cincinnati, Ohio, for disability. 

■William Payne, native of Indiana, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati November 25, i86r, by L. M. Thompson; 
age 21, term three years; discharged October i, 
1862, at Louisville, Kentucky, for disability. 

James Palton, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincin- 
nati December 14, 1861, by M. T. Williamson; age 
22, term three years; deserted November 26, 1862, at 
Memphis, Tennessee. 

William Rooten, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati December 5, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 
35, term tliree years; appointed first corporal De- 
cember 13, 1861; died September 27, 1862, at Cin- 
cinnati, of disease. 

William F. Smith, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati October 24, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 
24, term three years. 

Edward St. Helens, native of Ireland, enlisted at 
Cincinnati November 5, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; 
age 41, term three years; discharged November 13, 
1862, Memphis, Tennessee. 

Joseph G. Service, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati November 13, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 
18, i86i,term three years; sent to general hospital 
June 3, 1862. 

John Shifflett, enlisted at Chillicothe December 6, 
1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 49 term three years; 
died at Camp Dennison, January 7, 1862. 

Alonzo Stewart, enlisted at Xenia December 16, 
1861; discharged July 20, 1862, at Cincinnati, for dis- 
abilitv. 



John Sullivan, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cincin- 
nati December 31, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 45. 

Henrick Siefert, native of Germany, enlisted at 
Cincinnati January 4, i86i,by L. M. Thompson; age 
31, term three years. 

George M. Schlundts, native of Germany, enlisted 
at Cincinnati October 14, 1861, by L. M. Thomp- 
son; age 27, term three years. 

John Stapleton, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati January 6, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 
46, term three years. 

Henry Shefer enlisted at Cincinnati January 2, 
1862, by L. M. Thompson; age 39, term three years. 

Isaac Stem, enlisted at Cincinnati, November 30, 
1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 17, term three years; 
discharged December 28, 1862, Cincinnati, probate 
jndge. 

William H. Skarrett, native of Ohio, enlisted at 
Cincinnati November 2, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; 
age 26, term three years. 

James H. Stewart, native of Virginia, enli'Jted at 
Cincinnati, September 28, 1861, by L. M. Thomp- 
son; age 37, term three years; appointed first ser- 
geant October 5, i86r. 

Michael Lerry, native of Ireland, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati November 29, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; 
age 29, term three years; discharged October 6, 1862, 
Cincinnati, of wounds received at Shiloh. 

Granville Log, enlisted at Cincinnati December 13, 
1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 18, term three years; 
deserted February 5, 1862, Camp Dennison, Ohio. 

Theodore M. Thompson, native of Ohio, enlisted 
at Columbus October 5' 1861, by J. R. Eddie; age 
34, term three years. 

Horatio B. Lurrill, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati October 31, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 
26, term three years; appointed third sergeant Oc- 
tober 31, 1861. 

John Loy, native of New Jersey, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati December 31, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; 
age 53, term three years; appointed eighth corporal 
January 11, 1862; died at Cincinnati, May 7, 1862. 

Peter Hernick, native of Ohio, enlisted at Cincin- 
nati December 11, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 
18, term three years. 

David S. Vallette, native of New York, enlisted at 
Chillicothe December 15, 1861, by W. H. Skarrett; 
age 50, term three years. 

James 'Wright, native of Vermont, enlisted at New 
Haven November 23, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; 
age 44, term three years; killed at the battle of Siii- 
loh, April 3, 1862. 

James Thomas 'Wickershany, enlisted at Cincin- 
nati November 12, i36i, by L. M. Thompson; term 
three years; deserted January 10, 1862, Camp Den- 
nison, Ohio, unfit for service on account of disease 
contracted before enlistment. 

John Warner, native of Germany, enlisted at Cin- 
cinnati, December 12, 1861, by L. M. Thompson; 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



327 



age 22, term three years; appointed fifth sergeant 
December 26, 1861. 

W. C. Wright, enHstedat Cincinnati December 21, 
1861, by L. M. Thompson; age 2t, term three years; 
appointed tirst sergeant January 11, 1862. 

Francis Whilter, native of Maine, enhsted at Cin- 
cinnati, December 25, by L. M. Thompson; age 53, 
term three years. 

Richard Webster, native of Ireland, enhsted at 
Cincinnati, November 16, 1861, by L. M. Thomt> 
son; age 25, term three years. 

THE ONE HUNDREDTH OHIO VOLUNTEER 
INFANTRY. 

Sandusky county contributed a company 
to the One Hundredth regiment of Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, and to record the ser- 
vices performed by these men it is neces- 
sary to give some account of the services 
of the entire regiment. 

It was organized at Toledo in July 
and August, 1862, and was mustered into 
service in September of that year, and 
moved to Cincinnati on the 8th of the 
same month for the purpose of defending 
that city. The next day it was put in 
position on Covington Heights, near Fort 
Mitchell. It marched thence for Lexing- 
ton, Kentucky, on the 8th of October, 
where it remained for drill and took a 
thorough course of instruction in the 
science of war until the ist of December 
of that year. It then moved to Danville, 
and on the 3d of January, 1863, moved 
to Frankfort. About the last of February, 
1863, the regiment marched to Lexing- 
ton to intercept a rebel raid, and from 
that point it marched to Crab Orchard, 
Mount Vernon, Somerset, and to various 
other points where the presence of the 
enemy seemed to require. On the 13th 
day of August, 1863, it went into camp 
at Danville, Kentucky, to be ready for a 
march into East Tennessee. Upon reach- 
ing Knoxville a portion of the regiment 
was sent up to the Virginia State line to 
guard the railroad. The portion so de- 
tached, being two hundred and forty in 
number, were captured by the enemy on 



the 4th of September, and the men sent 
to Richmond, Virginia. This regiment 
participated in the defence of Knoxville, 
and was on active duty during its stay in 
East Tennessee. In the spring of 1864 
the regiment marched in the Twenty- 
third Army Corps to join General Sher- 
man, then at Trumbull Hill, in Georgia. 
Thence it moved on in the Atlanta cam- 
paign, and was present at almost every 
battle, from Rocky Face Ridge to At- 
lanta. 

On the 6th of August, 1864, it was en- 
gaged in an assault on the rebel works in 
front of Atlanta, with a loss of one hun- 
dred and three men out of three hundred 
taken into the fight. Thirty-six men were 
killed on the field, and eight more died 
from wounds within the next thirty days. 
The colonel was disabled for life. After 
the evacuation of Atlanta the regiment 
joined in the pursuit of Hood, and partici- 
pated in the battles of Franklin and Nash- 
ville. With the Twenty-third Army Corps 
it then went to Wilmington, North Caro- 
lina, and was there actively engaged. 
Then it marched into the interior and 
from Goldsborough to Raleigh with Sher- 
man's army. Next it moved to Greens- 
borough, and from there to Cleveland, 
Ohio, where it was mustered out of the 
service on the ist day of July, 1865, having 
served two years and ten months from the 
time it was mustered into the service. 

LOSSES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH. 

This regiment lost during its term of 
service: Sixty-five men killed in action, one 
hundred and forty-two wounded; twenty- 
seven died of wounds; one hundred and 
eight died of disease; three hundred and 
twenty-five were captured by the enemy, 
and eighty-five died in rebel prisons. It 
gloriously participated in the battles of 
Lenoir Station, Knoxville, Rocky Face 
Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Etowah Creek, 
Atlanta, Columbus, Franklin, Nashville, 



328 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



Town Creek, and Wilmington. At the or- 
ganization of the regiment the following 
were the officers: John C. Groom, col- 
onel; Patrick Slevin, lieutenant-colonel; 
Edwin L. Hayes, major; George A. Col- 
lamore, surgeon; Henry McHenry, assist- 
ant surgeon. 

There were a number of changes by 
resignation and promotion of these offi- 
cers, which are not necessary to be stated 
in this history. 

The officers and privates of company 
K, of this regiment, were from Sandusky 
county, and were as follows: 

COMPANY K. 
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Nathaniel Haynes. 
First Lieutenant Sanford Haff. 
Second Lieutenant William Taylor. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant Joshua H. Green. 
Sergeant Zeno T. Brush. 
Sergeant William Ferguson. 
Sergeant Ephraim Wheeler. 
Sergeant Frank W. Russell. 
Corporal Horatio W. Allen. 
Corporal William Harris. 
Corporal John Elliott. 
Corporal Henry Donneyson. 
Corporal William Wotcott. 
Corporal Henry B. Nichols. 
Corporal Edward Heath. 
Corporal William G. Parks. 
Musician Richard Moore. 
Musician William Young. 
Wagoner Frederick Brown. 

PRIV.\TES. 

Cornelius Abbott, William H. -Anderson, George 
Ames, George L. Bi.xler, John Berkley. Charles Ben- 
nett, Henry Adams, William H. Batesole, Bliss 
Baker, Samuel Binkley, Cyrus T. Call, Corto Call, 
Daniel Carnicomb, P. Carnicomb, Evander Dunning, 
Edwin R. Dunning, John Donmire, John Dillon, 
James Dymond, John A. Ensperger, Taylor Fuller, 
James H. Fowler, John Fowler, Peter Fleagle, John 
Fleagle, William Gambere, Jonathan Herbster, Nor- 
man Hill, George J. Hill, Charles Hardy, Hiram L. 
Hines, James E. Hislet, Christian Hoopnail, Abra- 
ham Hoopnail, Charles F. Hiseman, Lyman K. 
Jones, W'illiam H. Jackson, Cyrus W. Jones, Eliph- 
alet Jackson, Rodolphus Kepfer, Reuben Klose, 
Barney Kline, Joseph A. Loveland, Henry Lance, 
Philip Lutes, William Mowrer, Daniel Munger, Orin 



Mott, McCreary, Hiram May, Thomas McKil- 

lips, John McKillips, William Midcup, Hezediah 
McDowell, Judge T. Metcalf, Carlol Nash, Joseph 
M. Parish, William Parish, George Pierson, Joseph 
Pierson, Sylvester Peasley, Lyman G. Richards, 
Silas L. Richards, Alexander Reigurt, William 
Rogers, Michael StuU, Ale.xander Scrymger, John A. 
Shively, Frederick Shahl, Henry T. Smith, John F. 
Schwartz, Henry Shultz, John Sevibeck, Benjamin 
Smith, Reuben Stine, John W. Stone, Joseph .Sharp, 
John M. Steward, Joseph Wentting, Sheldon West- 
over, Samuel Whitehead, Nathan Warring, Hiram 
Stull, William H. Havice, William Young. 

ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVENTH OHIO VOL- 
UNTEER INFANTRY. 
FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS. 

Colonel John R. Bond, honorably discharged 
October i8, 1864, and succeeded by Lieutenant- 
Colonel Isaac R. Sherwood, February 2, 1864. 

Lieutenant-Colonel B. W. Johnson, resigned Feb- 
ruary 6, 1862. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Moses R. Brailey. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Isaac R. Sherwood. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas C. Norris, mustered 
out as Major. 

Major Moses R. Brailey. 

Major Isaac R. Sherwood. 

Major Benjamin F. .Southworth. 

Major Henry J. McCord. 

Surgeon Lyman Brewer. 

Chaplain A. Hollington. 

The following will show the men of 
this regiment from Sandusky, and a history 
of the services they performed with the 
regiment during the war for the suppres- 
sion of the Southern Rebellion. The sketch 
is prepared froni information furnished 
by Captain J. V. Beery, and the diary of 
Corporal Joseph Schwartz, kept by him 
while in the service, and also from informa- 
tion given by private Robert Long, of 
company A, of the regiment, and was 
compiled by H. Everett, esq., as a part of 
his intended history of Sandusky county, 
in the year 1876, and published by him in 
February, 1877. 

Sandusky county furnished one full 
company. A, for this regiment, and also a 
major part of comj^any G. Company A, 
usually designated as Captain Beery's 
company — because its enlistment and or- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



329 



ganization were accomplished chiefly by 
his zealous labors — was organized at Fre- 
mont, August ir, 1862, mustered into the 
United States service at Camp Toledo, 
Ohio, September 5, 1862, and moved 
thence to the front with the regiment, 
September 1 1, 1862. 

The following named ofificers and pri- 
vates constituted this company: 

COMPANY A. 
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain John V. Beery. 

First Lieutenant Joseph H. Jennings. 

Second Lieutenant Orin B. Frome. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Sergeant William Beery. 
Sergeant Charles Abies. 
Sergeant Charles Baker. 
Sergeant David Fausey. 
Sergeant Merrit Holcomb. 
Corporal Zemira G. Burton. 
Corporal Charles F. Edwards. 
Corporal Christopher C. Wonders. 
Corporal James L. Tmdall. 
Corporal George D. Evans. 
Corporal John P. Walker. 
Corporal Henry VanBuskirk. 
Corporal John R. Ramsey. 
Musician James Current. 
Musician Isadora Shell. 
Wagoner John A. Grant. 

PRIVATES. 

William H. Arlen, David A. Andrews, James Ben- 
nett, John Boyer, John Buchold, George W. Beery, 
Henry H. Baker, William S. Baldwin, Isaac Baugh- 
man, Elias Babine, Eli Bruner, Martin Bumthaver, 
fohn Burns, James C. Carpenter, William Craig, 
George Charter, George Dixon, Linden Donalds, 
Jacob Decker, John D. Evans, Nelson R. Forster, 
John K. Farver, Charles F. Flowers, Frederick 
Geisicker, John Gillard, James B. Garten, Manning- 
ton Garten, George Grace, Louis Hemminger, John 
Hatler, Harmon Hazleton, Sylvanus Hathaway, 
William H. Huffman, Charles A. Hamshur, Elias 
Holenbaugh, Herbert L. Hathaway, Anson L. 
Hariff, Charles A. Hariff, Samuel Jackson, Joseph 
Jackson, Joseph C. King, Nicholas Kihn, Jared M. 
Lern, Robert Long, Franklin Lance, George W. 
Long, William Little, Henry Leflar, Edward Myers, 
John Mosier, Henry C. Munson, John Madden, 
George Myers, Herman McDaniels, John H. Mc- 
Nutt, Anthony Nonnemaker, Jonas Neff, Orin 
Overmyer, Theodore Ogle, John R. Parker, Joseph 
A. Porter, Elisha Prior, Emanuel Roush, Samuel 
Ridley, John K. Rickard, Edward Sibrell, David H. 
42 



Speaker, John Scomlon, Joseph Stephenson, A. 
Smart, Charles E. Sheffer, Richard Smith, Jacob 
Smith, John Stoll, Joseph Swartz, George W. Van- 
Sickle, Martin Vanhorn, John White, Jacob Parker. 

For the organization of company G, of 
the One Hundred and Eleventh regiment 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, this county fur- 
nished the following named officers and 
privates : 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain H. J. McCord. 
First Lieutenant M. P. Bean. 
Second Lieutenant George W. Moore. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

First .Sergeant Robert Lattimore. 
Second Sergeant G. B. McCord. 
Third Sergeant P. F. Dalton. 
Fourth Sergeant Moses P. Boose. 

PRIVATES. 

R. B. Alexander, James H. Boore, Eli Brough, 
Daniel Beekley, Coonrod Cramer, Jacob A. Crawn, 
Jackson Cuisno, George N. Crowell. Henry Disler, 
R. K. Dalton, Silas B. Dymond, Isaac Down, Addi- 
son Fulton, David Gemberliz, Bradley Gould, John 
Geshart, William Groves, Cyrus Hoff, Mathias 
House, William Vadersoll, William Winters, David 
Warner, Erastus Alexander, Philip Mathia, A. Hine- 
line, Jack Shepler, Robert W. Parks, Isaac M. Garn, 
Herman Ickes, William Fought, Thomas H, Meek, 
James L. Miller, Henry Oswalt, John Payne, James 
Park, Peter Rickle, Perry Ritter, Isaac Shole, John 
A. Siler, Lewis Smith, John Shepler, John Schuster, 
Orison Smith, Daniel I. Ickes, Josiah Jones, James 
Keeran, Jonas L. Klure, William Kime, Absalom 
Mowry, William Garn, Jeremiah Sherer, William H. 
Stokes, Frederick Wilbur, A. T. Hineline, Nicholas 
Dewy er, Jeremiah Everett, Allen McKillop, Frank 
O'Rork, Porter B. Woods, Henry Weston, Jacob 
Disler. 

The foregoing list is furnished by Ca{> 
tain J. V. Beery, and is doubtless correct. 

Corporal Joseph Schwarts and Private 
Robert Long, both of this city, gave the 
following incidents relative to this regi- 
ment and the men from this county, which 
are worthy of mention : 

In the winter of [863 and 1864, while 
retreating from Strawberry Plains, Ten- 
nessee, and at the siege of Knoxville, the 
regiment was often on short rations. 
In ten successive days rations were 
drawn only four times — and these rations 



33° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



consisted of, one day, half a pint of corn 
meal; one day about two pounds of fresh 
pork; another day half a pint of corn meal 
again, and another day about half a pint 
of wheat — and on duty all the time, and 
part of the time on the march. These 
supplies were obtained by foraging, sup- 
plies from Union sources being cut off 
by the position of the enemy. 

Eli Babied, Ballville, was wounded at 
Strawberry Corners. 

At Resaca, May 14, 1864, John D. 
Evans, Madison township, was killed, and 
Edward Myers, Hessville, wounded. 

Charles T. Flowers, of Green Creek, 
was wounded by bushwhackers on the 
train to Chattanooga, where he was sent 
for injuries received at Burnt Hickory. 

Charles Smith (Scott), wounded at 
Burnt Hickory May 27, 1864. Joseph 
Schwartz also wounded at the same place, 
and John Scanlon and John Tarver, 
wounded near Dallas, Georgia, June 3, 
1864. Scanlon lost the use of his arm. 

James Jackson (Ballville), killed at 
Franklin. Charles Baker (Clyde), wound- 
ed at Franklin, December, 1864. David 
Plants (Scott), wounded shortly before the 
battle of Franklin. 

At Nashville, Lewis Hominger was 
wounded. 

Of this company. A, the following died 
in the service: Franklin Lantz, at Bowling 
Green, Kentucky; David Carpenter and 
J. C. Carpenter, of Washington township; 
Joseph Stevenson and James Current, of 
Riley. 

The followmg extract from Reid's Ohio 
In the War will show the marches of this 
regiment and the battles in which these 
men were engaged: 

This regiment was organized in the month of Au- 
gust, 1862, and was mustered into the service on the 
5th and 6th of September. It was a Northwestern 
Ohio regiment, having been raised in Sandusky, 
Lucas, Wood, Fulton, Williams, and Defiance 



counties. It took the field at Covington, Kentucky, 
on the nth of September, 1862. 

The regiment remained in front of Covington until 
the 1 8th of September, when, in company with four 
regiments and a battery, it made a reconnoissance 
to Crittenden, Kentucky. After driving out the 
cavalry of Kirby Smith from that place, the regi- 
ment returned to Covington. It remained at Coving- 
ton until the 25th, when it took transports for 
Louisville, where it was assigned to General Buell's 
army, being in the Thirty-eighth Brigade, Twelfth 
Division, under command of General Dumont. 
The regiment moved on Shelbyville October 3. On 
the 8th of October it took the advance in the move- 
ment on Frankfort, where a slight skirmish took 
place. It moved on Lawrenceburg October 11, 
and camped at Crab Orchard, where it joined with 
General Buell's whole army. After General Bragg's 
army had escaped through Cumberland Gap the 
One Himdred and Eleventh moved by rapid marches 
to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where it remained gar- 
risoning forts and guarding the railroad from that 
place to Nashville. On the 29th of May, 1863, the 
regiment was ordered to Glasgow, Kentucky. At 
this place the One Hundred and Eleventh was as- 
signed to the Second Brigade, Second Division, 
Twenty-third Army Corps, and remained in this 
brigade, division, and corps until mustered out of 
the service. From Glasgow it took part in the 
movement on Scottsville and Tompkinsville. 

About this lime John Morgan's cavalry made a 
raid into Indiana and Ohio. The regiment took 
part in the pursuit. On the 4th of July, 1863, it 
marched from Tompkinsville to Glasgow, a distance 
of thirty-two miles, in one day, carrying guns, equip- 
ments, and forty rounds of ammunition. On the 
6th of July the regiment marched to Mumfordsville, 
and remaining three days, it took the cars for Louis- 
ville. Morgan having crossed the Ohio River, the 
One Hundred and Eleventh was ordered to New 
Albany, Indiana. It then marched to Jeffersonville 
and took transports to Cincinnati. 

On an island ten miles above Louisville the regi- 
ment was landed, and a detachment ot Morgan's 
command was captured. It arrived at Cincinnati on 
the 13th. From this city it proceeded to Ports- 
mouth, arriving at that place on the 18th. 

After the capture of Morgan the regiment re- 
turned to Kentucky. Arriving at Lebanon, Ken- 
tucky, it marched to New Market, where the Secorui 
division. Twenty-third Army Corps, rendezvoused 
preparatory to the march to East Tennessee. On 
the 19th of August this movement commenced. 
The command arrived at Jamestown, Tennessee, on 
the Cumberland Mountains, eighty-five miles dis- 
tant from Kno.xville, on the 26th. From this point 
the command moved, by rapid marches, through 
Yarman's Gap, and arrived on the 30th of August 
at Montgomery. On the 2d of September it forded 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



33T 



the Big Emery River, and arrived at Loudon, len- 
nessee, on the Tennessee River, on the 4th. The 
regiment remained at Loudon until November 14, 
and took part in the movement north of New 
Market to check the rebel advance from Virginia. 
It also took part in several forced marches, scouts, 
and skirmishes along the Tennessee and Holston 
Rivers. 

The advance of General Longstreet's army ap- 
peared in front of Loudon on the 22d of October, 
and considerable skirmishing was kept up between 
the two armies. On the 14th of October the com- 
mand marched to Lenoir, but meeting reinforce- 
ments here a counter-march was ordered, and the 
Seeond brigade was ordered to march to Huffs 
Ferry, three miles below Loudon, and prevent the 
crossing of General Longstreet's troops. Owing to 
the almost impassable condition of the roads it was 
nearly dark before arriving at the ferry. On a high 
bluff, about half a mile from the river, a brigade of 
rebels was encountered. The Second brigade was 
immediately formed in single line and ordered to 
charge. The charge was successful. In it the One 
Hundred and Eleventh only lost a few wounded, as 
it was on the right flank of the brigade, and partly 
under cover of dense woods. The brigade stood to 
arms all night in the pelting rain, without food or 
shelter. At daylight the entire division fell back, 
and the One Hundred and Eleventh covered the re- 
treat. At Loudon Creek a brisk skirmish took place 
between the regiment and the Sixth South Carolina 
Sharp-shooters, composing General Longstreet's ad- 
vance. The stand was made to enable Henshaw's 
Illinois battery to get its caissons up a hill above the 
creek. In this engagement the One Hundred and 
Eleventh lost four killed and twelve wounded. After 
this skirmish the command marched rapidly to Le- 
noii unmolested. On this night all camp and garri- 
son equipage and transportation were destroyed, 
and on the morning of the i6th, at 3 A. M., it moved 
out for Kno.xville, Tennessee. 

At daylight on this morning Lieutenant O. P. 
Norris and fifty-two men of company B of the regi- 
ment were captured by the rebels while on picket. 
Of these fifty-two stalwart men thirty-si.x died of 
starvation and exposure at Andersonville prison. 
Campbell's Station was selected by General Burnside 
as the point at which to give battle to General Long- 
street. In this engagement the One Hundred and 
Eleventh occupied the front line, directly in front of 
two batteries of rebel artillery, and was for six hours 
exposed to the shells of the enemy's concentrated 
fire. The loss in killed and wounded was only eight, 
as the enemy used percussion shells, which mostly 
fell in the rear of the first line. The regiment 
marched with the command into Knoxville, a dis- 
tance of six miles, having been three nights without 
sleep, food, or rest, and having participated in three 
separate engagements. It passed through the siege 



of Knoxville, occupying the fort on College Hill, 
and lost six men killed and wounded. After Gen- 
eral Longstreet's retreat it took part in the skirmishes 
at Blain's Cross Roads, Danville, and Strawberry 
Plains, and occupied an outpost six miles in front of 
the city when General Schofield fell back the second 
time on Knoxville. 

It protected the crossing of the Second division at 
Strawberry Plains on the 21st of January, 1864, los- 
ing one man killed. On the 9th of February, Gen- 
eral Schofield arrived at Knoxville and took com- 
mand of the department. On the 24th of February 
the Second division marched to Strawberry Plains ; 
on the 27th crossed the Holston River, and march- 
ing some distance, counter-marched at night as far 
back as Mossy Creek. On the 14th of March the 
regiment moved to Morristown, East Tennessee. 
On the following day it was on the picket-line, and 
had a brisk skirmish with the rebel cavalry. The 
One Hundred and Eleventh was moved back to 
Mossy Creek, where it remained until the 26th of 
April, when it marched to Charleston, on the Hiwas- 
see River, a distance of one hundred miles. This it 
accomplished in four days, arriving at Charleston on 
the 30th. From this point it marched to Red Clay, 
Georgia, arriving on the 6th of May. At this place 
the army of the Ohio united with the left wing of 
General Sherman's army to participate in the Atlanta 
campaign. It marched to Tunnel Hill on the 7th of 
May, and on the following day skirmished into a 
position in front of Buzzard's Roost. On the 9th, in 
the advance on Rocky Face Mountain, the regiment 
was assigned the front line of the skirmishers, and 
during an advance of three-quarters of a mile lost 
nine men killed and wounded. 

On the i2th of May the One Hundred and 
Eleventh marched through Snake Creek Gap, and 
arrived in front of Resaca on the evening of the 15th. 
The brigade made a charge on the enemy's works on 
the following day. Being unsupported by artillery, 
the charge was unsuccessful, and the loss heavy. 
The One Hundred and Eleventh had but seven com- 
panies engaged, three companies being in the rear 
guarding transportation. Out of the number en- 
gaged, seven men were killed and thirty wounded. 
The regiment took part in the second day's fight at 
Resaca, but being in the supporting column, it sus- 
tained no lo.sses. After an unsuccessful assault at 
midnight upon the National lines, the rebels evacua- 
ted. On the i6th of May the regiment participated 
in the pursuit; had a skirmish with the rebel cavalry 
the 20th, and captured six prisoners. On the 27th a 
brigade of rebels made an advance on the National 
lines. The One Hundred and Eleventh was ordered 
out on the double-quick, made a charge, and broke 
the rebel lines. In this engagement the regiment 
lost fifteen men killed and wounded. 

It took part in the entire campaign against At- 
lanta. It actively engaged in the siege of Kenesaw, 



332 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



the battles at Pine Mountain, Lost Mountain, Dallas, 
on the Chattahoochie River near Nicojack Creei<, 
Decatur, Peachtree Creek, and in the seige of Atlan- 
ta, and the skirmishes at Rough-and-Ready, Love- 
joy's Station, and Utoy Creek. It started on the 
Atlanta campaign with three hundred and eighty 
men, and of this number lost, in killed and wounded, 
two hundred and twelve. On the 8th of September 
the regiment went into camp at Decatur, Georgia, 
and remained until the morning of the 4th of Octo- 
ber, when the movement against General Hood's 
forces commenced. During the stay at Decatur the 
regiment made a reconnoissance to Stone Mountain, 
where it encountered rebel cavalry, and lost a few of 
its men. The One Hundred and Eleventh marched 
rapidly to Allatoona Pass, and to within eighteen 
miles of Chattanooga, where the corps was ordered 
into Alabama in pursuit of General Hood's army. 
It marched south as far as Cedar Bluffs, on the 
Coosa River, where, in a skirmish with rebel cav- 
alry, one officer and three men of the One Hun- 
dred and Eleventh were captured on picket. From 
this point the regiment marched to Rome, Georgia, 
where a brisk skirmish took place. From thence it 
moved to Resaca, where it arrived on the ist of No- 
vember, 1864. 

At Resaca the regiment took the cars and was 
moved to Johnsonville, on the Tennessee River, 
eighty-five miles west of Nashville, to protect 
that place against a rebel raid. It remained at 
Johnsonville until the 20th of November, when it 
was again moved by rail to Columbia, Tennessee, to 
assist in checking General Hood's advance. It par- 
ticipated in the skirmishes at Columbia, and was de- 
tailed to remain in the rear to guard the fords of 
Duck River while General Thomas' army fell back 
on Franklin. The regiment guarded a wagon train 
to Franklin, and was twice attacked. E^ach time it 
repulsed the enemy. The regiment at night marched 
by the outpost of General Hood's army in bringing 
up the rear. It arrived at Franklin on the morning 
of the 30th of November, and was immediately as- 
signed to the front line of works, on the left flank of 
the Second Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, to 
the right of the Franklin turnpike. In the fight of 
that day the regiment, out of one hundred and eighty 
men engaged, lost twenty-two men killed on the field 
and forty wounded. Many were killed by rebel bay- 
onets. The contest was so close that once the flag 
of the regiment was snatched from the hands of the 
color sergeant, but the bold rebel was instantly killed. 
The troops on the immediate left of the One Hun- 
dred and Eleventh fell back during the charge, and 
the rebels, holding this part of the line for an hour, 
poured an enfilading fire along the line of the whole 
brigade. Owing to the large losses of officers in this 
and previous engagements, a detail from other regi- 
ments was necessary to command the companies. 

On the morning of the ist of December the One 



Hundred and Eleventh marched back to Nashville, 
where it was assigned a position on the line of de- 
fenses on the left. It was severely engaged during 
both days of fighting in front of Nashville. In a 
charge on the second day it captured three rebel bat- 
tle flags and a large number of prisoners. The loss 
was seven killed and fifteen wounded. The regiment 
took part in the pursuit after General Hood. It was 
marched to Clifton, Tennessee, where, on the 17th of 
January, 1865, it took transports to make the cam. 
paign of North Carolina. It passed through Cin- 
cinnati January 23, and arrived at Washington, Dis- 
trict of Columbia, on the 31st. From Alexandria 
the regiment took an ocean steamer for Fort Fisher, 
where it joined the army under General Terry, and 
took an active part in the capture of Fort Anderson, 
and in the skirmishes at Moseby Hall and Goldsbor- 
ough. After the surrender of General Johnston the 
regiment was moved to Salisbury, North Carolina, 
where it remained on garrison duty until ordered 
home for muster out. It arrived at Cleveland on the 
5th of July, 1865, and was mustered out on the 12th. 
The One Hundred and Eleventh re-enlisted as vet- 
erans in February, 1864, in East Tennessee; but, 
owing to the demand for troops in the field, the 
veteran furlough could not be granted. Again (in 
October, 1864), after the Atlanta campaign, more 
than two-thirds of the regiment re-enlisted as vet- 
erans; but, after General Hood's campaign to the 
rear, the order to furlough it was revoked. The One 
Hundred and Eleventh numbered one thousand and 
fifty men when it entered the service, and received 
eighty-five recruits. Of these men two hundred and 
thirty-four were discharged for disability, disease, and 
wounds; two hundred died of disease contracted 
while in the service; two hundred and fifty-two were 
killed in battle or died of wounds, and four hundred 
and one were mustered out. 

The reij;iment was on a steamer being 
transi)oited from Alexandria to Fort Fisher 
January or February, 1865. The boat, in 
a violent storm lay rolling in the troughs 
of the immense waves, while rounding Cape 
Hatteras. The stoves in the upper cabin 
upset and fired the boat. Captain McCord, 
while others left the cabin, remained and 
with great coolness and activity collected 
blankets, overcoats, and other woollen gar- 
ments at hand, and by great efiforts smoth- 
ered the tire and saved the boat. "But 
for this act," says company Commissary 
Robert Long, "the boat would have per- 
ished." 

At the battle of Franklin the One Hun- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



333 



dred and Eleventh was complimented for 
gallant conduct, in holding the right of the 
turnpike, while other regiments gave way. 
Here the One Hundred and Eleventh 
saved the important position by its tirm- 
ness and pluck. 

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHTH REG- 
IMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

To this regiment of Ohio volunteers, 
Hoffman's battalion, Sandusky county fur- 
nished the following named soldiers: 
COMPANY c. 

COMMISSIONED OKFICEKS. 

Captain Philetus W. Norris. 

First Lieutenant Amon C. Hradley. 

Second Lieutenant George Carner. 

NON-COMMISSIONEU OFFU;ERS. 

Sergeant Lewis D. Booth. 
Sergeant Gfprge W. Hollenback. 
Sergeant James L. Camp. 
Sergeant Slielly A. Gisli. 
Sergeant Styles Rich. 
Corporal Nathan Tefft. 
Corporal Jonathan L. .Smith. 
Corporal Charles N. Mallery. 
Corporal Emery Bercaw. 
Corporal .Samuel M. Ale.xander. 
Corporal Meron M. Starr. 

PRIVATES. 

Israel H. Bittner, Josephus Gaver, Rodolphus La- 
gore, James Williamson. 

THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-NINTH 

OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.* 

That we may more fully understand the 
history of the One Hundred and Suxty- 
ninth Ohio National Guard, it will be 
necessary to commence this narrative 
with the formation of the Fiftieth Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, from which the One 
Hundred and Sixty-ninth was formed. 
The Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was 
recruited in Sandusky county in the fall 
of 1863, under the militia law of Ohio, 
the object being the protection of the 
borders of the State from raids and inva- 
sion. The regmient held its first meeting 

* To Sergeant-Major I. H. Burgoon we are in- 
debted for many of the facts in the history of this 
regiment. 



at the court-house in Fremont, to elect 
officers and transact other business. Na- 
thaniel Haynes was elected colonel; C. G. 
Sanford, lieutenant-colonel; Jacob Fickes, 
major; W. B. Dimick, quartermaster; J. 
L. Greene, adjutant ; I. H. Burgoon, ser- 
geant-major; Peter Beaugrand, surgeon; 
S. B. Taylor, assistant surgeon; Wesley 
Vandercook, hospital steward; Theodore 
England, quartermaster-sergeant ; Fergu- 
son Greene, commissary sergeant. 

A general meeting for parade and drill 
was held in Fremont the same fall. The 
regiment was ordered into camp at Camp 
Lucas, Toledo, Ohio. Transportation was 
obtained by railroad to Toledo, where 
they arrived on the i8th of September, 
1863, remaining about one week. 

Early in the spring of 1864 the regi- 
ment was called into service by John 
Brough, Governor of Ohio, to serve for 
the term of one hundred days unless 
sooner discharged. The time named in 
the proclamation was the 2d of May, 1864, 
and so anxious were the boys to be on 
hand at the appointed time that by 12 
o'clock noon, of the 2d, every company 
was reported for duty. They were camped 
on the old fair ground, where they re- 
mained until the 7th of the month, 
drilling during the day, and at night 
they were quartered in the court-house, 
engine-house and the different halls of the 
town. Marching orders were received on 
the evening of the 6th, and at 10 o'clock on 
the morning of the 7th the regiment was 
in line ready to start for the depot, which 
they did at 1 1 o'clock, and alter waiting, 
finally started at 2:30 p. m., — Lieutenant- 
Colonel C. G. Sanford commanding, the 
colonel having been left behind on account 
of an accident, which befell him while rid- 
ing down Front street. The destination was 
Sandusky City. Further than that no one 
knew. This suited the boys so far as ra- 
tions were taken into account, they having 



334 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



foraged there during the fall of 1863. 
Most of them, however, were anxious to 
get into active service, and see more of the 
country. They arrived at Sandusky at 5 
p. M., via Clyde. Tiie several companies 
were distributed in various places about 
the town, A and F in the court-house, D 
and I in Massey's block, C and H in the 
armory, K and G in council-room, B in a 
lumber-room. Company E did not go 
with the command. It was disbanded at 
Fremont on account of being composed 
mostly of minors. May 8 was Sunday, 
and the boys put in the time going to 
church and seeing the sights. The citizens 
provided them with supper which was re- 
ceived and relished with thanks. As no 
particular provision had been made for 
rations the men were getting short, and 
stood very much in need of a warm meal, 
On Monday, May 9, the Eighty-second 
battalion, from Van Wert, Ohio, the 
Seventy-first battalion from Ottawa, and 
the Ninety-fifth from Defiance were consoli- 
dated with it, making the regiment over 
one thousand strong. It received orders 
to report at Camp Taylor, Cleveland, 
Ohio, but on account of not getting trans- 
portation did not get started until 10 a. m., 
on the nth. The regiment was mustered 
into the service of the United States on 
May 15 and 16, and on the 17th the organ- 
ization was completed. The battalion 
from Van Wert was thrown out, and four 
companies from Wayne county assigned in 
their stead. These four companies were 
under the command of Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel I. Robinson, from Wooster, who, for 
some reason not known to the writer, was 
relieved, and J. H. Carr, his adjutant, 
placed in charge by the consolidation at 
Cleveland. Companies I and K were dis- 
banded, their officers either given command 
in other companies, or sent home. The 
men were distributed and attached to other 
companies. Lieutenant-Colonel Sanford 



was also relieved, which the men regretted 
very much, as he was a genial gentleman, 
and they had become very much attached 
to him. After so many changes the newly 
fledged regiment was named the One 
Hundred and Sixty-ninth Ohio National 
Guard, and as finally organized, was 
officered as follows: 

FIKLD AND STAFF. 

Colonel Nathaniel Havnes. 
Lieutenani-Colonel I. H. Carr. 
.\cijutant J. L. Greene, jr. 
(Quartermaster H. J. Kauffman. 
Surgeon Peter Beaugrand. 
Assistant .Surgeon S. B. Taylor. 
Sergeant-Major I. H. Burgoon. 
Cjuariermaster Sergeant Ferguson Greene. 
Commissary Sergeant Theodore England. 

COMP.^NY A. 

COMMIS.SIONED OFf^ICERS. 

Captain A. Beideer. 

First Lieutenant David W. Hardy. 

Second Lieutenant Jesse W. Fleckinger. 

COMPANY B. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain M. J. Tichenor. 

First Lieutenant W. M. Bacon. 

Second Lieutenant Emanuel Sanders. 

COMPANY C. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICEKb. 

Captain Harry C. Shirk. 

First Lieutenant Thomas I. Robinson. 

Second Lieutenant Samuel B. Hughs. 

COMPANY D. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Abram Gift. 

First Lieutenant Henry McGill. 

Second Lieutenant David Hoitzer. 

COMPANY E. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captam W. K. Boone. 

First Lieutenant W. H. Fleck. 

Second Lieutenant Benjamin F. Baltzley. 

COMPANY F. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Charles Thompson. 
First Lieutenant Charles Baldwin. 
Second Lieutenant George J. Krebs. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



335 



COMPANY G. 
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

■ Captain 1. H. Jennings. 
First Lieutenant John Lichty. 
Second Lieutenant C. S. Long. 

COMPANY H. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Jacob Thomas. 

First Lieutenant W. ]. Havens. 

Second Lieutenant Solomon Warner. 

COMPANY I. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain A. C. Anderson. 

First Lieutenant W. H. Goodson. 

Second Lieutenant Sidney Sinclair. 

COMPANY K. 
Captain Hanson R. Bowlus. 
First Lieutenant Jonathan Loveberry. 
Second Lieutenant Philip Overmyer. 

On the 1 8th marching orders were re- 
ceived, but owing to a lack of arms suffi- 
cient to equip the whole regiment they 
were detained and did not get away from 
camp until 2 p. m., of the 19th. They left 
the Cleveland depot at 5 p. m., via Cleve- 
land & Pittsburg and Pennsylvania roads 
to Harrisburg, and from there via North- 
ern Central to Washington, where they 
arrived at 12 o'clock Saturday night. May 
21. They were marched to some old army 
barracks near the depot, where they were 
quartered until 2 p. m., Sunday, when they 
took up their line of march down Pennsyl- 
vania avenue and over Long Bridge to 
Arlington Heights, in Virginia, but ow- 
ing to some misunderstanding they were 
marched over Aqueduct Bridge to George- 
town, then up the Potomac on the Mary- 
land side, several miles to Chain Bridge, 
where they recrossed to the Virginia side to 
Fort Ethan Allen, the place which was 
designated as the home of the regiment 
for the coming three months. They arrived 
at the fort at 10 o'clock Sunday night, and 
turned into quarters on the bare ground in 
an open lot, after a march of some dozen or 
more miles — pretty good for the first 
march. 



In justice to the men it ought to be 
mentioned here that the regiment was 
applauded and congratulated frequently 
while in transit, as being one of the most 
orderly and civil which had passed through. 
On inspecting the location it was found 
that they were posted in one of the largest 
and strongest among the forts on the line 
of defence around Washington. 

The ordnance consisted of forty can- 
non, a dozen or more mortars, some large 
enough to throw a twenty-two inch shell, 
a large store of small arms, magazines 
filled with ammunition, and a garrison of 
two thousand men, seated on the highest 
hill which could be found in the vicinity, 
with a commanding view of the surround- 
ing country. From the top of the parapet 
encircling the fort could be counted a 
dozen or more flags floating in the breeze, 
from the top of so many flag staffs, show- 
ing the location of so many forts, and each 
in supporting distance from the other. A 
nice brook of clear water on either side 
wended its way down among the ravines 
toward the Potomac, with innumerable 
springs in the valleys, several in close 
proximity to the fort. The 23d, 24th, 25th, 
26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th, were spent in 
getting settled and putting things to rights 
in the fort and on and about the parade 
ground. 

May 30th Grant Holcomb, a member 
of company G, died. This was the first 
death in the regiment. He was taken 
sick while in Washington, but bore up 
until his arrival here, when he was sent to 
the hospital and died, having been sick 
one week. His remains were forwarded 
to his home near Fremont, Ohio. The 
writer cannot refrain from inserting a few 
lines written by one of his comrades on 
the occasion. 

Then weep not, friends, though he is gone, 
A righteous cause has called him hence; 

He died as heroes die — alone; 
He died in freedom's just defence. 



336 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



On fame's eternal camping ground 

He occupies a tent of glory; 
Though now he is lost, he will be found 

When e very thing shall pass away. 

Then sleep, brave soldier, take thy rest 
'Til God shall call thee from the tomb; 

Then, with the saints and martyrs blest. 
Arise to thy celestial home. 

From the ist day of June until tlie loth, 
the time was passed in the usual routine 
of camp life. About this time the regi- 
ment began the practice of artillery drill 
on the guns and mortars in the fort, in 
which they became proficient in a very 
short time, so much so that the regiment 
was complimented very highly by General 
DeRussey, the commandant of this de- 
partment, and, by him, placed on record 
as the best drilled regiment on the line of 
the defenses. The writer will relate an 
exercise of drilling which he witnessed one 
afternoon by a scpiad of Fremont boys 
among which he remembers our genial 
friend Captain Charlev Thompson, and 
Lieutenant Baldwin. They fired six shots 
from a thirty-two pound Parrot, at a target 
stationed at a distance from the fort of 
one and one-third miles, cutting off the 
tree against which the target rested, at the 
second tire, and dropping four balls out of 
six within twenty feet of the target. This 
would be hard to beat by the oldest and 
most experienced of gunners. 

On the morning of the iith the boys 
were called out in double-quick, in antici- 
pation of a raid from rebel cavalry, but 
luckily for the cavalry they did not put in 
an appearance. One hundred men were 
detailed daily to work on the bomb proofs 
of the fort, and the ritle pits surrounding 
it. This was not very desirable for the 
boys, as the sun's rays would dart down 
on them day after day, making them long 
for the cool, shady breeze of some friendly 
and familiar shade tree in the corner of 
the hay or wheat held at home. This 
work continued through the months of 



June, July, and August; and, with the 
early and unseasonable hour at which the 
regiment was called out (usually at 3 a. m.), 
and the miasms arising from the Potomac, 
caused a great deal of sickness. On June 
23 they recorded the second death — 
Jacob Schuster, of company H, whose re- 
mains were sent home to Green Spring, 
Ohio. On the 30th they were mustered 
for pay, which the boys were very anxious 
to get, but did not have the pleasure of 
seeing until after being mustered out at 
Cleveland, Ohio, several months later. 
On July 3 Silas Bowlus, a member of 
company K, died. His remains were sent 
home, several miles from Fremont, Ohio. 

On the 4th Charles Risley died. He 
was a member of company G. His re- 
mains were buried near Fort Ethan Allen. 

This being the glorious Fourth of July, 
it was decided to celebrate it in some ap- 
propriate manner, as they had been taught 
from childhood, even if no better way than 
to steal away and go swimming in some 
creek or stream running by the homestead. 
Aftergetting permission from headquarters, 
companies A, C, D, E, F and K marched 
down to Colonel Lee's headquarters, a 
distance of three or four miles, where 
several other Ohio regiments joined in 
an old-fashioned celebration, consisting of 
music, speeches, etc., after which the boys 
tramped back over a dusty road, hungry 
and tired, feeling that the fewer celebra- 
tions the better humor they could be kept 
in, and the better they could enjoy them. 

On the 5th they recorded the death of 
David Marion, of Ottawa county. His 
remains were sent home, near Port Clin- 
ton, Ohio. 

July 6th, George Karbler, of company 
G, died. His remains were buried at Fort 
Ethan Allen. 

Early on the morning of the 8th the 
camp was thrown into considerable excite- 
ment by a report from the outer picket 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



337 



posts that the enemy were concentrating 
their forces near Brownsville, which turned 
out, as do a great many reports in the 
army, as unreliable. However, it had 
a tendency to show the efficiency of the 
men, and the promptness with which they 
could be got ready for action in case of 
necessity. Four companies were quickly 
detached from our command and dis- 
patched to Fort Marcy to strengthen that 
garrison and give them a helping hand in 
case of an assault. But happily once 
more for the rebels, they did not come. 

On July 9 Joseph Field died and his 
remains were sent home. He was a mem- 
ber of company B. 

On the night of July nth and morn- 
ing of the 1 2th, the long looked for enemy 
made its appearance on the Maryland 
side of the Potomac, and in front of forts 
Stevens and Slocum. Early on the 12th 
the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth regi- 
ment, from the garrison, was dispatched 
across the river to strengthen those forts, 
while the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth 
was left to take care of matters at home, 
and as no enemy ventured in reach of 
their guns, all they had to do was to keep 
quiet and look on. 

On the morning of the i8th, at i o'clock, 
Jerome Seibert died. He was a very 
worthy young man. His father came and 
took his remains home, to be buried near 
West Fremont. Here the writer wishes 
to introduce, by way of quotation, a beau- 
tiful poem written to his memory by a 
lady friend: 

Carefully fold his cold arms 
O'er his heart, forever stilled. 
Gently close his loving eyes, 
Never yet with anguish filled. 
O, gently speak and softly tread, 
For Jerome, our noble boy, is dead. 

Only three short months ago 
He went at his country's call; 
And, oh! how little we realized 
That our Jerome, too, could fall. 



Can it be that death so soon 

Has called away our brave Jerome? 

Yes, it has, his brow is cold; 
Hushed the music of his voice. 
Never more with songs to make 
Every heart that thrills rejoice; 
Yet his songs in Heaven will be 
From all earthly passions free. 

Father, mother, sister, brother. 
Mourn not for your jerrie dear, 
But remember God released him 
From the cares and trials here. 
Peacefully in the Saviour's arms 
Jerrie rests from war's alarms. 

Never more shall bugle's call 
Rouse him from his soldier's bed. 
Till the trumpet that summons all 
Wake the nation of the dead. 
Sweetly sleep — thy work is done. 
And thy Father calls thee home. 

Oh, it was hard to give him up. 
None but loving hearts can know 
How you wrestled with your grief. 
How you stuggled with your woe. 
But the Saviour hears your prayer. 
Gives you strength your grief to bear. 

July 20 John Stahl died. He had 
been detailed to go to Arlington with a 
corps of engineers, for the purpose of sur- 
veying an addition to the National Cem- 
etery, which now contams eighteen thou- 
sand Union dead, and covers the famous 
Arlington property, which was General 
Lee's home before the rebellion, and an 
inheritance from the Washington family. 
While there he was taken sick, and re- 
turned to the fort and hospital to die. 
The writer met him on the afternoon of 
the 1 8th, on his return, at the captain's 
headquarters near the parade ground, and 
again at the hospital on the morning of the 
19th. He conversed pleasantly and freely 
of home and friends, not thinking that his 
sickness was anything serious. But alas! 
on the morning of the 20th he was reported 
with the dead. 

On the 2 1 St the color sergeant, Edward 
Holcombe, died. He was as generous 
and whole-souled a fellow as ever lived. 
His sickness and death were similar to 



338 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



that of Stahl's. The writer met him only 
a few hours before he passed away. His 
voice was clear, and his grip strong, and, 
in answer to the question, " How do you 
do this morning. Sergeant?" he said : "I 
am all right this morning, Sergeant-Major." 
The reader can imagine the writer's sur- 
prise when, within a few short hours, he, 
too, was reported among the dead. 

From this time forward, until we were 
relieved and ordered from the fort, on the 
2ist day of August, the death list increased 
daily. Death seemed to lurk in every 
part of the fort and barracks, and none 
knevv^ what the morrow would bring forth. 
On some days scarcely a well man could 
be found in the regiment. It was said at 
the time that only one man of the one 
thousand strong and able-bodied men 
could say, on his departure, that he had 
not been sick a single day while at the fort. 
Owing to an attack of malarial fever at 
this time, the memoranda of the writer 
became lost, and we are, therefore, unable 
to give the names and date of death of the 
remainder of the forty-three men who 
died, and were daily carried by the tent 
door, to be sent to their several homes, 
where many sad hearts were waiting to re- 
ceive them. Among the many sad deaths 
which occurred was that of John Downey, 
a clever, good-natured fellow, a member of 
company H, whose home was near Fre- 
mont. On the departure of the regiment, 
when the sick were taken from their re- 
spective hospitals, preparatory to starting 
for home, he was accidentally left be- 
hind, at Mount Pleasant hospital, near 
Washington. There is no doubt but that 
he received the best of treatment from 
good nurses, but as soon as he found out 
that the regiment had departed for home, 
he probably became homesick, and died. 
The writer is of opinion that, had he 
started home with his comrades, he would 
have recovered We took out of the same 



hospital three hundred or more sick, two- 
thirds of whom were as bad off as Mr. 
Downing, — men who, apparently not able 
to help themselves, on being told we were 
to start for home on the morrow, at once 
seemed to be miraculously cured, or much 
improved, and, like the sick mentioned in 
Holy Writ, could get up and walk without 
any assistance and get about, packing 
their knapsacks, with a cheer, and saying: 
"Count me in; I'll be ready at 8 a. m. 
sharp." That was the time set to leave 
the gate of the hospital, where the sick 
were all to assemble preparatory to leaving 
for the depot. 

The regiment was all in readiness to 
march from the fort at an early hour on 
the morning of the 22d of August, 1864, 
which all seemed to do without any re- 
gret. They got under way at 9 a. m., via 
Baltimore, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh, ar- 
riving at Cleveland on the 25th at 9 p. m., 
having been on the road eighty-four hours, 
and a tedious ride it was, with over five 
hundred sick men to feed and take care 
of on the route. A great many accidents 
occurred which would be worthy of note. 
One of a ludicrous nature transpired while 
waiting on a sidmg for a down train. 
Some of the boys spied an old oil well 
near the track, and, being inquisitive, had 
the audacity to apply a lighted match, 
when the flames, like a flash, shot high in 
the air. Just then the train started, to the 
great relief of the thoroughly frightened 
men. 

The regiment was finally mustered out 
of the service on Sunday, the 4th day of 
September, 1864, and left Cleveland for 
home on Monday, the 5 th, where they 
arrived at 4 p. m., having been absent 
one hundred and twenty-six days. They 
received pay for one hundred and twenty- 
five days' service. 

The following is the list of names of 
privates furnished by Sandusky county to 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



339 



the several companies of the One Hun- 
dred and Sixty-ninth regiment of Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry: 

COMPANY B. 
PRIVATES. 

Alonzo Aldrich, Murray Brown, Franklin Bower- 
sox, William H. Bowersox, Nathaniel Bush, Samuel 
Boyd, James Clark, George Carleton, Reuben Chap- 
man, Robert Clapp, Jacob Close, Martin W. Cem- 
ple, George W. Colver, Edward D. Curtis, William 
Dymond, Theodore Diriam, Nathaniel Everhart, 
George Ellis, Alva Fenn, James Fields, David Felty, 
Isadore Gilbert, Charles Hess, Henry Hatfield, Enos 
Hoofnale, Kneeland Hamden, John Hardin, Orlin 
W. Harrison, Rudolph B. Hineline, Peter Hutson, 
John Heffner, Josiah Jackson, William Jackson, Am- 
brose Kernahan, William Loudenslager. Burton 
Lemmon, Byron O. Leslie, George Mugg, Josiah 
Miller, Hiram Monger, Oscar Miller, Philip Michael, 
Henry Parker, William L. Richards, Charles G. 
Rising, George Supner, Albert Stark, William Scott, 
Lyman Sturtevant, Edward Streetor, Theodore 
Strickland, D. R. Sutton, Joseph Sparks, John Stull, 
John Thorp, Bradford Tuttle, Theodore Thomas, 
Scott Thomas, Sandford Terry, Samuel H. Tibbclls, 
Milton Weeks, Elijah West, Edgar Woodwonh, Ed- 
ward Waltz, Asaph Walters, Samuel D. Wykoff, 
William Wise, Tobias Watson, William Whitehead, 
Robert Tuel. 

COMPANY P. 

PRIVATES. 

Harvey Arling, Selah E. Anderson, Henry Alex- 
ander, Forest Bixler, Geoige Barlheimer, James 
Briggs, John Burg, Lewis Bolan, Hiram W. Blood, 
Isadore H. Burgoon, Harrison Clayhorn, Henry 
Cochran, Darwin Clark, Thomas Durfee, Flavel W. 
Downs, John P. Deal, Theodore England, Henry 
Ernst, Calvin Freeman, James Fowler, John Garvin, 
Stephen Green, Thomas E. Gilmore, Daniel Golden, 
William Helt. Frederick Hilt, Abraham R. Hall, 
Benjamin L Hall, Otto Hecke, David Halter, Burr 
Huss, William L Hughes, E. Holbrook, Edwin Hol- 
comb, Henry Imler, William Ice, Samuel Ice, John 
Ice, Oliver P. Jenks, Isaac Joseph, Peter Kessler, 
David Leppleman, John B. Lott, Sardis B. Lock- 
wood, Joseph H. Mourer, William C. Meek, Hiram 
Mock, Wilbur F. Manning, Benjamin Mooney, Eli 
Maurer, Joseph Myers, Leander Myers, Joshua E. 
Mellen, Joseph Maggrum, William Ott, John Patter- 
son, John Pease, Sylvanus P. Parker, Eugene Pelton, 
Joseph Parkhurst, John Qumn, James Russell, Chap 
Rathburn, J. Ridley, Daniel Rice, William Rowe, 
Henry C. Stacy, Joseph L. Shueereman, A. StuUer, 
George Shriner, E. Shields, Tilghman Siegfreid, 
Charles B. Stillwell, Russell Smith, Andrew J. San- 
ford, Samuel Shannon, Darling Trail, John Treat, 



Wesley Vandercook, Hixton Vansickles, Alexander 
Walters, John Washburn, Austin Whittaker, Gilbert 
Williams, David Younkman, Washington Younkman. 

COMPANY G. 

PRIVATES. 

Jacob H. Anderson, Isaac Anderson, Henry W. 
Angus, John W. Angus, Francis H. Boor, Canfords 
Buckland, Thomas Bracy, John L. Cook, Haman 
Carr, Tateman Clary, William Cook, Joshua Cook, 
William B. Callihan, Harrison Cobb, Henry Clink, 
Matthew Duke, Isaac Duke, Thomas Dunlap, Demce 
Drain, Charles Dawley, Frank Decker, George W. 
Davis, Everett Evans, Joseph Evans, Charles Ents- 
minger, Martin Eckhart, Henry Frear, Richard 
Fickas, Joseph I. Garn, David Gam, Tobias Garn, 
Orm Greesman, George Grivel, Rodney Gardener, 
Rodney Golden, Jacob Geiger, John W. Hutchinson, 
Victor J. Hoffman, Samuel Hoff, Jerome Herrick, 
George Hedrick, Samuel Harley, Isaac Harley, 
Oliver P. Hoffman, Stanton Hoffman, Henry C. 
Holbrook, Grant Holcomb, Solomon Immel, John 
W. Jomes, James J omes, Samuel Klute, Andrew J. 
Keller, George Karbler, Samuel S. Long, William 
H. Lemmon, William H. Layman, William Lem- 
mon, John W. Manning, Calvin Miller, Thomas 
Madden, Adam Miller, Peter Plantz, Jonathan 
Reams, Charles Risley, Robert Ruthford, Theodore 
Rinehart, Philander H. Smith, Isaac Sanders, 
Solomon Shusly, Henry W. Sentz, William Sting, 
Alexander H. Thorn, Charles T. Thompson, .-Xdam 
W. Taylor, Herbert Thomas, William Totten, Jacob 
Yeasling, Philip Zimmerman, Milton Garn, Daniel 
Garn. 

COMPANY H. 

PRIVATES. 

Pierson Abel, Abraham Bruner, Martin Bruner, 
Isaac Bruner, Henry Beckman, William C. Buor, 
William C. Brerman, Daniel F. Babb, William Bow- 
lus. Christian Batesole, Joseph Burkeit, Jacob Burg- 
ner, Dwight Bement, Philip Cole, Jacob Cherrier, 
James Campbell, Alfred Cobb, John L. Daniels, 
John Doll, Samuel Doll, Darius Drake, George 
Daniels, Franklin Durlem, Thomas J. Eldridge, 
John Fabings, Lewis Freese, James Fuller, Phineas 
Gilmore, Marcellus Gray, Lester L. Holcomb, 
David Harley, Hugh Harnes, Hubbard Hill, Em- 
mett Hubbert, Lucian Hull, Chaplain R. Husse, 
James Jones, Isaac W. Krotzer, John Kemmerley, 
Thomas ). Kenan, Peter Kenan, William D. Lee, 
Henry Lance, William Lightner, Amos Ladd, 
William Lute, Newton Long, Henry A. Mowry, 
Irvin Michael, Joseph T. Myers, Jacob E. Moary, 
William Miller, John Miller, Jackson McDonald, 
James A. Mills, Winfield G. Mclntire, Martin 
Mowry, Samuel Myers, John Ira Overmire, Thomas 
Price, Joseph Putas, John Bozell, Jacob Sampsel, 
Adam Strout, Rariah Shasteen, Peter C. Smith, 



340 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Daniel Spoon, Valentine Shale, Jacob Shale, Leonard 
Smith, Steward F. Shoup, John M. Stall, John 
Shutts, Isaiah VanDersole, Daniel Warner, Taylor 
G. Wickersliam, Samuel Warner, Andrew Whit- 
more, Levi Wall, Francis M. Winters. Cyrus Wise, 
Henry Walters, Joseph Whitehead, Nelson Winters, 
Lafayette Wright, Benjamin Wright, Gustavus 
Young. 

COMPANY I. 

PRIVATES. 

John R. Bulger, Samuel Lutz, James M. Lindsey, 
John T. Meek, Samuel McCormick, Pierson Milan 
Parson, Charles M. Richards, Sylvester Robinson, 
Jacob Remelshosher, Edwin Stone, Abel Willis, 
Edwin Van Doren, Abram Van Doren. 

COMPANY K. 

PRIVATES. 

Melancthon Albert, John Q. Andrews, William 
Benaer, James Benner, Silas Bowlus, Edward Bovver- 
sox, Levi Bowersox, William Boyer, Amos Boyer, 
Simon Bowersox, Romanus Binkley, Emanuel Bow- 
ersox, John Cochran, Amos Cornicorn, George 
Cross, William Deemer, David Davis, Joseph Druck- 
enmiller, John Downing, Noah Eversole, Frederick 
Friar, Solomon Fetterman, Peter Fisher, Sardis 
Fisher, Daniel Garn, David Geesman, Ernest Cree- 
per, Wesley Hullinger, James Hartgrove, Zacheus 
Hendricks, Charles Haccum, Adam Ickes, Charles 
June, John Koons Samuel Sinton, William Leo- 
malia, Joseph Mapes, Harrison Mowrey, Daniel 
Miller, Solomon Manch, Aaron Mowrey, John 
Moyer, Edward Overmeyer, Henry Overmeyer, 
Michael Overmeyer, Amos Overmeyer, Isaac Over- 
meyer, Homer Overmeyer, George Oliger, Lafa- 
yette Ridout, Franklin Ridout, George Rearick, 
Joseph Rearick, William Reckerd, Daniel Reed, 
Samuel Reed, Park Rickele, John Remsburg, 
Jerome Seibert, Daniel Stutts, Levi Smith, 
George Skinner, Gustavus Schert, Aaron Stufler, 
Henry Shively, Monroe H. Seibert, Moses Ulch, 
Israel Walborn, Emanuel Walter, Joshua Walter, 
Josiah Wolf, Peter Woolcot, Andrew J. Wolf, Fer- 
dinand Wilson, Charles Zichraft. 

The following named men, members of 
the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth regi- 
ment Ohio A^'olunteer Infantry, died during 
their term of service, as shown by the 
records of the Adjutant General's office: 

COMPANY A. 

Peter Eberly, July 17, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen, 
Virginia; Ross Myers, July 27, 1864, at Fort Ethan 
Allen, Virginia; Walter M. Myers, July 30, 1864, at 
Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia. 

COMPANY B. 

James Field, July 9, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen, 



Virginia; Joseph Sparks, August 20, 1864, ai For 
Ethan Allen, Virginia; Elijah West, August 31, 
1864, at Clyde, Ohio; William Whitehead, July 18, 
1864, at Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia. 

COMPANY C. 

E. C. Beistle, July 21, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen, 
Virginia; John Smith, August i, 1864, at Fort Ethan 
Allen, Virginia. 

COMPANY D. 

Isaac N. Bricker, August 7, 1864, at Fort Ethan 
Allen, Virginia; David Lichty, August 9, 1864, at 
Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia; James Y. Orr, August 9, 
1864, at Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia; George H. 
Snyder, July 29, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen, \'irginia. 

COMPANY E. 

Samuel Joyce, July 12, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen, 
Virginia; Elias D. Martin, July 12, 1864, at Fort 
Ethan Allen, Virginia; Allen K. Rohrer, August 7, 
1864, at Fort Ethan Allen, \'irginia. 

COMPANY F. 

David Halter, July 25, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen, 
Virginia; Edwin Holcum, July 21, 1864, at Fort 
Ethan Allen, Virginia; Daniel Rice, July 14, 1864, at 
Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia; Gilbert Williams, August 
6, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia. 

COMPANY I. 
S. W. Hollingshead, August 12, 1864, at Fort 
Ethan Allen, Viginia; David Marion, July 5, 1864, at 
Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia. 

COMPANY K. 
Silas Bowlus, July 3, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen, 
Virginia; Jacob Hausborger, July 21, 1864, at Fort 
Ethan Allen, \'irginia; John Karnes, August 12, 
1864, at Defiance, Ohio; Harrison Mowery, August 
23, 1864, at Washington, District of Columbia; 
Lafayette Ridout, July 25, 1864, at Fort Fthan Allen, 
Virginia; William Reckerd, August i, 1864, at Fort 
Ethan Allen, Virginia; Jerome Seibert, July 17, 1864, 
at Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia; Ferdinand Wilson, 
August 5, 1864, at Fort Ethan Allen, \'irginia. 

Of the sad accidents which occurred 
none was more regretted than the over- 
looking of John Downey (or Downing), a 
private of company K. He was ac- 
cidentally left in the hospital at the 
Soldiers' Home, near Washington, and 
died September 6, 1864, and is buried in 
the National cemetery at Arlington, Vir- 
ginia, in grove eight thousand three hun- 
dred and forty-si.x. He rests in a beauti- 
ful spot, beneath the foliage of an over- 
hanging oak tree. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



341 



ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-SIXTH REGI- 
MENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

This regiment was one of those raised 
under the last call of the President, to serve 
for one year, and was composed of men 
gathered from all parts of Ohio, the great 
majority of them having already seen ar- 
duous service — of the regimental officers, 
all but two had seen service. At 12 o'clock 
on the 2d day of March, 1865, the last 
company to complete the regiment was 
mustered in at Camp Chase, and placed 
under the command of Colonel Thomas 
F. Wildes, who on the iith of the same 
month was made a brevet brigadier-gen- 
eral. Its rendezvous was Camp Chase. 
It moved in boats to Louisville, and there, 
taking the cars, was soon at Nashville. On 
the 8th of March it left Nashville for Mur- 
freesborough, arriving there on the 10th of 
March, 1865. The march of the night of 
the 9th of March was one which will long 
be remembered by the men of the One 
Hundred and Eighty-sixth. There was not 
a tent in the command — the regimental 
quartermaster had not yet been mustered 
in and could not legally draw them, if 
they were to be had. There was rain and 
snow during the day, and at night the 
weather turned very cold. In all their 
three years' previous service the men had 
never experienced such a night The cold 
was intense, but not a murmur of com- 
plaint was heard. The destination of the 
regiment was Cleveland, Tennessee, where 
it went into camp, and, following the ex- 
ample of the old soldiers, soon erected 
comfortable quarters. 

On the 2d of May, 1865, the regiment 
moved from Cleveland to Dalton, and re- 
mained there a few days. General Wildes, 
meantime, had been assigned to the com- 
mand of a brigade at Chattanooga, and, 
on his request, the One Hundred and 
Eighty-sixth was transferred to his brigade. 
At Chattanooga Lieutenant Colonel Wil- 



helm disciplined the men to such profi- 
ciency that the regiment became the best 
drilled of the command. 

On the 20th of July the One Hundred 
and Eighty-sixth was ordered to Nashville. 
This consequently returned General Wildes 
to the command of his regiment. Sep- 
tember 13, orders were received to pre- 
pare the rolls for the muster out of the 
regiment. On the 25th of September 
they were mustered out, and paid, at Co- 
lumbus, Ohio. The regiment faithfully 
and earnestly performed every duty re- 
quired of it, and bore all its privations 
without a whisper of complaint, and, if 
the continuance of the war had required, 
they would have been found equal to the 
best and bravest of the defenders of the 
Union. 

To this regiment Sandusky county fur- 
nished the following named men, most of 
whom as has been said, had seen service 
before : 

COMPANY E. 
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain John L. Greene. 

First Lieutenant Edward Cook. 

Second Lieutenant James Daugherty. 

PRIVATES. 

Alonzo Aldrich, Edmund R. Ash, John Applegate, 
Austin Applegate, Seldon Arnold, Peter H. Baker, 
Henry Baker, Isaac Carl, Harrison G. Claghorn, 
Edward S. Cooper, John M. Davis, Henry Dyer, 
Isaac M. Dickens, Jacob Doll, Edward P. Daharsh, 
George Drew, Henry Delling, George Endsley, Mar- 
tin Eckhart, Henry W. Ernst, Thomas Fowler, Na- 
than Foster, Orin M. Geisman, George W. Greener, 
Orville R. Hine, William .S. Hammond, Henry 
Hunsinger, Eugene A. Hodges, Isaac H. Hughes, 
Isaiah Hague, Henry W. Imler, Francis N. Kinney, 
Henry Lopp, William McCraw, John G. Michael, 
George Miller, Philip Michael, Adam Miller, Calvin 
F. Miller, Henry Oberhouse, George B. Overniyer, 
Calvin Pratt, William Pike, Barnard Poorman, Gil- 
bert Perna, John O. Quince, George W. Roush, 
George Ryan, Frederick Riser, Conrad Sennert, 
Joseph Strasbaugh. Henry Spade, Jacob Snyder, 
Benjamin F. Sprout, Philip Shafer, Jacob Steinard, 
Martin Shroily, Henry Tucker, Luke Tuttle, Ezra 
B. Tuckerman, Charles I. Tyler, John W. Tyler, 
James Walden, William A. Wilson, George Wir- 



342 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



mess, George Wright, 
Kihn. 



Rufus Lybarger, Joseph 



THE THIRD OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 

The Third Ohio Cavalry was organized 
in September, 1861, at Monroeville, in 
Huron county, Ohio. 

Captain William B. Amsden recruited 
a company designated company D, in 
Sandusky, Colonel Lewis Zahm being the 
moving spirit of the organization of the 
regiment. It moved from Camp Worces- 
ter, near Monroeville, to Cam[) Dennison 
on the 14th of January, 1862. From 
there it went to Jeffersonville, Indiana, op- 
posite Louisville, Kentucky, in the follow- 
ing February. Then it moved on the 
2d of March, 1862, to Nashville, Tennes- 
see, and arrived there March 18. On 
the 20th of March it left Nashville for 
Pittsburg Landing. On the 4th of April, 
1862, General Buell detached the first 
battalion and sent it to Lawrenceburg, 
Tennessee, to oppose Biffle's rebel cavalry 
there. The rebels were met and driven 
out of Lawrenceburg. Several rebels were 
wounded and one man killed and six 
horses captured. Another detachment, 
under Major John H. Foster, was sent 
to Mount Pleasant on the 6th of April to 
seize a quantity of bacon, which was duly 
captured and turned over to the quarter- 
master. It then joined the regiment at 
Savannah, whither the Third had moved 
in advance of Buell's army. On the 25th 
of April it marched up to Pittsburg Land- 
ing and went into camp four miles from 
the river. 

During the first year of its service the 
Third Ohio Cavalry was attached to Gen- 
eral T. J. Wood's division, and most of 
the time was under his immediate com- 
mand; and the history of Wood's division 
is referred to for the gallant acts the regi- 
ment performed. From this time on the 
regiment did faithful service. It fought 
many hard battles and displayed those 



qualities which reflect honor to every in- 
dividual, whether officer or private, who 
was so fortunate as to be on its rolls. To 
give a detailed account of the marches, 
charges and services of the brave and gal- 
lant body of men, would need a whole 
book. It fought, and marched, and 
charged with unflinching obedience to 
orders. It suffered without complain- 
ing all through the war. It finished its 
long career of arduous service at Macon, 
Georgia. It was, during the latter part of 
its service, under command of Captain E. 
M. Colver, and under him did some 
glorious work. Under orders from Gen- 
eral Thomas the Third turned over its 
horses and arms at Macon, and was 
ordered to report at Nashville, Tennessee, 
tor muster out. Proceeding to Louisville, 
Kentucky, and thence to Camp Chase, 
Ohio, the regiment was there paid off and 
discharged on the 14th day August, 1865, 
having served four years lacking twenty 
days. 

The following is the roster and roll of 
the men furnished to this grand regiment 
from Sandusky county: 

COMPANY D. 
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain William B. Amsden. 
First Lieutenant Richard B. Wood. 
.Second Lieutenant George F. Williams. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

yuartei master Sergeant Henry H. Sears. 

Sergeant Edward Haines. 

Sergeant Joseph A. Hill. 

.Sergeant Paul Deal. 

Sergeant George W. Butler. 

Sergeant William L. Stackhouse. 

Corporal John Linebaugh. 

Corporal Jacob .Stahls. 

Corporal Charles S. Kelsey. 

C'orpora' William Meredith. 

Corporal Michael Farmer. 

Corporal George Walcott. 

Corporal Dennis D. Glass. 

Corporal William .A. Blanden. 

Blacksmith Oliver Mallerne. 

Blacksmith Gabriel Burrough. 

Teamster John L. Dickinson. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



343 



PRIVATES. 

George Abel, Hezekiah Albee, William Albee, 
Stephen Bice, Edward Cavil, John Clary, Joseph 
Deitrich, John A. Deitz, Hezekiah Edwards, Wheeler 
Ferguson, Aaron Fought, Peter Grigwire, Lewis 
Grigwire, Alanson Grover, Henry Grayback, Levi 
Hair, Marion Hawk, Philip C. Huffman, Allen 
Holcomb, Jacob Helmkee, Benjamin F. Hill, 
Thomas Jackson, Milo James, James Kelsey, Rich- 
ard Lemmon, Daniel H. Lentz, Sardis B. Lock- 
wood, David O. Lucas, Jacob Miller, Abel Miller, 
Reuben Miller, Marion Minkley, George W. Muney, 
Samuel Heff, George Heff, Thomas Odell, Joseph 
Parrish, Jefferson Peck, Obid C. Russell, Henry 
Stahl, Isaiah Stout, Joseph G. M. Stackhouse, Da- 
vid West, George D. Walker, James White, Henry 
Yeasting, Julius Beck, John R. P. Foster, William 
A. Gregg, Hiram Arlin, Hiram Aldridge, Silas C. 
Boor, James S. Donnell, William Eno, William H. 
Fawsy, Augustus Graback, Dennis Gem, Samuel 
Games, Thomas M. Hill, Gilbert W. Hill, Philip 
Hathaway, Barzillai Inman, William L. Long, 
George Michael, John Sweet, Emanuel D. .Smith, 
George W. Smith, Solomon Shively, John Temons, 
John Buck, John C. Curry, Harvey Kerns, Henry 
P. Pope, Franklin Ream, Charles Ferguson. 

COMPANY F. 

PRIVATES. 

Samuel Riggs, Martin Rowe, James Watson, John 
Young, Barkdall Arnott, James Arnott, James H. 
Green, John Wall. 

COMPANY K. 

PRIVATES. 

William Jones, James McCormick. 
THE NINTH OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 

This regiment was recruited in the fall 
and winter of 1862. The nucleus of the 
regiment was raised in the central and 
southern portion of the State, with ren- 
dezvous at Zanesville. It did faithful ser- 
vice, for the particulars of which the reader 
may consult the history of Ohio in the 
War. 

The following is the list of names given 
the writer from records as men from San- 
.dusky county: 

COMPANY I. 

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

Sergeant James Turner. 

PRIVATES. 

Francis H. Bartlett, Ferdinand Bates, Jefferson 
Baker, Oscar T. Lefever, William H. Nortrip, 
Henry D. VanFleet. 



COMPANY K. 
PRIVATES. 

Henry W. Baker, Winfield S. Ballard, Benjamin 

F. Bolus, Henry C. Dicken, Curtis S. Elder, William 
Fisher, Elias Howard, Valentine Lybarger, Samuel 

G. Martin, Daniel S. Moses, John Momyshaffer, 
Alexander J. Ogle, Francis Overmyer, Benjamin 
Philips, Joel G. Woodruff James R. Wilson, Wil- 
liam M. Wyant, Jacob Yourts. 

TENTH OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 

The following is a list of men who volun- 
teered from Sandusky county and enlisted 
in the Tenth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. For 
the services performed by this regiment 
the reader is refered to Ohio in the War, 
by Reid. 

COMPANY G. 
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

Corporal Jehial Halliday. 

PRIVATES. 

Francis Howell, Uriah Mitchell, Andrew Powers. 

This list is defective because it fails to 
mention Lieutenant James H. Hafford, 
who was afterwards promoted to captain, 
was taken prisoner, his horse being killed 
and so falling on his legs as to prevent his 
escaj^e from the enemy; a brave soldier 
and worthy commander of his company. 

Sandusky county also contributed patri- 
otic and brave men to other military or- 
ganizations as follows: 

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTYSIXTH OHIO 

VOLUNTEER INFANTRY COMPANY F. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Martin Edgar. 

First Lieutenant Samuel W. Curtis. 

Second Lieutenant Sterry H. Cole. 

PRIVATES. 

David Acker, Larry Arnold, William H. Ames, 
Jacob Burden, Simon DeGraff, Peter R. Draper, 
Isaac N. Degraff, Peter D. Norris, Edmund J. Hus- 
ted. Abbot Jones, William M. Jenkins, Joseph W. 
Lee, Marshall Lester, Robert Lester, Marshall W. 
Lowe, Thomas Millman, John Tenney, John B. Per- 
kins, Walter Pitayo, David M. Pelton, William Rice, 
Dwight Ruggles, Henry Sayers, John Sly, Lyman 
J. Swift, Van Renssalear Swift, Wilber Waldron, 
Giles Yapel, Andrew J. Lockwood, Thomas W. Mil- 
ler, Horace Draper, Allen D. Owens, Henry C. 
Owens, William S. Smith, Sperry Green, Cornelius 
S. Plue, George W, .Steele, 



344 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINTH OHIO 

VOLUNTEER INFANTRY COMPANY H. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain L. W. Davis. 

First Lieutenant L. B. Shafer. 

Second Lieutenant George A. Hall. 

PRIVATES. 

John Barr, James Bradshaw, Clark Daniels, Jere- 
miah Daniels, Henry Garvin, William N. Golden, 
Christian Heisy. 

COMPANY I. 

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Captain Thomas J. Davis. 

First Lieutenant Samuel H. Eckelburg. 

Second Lieutenant Abraham Balyeat. 

PRIVATES. 

William Adams, George Bashaw, James Babcock, 
Matthias Earney, Joseph Ellis, Hessy Edwards, 
George Fitzgerald, George Higley, John Lance, 
James Pearson, William Pearson. 

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FOURTH OHIO 

NATIONAL GUARD COMPANY H. 

PRIVATES. 

William J. Raymond, Merritt C. Beymer. 
SEVENTEENTH BATTERY, LIGHT ARTILLERY. 
Private Edwin Snyder. 

TWENTY-SECOND BATTERY. 
PRIVATES. 

Andrew J. Culp, William H. Deal, John W. 
Knapp, Charles Neff, Andrew J. Paden, Daniel M. 
Shiveley, Clarence Williams, Thomas M. Hill, Jo- 
seph C. Knapp. 

TWENTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 
COMMISSIONED OFFICER. 

Major Rutherford B. Hayes. 
THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, OHIO VOLUN- 
TEER INFANTRY — COMPANY B. 

Corporal Nicholas Messer. 
Private Jacob Kopp. 

COMPANY G. 

PKIV.\TES. 

Henrich Boesinger, Frederick Emseh, Carl Heim- 
burger, Jacob Loesch, Philip Loesch, John W. 
Loesch, Jacob Mueller, Valentine Oetzel, John 
Buefier, Ernst Saupe, Joseph Twaerenbold, .Samuel 
Zimmerman. 

SIXTIETH REGIMENT. 

COMPANY L 
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 

Corporal George Runnion. 



Drummer William K. Thomas. 

PRIV.\TES. 

Job Runnion, George Weaver. 
FOURTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEERS. 

COMPANY B. 
Private Andrew J. Bitle. 
SEVENTH COMPANY OHIO VOLUNTEER 

SHARP-SHOOTERS. 

Corporal Benton Deyo. ' 

Private Andrew Hush. 
SECOND REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER HEAVY 
ARILLERY — COMPANY L. 
PRIVATES. 

Jacob Hoover, Byron Holly, Albert E. Ingham, 
Jacob Smith, Nelson R. Forester. 

Sandusky county gave to the Naval 

Service in United States Mississippi 

squadron, Lysander C. Ball, Charles E. 
Everett and Peter Parker. 

OUR WOMEN AS " HELPMEET" IN THE WAR 
OF THE REBELLION. 

No fair or true history of the war to 
suppress the Southern rebellion, and to 
save the Constitution and the Government, 
can be written without ])lacing on record, 
by the side of the heroic deeds of the men, 
the noble acts and the uncomplaining en- 
durance of suffering and privation patiently 
borne by the patriotic women of Sandusky 
county, as well as everywhere in the 
country. 

In the autumn of 1861, President Lin- 
coln and General Scott became convinced 
that the war would be prolonged through 
the approaching winter, and convinced 
also that, with all the efforts Government 
could make with the resources then in its 
hands, there must be much suffering in 
the army necessarily to be kept in the 
field, for want of clothing and other sup- 
plies, made an appeal to the mothers and 
daughters of the republic for help. They 
were requested to make an effort to fur- 
nish shirts, drawers, socks, mittens, etc., 
to the soldiers in the field, and also such 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



345 



articles as the sick and wounded might 
need. 

And now we pause to consider and ask: 
What could a whole volume upon the then 
alarming condition of the country say or 
prove better than an appeal of this kind, 
made by the commander-in-chief of the 
army and navy of the United States, and 
his venerable, war-worn lieutenant-general, 
to the women of the country? Alarm and 
fear, and want of resources to carry on the 
war successfully, are all implied in this 
appeal to the women. The wisdom and 
experience of the men who made this ap- 
peal are obvious. They knew well the 
organism of the two sexes — that man is 
strongest in intellect and reasoning, while 
woman is more affectionate and intuitive 
than man; that her intuition often leads 
her to safer conclusions in the practical 
affairs of life, than the slow judgment and 
reasoning of maii. They knew also that, 
while love is the controlling influence in 
woman, when the object of her love was 
placed in a position of danger and suffer- 
ing, her labor to rescue and relieve was 
intense, sleepless, and knew no bound but 
the limit of life itself. These wise ones 
knew also the power of woman in the do- 
mestic and social circles of life to stimulate 
man to action. This wise and timely ap- 
peal to mothers and daughters was well 
made and most nobly responded to, es- 
pecially by the women of Sandusky county. 

On the 14th of October, 1861, at a meet- 
ing held in Buckeye Hall, in Fremont, for 
the purpose of recruiting for the Seventy- 
second regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
among other proceedings resolutions 
were passed noticing this appeal to the 
mothers and daughters of the country, 
and requesting that they organize a society 
for the purpose indicated. 

soldiers' aid society. 

Promptly after publication of the reso- 
lutions, the women of the vicinity were 
44 



called together, and on the 19th day of 
October, 1861, about one hundred of the 
best and most influential women of the 
city met at Birchard Hall to consider the 
matter, and organized a society, adopted 
a constitution, and elected officers, as fol- 
lows: 

Mrs. R. P. Buckland, president; Mrs. 
James Vallette, vice-president; Mrs. Geo. 
C. Canfield, treasurer; Mrs. A. Phelps, 
secretary. 

Mrs. S. Buckland, Mrs. Isaac E. Ams- 
den, Mrs. Dr. St. Clair, Mrs. James W. 
Wilson, Mrs. James Graham, Mrs. A. 
Norton, Miss M. Raymond, and Miss 
Eveline Ball, directors. 

The visiting committee was as follows: 
Mrs. F. I. Norton, Mrs. L. Canfield, Mrs. 
William B. Sheldon, Mrs. Oscar Ball, 
Mrs. Piatt Brush, Mrs. M. W. St. Clair, 
and Miss Bell Nyce. 

The receiving and distributing commit- 
tee was composed of Mrs. J. B. G. Downs, 
Mrs. George Raymond, and Mrs. Lewis 
Canfield. 

The object of the society was to collect 
and forward to the Union soldiers cloth- 
ing, medicine, and food fit for the sick 
soldiers, lint, bandages, and every other 
article available to relieve our soldiers 
from the sufferings incident to the war. 

The society at once made its organiza- 
tion and objects known through the 
press of the county, and gave notice that 
any donations to the soldiers might be de- 
posited with Stephen Buckland, or R. C. 
McCuUoch, of Fremont. 

At a meeting of the Soldiers' Aid So- 
ciety, held January 30, 1862, the follow- 
ing officers were elected for the ensuing 
year : 

Mrs. A. H. Miller, president; Mrs. J. 
L. Greene, vice-president; Miss M. Ray- 
mond, secretary; Mrs. George C. Canfield, 
treasurer. 

The board of directors was as follows; 



346 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Mrs. S. Grant, Mrs. Isaac Sharp, Mrs. A. 
B. Taylor, Mrs. Henry Lesher, Mrs. Wil- 
liam B. Sheldon, Mrs. P C. Dean, Mrs. 
I. Camfield, Mrs. Theodore Clapp, Mrs. 
Oscar Ball, and Miss Alvira Ball. 

Mrs. F. I. Norton, Mrs. Piatt Brush, 
and Mrs. Benjamin Flint, composed the 
receiving and distributing committee. 

To give a detailed account of all that 
our women did for the safety and comfort 
of our soldiers in the service, whether in 
the field or hospital, or in prison, would 
fill a book, but is not necessary to a fair 
appreciation of their works. From the 
day the society was organized, they worked 
for the comfort and health of the men in 
the army. They worked as only women 
can work for country, and for loved ones 
away, and in danger. Their minds and 
hands were busy in contriving and execut- 
ing plans for the most good, and how 
much good they accomplished the Infinite 
alone can ever know and measure. 
Women whose hands had before been 
strangers to work, and whose circum- 
stances in life then were such as to free 
them from toil at home, cheerfully met 
and mingled with those who had known 
toil all their lives, on a common level in 
their great work, and toiled together and 
earnestly for the soldiers of the Union 
army. And the soldier in prison, or in 
hospital, or in camp on duty, received the 
letters from the noble women at home, 
bearing messages ot recollection, kindness 
and encouragement, accompanied with the 
free offerings of things needed for their 
comfort, — the soldier was not only relieved 
and comforted, but was inspired with fresh 
and higher courage to fight and suffer on 
to a glorious close of the war. 

The records of the society are not at 
hand, but we have gathered sufficient facts 
to give future generations the kind of 
work they performed all through the war 
3.fter the society was first organized. Al- 



most every week, and sometimes oftene 
shipments were made of articles needed. 
One or two would capture a horse and 
spring wagon, drive through the country, 
calling on every one they met for dona- 
tions. They would enter a well-to-do far- 
mer's residence. The good wife on being 
informed of their object, would at once 
throw open closet, larder and cellar, and 
whatever the callers wanted they took, and 
the donor was happy in the giving. Her 
store of preserves, jellies, pickles, blankets, 
old sheets, in fact anything they wanted 
was at their disposal, and the wagon would 
soon return loaded with good and com- 
forting things for the boys in the war. 
These collections and the donations from 
those nearer the head of the organization 
were packed in boxes, and promptly sent 
by railroad to where they were most 
needed. 

We here append the quarterly report of 
the Soldiers' Aid Society of Fremont, made 
February 4, 1864, to give a sample of the 
articles collected and forwarded, also a re- 
port ot a similar organization at Clyde, 
in September, 1864, which are as fol- 
lows : 

During the quarter, one box, containing 8 woolen 
shirts, 26 pairs socks, 7 pairs drawers, 3 sheets, 6 
towels, 8 cotton shirts, 9 double gowns, 29 hand- 
kerchiefs, 3 pounds compresses, 5 cans peaches, 28 
pounds dried apples, 5 pounds dried cherries, 4 
pounds peaches (dried), i pair miitens, 2 pounds 
sugar, 4 pounds soap, 2 cans of apple-butter, i can 
of tomatoes. 

This box contained also the Woodville donations, 
viz.: 17 shirts, 4 pairs socks, 8 pillows, 6 pillow 
slips, 4 pounds old cotton, and 9 pounds of diied 
fruit. 

Also two other boxes, containing 14 flannel shirts, 
II cotton shirts, 13 pairs drawers, 10 pillow slips, 7 
sheets, 7 towels, 21 handkerchiefs, 12 pairs socks, 7 
jais apple butter, 16 pounds dried apples, 6 pounds 
dried peaches, 5 pounds soap, 2 rolls cotton, 3 jars 
cherries; 2 boxes, 3 cans, and 2 bottles tomatoes; i 
bottle wine, i jar cherries, i jar peaches, i jar 
quinces, i jar raspberries, and i gallon boiled cider. 
Mrs. Dougherty, President. 

Mrs. B. Amsden, Secretary. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



347 



CLYDE AID SOCIETY. 

Clyde, September 23, 1864. 
The second financial year of our society has 
come, and we still find ourselves in a cruel war. 
Though at present we rejoice over our victories, 
and were it not for Northern rebels we might 
think the work almost done; but they will meet a 
fall one day that will tell them and their children the 
doom of traitors. In casting up our proceedings 
we find as follows : 

Money received during the year $266 01 

Paid out 258 91 

Leaving in treasury $ 7 10 

We return our thanks to Mr. H. Adams for his 
donations— four hundred and fifty dollars, — also for 
the melons; thanks to Mr. Hatfield for money re- 
ceived from taking pictures on Thursdays. All who 
want a good picture call on Mr. Hatfield on Thuis- 
days, and you will not only have a good picture but 
will help the Aid, as half of the proceeds of that day 
go to the society. To Messrs. Lemon, Mook, 
Streeter, Russell, Nichols, Tichnor, Birdsey, and 
Steward for fleeces of wool, our thanks. And to all 
who have so kindly donated during the year, we say 
keep on, as we shall need all the help we can have in 
these times of high prices. We have shipped to the 
Commission at Cincinnati during the year the follow- 
ing: Two coats, 4 pair mittens, 2 sheets, 74 shirts, 
54 pair drawers, 9 comforts, 215 handkerchiefs, 45 
double gowns, 33 pillows, 35 pillow-cases, 64 pairs 
socks, T] towels, 293 pads, 1,492 yards bandages, 
1,967 compresses, ig rolls linen, cotton and flannel, 
q napkins, 6 arm-slings, 24 rolls wide bandages, 3 
vests, 6 pair slippers, 4 packages hops, 3 of sage, 374 
magazines and papers, 3 dozen buttons, i ounce 
linen thread, 17 quires letter-paper, 13 packages 
envelopes, 56 combs, 47 cakes of soap, 4 dozen lead- 
pencils, one dozen pens and holders, bunch tooth- 
picks, 2 fans, I can sugar, i package beans, 163 
pounds apples, 80 pounds small fruits, 3 pounds 
canned beef, i keg pickled cabbage, 3K bushel 
potatoes, I box blackberry root, 29 quarts cucum- 
ber catsup, I quart wine, 8 quarts canned blackber- 
ries, I quart candy, i quart crab-apple, i quart cur- 
rant jelly, I quart canned gooseberries, 2 quarts 
canned raspberries, 8 of peaches, 12 of cherries, 2 
boxes mustard, 4 pounds corn starch, i can fruit, 
kind not known. 

At a reorganization meeting September 22, the 
following officers were elected: Mrs. Nathan P. 
Birdseye, re-elected president; Mrs. Dr. Weaver, 
vice-president; Mrs. Colonel Eaton, secretary; Mrs. 
Dr. Seeley, treasurer; Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Jack- 
son, directors. 

Mrs. Nathan Birdseye, President. 
Mrs. Bradley Tuttle, Secretary. 

These are mere specimens of what was 



done, and by no means indicate the extent 
of shipments made during the four years 
of the war after the women's movement 
was inaugurated. 

The women of Fremont did not limit 
their work to sending good things for- 
ward for the soldiers. As the hardships, 
exposure, and the bloody work on the 
fields of battle went on, during 1863, 
1864, and part of 1865, thousands of men 
were discharged for disability and sent 
home. Such women as Mrs. John R. 
Pease, Mrs. R. P. Buckland, Mrs. Dr. 
Stillwell, Mrs. Grant, and probably others 
in concert with them, discovered these 
soldiers making their way homeward in 
destitute circumstances. They at once 
seized the opportunity for doing good, 
and rented a house and furnished it with 
comforts for needy, returning invalid sol- 
diers. They watched for these needy 
patriots and when one was found he was 
at once taken to their impromptu home 
for needy soldiers. They would place 
him there and furnish him with medicine 
if needed, and food and lodging until he 
was refreshed and able to go on his jour- 
ney; and if he had no means to travel 
with, the means also were furnished him 
through their efforts, and the thankful sol- 
dier, sick, wounded, or needy, was sent 
towards his home rejoicing. Such women 
need no words of praise ; iheir acts praise 
them better, before God and man, than 
language can. 



348 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Biographical Sketches. 



GENERAL CHARLES GRANT 
EATON. 

As a soldier, physician, and citizen, Col- 
onel Eaton is alike favorably and honor- 
ably remembered. He was one of those 
peculiar men whose ability commanded 
respect, and whose qualities ingratiated 
him into the afifections of his companions. 
Since people are naturally interested in 
what is said of their friends, this sketch is 
sure to receive a general reading. 

Charles Grant Eaton was a son of Abel 
and Julia Eaton, and was born at Lowell, 
Massachusftts, September 27, 1825. His 
parents removed to Ohio in 1828, and 
settled in Licking county. Charles worked 
on a farm and attended the common 
schools of that community until young 
manhood, when he began the study of 
medicine in Granville, under the tutorage 
of Dr. Austin. He attended lecturts at 
Cincinnati College of Medicine, where 
he graduated in the class of 1847. 

Dr. Eaton began practice at Savannah, 
Athens county, Ohio. He married, May 
15, 1849, Mary H. Conant, who was born 
in Worcester county, Massachusetts, July 
8, 1825. Her parents. Lot and Mary 
Conant, settled in West Virginia in 1830. 

In 1853 Dr. Eaton began the practice 
of his profession in Clyde. His tact and 
skill soon found favor, and a full share 
of the practice of the eastern part of the 
county came under his care. His pro- 
fessional career was unintuirupted until 
the opening of the Rebellion. The politi- 
cal storm had not been raging without his 
notice. He felt that patriotism demanded 
political activity, and responded heartily 
to the call. 

When the country was aroused by the 
sound of battle. Dr. Eaton abandoned his 
practice and began recruiting troops for 



the Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, then being formed mainly through 
the efforts of General Buckland. Dr. 
Eaton was complimented for his activity 
with the captaincy of company A, com- 
posed mostly of citizens of the east part 
of the county. 

The biography of Dr. Eaton from now 
until the close of the war is closely inter- 
woven with the history of the noble Sev- 
enty-second Although his commissioned 
rank in the service did not obtain higher 
than the lieutenant-colonelcy, he was in 
command of the regiment during many of 
its most perilous expeditions. The regi- 
ment, soon after enlistment, was ordered 
up the Tennessee River. At Shiloh Cap- 
tain Eaton was quite sick, and in conse- 
quence was unable to participate actively 
in this engagement, in which the lieuten- 
ant-colonel was killed and the major cap- 
tured. The command then devolved up- 
on Colonel Eaton, until the regiment 
reached Camp No. 6, in front of Corinth, 
when Colonel Buckland, who had been 
in command of the brigade, reassumed 
command of the regiment. 

Captain Eaton was promoted to major 
July 23, 1862. In November, 1862, Col- 
onel Buckland being again called to the 
command of a brigade, Major Eaton was 
given command of the regiment on 
Grant's Mississippi campaign, and several 
independent expeditions, until the return 
of Lieutenant-Colonel Crockett in Janu- 
ary, 1863. He served with credit through 
the Vicksburg campaign, and was soon 
after commissioned lieutenant-colonel. In 
the absence of the colonel he commanded 
the regiment until it was mustered out, 
September 1 1, 1865. 

Colonel Eaton commanded his regi- 
ment on McPherson's expedition to Can- 
ton, Mississippi, and in Sturgis' fight with 
Forrest near Tupelo, Mississippi, where 
his bravery and devotion saved many men 




GENERAL CHARLES G. EATON. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



349 



from capture. In General A. J. Smith's 
fights with Forrest; on Mower's raid 
through Arkansas into Missouri after the 
rebel General Price; at the battle of Nash- 
ville, December, 1864, where the Seventy- 
second won distinguished honor; in the 
attacks upon the forts around Mobile in 
the spnng of 1865, he bore himself like a 
true soldier. When hostilities had finally 
ceased, he marched with his command, 
by way of Montgomery and Selma, to 
Vicksburg, where the regiment was mus- 
tered out. 

"He came out of the service," says the 
memorial of the Army of the Tennessee, 
"without a blemish on his military record, 
and at the close of the war was breveted 
brigadier-general for gallant and meritori- 
ous services." 

Colonel Eaton was firmly attached to 
his regiment. He was a man of heart as 
well as courage. While he was ambitious 
to honor his regiment, he at the same 
time protected them so far as possible 
from rash and hazardous undertakings. 
An incident illustrating his character as a 
military commander occurred on the field 
of Nashville. The lines were drawn up 
in front of the enemy's position, the Sev- 
enty-second being placed before a strong 
point. Brigadier-General McMillen sent 
his aide to Colonel Eaton, ordering him 
to lead the advance. Eaton saw at once 
that the execution of this order would be 
the certain destruction of the regiment. 
He told the officer to present General 
McMillen his compliments, and to tell 
him that he was not going to advance. 
The aide communicated Eaton's reply to 
McMillen, who rode in person to the front 
and repeated the order. Eaton, in his 
characteristic way, said, in effect: "Gen- 
eral, you can't see the situation. I am' 
here in front where I can, and I tell you 
this regiment is not going to advance on 
that position." General McMillen com- 



promised his order, and saved the regi- 
ment from foolish destruction. 

Colonel Eaton, as it is popularly ex- 
pressed, was "one of the boys"; always 
ready to join in their amusements, exert 
himself to relieve their suffering, and 
make the burdens of army life as light as 
possible. No body of men could help 
but be attached to such an officer. Friend- 
ship heightened into love, which has not 
yet been forgotten by comrades in arms. 
On one occasion, at a reunion, a veteran 
caught his old colonel by the hand, and, 
as he remembered the multiplied kind- 
nesses shown the rank and file on the field, 
his eyes filled and tears drowned the 
words with which he wanted to express 
himself A similar feeling of affection is 
cherished by his entire command. 

After the war Dr. Eaton resumed the 
practice of his profession in Clyde. He 
died October 13, 1875. In his profession, 
General Eaton was not bound by any 
school of practice. He was practical in 
the treatment of cases, never wanting in 
resources, and always prompt in their ap- 
plication. While his knowledge of the 
science of medicine covered a wide range, 
he relied more upon his own judgment 
and experience than upon books and 
rules. He perceived quickly and accu- 
rately, and discriminated finely. A reten- 
tive memory was his faithful servant, and 
made a diversified experience valuable. 

As a citizen, General Eaton was enter- 
prising and influential. He was free- 
handed with his money, and loved associ- 
ation. His affable manner, generosity, 
and interesting conversation caused his 
companionship to be sought and appreci- 
ated. Although without early training, 
and never a hard student, he was a well- 
informed man. His was one of those 
peculiar minds which absorb the acquire- 
ments of minds with which they come in 
contact. Having engaged in a consulta- 



35° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



tion of physicians, or social conversation, 
he came away possessed of all the infor- 
mation called out. 

Dr. Eaton was buried with Masonic 
honors, having been connected with that 
fraternity from the age of twenty-one years. 
He was also a member of the Odd Fellows 
lodge. 

Mrs. Eaton is yet a citizen of Clyde. 
The family consisted of three children — 
Charles Henry, born March 14, 1850, 
lives in Colorado; Mary Julia, born Oc- 
tober 31, 1851, married August 6, 1875, 
to John H. King, lives in Michigan; Fred- 
erick C, born January 13, 1861, died 
March 14, 1862. 



CHESTER AVERH.L BUCKLAND, 

son of Stephen and Lucy Buckland, was 
born January 6, 1841, at Edinburg, then 
in Portage, but now in Summit county. 
He came with his parents, while quite 
young, to Fremont, and at an early period 
determined to learn a trade, and be inde- 
pendent. He accordingly served an ap- 
prenticeship at the printing business in 
the Fremont Journal office, under the in- 
struction of Isaac M. Keeler, the then ed- 
itor and publisher of the paper. He 
evinced so much manliness and intelli- 
gence that his parents determined to give 
him an education, and for that purpose 
sent him to Hudson College. Here young 
Buckland made rapid progress in his 
studies, and developed qualities which 
promised a high and noble manhood. 
From the time the war of the Rebellion first 
broke out, he had a burning desire to en- 
ter the Union army, but could not obtain 
the consent of his loved and loving 
mother. When his older brother, Henry 
W. Buckland, enlisted, and became lieu- 
tenant of Company B, of the Seventy- 
second regiment, Chester made further 



appeals to his mother by writing to 
her from Hudson, asking her to con- 
sent to his enlistment. The letters he 
wrote are so full of expressions of filial 
obedience, and yet so earnest, that they 
honor both parents and their child. They 
are given here, not specially to praise 
young Buckland, but to show the spirit 
of a representative young man of our 
county: 

Hudson, November 10, 1861. 
Dear Parents; I wiite home, at the present 
time, for your permission to enter the army. Not- 
withstanding my great and burning desire to go and 
help overturn the rebels, I have held back by your 
advice, and in accordance with your wishes. You 
do not know how many times I have regretted I was 
not in the army, and often I think I seem a coward 
that I have not gone. But I gave my promise that 
I should not go without your consent, and I do not 
wish to break it. A great many of my friends have 
gone, and to me it seems as if I should be with 
them. You think me unable to undergo the life of a 
soldier. I, as well as others, have sound and un- 
blemished limbs, fine-textured muscles, capable of 
great development, and which can be taught to bear 
fatigue. To be sure, I am small in stature, but it 
has been proved that small men make the best sol- 
diers, capable of enduring more fatigue, excitement, 
hunger, thirst, and danger than large men, being 
sounder, and more compactly made. I have calcu- 
lated the costs, the danger, toil, and privation I will 
have to undergo, and with your consent, I will most 
gladly endure them all. Do not refuse me. I know 
it will cause you many an anxious hour, but you will 
love to boast of me, as well as of my brother. I 
would, of course, want to go with Henry. Besides, 
I should no longer be a burden to you, but could let 
you have the most of my money which I would draw 
from the Government, instead of drawing from you, 
which you can scarcely spare. Do not think this is a 
sudden streak in me, for it is not. It has long been 
forming, and every day becomes stronger and more 
powerful, and many times I have almost said I would 
go. You well know that long since I should have 
gone had you not restrained me, and now it requires 
but one word, .and I will go. Do not withhold it. 
The more I see of the hardship, pain, and suffering 
in this war, the more I want to go and help punish 
the causes of it. I have delayed long enough, and I 
feel that I can not do so very long. I think it my 
duty to go. There are none who are dependent on 
me, and I can afford, as well as others, to leave my 
home and all I love for my country's welfare. Now 
that I have gone thus far, do not refuse me. There 
are many men who have left their wives and children 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



351 



to go. I have neitlier, and there are none who 
would suffer should I fall. Besides, I should be in 
far better health after I got used to it. I had a let- 
ter from Lieutenant Tyler yesterday. He said all 
were well. I had a letter from Fred Collins during 
the week; he sends love. I had one from PoUie 
Stratton Wednesday. I must close now. So good- 
bye, and soon return a favorable reply to your son, 
Chester A. Buckland. 

MOTHER, CAN I GO? 

I am writing to you, mother, knowing well what you 

will say. 
When you read with tearful fondness, all I write to 

you to-day ; 
Knowing well the flame of ardor, on a loyal mothers 

part. 
That will kindle with each impulse, with each throb- 
bing of your heart. 
I have heard my country calling for her sons that still 

are true ; 
I have loved that country, mother, only next to God 

and you, 
And my soul is springing forward to resist her bitter 

foes; 
Can I go, my dearest mother? Tell me, mother, can 

Igo? 

From the battered walls of Sumter, from the wild 

waves of the sea, 
I have heard her cry for succor, as the voice of God 

to me; 
In prosperity I loved her, in her days of dark distress; 
With your spirit in me, mother, could I love that 

country less? 
They have pierced her heart with treason ; they have 

caused her sons to bleed ; 
They have robbed her in her kindness ; they have tri- 
umphed in her need ; 
They have trampled on her standard, and she calls 

me in her woe. 
Can I go, my dearest mother? Tell me, mother, can 

Igo? 

I am young and slender, mother ; they would call me 
yet a boy; 

But I know the land I live in, and the blessings I en- 
joy. 

I am old enough, dear mother, to be loyal, proud, and 
true 

To the faithful sense of duty I have ever learned from 
you. 

We must conquer this rebellion ; let the doubting 
heart be still ; 

We must conquer it or perish ; we must conquer, and 
we will. 

But the faithful must not falter ; and shall I be want- 
ing? No! 

Bid me go, my dearest mother. Tell me, mother, 
can I go? 



He who led His chosen people, in their efforts to be 

free 
From the tyranny of Egypt, will be merciful to me; 
Will protect me by His power, whate'er I undertake, 
Will return me home in safety, dearest mother, for 

your sake ; 
Or should this, my bleeding country, need a victim 

such as me, 
I am nothing more than others who have perished to 

be free. 
On her bosom let me slumber; on her altar let me lie; 
I am not afraid, dear mother, in so good a cause to 

die. 

There will come a day of gladness, when the people 

of the Lord 
Shall look proudly on their banner which His mercy 

has restored. 
When the stars, in perfect number, on their azure 

field of blue. 
Shall be clustered m a union, then and ever firm and 

true. 
I may live to see it, mother, when the patriot's work 

is done. 
And your heart, so full of kindness, will beat proudly 

for your son ; 
Or through tears your eyes may see it, with a sadly 

thoughtful view. 
And may love it still more dearly for the cost it won 

from you. 

I have written to you, mother, with a consciousness 

of right ; 
I am thinking of you fondly, with a loyal heart, to- 
night. 
When I have your noble bidding, which shall bid me 

to press on, 
I will come and see you, mother, come and see you 

and be gone — 
In the sacred name of freedom and my country as 

her due ; 
In the name of law and justice, I have written this to 

you. 
I am eager, an.xious, longing, to resist my country's 

foe. 
Shall I go, my dearest mother? Tell me, mother, 

shall I go? 

— Chester A. Buckland. 

Camp Shiloh, West Tennessee. ) 
Saturday April 5, 1862. ) 

Dearest Mother : 

You may glory in us now. 
Yesterday, while drilling about a mile from here, our 
pickets were fired upon. In a very few moments 
the Seventy-second was on its way to battle at a; 
double quick-step, company B in the rear. When 
we arrived at a convenient place, we were deployed 
as skirmishers, and were to try and surround the 
rebels. We wandered along a couple of miles. I 
and Henry were near the end of the company. The 



352 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



company was in groups of four, each group twenty 
paces apart. An order was given to rally on first 
group, when the front commenced to fire, but ceased 
before we could get up. We wandered in a body for 
near an hour, making frequent halts. Every ear was 
listening and every eye watching eagerly for sound or 
sight of the enemy. Nearly an hour from the first 
fire we got sight of them again, and nearly all 
got a chance to fire. We think one was killed 
or badly wounded. Here we found there were 
more than we thought, and so we retreated to 
a kind of a pen built of rails, and then to a 
big tree on the brow of a ravine. In a little 
time the rebel cavalry rode up in sight, and then 
the fight began. I could hear the balls go "whip" 
through the air, and hear them strike the trees around 
us. ^There were a hundred and fifty rebels against 
forty-four of us I Once in a while one would drop 
from his horse or a horse would fall dead or 
wounded. We would load, run up where we could 
see, drop on our knees, take aim and fire, and then run 
back to load. In this manner we made them believe 
there were a good many moie than there were of us. 
In this part of the fight two of our men were 
wounded, Charles H. Rennet, in the right leg and 
James Titsword through the left breast above the 
heart. When we had fought about three-fourths of 
an hour, it commenced to rain and hail, which made 
it diffcult to load without wetting the power. Then 
the rebels retreated. In a vry little time it rained 
so hard we could not see more than a couple of rods, 
which was just exactly the time for them to ride on 
to us and cut us in pieces. We threw out guards to 
watch for them. I never knew it to rain so hard. 
When the rain had ceased, we saw them forming on 
a sort of prairie beyond the reach of our Enfields. In a 
short time they gave a great shout and advanced on 
us. As soon as they were within good reach, we 
commenced to drop them again. They had been 
reinforced to about four or five hundred, beside 
what may have been in reserve. We fought here 
about a quarter of an hour more, during which three 
more were wounded, and several had holes shot in 
their clothes, one having a thumb broke, two shots 
in his arm, one through his clothes and one in his 
boot. Now was the desperate time. The rebels 
fired a volley, drew sabres and began to advance. 
They were on three side-s of us. Our hearts began 
to sink. We rallied round the old white oak, each 
one firmly grasping his gun with its powder-stained 
bayonet, and determined to give as good as we got. 
How fierce we felt. Our last chance seemed gone, 
when a volley sounded in the rear of the rebels. It was 
the Seventy-second ! How loud the hurrahs sounded 
then ! It was the sweetest music I ever heard ! The 
rebels turned and fled. We were saved. We fired 
as long as we could reach them and then took 
Titsword in care, and then we went over to where 
part of the rebels had been. We found two mortally 



wounded ones. Our Enfields make wicked holes. 
The first was a young boy about eighteen. He was 
afraid of us, and wanted to know what we would do 
with him. We promised to take care of him, as we 
would of our own men. He was assured of this, for 
one wanted to kill him, but we raked him so the 
boy was encouraged. The other was a man about 
twenty-five. We carried them as far as the pickets, 
where we had to leave them, for we could carry them 
no farther. Each one said there were four or five 
hundred of them. They were from .Alabama, were 
well dressed and pretty well armed. These two 
men died last night. The rebels had carried all 
their wounded and dead away, but our cavalry say 
they saw about twenty dead rebels in the woods, and 
there must have been many wounded. I saw four 
dead horse. 

Company .A. passed over the ground where our 
heaviest fire was aimed, and found a great many 
sabres, pistols, guns, blankets, and everything they 
couldn't take away. They had a battery not far 
from where we were, and the cavalry followed them 
nearly into it. I have lieard our men took two 
pieces of artillery, but am not certain if it be 
true. None on our side were killed, but Major 
Crockett, I fear, is a prisoner. The last seen of him, 
he was riding like a flash through the woods, fol- 
lowed by a dozen rebel horsemen. He had no arms 
with him, and couldn't fight them. A sergeant and 
a corporal were taken prisoner from company H. 
Company H had four wounded, one the color-ser- 
geant, old Dr. Gessner's son. He was taken prisoner 
and told to climb behind one of the rebels, which he 
would not do. The rebel drew a revolver and snap- 
ped it at him, but it missed fire. He ran while the 
rebel was cocking it again, when the fellow shot and 
hit him in the shoulder. Our men took nine or ten 
prisoners, who said they hadn't thought we could 
shoot so well. We must have killed about as many 
as there were of us, for every man took aim, and 
there are some who don't miss often. Orin England 
and Eugene Rawson were with our company, and 
neither one of them had even a pistol; but as soon as 
Titswood was wounded, Orin took his gun and car- 
tridge box and fought well, while Eugene stood up 
with the boys and talked and laughed, and told them 
to keep cool and take good aim. It was no light 
matter to stand up unarmed, and a lot of fellows 
shooting at one. While we were bringing in the 
wounded there was a heavy battle not far from where 
we fought. Our fight will not probably appear in 
the papers, but we had a hard struggle, and against 
most fearful odds. Ten to one is a great disadvan- 
tage. Two minutes more and company B, Seventy- 
second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, would have been no 
more. We would have all been killed, for each one 
would have died fighting. It would have been a 
barren victory, for there would have been a dead 
rebel or two for every one of us. Our bayonets were 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



353 



fixed, and they are sorry things to run upon. We 
were willing lo stop fighting. How soon we will 
have another fight I don't know, but any minute the 
long roll may sound for the battle. We may fight 
and die; but, mother, your sons will never quail. 

It is getting too dark to write, so I must close. 
Good-bye, dear mother, and remember if I die it is 
for my country. 

Your son, 

Chester A. Buckland. 

That these appeals were successful the 
above letter shows. The patriotic mother 
could no longer withhold her con- 
sent. On the 2 2d day of November 
he enlisted in company B, of the 
Seventy-second regiment, at tlie age of 
twenty years. He went with the regiment 
to Shiloh, and there, early in the day of 
the 6th of April, he was wounded in the 
knee by a rifle shot from the enemy. 

The news of his being wounded reached 
home. Lists of the wounded who had 
been sent homeward were published in 
the papers. The anxious parents watched 
eagerly the list of those sent to Ohio, but 
Chester's name was not found. It ap- 
peared subsequently that by mistake his 
name was in the list of those sent to 
Indiana, which the friends here did not 
search with so much interest. 

Our people at once, after the battle of 
Shiloh, sent a committee there and an- 
other to Cincinnati, to look after the re- 
turning wounded. Dr. L. Q. Rawson, 
while at Cincinnati, found that young 
Buckland had died of his wound on a 
steamboat which was bringing him to that 
city from Cairo. Dr. Rawson at once 
placed the body in a metallic case, and 
sent the remains homeward, and informed 
the parents by telegraph what had hap- 
pened. 

The remains arrived in due time, and, 
after solemn services, were deposited by a 
large collection of mourning, patriotic 
citizens in Oakwood cemetery, where he 
rests. 

Who did more for the country thari 



Chester A. Buckland, who gave to it a 
dearer offering than did his father and 
mother? 



MICHAEL WEGSTEIN. 

The first man of the Seventy-second 
regiment to give his life on the field of 
battle for our Union and liberty, was 
Captain Michael Wegstein, of company 
H. He was born in Baden, Germany, in 
the year i8i8. He emigrated to the 
United States in 1834, and as soon as 
time allowed became an American citizen 
by naturalization. He was an industrious 
and useful citizen, and in 1859 was elected 
sheriff of Sandusky county. In the year 
1 86 1 Doctor A. R. Ferguson was elected his 
successor, whose term of service began on 
the ist of January, 1862. After the Oc- 
tober election of 1861, Mr. Wegstein, 
being defeated in the election by Dr. 
Ferguson, at once set himself about re- 
cruiting a company of Germans, to form 
a part of the Seventy-second regiment. 
He succeeded, notwithstanding a por- 
tion of his party, the Democratic, was 
much opposed to the war at that time. 
Captain Wegstein was a brave, honest, 
and patriotic man. He ably and faithfully 
commanded company H, of the Seventy- 
second regiment, and was with it in all its 
movements until the morning of the mem- 
orable 6th of April, 1862. At the first 
onset of the rebels in that battle he was 
found ready and at the head of his com- 
pany. As he was forming them into line 
for a charge upon the enemy, a minie rifle 
ball from the enemy's ranks struck him in 
the throat, a little above the breast bone, 
and he fell dead upon the field of battle. 
He was certainly the first man of the Sev- 
enty-second killed in battle, and probably 
the first life offered up by the patriots of 
Sandusky in the great struggle for the Na- 
tion's life. Michael Wegstein was an honest 



354 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



man, faithful in the discharge of all the 
social duties of life — a good citizen in all 
respects. He was always a brave man, 
and a patriot \\ho gave his life for his 
adopted country. 

If Sandusky county shall ever perform 
her sacred duty in honoring her soldiers 
with a monument to them, the name of 
Michael Wegstein should have a promi- 
nent place, and justly and truly record the 
fact that of all the men the county gave to 
the Seventy-second regiment, he, an hon- 
est, brave, and patriotic man, was the first 
to die in battle. 



LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HERMAN 

CANFIELD, 
of Medina county, was the next offering of 
life on the field of battle from the Seventy- 
second regiment. He was a scholar, a 
graduate, a lawyer, and left a good and lu- 
crative practice to enter the service. By 
his efforts a company was enlisted in the 
eastern portion of the State. A few min- 
utes after Captain Weigstein fell, Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Canfield was shot through the 
breast while riding in front of his com- 
mand, on the morning of the 6th of April, 
1862, in the battle of Shiloh, and died on 
the 7th of the same month. 



MAJOR EUGENE ALLEN RAWSON. 

Among the noble men who have earned 
the gratitude of a Nation, by giving their 
strength and their lives to its defence, few 
there are whose memory deserves to be 
more warmly cherished than he whose name 
stands at the head of this article. While 
at school at Homer, New York, and just 
about finishing his academic course, pre- 
paratory to entering Yale College, the 
President's first call came for volunteers, 
and young Rawson, not stopping to count 



the cost of the sacrifice he was about to 
make, joined the Twelfth New York regi- 
ment as a private. In that capacity he 
took a noble part in the battle of Bull 
Run, evincing great coolness and bravery. 
When the fortunes of the day went against 
General McDowell's army, and when, in 
the confusion that followed, regiments 
were thrown into disorder and scattered, 
he and a tried companion sought the pro- 
tection of a tree, from behind which they 
loaded and fired until his friend fell dead 
by his side. 

In December, 1861, he was appointed 
adjutant of the Seventy-second Ohio Vol 
unteer Infantry by the Governor of Ohio, 
and was accordingly transferred to it by the 
War Department. He could have received 
no transfer more agreeable to his feelings, 
and none more complimentary. The Sev- 
enty-second was chiefly raised in his own 
county, and was composed in a great meas- 
ure of those who had" been the compan- 
ions of his boyhood. Entering upon the 
duties of his new field, he at once exhibit- 
ed a peculiar fitness for the position to 
which he had been called, and, from his 
previous experience in the service, was of 
great advantage in the early training of 
the regiment. He left Fremont with the 
regiment in January, 1862, when it moved 
to Camp Chase, preparatory to setting out 
to its final destination, Paducah and the 
Southwest. When, joined to the Army of 
the Tennessee, the Seventy-second disem- 
barked at Pittsburg Landing, the men 
composing the command were mostly sick, 
suffering terribly from the effect of their 
transit and with the disease peculiar to that 
Southern climate, to which they were un- 
used. Major Rawson's natural buoyancy 
of spirit, and cheerful, sprightly manner 
could not otherwise than revive the droop- 
ing spirits of the boys, amongst whom, in 
their hour of calamity, he went about 
"doing good." On Friday preceding the 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



355 



battle of Shiloh, Major Crockett, with 
company A and company B, was sent for- 
ward by Colonel Buckland on a recon- 
noissance to ascertain the reason of the 
unusual firing heard in the direction of the 
picket line. /Advancing some distance 
and failing to discover the cause, Major 
Crockett separated his little command, 
moving himself with one company to the 
left, while he sent company B, accom- 
panied by Adjutant Rawson, to the right. 
Major Crockett's company, after proceed- 
ing but a little way, was met by a superior 
force of rebel cavahy. The Major and 
some of his men were captured, while the 
balance barely made good their retreat. 
Company B, continuing its course to the 
right, unconscious of the fate of their gal- 
lant Major and his men, were confronted 
at a distance of a mile or two farther by 
the same cavalry which had so summarily 
disposed of their companions, now largely 
reinforced. Comprehending at a glance 
their situation, they discovered at once 
that retreat was impossible, and that the 
alternative remained to surrender or at- 
tempt to hold the enemy at bay until rein- 
forcements should arrive. The latter 
course was unhesitatingly adopted. Choos- 
ing an elevated piece of ground, covered 
sparsely by trees, they prepared for the 
attack. 

Their position placed the enemy in 
front, the ground being unfavorable for a 
flank movement. Making a fallen tree 
their breastwork, those forty men, who had 
never before stood face to face with an 
enemy, who, for the first time were re- 
quired to point a gun or pull a trigger — 
held in check, for hours, six hundred 
rebel cavalry, by emptymg the saddles of 
the advance until, to their great relief, a 
volley in the rear of their enemy announced 
the arrival of part of the Seventy-second 
regiment, led by Colonel Buckland, who, 
becoming alarmed at their long absence. 



hastened to their rescue at a double 
quick, and arrived just in time to defeat a 
charge the rebels had drawn sabre to make. 

Although Major Rawson was not in 
command of the detachment, yet owing 
to the feeble health of Captain Raymond, 
the conduct of the defence devolved 
principally upon him. Under his direc- 
tion a volley of only ten guns was fired 
at one time, so that a sufificient reserve 
should remain to mete out with steady 
aim another and still another volley, if the 
dashing chivalry should choose to follow 
up their advance after receiving the first 
round. 

After the fight was over, the enemy's 
dead of men and horses counted, and the 
few wounded prisoners cared for, all, both 
officers and men, were lavish of the praise 
they bestowed upon their young adjutant. 
Without a musket himself, he picked up 
that of a wounded comrade, arid fired his 
rounds with a composure that did no dis- 
credit to his exploit at Bull Run. 

When the battle opened on the 6th of 
April, two days afterwards, and the rebels 
came like an avalanche upon our unsus- 
pecting troops at Shiloh, Buck land's 
brigade responded to the beat of the 
long-roll with such alacrity that they 
stood in the very front of Sherman's divis- 
ion, ready to meet the coming shock be- 
fore the enemy had gained rifle distance 
of their position. Colonel Buckland be- 
ing in command of the brigade, the com- 
mand devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel 
Canfield. Major Crockett, the only other 
field officer of the regiment, being a pris- 
oner, by cotnmon consent Adjutant Raw- 
son assumed his position for the occasion. 
At the first or second fire Lieutenant- 
Colonel Canfield fell mortally wounded, 
and he alone remained to command and 
cheer the undaunted boys who stood 
steadfast amid the storm of leaden hail 
that mowed through their ranks, until Col- 



3S6 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



onel Buckland, seeing the disaster that 
had befallen his own brave regiment, put 
himself at their head, and led them 
through the fight. The horse of our 
young adjutant was shot from under him, 
and another that had been sent forward 
for him being captured before it reached 
him, his duties were no less bravely or 
efficiently performed on foot. | 

The history of the Seventy-second; of 
the part it bore in the three days' fight at 
Pittsburg Landing; in the seige of CorirUh; 
in the pursuit of Forrest through Tennes- 
see; of its marches, skirmishes and battles 
from Memphis to Vicksburg; of its pur- 
suit of Johnson, under Sherman, to Jack- 
son; of its return to Memphis, and of the 
part it enacted in the great expedition of 
General Sherman into Mississippi — is the 
history of Major Rawson. After the 
Seventy-second had re-enlisted as veterans, 
and after the main body, composing Sher- 
man's expedition, had moved southward, 
a small force, consisting of not over six- 
teen hundred men, was sent out on the 
venturesome expedition of making a feint 
into the enemy's country, who were holding 
a position on the bank of the Tallahatchie, 
to intercept and defeat the crossing of the 
reinforcements moving to the support of 
General Sherman. Of this comparatively 
small force the Seventy-second formed a 
part under the command of Lieutenant- 
Colonel Eaton and Major Rawson, Adjut- 
ant Rawson having been promoted to the 
rank of Major by the unanimous recom- 
mendation of the officers, and in accord- 
ance with the known feeling of the regi- 
ment, although he stood not in the regular 
line of promotion. 

Arriving at the Tallahatchie River in 
the evening, and finding the enemy en- 
camped in large force on the opposite 
bank, they lit up their camp fires in such 
profusion as to deceive the rebels into the 
belief that they were a body of some six 



or eight thousand strong. So well did they 
play their part that they kept the enemy 
beguiled and at rest until time enough had 
elapsed for General Smith to cross the 
river above, at the point chosen, without 
interference. The object of the expedi- 
tion attained, they were ordered to return 
to Memphis. But they were in the enemy's 
country, out of reach of reinforcements, 
numbering less than sixteen hundred, 
with the rebels in strong force on the oppo- 
site side of the river. To render less haz- 
ardous their retreat it became necessary to 
burn two bridges. Colonel Eaton received 
the order from the general in command to 
execute the task. Dividing his regiment, 
he marched before morning with the main 
body to the one supposed to be the most 
strongly guarded, assigning to Major Raw- 
son two small companies with which to 
proceed to the other, where it was thought 
but few would be found to offer resistance. 
The reverse proved to be the case. The 
Major it was who encountered the largest 
force. Having arrived at the bridge 
Major Rawson sent his pickets across to 
reconnoiter. No sooner had they gained 
the opposite side than from a point out of 
sight, came dashing up a large body of 
rebel cavalry, who commenced firing on 
the pickets. Veterans as they were, they 
knew too much to run across the bridge, 
where they would be sure to receive the 
raking fire of the rebel carbines. So they 
jumped over the sides into the water. 
This gave them the protection of the 
bank, as they well knew the trusty rifles of 
their companions would make a near ap- 
proach to the bank a place where a rebel 
would hardly venture to "make ready, 
take aim, fire," even at the command of 
a major-general himself A brisk little 
fight ensued — the bridge was destroyed 
without the loss of a man on Major Raw- 
son's side, while more than one rebel 
grave marks the site where the old bridge 



1 




I /nil lie. '/Ini.^(>ii. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



35, 



stood— the commanding rebel general's 
own son being one of the slain. 

From the badly managed expedition, of 
which the Seventy-second formed a part, 
sent out from Memphis under General 
Sturgis, which ended so sadly at Guntown 
and Ripley, in Mississippi, Major Rawson 
reached Memphis with such of the officers 
and men of his regiment as were saved 
from the general disaster, marching over 
eighty miles, without food or rest, in less 
than forty-eight hours. The Seventy-sec- 
ond, acting as a rear guard of the fleeing 
troops, valiantly beat back the pursuing 
foe until out of ammunition, and their 
supply train destroyed by the rebels, they 
were forced to make good their escape by 
flight, which they did, but two hundred 
and fifty of the regiment being captured; 
Scarcely rested from the terrible scenes 
and suffering through which they had 
passed, the regiment, now over half re- 
duced in number, in command of Major 
Rawson, started again, under General A. 
J. Smith, to encounter the same foe. 
Coming up to the enemy at Tupelo, Mis- 
sissippi, Major Rawson was mortally i 
wounded at Oldtown Creek, six miles 
beyond, while gallantly leading a charge ' 
against the rebel lines. Borne from the 
field he was conveyed back to Memphis. i 
Major Rawson was the son of Dr. La- j 
Quinio and Sophia Rawson. He was born ,' 
at Fremont on the 14th of March, 1840; 
was married to Miss Jennie Snyder, an 
amiable and accomplished young lady of 
Couitland county. New York, on the 31st 
of August, 1863, while absent from his ; 
regiment on a short furlough. He died ' 
at Memphis, Tennessee, on the 2 2d of 
July, seven days after he received the 
fatal wound, aged twenty-four years. Em- 
balmed, his remains were sent to his 
home— Fremont— and with appropriate 
funeral services were interred in Oakwood 
cemetery, followed thither by a very large 



I concourse of his friends and fellow-citi- 
, zens, who loved the boy, and mourned the 
death of the young hero and patriot. 

At a meeting of the officers and soldiers 
of the Seventy second Ohio Veteran Volun- 
teer Infantry, held at Memphis, Tennessee, 
the 28th day of July, 1864, for the pur- 
pose of expressing their feelings in regard 
to the death of Major Eugene A. Rawson, 
Lieutenant-Colonel C. G. Eaton was elect- 
ed chairman, and Lieutenant J. WelU 
Watterson, regimental quartermaster, sec 
retary. The meeting was called to order 
and the following members appointed a 
committee on resolutions: Lieutenant 
A. B. Putman, company A; Lieutenant 
J. F. Harrington, company A; Sergean 
Corwin Ensminger, company C; Sergean 
Abraham Eldridge, company I; Corpora; 
Samuel Persing, company A. The fol- 
lowing resolutions were presented and 
unanimously adopted by the meeting: 



Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to re- 
move from us our brother officer and soldier. Major 
Eugene A. Rawson, by death on the 22d of July 
inst., of wounds received on the 15th inst., while 
; bravely leading his regiment in a charge against the 
enemy's lines at the battle of Oldtown Creek; and 

Whereas, We, the officers and soldiers of the Sev " 
enty-second Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, desire 
to express in a suitable manner our respect'for the 
noble dead, and our deep regret for his untimely fall, 
therefore 

Resolved, That in the death of Major Eugene A. 
Rawson our regiment has lost a brave, heroic, and 
devoted officer and soldier, the nation one of her 
most ardent patriots and defenders, his family a dis. 
tinguished member, his friends and brothers in aims 
a dear and valued companion. 

Resolved. That we declare our conviction that the 
life of the deceased, while connected with the Sev- 
enty-second Ohio, has been one of unwearied devo- 
tion to duty and to the service of his country, and 
whether in the quiet camp or the toilsome march, or in 
the blaze and fury of battle, he alike ably, patiently, 
and heroically performed with untiring energy all 
that fell to his lot; and when struck by the fatal ball, 
was found at his post fearlessly offering his life that 
his country might live. 

Resolved, That we tendei the family and friends of 
the deceased, and especially the young wife who 
has thus early been called to mourn the death of her 



iS8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



husband, our deepest sympathy and condolence in 
this, their sad bereavement. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be fur- 
nished the friends of the deceased; also a copy to 
the Fremont Journal and Sentinel and the Courtland 
County Journal, of Homer, New York. 

C. G. Eaton, Chairman. 

y. Wells Watterson, Secretary. 



KESSLER AND BELDING. 

And yet 'tis true 

Sweet romance follows after 

Grim visaged, bloody war. 

John J. Kessler was a promising young 
man of Fremont, Ohio, who volunteered 
in company F (Captain Bartlett). He be- 
came a second lieutenant, was "promoted 
o first lieutenant and then to captain. He 
»vas then chosen aide on General Rose- 
crans' staff, in which capacity he did good 
service in the battle of Chickamauga. 

Captain E. B. Belding, of Medina 
county, Ohio, volunteered in battery A, 
First light artillery, and was on duty in the 
same battle. The two men had become 
acquainted, although in different branches 
of the service. Belding was that day on 
horseback doing duty, when his horse was 
wounded in one hind leg by a ball from 
the enemy, and became frantic and almost 
unmanageable. While struggling with his 
horse Captain Belding found it necessary 
to put both hands to the bridle, which 
movement brought his hands and wrists 
close together. While the horse was 
struggling and turning round, a rifle ball 
struck the upper part of his hand and 
passed through both wrists. Notwith- 
standing this wound the Captain managed 
to use one thumb and finger on the rein 
to keep the horse in a circle, for if he had 
dashed off straight in liis then condition, the 
rider would have been tlirown or dashed 
against a tree. While the horse was circling 
Belding freed himself from the stirrups 
but still held one rein of the bridle when 
assistance, in the form of a single man, 



came up, to whom he surrendered the 
horse. Captain Belding was then in a 
very unsafe position, where the enemy's 
fire from the front was cutting down 
wounded men who were under orders re- 
tiring to the rear for safety and surgical aid. 
He started to the rear to find a surgeon. 
When the shock of the wound gave way 
to reaction, he found himself weak from 
pain and loss of blood, but he continued 
walking, and sitting down occasionally to 
rest. He finally concluded that he could 
not hold out and sat down upon a log, 
faint and wath the desperate conclusion 
that he could not move any farther, and 
would there await his fate. 

Captain Kessler fortunately discovered 
him in this condition, rode up to him, dis- 
mounted, placed Belding on the horse and 
took him back to a ravine where a surgeon 
was at work among the wounded. Here 
Captain Belding's wounds were hastily 
bandaged, and soon after he obtained an 
ambulance which took him back and into 
the hospital. 

This incident produced a friendship 
between the two men, for Belding believed 
he owed his life to Kessler's kindness. 
Kessler had two sisters at home, whose 
pictures Belding happened to see although 
he was ignorant of their relationship to 
the Major. One of them struck his fancy 
and he told the Major if he could find 
that girl he would marry her. "I don't 
know about that," replied the Major; "that 
is a picture of my sister Louise, now in 
Fremont. She may have something to say 
about that." "We shall see," said the Cap- 
tain. About a year after. Captain Bel- 
ding, while on a furlough, found Fremont, 
accidentally, of course, and found the 
Kessler House, then the leading hotel in 
the city. Of course Captain Belding 
recognized the girl whose picture he had 
seen and fancied. When the war was over, 
as was very natural, Captain Belding must 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



359 



see his brave friend who had saved his 
hfe. Major Kessler told his sister the 
story of their acquaintance, and, Captain 
Belding was warmly welcomed by Major 
Kessler and by his family. 

Well, what next ? married, of course. 
A fine, bright youth, the exact miniature 
of Captain Belding, called Willie, with 
father and mother, make a most happy 
trio for a family. A more thoroughly de- 
voted, trustful, and affectionate husband 
cannot be found than Captain Belding, 
and himself and wife are as happy as human 
faith and affection can render man and 
women, and this forms what Bob Ingersoll 
says is the best heaven he has ever found. 

But what of Major Kessler? The ex- 
posures and hardships of the war hurried 
consumption upon him, and, like hundreds 
of thousands of other brave men, he came 
home to linger and hope a little while. 
He sleeps in our beautiful Oakwood cem- 
etery, where a fine and well deserved 
monument marks the spot where the brave 
and good man is at rest. Often you may 
see fond friends lingering there, and every 
returning annual decoration day sweet, 
beautiful flowers are seen, giving fragrance 
to the last resting [)lace of the remains of 
John J. Kessler. Captain Belding and 
his noble wife are among the first to visit 
Major Kessler's grave, and there drop the 
sweetest flowers, and bedew them with the 
tears of gratitude and affection. 



MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES B. 
PHERSON. 



Mc- 



The only Federal major-general who 
perished on the field of battle was James 
B. McPherson. His ability as a com- 
manding officer has been variously esti- 
mated. His career, brilliant and crowded 
as it was, was prematurely cut off before 
his capacity had been fully tested. One 



fact, however, is significant. He gained, 
in an unprecedentedly short time, the con- 
fidence of commanders justly celebrated 
for their accurate estimates of men. With 
the meagre field experience of one cam- 
paign, he was given command of as noble 
an army as ever marched to defend the 
Union. Every man in that army admired 
him for his superb gallantry, and for his 
open, generous heart. The feeling of 
friendly affection and admiration was not 
confined to the tented field. Those here, 
who knew him from childhood, and called 
hmi "Jimmie," those who had been his 
play-fellows and knew his boyish fancies, 
watched his career and applauded his 
triumphs with affectionate interest. The 
Army of the Tennessee and his friends at 
home have fittingly shown their apprecia- 
tion of a noble friend and gallant general, 
by seeking to preserve in moulds of im- 
perishable bronze, the features of his hand- 
some body. He is idolized by his old 
neighbors at Clyde. The story of his 
life, from childhood to the gallant but 
fatal exploit on the field before Atlanta, is 
a familiar topic of conversation. 

James Birdseye McPherson was born at 
Hamer's Corners (now Clyde), November 
14, 1828. His father was of Scotch-Irish 
descent, and married, in New York, Cyn- 
thia Russell, a native of Massachusetts, 
and came to Ohio, the first time, in 1822, 
on foot, his travelling companions being 
Norton Russell and James Birdseye, whose 
name was given to the first-born as a mark 
of friendship. Mr. McPherson entered 
land and built a cabin. A year later his 
wife joined him and the pair began house- 
keeping. He was a blacksmith, but found 
it difficult to earn a livelihood on account 
of the sparse settlement of the country 
and scarcity of money. He was consti- 
tutionally nervous and excitable, but had 
the reputation of being a skilled trades- 
man, until overthrown by the nervous dis- 



36o 



HISTORY OF SAIv^DUSKY COUNTY. 



order which eventually terminated his life. 
James was known among the mothers 
of the backwoods settlement, as a " good 
baby," happy, good-natured, healthy. He 
seemed to enjoy being petted, but was not 
peevish when neglected. Tall Chief once 
visited the homely McPherson residence, 
during one of his strolls from the Seneca 
reservation, four miles south. After fond- 
ling the babe, then just beginning; to prat- 
tle, the Indian was asked by the proud 
mother what he thought of her boy. 
"Fine boy, fine boy," was the prophetic 
reply of the red-skin. "Be big man." 
This remark, which only amused the 
mother at the time, was recalled after the 
fall of Vicksburg. The child grew into a 
healthy and strong boy, full of spirit and 
never idle. He delighted in, and always 
sought the praise of his jjarents and neigh- 
bors. An incident is told which shows 
that that caution which, in after life, char- 
acterized all his actions, was the product 
of maturer years. When seven or eight 
years old, he visited his uncle, Norton 
Russell, whom he found in the field cut- 
ting corn. The boy was anxious to help, 
and was finally permitted to, but cautioned 
to be careful and not try to cut more than 
one stalk at a time. The future general 
soon became impatient. He raised the 
heavy knife high over his head and said : 
"Uncle, I am going to cut like men do." 
A half-dozen stalks of corn tumbled to 
the ground, but a severe wound of the 
knee punished the lad's rash disobedience. 
It was the father's desire that his son 
should have a good education, but finan- 
cial embarrassment prevented sending him 
away. James, however, attended district 
school, which was held in a log house oc- 
cupying almost exactly the same spot now 
occupied by the base of his statue. Here 
he mastered, by the age of thirteen, the 
common branches taught at that time, and 
became a good writer. While not in 



school, his time was employed on the 
farm. But at the age of thirteen there 
came a crisis; his father was no longer able 
to work, and James felt called upon not only 
to earn his own living, but also to give 
assistance to his mother, struggling against 
poverty. He obtained a situation as store 
boy in the establishment of Robert Smith, 
at Green Spring, five miles south of his 
home. He has himself described this 
first farewell to his home and mother. 
"The whole family were in tears when he 
bade them good-bye; and taking up his 
little bundle, commenced his journey of 
five miles, afoot and alone;" After walking 
boldly forward for some distance, he looked 
back and saw them all at the door, watch- 
ing and weeping. To shut out the pain- 
ful sight he clutched his bundle tighter 
and ran as fast as his young feet would 
carry him, until he reached the woods, 
when he sat down and wept abundantly. 
Then he took up his bundle again and 
came on to Green Spring." 

Here is exhibited that tender sympathy 
and affection which were such important 
elements of his character. Even in the 
blaze of military triumph, home and mother 
occupied his first thoughts. 

Young McPherson worked faithfully, 
and seemed contented while under the em- 
ploy of Mr. Smith at Green Spring, but his 
ambition never permitted him to settle up- 
on merchandizing as an employment. He 
devoured the contents of the well filled lit- 
tle bookcase of his employer, and received 
with heartfelt thankfulness the promise of 
an appointment to West Point. He had 
for a long time desired to make more out 
of himself than a country store-keeper, 
and a way was now open to the realization 
of his aspirations. Two seasons were 
spent in the academy at Norwalk, prepar- 
ing for the dreaded entrance examination, 
which he passed with credit. He entered 
the famous class of '53, composed of fifty- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



361 



two members, among whom were Sher- 
idan, Sill, Schofield, Bell, Tyler, Chandler, 
Vincent and others, who achieved renown 
during the Rebellion; also his antagonist 
at Atlanta, James B. Hood. At the end 
of the first year McPherson stood second, 
and from then till the end of the course 
was always at the head of the class. He 
was not only a fine scholar, but a popular, 
kind-hearted, generous cadet. He was fa- 
miliarly called "Mac" by his classmates, 
who never asked of him a reasonable favor 
in vain. His principal offence while at the 
institution had for its cause a desire to 
relieve a part of the class of unnecessary 
burdens. He had been promoted, on the 
ground of merit, to the Cadet Captaincy, 
but his rank was reduced to the lieuten- 
ancy for the grave offence of permitting a 
part of his class to ride in an omnibus 
to engineering drill. Eighteen other 
marks of delinquency stand against him at 
West Point, showing that, although a per- 
fect student, he, like others, was sometimes 
derelict according to the strict rule of West 
Point conduct. But his promotions at the 
academy followed each other in almost as 
quick succession as, a decade later, his 
promotions in the army. 

Graduating at the head of his class, 
McPherson, according to the rules of the 
academy, was appointed to the engineer- 
ing corps. He was retained the first year 
at the academy as assistant instructor of 
practical engineering — an honor never be- 
fore conferred upon so young an ofificer. 
From a private letter we learn that Mc- 
Pherson felt, keenly, this splendid com- 
pliment, although the duties of the posi- 
tion did not suit his tastes. For the next 
three years he was engaged on engineermg 
duty on the Atlantic coast; for three and 
a half years at Alcatraz Island, one of the 
defences of San Francisco harbor. Then 
came the war. While in New York he 
came in contact with the finest society in 
46 



the city, which, private letters show, en- 
grossed a fair share of his attention. A 
promising young officer, handsome, ac- 
complished, and cordial in his bearing, 
there was no reason why he should not be 
a welcome guest in any home. He at 
length found his "pearl of great price" 
in the person of a Baltimore lady, whom 
he was to have married early in 1864, but 
the plan of the Atlanta campaign rendered 
it impossible to spare time from the army 
long enough to meet the engagement. 
Sherman, in a letter to the betrothed lady, 
explained affairs, and the marriage was 
postponed. We naturally have an interest 
in the woman whom a man of McPher- 
sqn's culture and character would select 
for a wife. In a letter, written from Cali- 
fornia to his mother, he pictures in one 
sentence his idea of feminine loveliness. 
He says: "You will love her as I do, 
when you know her. She is intelligent, 
refined, generous-hearted and a Christian ; 
this will suit you as it does me, for it lies 
at the foundation of every pure and ele- 
vated character." 

The spirit of West Point during the 
period when the Abolition sentiment was 
organizing into an active movement, is 
well remembered. McPherson, like so 
many young officers of his day, imbibed 
the prejudices of the institution, and his 
opinions during the formative period of 
the Abolition movement are expressed 
in unmistakable language. In 1853 he 
writes to a friend in Ohio: "I believe, if 
I were to meddle with politics, I would be 
a Know Nothing." A year later he openly 
rejoiced in an Abolition defeat. He writes : 

Not a few are highly gratified at the result of the 
recent elections in Massachusetts and in this State, 
which have been such a signal rebuke to Seward and 
his Abolition supporters. It is very seldom that 
military men meddle with politics, except when 
broad national principles are assailed; and then they 
feel it a duty to place themselves in the van and rally 
to the support of the Union. I have felt a good 



362 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



deal of interest in politics since I have seen the ef- 
forts which have been made to form a sectional 
party, — a party with but one idea, and that one cal- 
culated to awaken a feeling of animosity from one 
extremity of the Union to the other, the fatal effects 
of which neither yoii nor I can predict. When I see 
men, endowed with superior powers of mind and 
occupying high stations, putting forward their utmost 
energies to excite dissension, and not only dissension 
but absolute hatred between the different sections of 
our country, I feel that it is time they should be 
shorn of their strength and rendered powerle.'-s to 
commit evil. Could I believe in their sincerity or 
patriotism, and that motives of humanity actuate 
them, I might be a little more charitable. But when 
such men as Salmon P. Chase, whose position gives 
him influence, gets up before a public assembly in 
Maine, or any other State, and declares that there is 
a deep feeling of hatred between the North and the 
South, that the Allies do not hnte the Russians or the 
Russians the Allies any more than the people of the 
Nonh hale the people of the South or the people of 
the South hate the people of the North, it is time 
all candid men should unite to defeat the schemes 
and machinations of such demagogues. I do not 
hesitate to say that I am gratified at the result of the 
elections; and I believe every L'nion Whig — Henry 
Clay and Daniel Webster Whig — can say the same.'- 

The young engineer, it will he noticed, 
emphasized his devotion to the Union. 
It was not until the first overt acts of 
rebellion that McPherson saw his mis- 
take as to who the real assailants of the 
Union were. A manly letter, written 
shortly after the beginning of secession, to 
his mother (published first in Hours at 
Home) shows that West Point training, 
although it had affected his prejudices, 
had not sullied his ardent patriotism. He 
says: 

However men may have differed in politics, there 
is but one course now. Since the traitors have initi- 
ated hostilities and threatened to seize the National 
capital, give them blow for blow, and shot for shot 
until they are effectually humbled. I do not know 
whether I shall be kept here, or ordered East; but 
one thing I do know, and that is, that I am ready 
and svilling to go where I can be of the most service 
in upholding the honor of the Government and 
assisting in crushing out rebellion; and I have faith 
to believe that you will see the day when the glori- 
ous old flag will wave more triumphantly than ever. 
I wish I were at home now to join the Ohio Volun- 
teers. I swung my cap more than once on reading the 
telegraphic message of Governor Dennison: "What 



Kentucky will not furnish, Ohio will. " Now that the 
fires are kindled, I hope they will not be permitted to 
die out until Jeff. Davis and his fellow-conspirators 
are in Washington to be tried for treason, or, in the 
language of old Putnam, "tried, condemned and 
executed." 

After such a letter, there is no mistak- 
ing the position of McPherson. He was 
ready to devote his energies and talent to 
the preservation of the Union. He be- 
came a martyr on the field of battle. 

At the opening of the rebellion Mc- 
Pherson's talent did not receive proper 
recognition. He was a capable engineer, 
but little known. Incom[)etent drill mas- 
ters were receiving promotion, while he 
was compelled to solicit a transfer to the 
service in the East. There he was given 
but a junior captaincy of engineers, and 
assigned to duty at Boston harbor. He 
was always modest, and refrained from 
actually seeking appointment, but we have 
information from private sources that he 
was ambitious to enter ujDon field duty. 
The time came when his well trained fac- 
ulties were to have a broad scope and se- 
vere test. The result subsequent events 
show. In November, 1S61, he was ap- 
pointed aide-de-camp to General Halleck, 
with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Pro- 
motions followed rapidly. From assistant 
engineer of the Department of Missouri, 
he became chief engineer of the Army of 
the Tennessee in the expedition against 
Forts Henry and Donelson. He engi- 
neered the expedition against Corinth, with 
the rank of colonel. On the 15th of May, 
1862, he was appointed brigadier general 
of volunteers, and the following June was 
assigned to the general sujierintendency of 
military roads in East Tennessee. On his 
return from Corinth at'ter the battle he was 
given a commission as major general of 
volunteers, to date from October 8, X862 
— a position to which he had risen in little 
more than a year, from junior captaincy of 
engineers. His first experience as a com- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



363 



mander was at Corinth. His subsequent 
operations were under the direction of 
Grant, in the campaign which terminated 
in the capture of Vicksburg. 

McPherson in this campaign bore a 
conspicuous part. Port Gibson, Clinton, 
Jackson, and Champion Hill, first brought 
him into public notice aftd favor. After 
the fall of Vicksburg he was generally 
credited at the South with the planning of 
the whole campaign. This was certainly 
a mistake, but (irant owed a large meas- 
ure of his success to McPherson's care, 
bravery, and ability in executing com- 
mands. While his private letters show 
that he was not insensible to the honor 
which promotion implied, yet he never 
permitted his ambition to lead him into 
expressing official reports in any other than 
the most simple and matter-of-fact terms. 
At Raymond, just as the issue of the bat- 
tle seemed plain, his adjutant approached 
him with a dispatch to Grant, ready for the 
signature. It said that "he had met the 
enemy in immensely superior force, and 
had defeated him most disastrously, and 
was now in full [jursuit." McPherson 
quietly tore up the paper and wrote: "We 
met the enemy about 3 p. m. to-day; have 
had a hard fight, and up to this time have 
the advantage." 

Grant generously acknowledged Mc- 
Pherson's services in a letter recommend- 
ing him for promotion to the rank of brig- 
adier-general in the regular army. The 
letter reviews his record thus far and will 
be of interest at this time: 

He has been with me in every battle since the com- 
mencement of the Rebelhon, except Behnont; at Forts 
Henry and Donelson, Shiloh, and the siege of Corinth, 
as a staff officer ;ind engineer his services were conspic- 
uous and highly meritorious. At the second battle 
of Corinth his skill as a soldier was displayed in suc- 
cessfully carrying reinforcements to the besieged gar- 
rison when the enemy was between him and the 
point to be reached. In the advance to Central 
Mississippi, General McPherson commanded one 
wing of the army with all the ability possible to 



show, he having the lead in the advance, and the rear 
retiring. In the campaign and siege terminating in 
the fall of Vicksburg, General McPherson has filled 
a conspicuous part. At the battle of Port Gibson it 
was under his direction that the enemy was driven 
late in the afternoon from a position they had suc- 
ceeded in holding ail day against an obstinate attack. 
His corps, the advance always, under his immediate 
eye were the pioneers from Port Gibson to Hankip- 
son's Ferry. From the north fork of Bayou Pierre 
to the Black River it was a constant skirmish, the 
whole skilfully managed. The enemy was so closely 
pursued as to be unable to destroy their bridges of 
boats after them. From Hankinson's Ferry to Jackson 
the Seventeenth Army Corps marched on roads not 
travelled by other troops, fighting the entire battle 
of Raymond alone, and the bulk of Johnston's army 
was fought by his corps, entirely under the man- 
agement of Gener.il McPherson. At Champion Hills 
the Seventeenth Corps and General McPherson were 
conspicuous. All that could be termed a battle there 
was fought by the divisions of General McPherson's 
Corps and General Hovey's division of the Seven- 
teenth Corps. In the assault of the 22d of May on 
the fortifications of Vicksburg and during the entire 
siege, General McPherson and his corps took unfad- 
ing laurels. He is one of the ablest engineers and 
skilful generals. I would respectfully but urgently 
recommend his promotion to the position of briga- 
dier-general of the regular army. 

rhe reciuest was granted and he was 
confirmed as such in December, 1863. 

McPherson was given command of the 
district of Vicksburg, a well-earned com- 
pliment. During the winter his old chiefs. 
Grant and Sherman, were advanced, and 
in order of merit the command of the 
Army of the Tennessee fell to McPherson. 
He assumed the duties of his new position 
March 26, 1864. He repaired at once to 
Nashville and was present when the Geor- 
gia campaign was planned, before the 
glorious results of which were realized he 
was sleeping in an honored grave. The 
Army of the Tennessee was at this time 
widely scattered. The Seventeenth Corps 
was absent on veteran furlough; the Fif- 
teenth and Sixteenth Corps were stationed 
from Huntsville to Memphis, while a por- 
tion was reinforcing Banks in the Red 
River campaign. McPherson at once 
concentrated these scattered forces and 



3^4 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



by the 5th of May had his columns in 
hand at Ringgold, Georgia. Two days 
later he commenced his march on Resaca, 
making the first flank movement of the 
celebrated Atlanta campaign. 

We can not detail this whole campaign 
in which the Army of the Tennessee took 
so conspicuous a part. Nowhere in the 
Rebellion was finer generalship displayed 
than by Johnston in blocking the progress 
of Sherman's superior aimy. But John- 
ston was succeeded at a critical point by 
Hood — McPherson's classmate at West 
Point. On the 17th of July, after a long 
series of engagements, generally success- 
ful, we find Sherman's army thus disposed 
before Atlanta, ready to move on the de- 
fences of the city: The Army of the 
Cumberland, under Thomas, occupied the 
right and the right centre, resting on the 
river northwest of the city; the Army of 
the Ohio, under Schofield, occupied the 
left centre, and the Army of the Tennes- 
see took a position on the left, thus throw- 
ing Thomas and Schofield in front of the 
enemy's main line of fortifications. On 
the 18th McPherson, by a rapid swing, 
struck the Georgia railroad about fifteen 
miles northeast of the city, at Stone Moun- 
tain, and broke up four miles of road 
which brought supplies to the besieged 
city from the east. Schofield occupied 
Decatur, six miles east of Atlanta, and 
Thomas moved his forces toward Peach 
Tree Creek, north of Atlanta. On the 
19th McPherson and Schofield passed 
eastward of Decatur, while Thomas, though 
meeting strong opposition, crossed from 
the north of Peach Tree Creek, in front of 
the enemy's entrenched lines. I'he Fed- 
eral forces on the morning of the 20th 
then lay in a curved line from the railroad 
running northwest across the Chattahoo- 
chee, to beyond the Georgia railroad east 
of Atlanta. The position of the armies 
changed little during this or the following 



day, although on the afternoon of the 20th 
Hooker, after a severely contested battle, 
repulsed an attempt of Hood to force 
through a gap between the armies of Scho- 
field and Thomas. On the 21st Leggett's 
division of the Seventeenth Corps, under 
McPherson, carried a strong point com- 
manding the cit^ and the two main roads 
leading north and south. This was a 
strongly fortified hill which the rebels 
made two desperate but unsuccessful at- 
tempts to recover. 

On the morning of the 2 2d the advance 
lines of the enemy were found abandoned, 
which led Sherman to believe that Hood 
meant to evacuate the city. He ordered 
a general advance, but McPherson was 
more prudent. He well knew the charac- 
ter of his old classmate and antagonist. 
Orders had been received from Sherman 
to employ the Sixteenth Corps, under 
Dodge, to break up the railroad, and with 
the rest of his command to move rapidly 
upon the city. Skirmish lines were ad- 
vanced and McPherson, in company with 
Logan, made a personal examination of 
the fortifications from the crest of the hill 
overlooking the works and the city. Few 
persons could be seen either behind the 
fortifications or in the streets. Suspecting 
Hood's design to suddenly fall upon the 
advancing columns from the side and rear, 
McPherson, after giving some general 
directions to Logan and Dodge to main- 
tain their positions, hastened to Sherman's 
headquarters to the right. His explana- 
tion to Sherman of the situation was in- 
terrupted by the sound of battle at the 
extreme left, which confirmed his suspi- 
cions. At full speed he rushed toward 
the sound. He found the Sixteenth Corps 
facing the left flank and struggling firmly 
against an assault of terrible fierceness. 
The Seventeenth Corps was maintaining 
their fortified eminence, but between the 
two was a gap through which it was feared 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



365 



the enemy would force his way and cut 
off the Seventeenth Corps. Behind this 
gap lay a wood, through which a narrow 
road led to the eminence occupied by the 
Seventeenth Corps. McPherson, after 
sending his staff on various errands, ac- 
companied by a single orderly, dashed 
along this road to the wood. He was 
met by a staff officer and informed that 
the Seventeenth Corps was being severely 
pressed by an overwhelming force. After 
a moment's hesitation the staff officer, 
John T. Raymond, was hurried back with 
orders to General Leggett to form his 
lines with all possible speed, parallel to 
the road. McPherson then, at full speed, 
hurried along the fated road, but already 
the enemy was crowding down into the 
gap. A shrill "halt!" rang out from be- 
hind the trees. The faithful steed, cjuickly 
obeying his master's bidding, dashed into 
the thick wood, followed by a volley 
from the skirmish line in gray. A minute 
later the riderless horse, with two wounds, 
came out of the thicket, while the brave, 
loved General of the Army of the Tennes- 
see lay dying with lacerated lung and shat- 
tered spine. The subsequent battle is best 
described by Logan, who succeeded to 
the command : 

The news of his death spread like lightning speed 
along the lines, sending a pang of keenest sorrow to 
every heart as it reached the ear. But especially ter- 
rible was the effect upon the Army of the Tennes- 
see. It seemed as though a burning, fiery dart had 
pierced every breast, tearing asunder the flood gates 
of grief; but at the same time heaving to their very 
depths the fountains of revenge, the clenched hands 
seemed to sink into the weapons they held, and from 
the eyes gleamed forth flashes terrible as lightning. 
The cry, "McPherson! McPherson!" rose above 
the din of battle, and as it ran along the lines swell- 
ed in power, until the roll of musketry and booming 
of cannon seemed drowned by its echoes. 

McPherson again seemed to lead his troops, and 
where he leads, victory is sure; each officer and sol- 
dier, from the succeeding commander to the lowest 
private, beheld, as it were, the form of their bleeding 
chieftam leading them on in battle. " McPherson," 
and " onward to victory, " were the only thoughts; 



bitter, terrible revenge their only aim. There was no 
such thought that day of stopping short of victory 
or death. The firm, spontaneous resolve was to win 
the day or perish with the slain leader on the bloody 
field. Fearfully was his death avenged that day. 
His army, maddened by his death and utterly reckless 
of life, rushed with savage delight into the fiercest 
onslaughts, and fearlessly plunged into the very jaws 
of de.ith. As wave after wave of Hood's daring 
troops dashed with terrible fury upon our lines, they 
were hurled back with a fearful shock, breaking their 
columns into fragments, as the granite headland 
breaks into foam the ocean billows. Across the nar- 
row line of works raged the fierce storm of battle, 
the hissing shot and bursting shell raining death on 
every hand. Over dead and dying, friends and foes, 
rushed the swaying hosts, the shout of rebels con- 
fident of victory only drowned by the battle cry 
" McPherson " which went up from the .^rmy of the 
Tennessee. 

Many thousand rebels bit the dust ere the night 
closed in, and the defeated and baffled enemy, after 
failing in their repeated and desperate assaults upon 
our lines, were compelled to give up the hopeless 
contest. Though compelled to fight in front and 
rear, victory crowned our arms. 

A detail of Union troops recovered the body, 
which was taken to the headquarters of the com- 
manding General, and the following day was sent to 
its final resting place, in the beautiful cemetery at 
Clyde. Sherman wept bitterly, and Grant assured 
the broken-hearted, devoted mother, and affectionate 
grandmother, that their sorrow could not e.xceed his. 
But weeping was not confined to generals and friends 
at home. The rank and file of the Army of the 
Tennessee felt that they had lost a devoted personal 
friend. Their acquaintance was short, it is true, but 
so kind-hearted, so devoted to their comfort and 
safety had he been, that their admiration of his 
gentle manhood and splendid gallantry amounted to 
nothing less than love. Sherman, in his feeling of- 
ficial announcement said: "General McPherson 
fell in battle, booted and spurred as the gallant 
knight and gentleman should wish." 

Not his the loss; but the country and the army 
will mourn his death and cherish his memory as that 
of one who, though comparatively young, had risen by 
his merit and ability to the command of one of the 
best armies which the Nation had called into e.\-istence 
to vindicate its honor and integrity. 

History tells us of but few who so blended the 
grace and gentleness of the friend, with the dignity, 
courage, faith, and manliness of the soldier. 

But most deeply affecting was the funeral 
scene at Clyde a week later. The pure 
grief of a tender, devoted mother, and of 
a doting grandmother, was uncontrollable. 



366 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



The hundreds of strong men who had 
known the martyr hero from innocent 
boyhood, who remembered the friendly 
grasp of his tender hand which had always 
been extended to his old neighbors and 
friends during his annual visits home, 
these wiped with brawny hands from 
tanned faces, tears of profound sorrow. 
Mothers, friends of the grief-stricken 
parent, who had never known the young 
soldier by any other name than "Jimmie," 
dampened with weeping the sweet flowers 
with which fair hands had covered the 
sad but honorable tomb. 

THE m'pHERSON MONUMENT. 

General McPherson fell July 22, 1864. 

One year later the following circular was 

issued by General Logan: 

Headquartrrs Army of the Tennessee, ) 
Louisville, Kentucky, July 7, 1865. j 

Many officers and soldiers of the Army of the 
Tennessee, having expressed a desire to pay some 
fitting tribute the memory of their late gallant com- 
mander, the noble McPherson, who fell in the front 
of battle, booted and spurred, on the bloodv day of 
the 22d of July, I submit to the several corps and 
other commanding officers for their consideration 
the following plan of action ; 

I would suggest that each regimental commander 
have lists prepared for subscription, and that those sol- 
diers of the army who may desire to subscribe regis- 
ter their names theron; as soon as the lists have been 
completed, that they, with the funds raised, be for- 
warded to the brigade commander, and by him trans- 
mitted for the purchase a nd erection of a suitable 
monument at the grave of that gallant soldier. As 
soon as the monument has been erected these lists 
should be deposited at the grave. 

I would further suggest as a member of the ex- 
ecutive committee. Major General William B. Hazen, 
Brevet Major General M. D. Leggett and Brevet- 
Brigadier-General A. Hickenlooper, citizens of Mc- 
Pherson's native State, and in every way fitted to 
discharge the duty of their position. 

Corps commanders will please take such steps in 
the matter as will insure the result desired. 

John A. Logan, 

Major General. 

These circulars were distributed, as 
directed, among the soldiers of the vari- 
ous corps, at the first regular meeting of 
the Society of the Army of the Tennes- 



see, in Cincinnati, 1866. Reports were 
received, showing that three thousand 
nine hundred and fifty-six dollars had 
been received for the fund toward erect- 
ing a monument to General McPherson. 
The minutes of that meeting also show 
that a strong effort was made to have the 
McPherson monument located at West 
Point instead of Clyde. General Hick- 
enlooper strongly opposed the proposed 
change of location. In a letter to Gen- 
eral Hazen he said: 

The subscriptions thus far received have been al- 
most entirely from the rank and file of the army 
which McPherson commanded — probably two-thirds 
from his own corps — with the distinct understanding 
that the monument would be erected over his re- 
mains at Clyde. The feeling which prompted this 
action on the part of his officers and men was not 
such as usually actuates men to subscribe to such an 
object; it was not so much for the purpose of per- 
petuating his military success and renown, but as a 
testimonial of their love and affection for the man. 
The feelings of the mother, who gave such a son to 
her country, together with the remaining members of 
the family, shouldbe consulted, and they are decidedly 
opposed to the removal of his remains to the Point, 
if a monument can be erected -at Clyde. It appears 
very absurd to erect a monument at West Point, and 
leave the place where he was born and raised, and 
where his remains now lie, unmarked and uncared for. 

The matter of location was discussed 
at some length during the first regular 
meeting of the society, and finallv a res- 
olution was adopted: 

That we, the members of the Society of the .Army 
of the Tennessee, pledge ourselves to the erection of 
a monument to the memory of Major General James 
B. McPherson, to be placed over his remains at 
Clyde, Ohio. 

CLYDE m'pHERSON MONUMENT SOCIETY. 

On the 3d of .A.ugust, 1866, McPher- 
son Monument Society of Clyde was or- 
ganized. Its ofificers were General R. P. 
Buckland, of Fremont, president, and 
Cai)tain John M. Lemmon, of Clyde, secre- 
tary. The whole cost of the monument 
was to be eleven thousand dollars and the 
Clyde society pledged itself to raise three 
thousand dollars of the amount. This 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



367 



money was all subscribed and most 
of it paid in. Besides supplying three 
thousand dollars of the monument fund, 
the Clyde society has greatly beautified 
the cemetery wherein lie the remains of 
the fallen hero. Through the efforts of 
General Buckland and Captain John M. 
Lemmon, Congress had been induced to 
grant an appropriation of four iron can- 
non, four bronze cannon, one thousand 
muskets and twenty-five cannon balls, 
which have been placed in the cemetery 
by the side of the monument. 

General James B. McPherson was born 
in a small frame house in the extreme 
northeastern limits of the city, and the 
cemetery wherein he now lies, with his 
father and two brothers, once formed a 
portion of the homestead of the McPher- 
son family. Hjs mother's neat, white cot- 
tage now stands just at the edge of the 
graveyard, and through a latticed window 
she gazes with tearful eyes upon the stately 
monument erected to the memory of her 
hero son. 

The statue of General J. B. McPherson 
is pronounced a perfect piece of art. The 
pedestal is of granite, nine feet in height 
and six and one-half feet at the base. The 
figure, which is also nine feet in height, 
and composed of bronze, represents the 



commander in full military uniform, with 
sword, belt, and hat. The left hand holds 
a field-glass, while the right hand and arm 
are extended, as if pointing to where the 
battle rages fiercest. 

The piece is from the Cincinnati art 
foundry of Rebisso, Mundhenk & Co., 
who are also the designers and sculptors 
of the equestrian statue of McPherson 
erected at Washington three years ago. 
The statue occupies a high knoll, the most 
commanding point in the beautiful little 
cemetery, just at the edge of the city, 
where it forms a most imposing central 
figure. 

The unveiling ceremonies, July 22, 
1 88 1, were attended by about fifteen 
thousand people, a large number of mil- 
itary societies and distinguishe'd military 
men. A procession more than a mile 
long was formed at i o'clock, and at 2 
o'clock marched to the cemetery, where 
the assemblage was called to order by the 
president of the day. General R. B. Hayes. 
The statue was unveiled by General W. T. 
Sherman; General M. F. Force delivered 
the dedicatory oration. Formal addresses 
were delivered by General W. E. Strong 
and General W. T. Sherman, followed by 
short addresses by Generals Gibson, Ha- 
zen. Leggett, Belknapp, and Keifer. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



COURT AND BAR OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 

Notice of the First Court in the County— The First Gr.md Jury— Some of the Early Judges— Organization of 

the Court The Lawyers of Earlv Times — Theii Characteristics, Hal)its, Talents, etc. — Also, Notice of 

the Present and Former Members of the Bar. 



TN the county clerk's office, carefully 
1 preserved, i.s a little book, six inches 
wide and about nine inches long, bound 
in pasteboard covering, without ruling for 
line or margin. It is, in fact, a very plain 
book, without any numerical paging. On 
the top of the first page written upon are 
the following words, in a fine handwriting: 
" May Term, 1820." The record in this 
book then goes on to state: 

Sandusky County, May 8, 1820. 
In pursuance of a law passed by the Legislature of 
the State of Ohio, the 12th day of February, one 
thousand eight hundred and twenty, organizing the 
oun ty of Sandusky, the court was opened by the 
sheiiff. Present, the Honorable George Tod, presi- 
dent. Willis E. Brown produced his commission as 
sheriff, and was sworn to office. Israel Harrington, 
David Harold, and Ale.xander Morrison produced 
their commissions as associate judges of the court of 
common pleas of the county of Sandusky, which 
were read by the clerk, and the said Israel Harring- 
ton, David Harold, and Alexander Morrison having 
taken the oaths required by law, took their seats as 
associate judges of said court. James Williams was 
appointed clerk pro tern. Whereupon the sheriff re- 
turned the venire for the grand jurors, and upon it 
appearing that the venire did not issue thirty days 
before the return, the array being challenged, the 
pannel was quashed. Whereupon the sherift was or- 
dered to select a new jury from the bystanders, and 
the following, being legally called, appeared, to-wit : 
Joshua Davis, Elijah W. Howland, Jonathan H. 
Jerome, William Morrison, Josiah Rumery, Nicholas 
Whitinger, William Andrews, Ruel Loomis, James 
Montgomery, Caleb Rice, Robert Harvey, Thomas 
W^ebb, Elijah Brayton, Charles B. Fitch, and Reuben 
Bristol ; whereupon Charles B. Fitch was appointed 
foreman and took the oath prescribed by law, and 
his fellow jurors, after having taken the same oath, 
received a solemn charge from the court and retired. 
The next business of the court, after sending out 



the first grand jury, was the grai.ting of a license to 
Israel Harrington to keep a tavern at his dwelling 
house in Sandusky township, for one year, and fixing 
the price of the hcense at fifteen dollars. 

The court then, on application, ordered the elec- 
tion of two justices of the peace in the township of 
Thompson. The election was to be held on the first 
Monday in June, 1820, at the house of Joseph Par- 
meter. 

This Mr. Joseph Parmeter then resided 
in what is now Green Creek township, on 
the east side of Green Creek, where the 
road from Fremont to Green Spring now 
crosses the creek. He afterwards erected 
a mill there, and his son, Julius W. Par- 
meter, occupied the premises for many 
years after the father died. 

Upon application, David Gallagher was then ap- 
pointed county inspector. Mr. Gallagher then en- 
tered into bond, according to law, and assumed the 
duties, which were to see that barrels and packages 
of pork, whiskey, fish, flour, etc., were of proper 
quality and of prescribed weight. 

Then the court appointed Philip R. Hopkins clerk 
of the court for the time being, who entered into 
bond, as required, and was sworn into office after 
taking the oath of office in open court. 

This completed the first day's work of 
the first common pleas court ever held in 
Sandusky county. 

TuEsn.\Y, May 9, 1820. 

The court convened, and there were present the 
same judges as on the day previous. Letters of ad- 
ministration were then granted as follows : 

To West Barney, on the estate of John Orr. The 
sureties for Barney were David Gallagher and George 
Halloway; bond, two hundred dollars; appraisers, 
Caleb Rice, Anson Gray, and John Eaton. 

To Josette Veilard, on the estate of Gabriel \'el- 
lard; bond, five hundred dollars; sureties, Joseph 
Mominy and Charles Bibo; appraisers, Asa B. Gavit, 
Halsey P'orgcrson, and Thomas Forgerson. 

368 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



369 



To Moses Nichols, on the estate of Aaron T. Kerr; 
bond, two hundred dollars; sureties, David Gallagher 
and Jeremiah Everett. 

License was, on this second day of the court, May 
9, 1820, granted to Morris A. Newman to keep a 
tavern at his dwelling in Croghansville, for one year, 
for the price of fifteen dollars. 

The court on the same day ordered two justices of 
the peace to be elected in the township of Seneca, on 
the first Monday in June, 1820, the election to be 
held at the dwelling house of West Barney, in said 
township. 

License to William Andrews to keep a tavern at 
his dwelling house in Sandusky township, for one 
year, for the price of fifteen dollars. 

License also to Samuel Cochran to keep a tavern 
for one year at his dwelling house in Sandusky town- 
ship, for six dollars. 

Thereupon the grand jury came into and pre- 
sented a bill of indictment against Alnieron Sands, 
for assault and battery on the body of Calvin Leezen. 

To lawyers and to others who are fond 
of old-fashioned things, the record of 
the plea of Sands and the disposi- 
tion made of it, will be interesting, not 
only for the matter of the record and the 
terms used, but as the first judgment of a 
court in the county. We give the pro- 
ceeding, therefore, verbatim as found in 
the record, the indictment being indorsed, 
"A True Bill, by Charles B. Fitch, fore- 
man of the Grand Jury:" 

Almeron Sands being arraigned at the Bar, and it 
being demanded of him how he would acquit him- 
self of the charge in the Indictment contained and 
set forth. Pleads and says he is guilty thereof and 
puts himself upon the mercy of the court. There- 
upon It is considered ordered and adjudged by the 
court that the said Almeron Sands be fined in the 
sum of fifteen dollars, to be paid into the treasury of 
Sandusky county, and also all the costs of this pros- 
ecution, and that execution issue therefor. 

The Indians at that time, 1820, were 
quite numerous in and about Lower San- 
dusky (now Fremont), as well as in other 
parts of Ohio. The red man, as well as 
the white, was almost sure to have his 
fighting proclivities waked into action by 
whiskey. After many sad tragedies result- 
ing from the drunkenness of the aborig- 
ines, the State Legislature made it a penal 
offence to sell intoxicating liquors to Ind- 
47 



ians. The untutored child of the forest 
loved whiskey as well as the white man, 
and every licensed tavern keeper could, at 
that time, sell intoxicating liquor to the 
white man by the diink or larger quantity, 
but he was prohibited from selling to the 
Indian. True, the white man then, as now, 
was more likely to fight when under the 
influence of liquor, but he was not so free 
in the use of deadly weapons when in that 
condition as the Indian, who always car- 
ried his butcher-knife and tomahawk about 
his person, hence the discrimination in 
the law in the penalty between selling 
whiskey to the white man and the red. 

Whiskey plenty for the white man. 

Not a drop for the red. 
The Indian must keep sober 

While the whites lay drunk in bed. 

On the second day of the term. May 9, 
1820, the grand jury returned six more in- 
dictments, three of which were for selling 
intoxicating liquor to Indians. One 
against Calvin Leezen, a tavern keeper, 
one against George G. Olmsted, a mer- 
chant, and one against Ora Bellows, a 
trader; one for nuisance against John 
Kirkendale and Guy Dudley, and one for 
same offence against Augustus Fexier; 
and one for riot against John Holbrook 
and others. The court then adjourned 
until May 10, 1820, at 10 o'clock a. m. 

The court journal for each of these two 
days is regularly signed by the i)residing 
judge, George Tod. Judge Tod doubt- 
less left the place after signing the journal 
of that day, for on the next morning court 
was opened and conducted by Associate 
Judges Morrison, Harrington, and Har- 
old, who transacted the business of the 
day and adjourned the court without day. 
Amongst other things done by the asso- 
ciate judges, after Judge Tod left, was the 
order fixing the charges for ferrying across 
the Sandusky River: 



370 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



For a footman 6}{ cents. 

For a man and a horse i2>^ cents. 

For a wagon and one horse 25 cents. 

For a wagon and two horses 37^ cents. 

For a wagon and four horses 50 cents. 

Thus we see that at that early day, al- 
though at the usual stage of water the trav- 
ellers forded the river above the mill at the 
rapids, ferrying was resorted to in order to 
cross when the river was high. This ferry 
was located where the new iron bridge 
now crosses the stream. 

Philip R. Hopkins, at the above term, 
on the last day appointed Dennis L. 
Rathbone deputy clerk, and he was duly 
approved and sworn into office as such. 
And thus closed the first term of the court 
held in Sandusky county. 

The record does not show whether this 
first term was held on the east or west side 
of the river, nor at what house it was held. 
Tradition, however, places it at the house 
of Morris A. Newman, who then kept a 
tavern in Croghansville. 

THE OCTOBER TERM, 182O. 

The record of the next term, however, 
which was held October 9, 1820, does 
show that the court was held in Croghan- 
ville, on the east side of the river. The 
same judges were then present as at the 
May term next preceding. 

Charles B. Fitch and Jeremiah Everett, 
at a special term, held on the 17th of Feb- 
ruary, 1 82 1, were severally sworn into 
office and took their seats, with Israel 
Harrington, as associate judges. Judge 
Tod was not present at this term. The 
law then authorized the three associate 
judges to hold court and transact business. 

At this special term Philip R. Hopkins 
resigned the office of clerk and the judges 
'appointed Alexander Morrison to fill the 
office. 

At this special term Elsey Harris was 
appointed administratrix of the estate of 
Joseph Harris, deceased, Joseph Harris 



was living on Portage River in 1818, and 
may have been there before that time. 
His cabin was near the east end of the 
bridge across the river at Elmore, and he 
was then the only settler between Lower 
Sandusky and Fort Meigs or Perrysburg, 
and travellers were entertained as at a 
tavern. Elsey Harris was the daughter of 
Morris A. Newman, an early settler in 
Lower Sandusky. She, after the decease 
of Harris, married Isaac Knapp, who is 
mentioned in this history. 

The next term commenced on the 7th 
day of May, 1821. George Tod, Israel 
Harrington, Charles B. Fitch, and Jere- 
miah Everett were the judges composing 
the court. Picket Lattimer was ap- 
pointed prosecuting attorney for the 
county, to hold the office during the pleas- 
ure of the court. Mr. Lattimer was a 
resident of Huron county. The court 
also at this term appomted "McKinzey 
Murray inspector of flour, meals, biscuit, 
pot and pearl ashes, beef, pork, butter, 
lard and fish." 

At this May term, 1821, the grand jur- 
ors, George Shanrlon, Daniel Brainard, 
Silas Dewey, Ebenezer Ransom, John G. 
Thayer, Seth Cochran, Joseph Keeler, and 
Ezra Williams, were regularly summoned, 
but not being a full pannel the court 
ordered the sheriff to fill it up to the num- 
ber of fifteen, which he did by bringing 
into court the following talesmen, to wit: 
Josiah Rumery, Hugh Knox, Nicholas 
Whitinger, David Gallagher, Asa B. Gavit, 
Caleb Rice, and Abraham Townsend. 
Josiah Rumery was ajipointed foreman, 
and the grand jury charged and sent. 

These names and proceedings are noted 
and placed in our history for two reasons: 
first, to show that at that early day the 
forms of law were well observed; second, 
to show that the men named were residing 
in the county at the time, and active par- 
ticipants in the affairs of society. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



371 



Judge George Tod was father of David 
Tod, who was elected Governor of Ohio 
in 1859, and who proved to be a true 
patriot. Judge George Tod regularly pre- 
sided over the court until the close of the 
October term, 1823. 

Judge Ebenezer Lane first i)resided in 
the county at the May term, 1824, which 
term commenced on the third day of the 
month. Judge Lane was afterwards ad- 
vancfd to the bench of the supreme court 
of the State, and is admitted to have been 
a pure, honest man, and a superior jurist. 
It was a decision announced by Judge 
Lane, from the supreme bench of the 
State, which first established the rights of 
the owners of property bounded by navi- 
gable rivers in Ohio, and" which declared 
as the laws of the State that such owner- 
ship extended to the centre of the stream, 
subject to the right of the public to pass 
and repass. This decision may be found 
in the Thirteenth Ohio Report, in the case 
of the administrators of Gavit vs. David 
Chambers. The principle declared by 
Judge Lane in this case has been since 
contended against, but the court, as late as 
1880, has held the decision sound, and 
enforced it as a rule of property. 

After the advancement of Judge Lane 
to the supreme court, there was a suc- 
cession of able common pleas judges who 
presided at the court of the county with 
the associate judges until 1851, when the 
new constitution changed the organization 
of the court of common pleas, abolished the 
ofifice of the associate judges, and left a 
single man to adjudicate and administer 
the law in the court of common pleas. 

The successors to the first two common 
pleas judges of the court above named 
will be found in our chapter on the civil 
history of the county. 

From the time the State was admitted 
into the Union, in 1802, until the present 
Constitution was adopted, in 185 1, the 



judicial department of the State govern- 
ment consisted of a supreme court, with 
three supreme judges for the whole State. 
These supreme judges held a circuit, at 
which one judge heard and decided 
causes. This circuit court was held once 
a year in each county. They also held 
a court at Columbus, at which all three 
were present, and heard and decided causes 
reserved from the circuit court and cases 
in error. 

Next in order came the court of com- 
mon pleas, presided over by one common 
pleas judge assisted by three associate 
judges, in each county. This court had 
jurisdiction over all settlements of the es- 
tates of deceased persons and all guardian- 
ships. Under the constitution of 1802 
there was no separate probate court. 

The associate judges, or a majority of 
them, could be called together at any 
time to hear the proof of the execution of 
wills, or grant letters of administration or 
guardianship, and to settle the accounts 
of such and order sales of real estate 
when necessary, in the settlement of es- 
tates, and the records of their proceedings 
became part of the records of the court 
of common pleas. There were also jus- 
tices of the peace, one, at least, sometimes 
three, in each township. 

The forms of pleading and practice, 
with a few exceptions where varied by 
statute law, were according to the English 
or common law, and this system of [)lead- 
ing and ]:)ractice continued in all our 
courts of record until the enactment of 
the code of civil procedure, in 1853. 

The new Constitution of 185 1, and the 
code of civil procedure of 1853, reorgan- 
ized the judicial department of the State 
government, and made very marked 
changes in the system of pleading and 
practice. 

However, under the new, as well as the 
old Constitution, crimes and offenses 



372 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



were defined and jmnished by lei;islative 
enactnienl and not according to the com- 
mon law. 

The Constitution of 1851 organized a 
probate couit for each county, and took 
away Worn tlie court of common pleas 
jurisdiction over guardians, wills, and all 
testamentary matters, and conferred them 
exclusively on the probate court, except 
that petitions to sell real estate of deceased 
persons may be filed eitiier in the common 
pleas or probate court, and appeals are 
provided for from the decisions of the 
probate, in some instances, to the court 
of common ]ileas. 

NOTKWORTHV TRIALS. 

There have been many interesting 
scenes and trials in the courts of the coun- 
ty, and many displays of logical power 
and eloquence, as is the case in almost 
every county in the State. But our readers 
will not expect all these to be placed in 
history. We select, however, two remarka- 
ble trials which took place in the county, 
and the incidents attending them, which 
are rather extraordinary and interesting. 

The accounts of these murders w'ere 
published in the Fremont Courier (Cier- 
man) and translated by Mr. L. von 
Schloenbach for publication in the Fremont 
Journal, from which they are compiled: 

THE ML'KDKK OF MKS. SPERRV. 

The year was 1842; the place was the farm of 
Joseph Sperrv. an Englishman by biith, and it was 
situated between Green Spring and Clyde, Sanduskv 
county, about one and one-half miles northeast of 
Green Spring, on the road leading to Clyde. Here 
Joseph Sperry lived, together with his wife, Cathaiine 
Sperry, and two small children (a boy and a girl), 
seemingly in the best kind of harmony and happi- 
ness. .Sperry always had been a hard-working, in- 
dustrious man, and in course of time had succeeded 
in gaining a comfortable home for himself and fami- 
ly. In the fall of 1841 he concluded to build him- 
self a better and more comfortable dwelling-house, 
for which purpose he entered into a contract with a 
certain young and skilful carpenter, who, aside from 
having a rather prepossessing appearance, and being 
a captain of a militia compaiiy, was also counted as 



one of the prominent young men in that vicinity. 
Mrs. Sperry, the farmer's wife, was very industrious, 
and also a good looking woman. In March, 1842, 
ctrtain rumors with regard to criminal intercourse 
between Mrs. Sperry and this young airpenter 
gained considerable publicity, and finidly reached the 
ears of Mr. Sperry. At that time, the young cirpen- 
ter had begun the work on Sperry's new house, and 
from casual observations, Sperry mistrusted that 
there might be good cause for these rnmors; from 
doubting his wife, he began to suspect her, and this 
led to very frequent family quarrels, which from that 
time on became an almost daily occurrence. These 
quarrels, inspired by the ominous poison of jealousy 
and misplaced confidence, reached their climax on 
the 9th of .April, 1842, when Sperry took up a flat- 
iro.i, with which he inflicted a fearful wound about 
two inches long and one inch deep upon the head of 
Mrs. Sperry, near the temple, from which she died 
almost instantly. This bloody deed took place in 
the kitchen of the old house, near an old-fashioned 
fireplace; near by stood a ladder, leading up to the 
garret. Gazing upon the dead body of his wife, and 
casting his eyes upon that fireplace and the ladder 
close by, this picture must have become transfi.xed in 
his mind like a flash of lightning, for it was in that 
moment in which he formed the combination of what 
afterward proved the entire basis of his defense. He 
ran at once for a neighbor, informing him of a fear- 
ful accident that had befallen his wife, and which had 
resulted in her death. His story was, that she had 
fallen off the ladder, and struck her head against the 
corner stone of the fireplace, and had died from the 
eflfects. The news of Sperry's wife's death spread 
like wildfire through the vicinity, and the ne.xt day 
the coroner of Sandusky county, who then lived in 
Lower Sandusky, convened a jury and held an in- 
quest. 

Among the jurymen (all residents of Fremont) we 
find Mr. Charles O. Tillotson and Judge Olmsted. 
The verdict of this jury was, that Mrs. Sperry came 
to her death by a w-ound caused by her husband, 
who had struck her with a flat-iron. Upon this 
Sperry was indicted for murder in the first degree, 
but the pro.secuting attorney, Mr. W. \V. Culver, 
effected Sperry's release upon a bail of two thousand 
dollars for his appearance at the ne.xt term of court. 
Sperry's counsel, the Messrs. Homer Everett and 
Bishop Eddy, tried their utmost to circulate the be- 
lief that there had been no murder committed at all, 
and that Mrs. Sperry had been the victim of a most 
unfortunate and terrible accident. Prosecuting At- 
torney \V. \V. Culver and his assistant, Mr. Cooper 
K. Watson (afterwards Judge of Common Pleas for 
the counties of Erie and Ottawa) were satisfied that 
it was a cool-blooded murder, and left nothing un- 
done to have Sperry convicted. The defence per- 
sistently kept up the theory of accident just as it had 
come from the lips of the accused at t.rst. The CQr- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



373 



oner's juiy had neglected to give an exact and de- 
tailed description of the wound, and tiie prosecuting 
attorney, in order to avoid any doubt whatever, 
caused the body of Mrs. Sperry to be taken from the 
grave and brought to Fremont, where it was sub- 
jected to a medical examination by Drs. Rawson and 
Anderson. Dr. Rawaon's office at that time w.is near 
the old Dickinson dwelling (northwest corner Arch 
and .State streets). Said physicians made a thorough 
examination and returns to the proscuiing attroney, 
who could now explain and satisfy the jury of the utter 
impossibility of an accident. 'I'he grand jury, which 
at that time was composed of the following gentle- 
men, to-wit: Messrs. Warren H. Stevens, John 
Houts, Hugh Overmeier, Hugh Bowland, Michael 
Fought, Joshua B. Chapel, D.ivid Engler. Stephen 
Tenny, Orson Bement, Peter McNit, John Reed, 
George Donaldson, John Betts, Charles Lindsey, 
and Thomas Ogle, on the 14th day of September, 
1843, found an indictment against Sperry for murder 
in the first degree, and on the next day the trial 
commenced before Judge Ozias Bowen and his assist- 
ants, -Alpheus Mclntire, Isaac Knapp, and George 
Overmeier. Dr. L. Q. Rawson at that time held the 
position of clerk, with B. F. Fletcher as his assist- 
ant. Mr. JohnStrohl was sheriff, and Peter Burgoon 
deputy sheriff. A jury, composed of the Messrs. 
John Bell, Michael Reed, Henry Havens, Daniel 
Tindall, Samuel Rose, David Chambers, Michael 
Overmeier, sr., William McGorn)ley, Joseph Kelley, 
Lewis E. Marsh, Levi Marsh, and Samuel Skinner, 
was duly sworn, and upon the defendant's plea of 
"Not guilty" the trial commenced. The prosecu- 
tion had no direct proofs, but the very strongest kind 
of circumstantial evidence, proving by their wit- 
nesses (especially the Drs. D. 'i'ilden, L. Q. Rawson, 
and Anderson) that the theory of accident had abso- 
lutely no foundation whatever, and came not even 
within the reach of possibility. The defence had 
substantially nothing else to counterbalance this tes- 
timony but the defendant's good character; and, 
strange as it may appear, the question of jealousy 
was raised on neither side. Certain, however, is the 
fact that the young Adonis of a carpenter left the vi- 
cinity shortly after the trial. The trial lasted five 
days, and on the 20th day of September, 1842, the 
jury returned a verdict of guilty in the first de- 
gree. A motion on the part of the defence for a new 
trial was overruled by Judge Bowen, who thereupon 
sentenced Sperry to be hung on Wednesday, No- 
vember 2, 1842. Sperry received his sentence with 
perfect calmness, and Sheriff Strohl took him to jail, 
into a cell already occupied by George Thompson, 
also a murderer. The jail at that time was where 
now stands Rev. Mr. Lang's house, and here .Sperry 
was given ample time to brood over his crime and 
repent, but all to no good, since he rejected all 
religious consolation, and remained the hard-henrted 
man he was up to the time of his death. Sperry had 



made sever.il attempts to take his own life, but was 
frustrated in this by the constant vigilance of Sheriff 
Strohl and Deputy Sheriff Burgoon, but it was des- 
tined that he should succeed after all. It was 
on .Sunday, October 30, (he was to be hung on 
the following Wednesday) when Sperry 's children, 
Jefferson and Mary Ann (a boy seven years, and a 
girl eight years old), v.'eie brought into his cell to 
take a hnal parting of their father. The children 
were too young to comprehend the situation, and 
their father was too reluctant and hardened to give 
way to any emotional feelings whatever, and so of 
course their conversation was turned entirely upon 
ininor alfairs. Sperry, who had noticed a small pen- 
knife in the boy's hands, asked to look at it, and 
then returned it again with a part of the blade broken 
oft, but which was not noticed by the boy at that time. 
After taking leave of their father, the children were 
then taken to what is now called the Kessler House, 
where lor the first time the boy noticed the broken 
blade. This soon became known, and the sheriff 
made a most thorough search for the missing part of 
the blade, but all in vain, since Sperry had concealed 
it in the lining of his coat. This broken off blade it 
was which cheated the gallows of its prey, for that 
very night Sperry cut open some main arteries, and 
was found dead in his cell the next morning. But 
we are told that his death was a dreadful one, and in 
the presence of such a fiend as George Thompson, 
whom he had begged repeatedly to kill hiin, so as to 
end the agony of nis sufferings, but wnich 'I'hompson 
lefuscd to do, and answered only with mocking laugh- 
ter. When Thompson was asked why he had not 
tried to prevent Sperry from killing himself, Thomp- 
son (who also was an Englishman) answered, with 
the air of a bravado, "I rather see a countryman of 
mine kill himself than see him hung." Thus ended 
the life of a once good and industrious man, and it 
goes to show that the terrible fangs of jealousy will 
sometimes nettle around the best of human kind, and 
drag them down to the lowest degradation. 

THOMPSON MUKUEK IN BELLEVUE, 1842. 

Almost daily we read accounts of some brutal mur- 
der, when the motive was nothing else but an unhap- 
py love affair. Thirty-eight years have rolled by since 
this murder took place at Bellevue. We have under- 
taken to acquaint the public with the facts of these two 
murders, that appear like two dark and ominous spots 
in the history of our county. It was on the 30th day 
of May, 1842, when the inhabitants of Bellevue were 
thrown into a fearful state of excitement by the news 
that a murder had been committed right in their 
midst. 

The victim was a Pennsylvania German girl, by 
the name of Catharine Hamler, and the murderer 
was an Englishman by the name of George Thomp- 
son. Both parties were in the employ of RobL-rt O. 
Pier, who at that time kept the Exchange Hotel in 
Bellevue (built by Chapman & Amsden). This 



374 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



Thompson, who had paid considerable attention to 
the girl (who at that time was but eighteen years old), 
had finally approached her with a proposal of mar- 
riage, but was refused by the girl, who emphatically 
told him that she entertained nothing but friendship 
toward him. Instead of taking this hint, Thomp- 
son kept up his love proposals in a still more per- 
sistent manner, until finally, seeing all his efforts 
crushed to pieces, the thought of murdering this girl 
entered his mind. The 30th day of May, 1842 
was destined to become reddened with the blood uf 
his victim. On this day he took a gun, loaded it 
properly, and so armed, he proceeded to execute his 
terrible deed. In order to get up the proper cour- 
age and strengthen his nerves, he took several drinks 
of whiskey, and then went to the hotel, into a back 
room, close to the stairway leading to the cellar 
kitchen. Catherine Hamler, who was in this very 
room, busy with ironing, upon noticing Thompson 
with a gun in his hand, became frightened at once, 
ran out of the room and down the stairway. She 
was followed by Thompson, and before she had ar- 
rived at the last step of the stairs she received the 
unlucky discharge of Thompson's gun into her back, 
in the upper part of the shoulder blade, killing her 
instantly. The hotel keeper's wife, who had been 
busy in the cellar kitchen, hearing some one coming 
down stairs in such a hurry, ran out to learn the 
cause of it, and arrived just in time to catch the girl, 
who exclaiming: "I'm shot!" expired in her arms. 
The medical examination proved that the wound 
was half an inch wide and ten inches deep. We 
may well imagine what kind of an uproar and gen. 
eral consternation this foul murder created. Thomp- 
son was immediately arrested and brought to Fre- 
mont, where he was taken to jail and locked 
in the same cell where Sperry was then awaitmg 
his trial. This was in the summer of 1842, and 
in September of the same year the grand jury, 
whose foreman was Mr. Charles Lindsey, found an 
indictment against Thompson for murder in the first 
degree. Shortly afterward Thompson made his es- 
cape from jail, but was retaken in Woodville town- 
ship and brought back to jail. 

He remained in jail until shortly after .Sperry's 
suicide, when he and several other prisoners again 
made good their escape. Before we proceed any 
further, we will give our readers a detailed account 
of Thompson's escape, which was furnished us by Mr. 
Michael McBride, of Woodville, to whom, and also 
to Mr. Stephen Brown, of Woodville, we feel greatly 
indebted. Mr. McBride's letter to us reads as fol- 
lows: 

"On the first occasion of Thompson's breaking 
jail, in his journeying to escape, he leached a house 
about a half-mile to the westward of my pi. ice, then 
owned and occupied by John P. Elderkin, sr. , now 
a resident of Fremont, and, in knocking for admis- 
sion, he was met at the door by Mr. Stephen Brown, 



of Woodville, who at that time was a boarder at El- 
derkin's. Thompson then told Mr. Brown that he 
was hungry, and would like to get something to eat, 
and then disclosed the fact that he was Thompson, 
the murderer, and at the same time expressing him- 
self as lacking in hope in the prospect of making 
good his escape; in consequence of which he re- 
quested Brown to be instrumental in returning him 
to jail, telling him at the same time that a reward, 
without doubt, would be offered for his arrest, and 
therefore he might as well obtain the same as any- 
body else. After listening to this conversation, 
Brown remarked that he was only a boarder at said 
house, (Elderkin being absent at the time,) therefore 
he had no rightful authority to give him anything 
to eat; 'but,' said he, T will accompany you to 
Woodville. and there you can obtain eatables, and 
the matter of your return to jail can be settled also. 
This proposition was accepted and carried out, and 
it was arranged, when at the village, to have Mr. 
Wood return the prisoner to jail, which he accord- 
ingly did. From the [reported] fact of Wood having 
expected a reward for the return, and failing in this, 
he was so chagrined that he told Thompson, upon 
separating from him in Fremont, that if he suc- 
ceeded in escaping again, he desired him to make 
for his (Wood's) home, and, if he reached it in safety, 
he would use his endeavor to further his escape by 
letting him have one of his horses in order to accel- 
erate the same. The two individuals then bade each 
other good-bye, Thompson at the same time telling 
Wood that he might expect him with him again just 
one week from that date, and this he fulfilled to the very 
day. So much for Mr. Stephen Brown's information, 
and now the thread of this story is followed still fur- 
ther by what I elicited from a conversation with Cap- 
tain Andrew Nuhfer, of Woodville, who says that 
Thompson, when making his second escape, arrived 
in Woodville in the night and entered a blacksmith 
shop belong to said Nuhfer, and there cut the fetters 
from his wrists by means of tools in the shop. Nuh- 
fer plainly discovered traces of some one having used 
his forge and tools when he entered his shop next 
morning. It seems that the prisoner, after having 
rid himself of his fetters, carried the same, with the 
connecting chain, and threw them behind a barn 
belonging to Wood, and soon after, having procured 
a horse from Mr. Wood, he set out on horseback to 
make good his escape. The horse, upon proving to 
lack endurance, was soon abandoned, and the es- 
cape continued, otherwise .successfully, until the 
stage-driver informed on him. The chain and hand- 
cuffs, lying behind Wood's barn, were subsequently 
appropriated as the property of Mr. Wood, and 
Nuhfer says that Mr. Wood conceived the idea of 
putting the same to some use he had in view, by, in 
the fir«-t place, having the same remodeled into a 
complete chain by the blacksmith. This idea was 
carried out and Nuhfer did the work of lemodeling." 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



375 



Mr. I. K. Seaman's information upon this subject 
coincides in the main with that of Mr. McBride. 
Mr. Seaman was, during the years of 1842 and 1843, 
toll-gate keeper near VVoodville, and remembers 
distinctly that Thompson had been seen close to an 
old oak tree, about half a mile north of Wood- 
ville. Seaman says that he and Amos E. Wood 
had taken the prisoner to the jail in Fremont. A 
week later Thompson again came back to VVoodville, 
where he met Wood and Seaman, whom he begged 
to stick to the promise they had made to him and 
further his escape. Mr. Wood told Thompson that 
his promise should be kepf, whereupon he and Sea- 
man went with Thompson to Nuhfer's blacksmith 
shop, where Thompson got rid of his fetters. 
Thompson staid at Seaman's house over night, and 
the ne.xt morning, sufficiently provided for with eat- 
ables and other necessaries, he went on his journey. 
A part of the distance from Woodville to Perrys- 
burg he made in a sleigh. From Perrysburg he 
travelled west until he reached Ottawa, Illinois. Mr. 
Seaman is of the opinion that the name of the stage- 
driver who finally discovered Thompson, was Jack- 
son. He also says that Thompson after this last 
capture never attempted another escape. He had 
free access to Sheriff Strohl's yard, where he split 
wood and made himself generally useful, and that 
Thompson, had he chosen to do so, could have es- 
caped very easily, especially where nearly all the 
farmers in the neighborhood rather sympathized and 
pitied him and would have furthered his escape; but 
Thompson was prepared to die, and continually 
thought of his victim, poor Catharine Hamler, whom 
he never could forget and whom he professed to love 
up to his death. 

We now proceed to acquaint our readers with the 
final capture of George Thompson. It was in the 
fall of 1843 when a certain stage-driver left this 
vicinity in order to take mail matter to the far West. 
In the fore part of October this stage-driver came to 
Ottawa, county seat of La Salle county, Illinois, 
and stopped, with some of his passengers, at the same 
hotel where at that time George Thompson was 
employed as hostler. As chance would have it, 
one of the passengers had a conversation with the 
stage-driver about what time they intended to go 
back home. George Thompson, who happened to 
stand near by, became an attentive listener to their 
conversation from the fact that he heard the names 
of Bellevue and Lower Sandusky mentioned. The 
stage-driver, although acquainted in Ottawa, still 
did not know Thompson personally, and when he 
noticed the sudden change in Thompson's face from 
a living red to a deathly pallor, he e.xclaimed, "Well! 
what is the matter with you?" Thompson, finding 
it hard to control his emotion, begged the stage- 
driver not to betray him, telling him at the same 
time that he was the murderer of Catharine Hamler. 
The stage-driver, astonished over the discovery he 



had made, immediately sent this information to 
Sheriff Strohl, who, after receiving the same com- 
municated it to Pi osecuting Attorney W. W. Culver. 
In consequence of this, the county commissioners, 
Messrs. Paul Tew, Jones Smith and James Rose, (A. 
Coles was auditor at that time,) on the 8th day of 
December, 1843, ordered the sum of one hundred 
dollars paid to Sheriff Strohl to enable him to go 
and get Thompson. In the meantime the necessary 
papers of requisition had been made out by Gov- 
ernor Thomas W. Bartley, whereupon Thompson 
had been imprisoned in Ottawa until the arrival of 
Sheriff Strohl, who finally returned with his prisoner 
in the fore part of March, 1844. His trial com 
menced in June before a jury composed of the follow- 
ing persons, to-wit: Joseph Reed, James P. Berry, 
Benjamin Inman, Archibald Rice, James A. Fisher, 
William Boyles, Abraham Gems, Washington No- 
ble, Michael McBride, Stephen Lee, John Weeks, 
and Amos K. Hammond. Thompson was defended 
byBriceJ. Bartlett (father of Colonel Joseph R. Bart- 
lett) and Cooper K. Watson. The State was rep- 
resented by W. W. Culver and L. B. Otis. The 
presiding judge was Ozias Bowen, assisted by the 
Messrs. Isaac Knapp, Alpheus Mclntyre, and 
George Overmeier. During the trial the counsel 
for the defendant tried their best to show that 
Thompson, at the committal of the murder, was not 
in his own mind and not capable of distinguishing 
right from wrong. This was corroborated by the 
testimony of a young Irishman, who said that he and 
Thompson had once been employed together as 
sailors upon the same ship, and upon landing on a 
British isle in the West Indies, Thompson there 
had had a severe case of sunstroke, the effects of 
which, in his opinion, Thompson never could have 
overcome. The theory of temporary insanity was 
prepared and skilfully worked upon by the able coun- 
sel for the defense. The State, on the contrary, 
proved by sufficient testimony, that during his stay 
in Bellevue Thompson never had shown the least 
signs of insanity, and had not only talked good 
common sense but had proved himself an upright 
and industrious man. Mr. Robert O. Pier, the keeper 
of the E.xchange Hotel in Bellevue, testified that 
while in his employ Thompson had behaved admir- 
ably, and had fulfilled promptly all duties required 
of him, and that in his opinion Thompson knew 
perfectly well to tell right from wrong. After the 
arguments on both sides were concluded Judge 
Bowen instructed the jury, who then retired about 
noon. They remained out about four hours, and at 
their first ballot the jury stood ten for guilty in the 
first degree; one, William Boyles, for acquittal, and 
Michael McBride for guilty in the second degree. 
Boyles kept hanging back for several hours but finally 
consented, and shortly after three o'clock on the 20th 
day of June, the jury brought in their verdict of 
guilty in the first degree. The defense filed a mo- 



376 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



tion for a new trial, but the judges overruled said 
motion, whereupon the accused was asked to arise, 
and when questioned whether he had anything to 
say why judgment should not be passed upon 
him, Thompson answered that he had nothing more 
to say. Then Judge Bowen addressed the prisoner 
as follows: " George Thompson, you have been ac- 
cused, tried, and found guilty of the greatest crime 
known in the annals of the law in this State. You have 
been tried by a jury of twelve men, chosen by yourself; 
you have had a decidedly impartial trial; you have 
been defended by the most able counsel, who have 
tried the utmost on their part to withhold a verdict 
of guilty; you have tried to show that you were 
afiflicted with temporary insanity, but for the sake of 
humanity, it has been clearly proven that on the 30th 
day of May, 1842, you wilfully, malicioasly and 
knowingly killed Catharine Hamler. The laws of this 
State for the crime of which you have been found 
guilty punish with a dishonorable death on the scaf- 
fold ; but the law in this is more merciful than you have 
been toward your victim, and gives you ample time 
to repent of your terrible crime. Do not resort to 
any vain hopes of pardon but use your short time 
for repenting, for which purpose you may have the 
religious consolation of a minister of your own free 
choice. And now there remains nothing else for 
me to do but to pronounce sentence upon you ac- 
cording to the laws of our commonwealth. Thus 
reads the sentence: 'That you George Thompson, 
prisoner before the bar, be taken back to jail, whence 
you came, and there remain under close confinement 
until Friday, the 12th day of July, 1844, on which 
day, between the hours of 10 o'clock A. M. and 2 
o'clock p. M. , you shall be taken to the place of exe- 
cution, and there hung by your neck until you are 
dead, and may God have mercy upon your soul.' " 

Thompson, who was quite overcome with emo- 
tion by the reading of his death warrant, was 
then taken back to jail. What a change had taken 
place in this man, for it was but two years pre- 
vious, that this very George Thompson had shown 
and proved himself such a perfect brute, deprived 
of all human affection, at the time of John Sperry's 
suicide, and henceforth he became an entirely 
changed and repentant man. There were many 
persons who visited him during his last confinement, 
to whom he talked and conversed freely about the 
murder and its victim, poor Catharine Hamler, who, 
he said, was constantly before his eyes and troubled 
. his mind considerably. Once upon being asked by 
Mr. David Belts whether he sincerely repented of 
his terrible deed, he answered: "I hiive loved this 
Catharine Hamler more than any other person in the 
world, and since she rejected my love I concluded 
to make certam that no other person should have 
her." 

Thompson was a member of the English Protest- 
ant Episcopal church, but he refused to see any 



Protestant minister and demanded a Catholic priest. 
His wish was complied with and he received occa- 
sional visits from a French priest by the name of 
Josephus Projeclus Macheboeuf, the present apos- 
tolic vicar at Denver, Colorado, ana also from 
Father McNamee, of Tiffin. Rev. Macheboeuf at 
that time had charge of several parishes, as Peru, 
Sandusky, and several other places. At the begin- 
ning of the year 1880 he was in Rome, where he 
had an interview with Pope Leo XIII., who, accord- 
ing to the London Tablet, is said to have expressed 
very favorable comments on the ministerial efforts of 
this Rev. Macheboeuf. The day of execution 
drew near, and Sheriff Strohl made the necessary 
preparations for the same. Mr. John Sendelbach 
took the measure and made the coffin, and 
Mrs. Sarah Barkimer, iicc Parish, who still resides 
here in Fremont on Elliott Street, on the east side of 
the river, made a white shroud, to which a white cap 
was attached. Thompson was hung in this very 
shroud. Sheriff Strohl, who himself was a carpen- 
ter by trade, erected the gallows, enclosing the space 
(twenty bv thirty feet) with a board fence, twelve 
feet high. 

The day before the execution Rev. Macheboeuf 
held holy mass in the prisoner's cell, on which oc- 
casion Mr. Ambrose Ochs assisted, who at that time 
was learning the wagonmaker's trade with Mr. Bait. 
Keefer. Thompson expressed great fear that after 
the execution his body might come under the eager 
hands and knives of science-hungry physicians, and 
he therefore begged of Rev. L McNamee, who 
lived at Tiffin, to see to it that his body was 
laid in consecrated earth, which was solemnly 
pledged to him. The i2ih day of July, 1844, the 
day set for the execution, had finally come. The 
prisoner awoke early and after partaking of a light 
breakfast was visited by Rev. J. McNamee, who 
administered the holy sacrament, after which 
Thompson put on the white shroud, of which we 
have spoken already. 

In the mean time a great crowd of people had con- 
gregated around the outside enclosure (the very 
place where now stands the new addition of the 
court-house) and some desperate fellows, eager to 
become eyewitnesses of this sad spectacle, tried their 
best to break down the enclosure. Sheriff Strohl, 
after having become aware of these facts, concluded 
to have the prisoner executed in the morning instead 
of in the afternoon, as had been his first intention. 
Shortly after 11 o'clock he led Thompson, accom-^ 
panied by the priest, out of his cell to the fatal plat- 
form of the gallows. All at once some one cried: 
"He is coming!" and at that moment, MrJ. R.Fran- 
cisco, from Ballville, who was stationed inside the 
enclosure as a custodian and armed with a gun, ob- 
served that some one was trying to cut a hole through 
the board fence, and before he could prevent it, one 
of the boards had been torn off, and in less than no 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



377 



time at all, other boards followed until finally the 
whole fence had disappeared, there jy exposing 
the sad spectacle to the entire public. After prayer 
by Rev. McNamee, he was asked by Sheriff Strohl 
whether he had anything more to say, to which 
Thompson simply shook his head. His arms and 
legs were then tied, the fatal noose laid around his 
neck, the white cap drawn over his face, and upon 
a given signal the trap was sprung and Thompson 
dangled in the air between heaven and earth. Thomp- 
son's neck was not broken but he died of strangula- 
tion, the knot of the noose having slipped under the 
chin. He still breathed after a lapse of fifteen min- 
utes, and the moving of the muscles of the different 
parts of the body gave sufficient proof of the dread- 
ful death agony that was taking place in that man. 
In twenty minutes Thompson was pronounced dead 
byDrs. L. Q. Rawsonand Peter Beaugrand, and fifteen 
minutes before 12 o'clock the body was taken from the 
gallows, put into the coffin, and given in charge of 
Rev. J. McNamee, who had it taken to Tiffin and 
buried in the Catholic cemetery, thus keeping the 
solemn pledge he had given to Thompson. It is 
said that after the crowd had dispersed certain 
rumors went afloat that Thompson had not been 
dead at the time he was cut down, and that on the 
way to Tifhn Father McNamee had made successful 
attempts at bringing Thompson back to life again. 
These rumors found their culminative point in the 
statement that Thompson had been seen near Fort 
Seneca. Of course these were only rumors, based 
upon the stupidity and sickly imagination of some 
foolish people, and certainly must have added greatly 
to the amusement of the above-named and certainly 
well-learned and skilful physicians. 

In the early history of the practitioners at 
the bar we find a pecuHar class of men, of 
which the present day does not furnish a 
correct likeness. From the date of the or- 
ganization of the county in the year 1820 
until as late as 1840, or thereabouts, the 
larger portion of the litigated cases in the 
courts of the county were conducted by law- 
yers from other and sometimes remote lo- 
calities. They were chiefly men who had at- 
tained a wide reputation for talent and abil- 
ity in the profession, and whenever plaintiff 
or defendant retained one of such a repu- 
tation the other side was sure to employ 
another of similar acquirements and ability 
to match him. The early local lawyers 
were poor, and there were in fact no law- 
libraries worth noticing, and they of course 
48 



could not refer to authorities on many 
questions which arose. But attorneys 
from older towns and cities had access to 
law books and could therefore make a 
better display in arguing cases to court or 
jury; hence they were preferred by liti- 
gants in the early times of the jurispru- 
dence of the county. For such reasons, 
at every term of the earlier courts there 
came to attend court such men as Picket 
Lattimer, Ebenezer Lane, Phillip R, 
Hopkins, Ebenezer Andrews, of Huron 
county, and later, Charles L. Boalt, and 
Samuel T. Worcester, Cortland Lattimer, 
Thaddeus B. Sturges, Francis D. Parrish, 
John R. Osborn, E. B. Saddler, and Joseph 
M. Root, of the same county. Though F. 
D. Parrish and E. B. Saddler were resi- 
dents of Sandusky and placed outside of 
Huron county by the erection of Erie 
county, they were, at the time spoken 
of, within the limits of Huron county. 
There were, at every term of the court, 
John M. May, of Mansfield, Richland 
county. Orris Parrish, of Columbus, Ohio, 
Andrew Coffinberry and John C. Spink, 
of Wood county, Ohio, and occasionally 
such men as Thomas Ewing and Willis* 
Silliman were found in the court-room, 
though not often in this, to them, remote 
part of the State. Excepting Ewing and 
Silliman, in their early practice here, all 
travelled on horseback with the common 
pleas judge from county seat to county seat, 
and during their stay made a home at the 
best tavern at the county seat. They all 
travelled in company on horseback and 
carried copies of pleadings, briefs, and a 
change of shirts in saddle-bags or valise. 
When on the road or off duty at the tav- 
ern they were a social, often a convivial 
collection of talented men away from 
home. In court they were as earnest and 
talented on behalf of their clients as any 
lawyers of the present day can be. Cards, 
whiskey, story telling, and dancing and 



378 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



singing songs were the alternate amuse- 
ments, and the whole tavern was kept 
happy where they stopped. 

After charging and sending out the 
grand jury, the presiding judge would next 
take the docket and call the cases for trial 
in the same order as they stood upon the 
docket, and every case was disposed of, for 
that time at least. The cases were con- 
tinued, tried or dismissed when called. 
This practice compelled attorneys and 
clients to be ready for trial at all times 
during the term. Therefore all clients 
and witnesses attended constantly until 
their cases were disposed of. The attend- 
ance upon court, therefore, was much 
greater than at present. In fact, for a few 
days after opening court there was usually 
a large gathering of country people, some- 
thing like what we now see when a men- 
agerie or circus is on exhibition. Woe to 
the attorney who was not prepared to try 
his case. He usually found no indulgence 
from the court. There was in the earlier 
courts far more prompt and rapid disposal 
of cases than there is at present by the 
court. 

In looking for the causes for this change 
in the transaction of business, two facts 
appear: First, under the Constitution of 
1802 all the judges were elected in joint 
ballot of the General Assembly, and not by 
popular vote of the same people to whom 
he must administer justice. The popular 
and widely influential attorney had no ter- 
rors for him, because he looked to the 
General Assembly for his re-election if he 
desired it. Second, under the common 
law system of pleading almost every case 
was narrowed down to a single issue of fact 
or law, and the scope of the jury's enquiry 
was much less than the scope under the 
present system. Another cause may have 
had some influence. Then there were 
fewer judges to do the work, and a rapid 
dispatch of the business in each county in 



short terms was an absolute necessity. 

EARLY RESIDENT MEMBERS OF THE BAR. 

Benjamin F. Drake was the first law- 
yer who settled in Lower Sandusky. He 
came there in 1817, and was for a time 
clerk of the court of common pleas, but 
resigned his office and removed to Dela- 
ware county, probably in 1823. Nothing 
further of his history or fate can now be 
obtained for record. 

Harvey J. Harmon was the second law- 
yer who settled in Lower Sandusky. Mr. 
Harmon was a well educated man and a 
good lawyer, and at one time had consid- 
erable practice. He loved political dis- 
cussion, however, and during the latter 
years of his life gave most of his time and 
efforts in that direction. He was an ar- 
dent Jackson Democrat in the election of 
1828, and afterward received the appoint- 
ment of postmaster at Lower Sandusky. 
Mr. Harmon was father of one daughter, 
nowl iving, who is the wife of our esteemed 
citizen. Colonel William E. Haynes. This 
daughter was a small child when her 
father died. He died in August, 1834, of 
Asiatic cholera, in Lower Sandusky. The 
way he contracted the contagious and 
fatal disease reflects much credit on his 
character as a man and a Mason. There 
had been no case of cholera in Lower 
Sandusky, and no thought that it would 
stray from the great thoroughfare to attack 
the people of as small a village as Lower 
Sandusky. A small steamboat then ply- 
ing between Sandusky City and Lower 
Sandusky, about the 4th of August, 1834, 
brought a number of passengers and 
landed them about three-quarters of a 
mile north of where the court-house now 
stands. Among the passengers were two 
or three families of (Jerman emigrants, 
who had recently arrived in the United 
States. These people camped out near 
the landing and did not enter the town. 
A very respectable stranger in appearance 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



379 



came from the landing in the evening and 
took lodgings in the Western House, then 
the best hotel in the country and kept by 
a Mr. Marsh. In the early part of the 
night this stranger was taken sick, and 
was in need of help; he inquired of the 
landlord if there were any Free Masons in 
the place, and was told that Mr. Harmon 
was reputed to be a member of the order. 
A messenger was sent to give word and 
returned with Mr. Harmon, who recog- 
nized the stranger as a brother in the 
order. Mr. Harmon stayed with and 
ministered to him through the night, and 
until the stranger died early the next 
day. Harmon was taken with the dread 
disease the following day and died in 
about twenty-four hours after the attack. 

Increase Graves came to Lower San- 
dusky and began the practice of the law as 
early as 182 1, if not before. He married 
the daughter of Israel Harring, an early 
settler, and died after about three years of 
married life, leaving a widow and one child. 

RoDOLPHUs Dickinson was in order of 
time probably the fourth resident lawyer 
who settled in Lower Sandusky. There 
are better means at hand to furnish a 
history of Mr. Dickinson than of those 
who preceded him. From these sources 
of information we gather and place in this 
work the following facts concerning him 
and his career: 

Rodolphus Dickinson was born in the 
State of Massachusetts, December 28, 
1797. He graduated at Williams College 
and soon thereafter repaired to Columbus, 
Ohio, where he taught school for a time. 
He then entered upon the study of the 
law with Gustavus Swan, of that city. 
After completing his studies and after 
being admitted to the bar, Mr. Dickinson 
removed to Tiffin, the county seat of the 
then new county of Seneca. Here he 
commenced the practice of the legal pro- 
fession, and was appointed prosecut- 



ing attorney of that county at the first 
term of the court of common pleas 
held. In 1826 he removed to Lower San- 
dusky (now Fremont) and in the fol- 
lowing year was married to Miss Mar- 
garet Beaugrand, daughter of John B. 
Beaugrand, one of the early settlers in 
Lower Sandusky. He was for a time 
prosecuting attorney for Sandusky, and 
soon gathered a profitable practice. He 
continued in practice for several years, 
but like many other lawyers was event- 
ually called into the arena of political 
and party contention. Here Mr. Dick- 
inson displayed all the qualities neces- 
sary to a politician without the sacrifice of 
integrity. In the schemes for the early 
public works and finances of the State 
he became, and was for several years, 
the master mind. The Wabash & Erie 
Canal and the Maumee & Western Re- 
serve road are monuments of his abil- 
ity and energy. He was a member of 
the Board of Public Works of the State 
from the year 1836 to the year 1845, 
which dates include an era of financial 
embarassment the most severe ever 
known in the State. Mr. Dickinson's in- 
fluence with the Board of Fund Commis- 
sioners of the State and with the State 
Legislature was generally potential, and 
during a series of years when the credit of 
the State was so prostrated that the bonds 
sold as low as fifty cents on the dollar (the 
proceeds of sale being realized in the 
paper of suspended banks, which was de- 
preciated ten or twelve per cent.), his 
prudent counsels contributed largely to 
save the prosecution of the public works 
from indefinite suspension. In 1846 Mr. 
Dickinson was elected to Congress, and 
re-elected in 1848. He died in Washing- 
ton city soon after his re-election, and on 
the 20th of March, 1849. 

Mr. Dickinson, for his private virtues 
and his public services, is still held in 



■380 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



grateful remembrance by the people not 
only oi Sandusky county but throughout 
Northwestern Ohio. 

Hiram R. Pettibone was born in Gran- 
ville, Connecticut, on the 20th of May, 
1795. In 1830 he served one term in the 
Legislature of his native State. He 
studied law with Judge Fouscey, of great 
repute in that State as a jurist. He came 
to Lower Sandusky and entered the 
practice of the law in the year 1835, and 
was a popular and successful practitioner 
until 1849, when he removed to Wisconsin, 
where he still resides with his son 
Chauncy. While residing here Mr. Pet- 
tibone enjoyed the high esteem of the 
moral and intellectual portion of our peo- 
ple. In practice he was faithful to his 
clients, and was engaged in many of the 
important Ciises tried in the county. While 
practicing law in Lower Sandusky Mr. 
Pettibone and his wife reared and fitted 
for useful lives a family, consisting of Mr. 
Chauncy Pettibone, who was an accom- 
plished business man at an early age, and 
was at one. time a partner in the mercan- 
tile business at Lower Sandusky with Mr. 
James Vallette. His eldest daughter, 
Delia, married Austin B. Taylor, one of 
our early and successful merchants, and 
a man of ability in business circles. His 
second daughter, Harriet, was married to 
C. G. McCulioch, an early druggist of 
Lower Sandusky, but now of Chicago. A 
son, Milo, and son William, were next in 
order of age. Then a daughter, Jane, 
who married Dr. Kramer, of Sandusky 
City; a son, Alfred, now residing in Ripon, 
Wisconsin. Dr. Sardis B. Taylor, now 
practicing medicine in Fremont, is a 
grandson of Lower Sandusky's early 
and able lawyer, Hiram R. Petti- 
bone. This venerable member of the 
Bar of Sandusky county is now eighty-six 
years of age, and comfortably enjoying 
the sunset of life with his oldest son, 



Chauncy, an active and successful mer- 
chant at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. 

After or about the time Mr. Pettibone 
settled in the practice of the law at Lower 
Sandusky, came Asa Calkins, Peter Yates, 
W. W. Culver, and William W. Ainger. 
Little of the history of these men can 
now be gathered. They are either long 
ago dead, or in other States, and in un- 
known locations, excepting William W. 
Culver, who, at last accounts, was still 
living and resides at Penn Yan, New 
York. But the means of giving his birth- 
l)lace, where he was educated, and 
where he studied his profession, are not 
at hand. Mr. Culver was prosecuting at- 
torney for the county, being appointed 
first in 1839, and continued four succes- 
sive years. In his addresses to a popular 
assembly, or to a jury, Mr. Culver exhibi- 
ted wonderful brilliancy and acumen and 
always commanded the close attention. of 
the jury and the court, and if not always 
right in his views of the law, or his deduc- 
tions from facts in the testimony of a 
cau:e, he was always listened to with in- 
terest and pleasure by all who heard him. 
Mr. Culver left the practice about 1847, 
and afterwards went to California where he 
taught school. He accumulated consider- 
able property, and finally settled with a 
sister in Penn Yan, New York. 

Ralph P. Buckland's history is so fully 
written in other parts of this work that our 
notice of him as a lawyer may be made brief 
without doing him injustice. We will, there- 
fore but briefly sketch the life of this distin- 
guished citizen in its connection with the 
practice of the law. He came to Lower 
Sandusky in the summer of 1837, and 
commenced the practice of the law. He 
has frequently told the writer that when 
he arrived at Lower Sandusky to com- 
mence the practice of his profession he 
was without means, and his only monetary 
resources were seventy-five cents, which 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



381 



he brought with him in his pockets. His 
subsequent success, and the eminent char- 
acter he achieved, stands as a monument 
to his industry and integrity, as well as an 
enduring encouragement to all young 
members of the profession that by imitat- 
ing his noble and virtuous example they 
may succeed in life. We commend the 
life of General Buckland, as given in an- 
other chapter, to the reading and consid- 
ation of all into whose hands this work 
may come. General Buckland is now en- 
gaged in practice in partnership with his 
son, Horace S. Buckland, and Wilbur 
Zcigler, and is the only lawyer now in 
practice who practiced in Fremont before 
1840, and is also the oldest member of the 
bar in the county, both in years and in 
practice. 

Lucius B. Otis was born March 11, 
1820, at Montville, Connecticut, and was 
educated in Ohio at common schools 
in Berlin, Erie county ^ at Huron Insti- 
tute, Milan, Ohio; the Norwalk Seminary, 
Norwalk, Ohio, and at Granville College, 
Granville, Ohio. He commenced the 
study of law at Norwalk, Ohio, in August, 
1839, in the law office of Hon. Thaddeus 
B. Sturgis and John Whitbeck, and during 
the fall and winter of 1840 and 1841 at- 
tended the law school of the Cincin- 
nati College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, from 
which he graduated in April, 1841. At the 
August term of the Supreme Court, held 
in Huron county in 1 841, he was duly ad- 
mitted to the Bar as a practicing attorney. 
On September i, 1841, he took up his 
residence in Lower Sandusky, Sandusky 
county, Ohio. For the first year or two 
he practiced law in partnership with the 
late Brice J. Bartlett, and subsequently 
for several years with Hon. Homer Ever- 
ett. He was married to Miss Lydia Ann 
Arnold, of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, 
in January, 1844, and has seven children 
living, four married and well settled in life. 



and the three youngest living with their 
parents at the family home. No. 201 1 
Michigan avenue, Chicago. At the close 
of his term of office as judge of the court 
of common pleas in Ohio, in December, 
1856, he removed to Chicago, Illinois, 
which is still his residence. He has never 
practiced his profession since he took his 
seat upon the bench as judge in Ohio, in 
February, 1852. 

When he located in Lower Sandusky, in 
September, 1841, Mack Bump kept the 
old historic corner tavern, at which he 
boarded for a long time at two dollars and 
a half per week. It was a well kept hotel. 
He recalls the following names as fellow 
boarders at that time: Elisha W. Howland, 
Charles O. Tillotson, Dr. Thomas Stilwell, 
Clark Waggoner, C. G. McCuUoch, John 
A. Johnson. That so many are still living 
after nearly forty years have elapsed is 
quite remarkable. 

To show how Judge Otis succeeded in 
life after he left Fremont, we give the fol- 
lowing from a correspondent of the San- 
dusky Register in Chicago, under date of 
January 11, 1881, which details his life 
with more particularity : 

Judge Lucius B. Otis is a typical Ohioan in physical 
proportions and mental acquirement. It is often 
said that sons of Ohio, paiticularly Northern Ohio, 
are men of large frame and fine physique; whether 
this is true or not I cannot say, but it certainly is true 
in this instance, and is true of the family, a numerous 
one. While L. B. Otis was born in Connecticut, he 
is essentially an Ohio man, having come to the State 
when two years of age. He comes of rare old New 
England stock, his father and mother possessing fine 
native abilities, rare attainments, force of character, 
integrity and many Christian virtues, which qualities 
were inherited by the subject of this mention in a 
marked degree. He was born in 1820, and his par- 
ents moved to Berlin, Erie county, Ohio, in 1822, 
which has been the home of the family since. Lucius 
attended the common schools of that place, dividing 
his time between study and farming, until eighteen 
years of age, when he attended the Huron Institute 
at Milan, later the Norwalk Institute and Granville 
College, when he commenced the study of law in 
Norwalk, with Sturgis & Whitbeck, and attended 
the law school at Cincinnati, returning to Norwalk in 



382 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



1841, where he was admitted to the Bar by the su- 
preme court. Soon after this he established himself in 
practice at Lower Sandusky, now Fremont; was elect- 
ed prosecuting attorney in 1842, and re-elected each 
two years and served until 1850. In 1851, under the 
new Constitution, he was elected judge of the court 
of common pleas, his circuit comprising the counties 
of Huron, Erie, Sandusky, Ottawa, and Lucas, and 
involved a vast amount of work, often holding court 
ten months of the year, besides sitting as one of the 
district judges. In 1850, with Sardis Birchard, he 
established the banking house of Birchard & Otis, 
at Fremont, which enterprise proved a decided suc- 
cess, and in 1864 developed into the First National 
Bank of Fremont. At the expiration of his judge- 
ship, in 1856, having accumulated considerable means 
and believing Chicago was destined to become the 
great metropolis of the West, he moved here in De- 
cember of the same year, and at once began operat- 
ing in real estate, buying, building, and renting; ex- 
ercising that tact, sagacity, and judgment which had 
previously characterized his course, and have to this 
day, and he has become one of our largest real estate 
owners and among our most enterprising and suc- 
cessful business men. One of the finest and most 
conspicuous marble front blocks, known as the 
"Otis Block," is owned by him and his brother 
James. 

He was a large property owner before the 
fire, and being in the burnt district, his property was 
nearly ail destroyed, but, being well insured in re- 
sponsible companies, he was not as heavy a loser as 
mmy, and was able to rebuild and almost wholly re- 
place his buildings with new ones of a much better 
class. He was president of the Grand Pacific Hotej 
Company, and superintended the finances when it 
was rebuilt after the fire, and had a general super- 
vision of its building. Among the many responsible 
positions he has been called upon to fill, financial 
and otherwise, is that of receiver of the insolvent 
State Savings Institution, which had a deposit ac- 
count at the time of failure of over four million dol- 
lars, to the credit of poor people almost wholly. 
The court sought to protect this vast interest and 
save as large a per cent, as possible to the depositors, 
and to accomplish this object selected Judge L. B. 
Otis for receiver, knowing his eminent fitness for such 
duty. He has more than met the expectations of 
both court and depositors. He has realized on the 
real estate assets a full quarter of a million dollars 
more than almost any other man could have done, 
and will be able to pay over forty per cent., in place 
of fifteen or twenty, which was only looked for, 
hardly expected. This is the result of his sagacious 
man;>gement of the assets. His bond is two million 
dollars, signed by ten of the best men in the city. I 
instance this fact to indicate to his former friends and 
neighbors the kind of man Erie county has furnished 
Chicago. His name is identified with some of our 



best corners, as to property, and our best institutions 
of all descriptions. 

He is one of our most prominent citizens, and his 
fine and varied literary attainments and refined social 
qualities make him a most agreeable and edifying 
member of the social circle. He has a large library, 
filled with a choice collection of books. He is a law- 
yer of the highest standing in the profession; has not 
been an office seeker, though office has often sought 
him, but, being a Democrat, his friends have been 
unable to put him in high State positions (for which 
he was fitted) in this Republican stronghold. He 
supported Lincoln both terms, but has returned to 
his first love, no doubt being conscientious in his 
views and belief. In religion he is an Episcopalian, 
and a noble layman in the matter of expounding the 
laws and canons of that church. 

In 1873 ^nd 1874, with a portion of his family, he 
visited Great Britain and the Continent, making an 
extensive tour. He was married in 1844, and has 
had eight children, seven of whom are now living. 
His wife is an estimable lady. His sons are among 
our prominent business men, engaged in banking 
and other business. Ohio, and Erie county in particu- 
lar, may point with pride to Judge L. B. Otis as one 
of her sons. 

John L. Greene, sr., was born in St. 
Lawrence county, New York, July i6, 
1806. In August, 1815, he moved with 
his father's family to Ohio, and located at 
Newburg, on the Western Reserve. He 
shortly after went to Plattsburg, New 
York, where he spent two years, and there 
began the study of the law, under the in- 
struction of his uncle, John Lynde. He 
spent some time in the University of 
Burlington, Vermont, but was compelled 
to relinquish his course on account of ill 
health. 

Returning to Ohio he was soon invited 
to take charge of an academy at Cleveland, 
which position he accepted for a short 
time. While engaged in teaching he still 
pursued the study of the law, under the 
tuition of Leonard Case. 

Afier the termination of his engagement 
in the academy, he gave himself more ex- 
clusively to the study of law, and while 
giving his days to that purpose, employed 
his evenings in keeping the books of the 
mercantile house of Irad Kelley. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



383 



On the 16th of July, 1828, he was 
married to Miss Julia L. Castle, of Cleve- 
land. In this year he also engaged in 
various speculations, by which he accumu- 
lated a handsome property. 
" In 1833 he came to Sandusky county 
and purchased some fourteen hundred 
acres of land, and in the spring of the fol- 
lowing year moved with his family here. 
After a failure in mercantile business at 
Greensburg, a village named after him, in 
Scott township, which failure was caused 
by the financial crisis of 1836-37, Mr. 
Greene, in 1840, came to Lower Sandusky 
and commenced the practice of the law. 

His earnings for the first year were forty- 
five dollars. He had a wife and six chil. 
dren to provide for. At this juncture he 
received aid from an old Samaritan named 
Riverius Bidwell. The next year his earn- 
ings amounted to sixteen hundred and 
fifty dollars. From this time he had a 
successful practice until 1855, when he 
was elected Representative in the General 
Assembly, by the people. In 1861 he 
was elected judge of the court of common 
pleas, to fill a vacancy occasioned by the 
resignation of Hon. Samuel T. Worcester, 
which position he held until February, 
1864, at which time he resumed the prac- 
tice of the law. He afterwards formed a 
partnership with his son, John L. Greene, 
jr., in which relation he continued until 
the time of his death. 

He was the father of eight sons and 
four daughters. One of his peculiarities 
was a fondness for horses, and, at the bar, 
wherever he practiced, he was king of all 
attorneys where the value, or quality, or 
disease of horses were drawn into litiga- 
tion. In social life, and as a citizen of 
good example, public spirit, and liberality, 
Judge Greene had few superiors in Fre- 
mont. The fact that Mr. Greene was 
chosen as a judge and elected to that 
position by the people of the subdivision 



of the judicial district in which he resided, 
fully certifies his ability and standing as a 
lawyer and a man. 

Cooper K. Watson came to Lower 
Sandusky to attend court occasionally as 
early as 1841. He had studied law in 
Marion, Ohio, and recently been admitted 
to the Bar. At that time he was a man 
of unusually clear and quick perception 
of legal principles and with great argument- 
ative power. He assisted in the prosecu- 
tion of Sperry for the murder of his wife, 
and his management of the case, and es- 
pecially his argument to the jury, at once 
placed him in a high position in his pro- 
fession, which he maintained through life. 
Of his birthplace, parentage, and early 
life, we are not informed. 

Mr. Watson served two successive terms 
in the House of Representatives in Con- 
gress, being first elected in 1856, and 
after he had become a resident of Tiffin, 
in Seneca county, having changed his resi- 
dence about the year 1850. Subsequently 
he located and practiced his profession in 
Sandusky. After the death of Judge Lane, 
of Sandusky, he was appointed to fill the 
vacancy in the judgeship of the court of 
common pleas, and was twice elected to the 
office, in which he continued until his 
death, in 1880. He was buried in the 
cemetery at Sandusky, and his funeral was 
attended by a large concourse of people, 
including judges and lawyers from various 
distant parts of the State, also a large con- 
course of Knights Templar, of which 
order he was a prominent member. 

John A. Johnson was born in Canfield, 
Trumbull county at that time, but now 
in the county of Mahoning. After receiv- 
ing a fair academic education he studied 
law in the office of Judge Newton, in 
Canfield. He came to Lower Sandusky 
and commenced the practice of the law in 
the latter part of the year 1839. In 1842 
he formed a partnership in practice with 



384 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Cooper K. Watson, undtr the name of 
Watson & Johnson. This firm had the 
benefit of Mr. Watson's growing reputa- 
tion, and for a time did a large legal busi- 
ness. 

In 1842 Mr. Johnson married Almira 
B. Hafford. In 1849 he left his prac- 
tice and his family, in Fremont, and, 
with several other citizens of the place, 
went, to hunt gold in California, and was 
absent about fifteen months. A few 
months after his return he sold his farm 
and residence near the town, and moved 
to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he died 
many years ago. His wife and four chil- 
dren — three sons and one daughter, are 
still living. 

Mr. Johnson was in every way an exem- 
plary man. While residing in Lower San- 
dusky he was a member of the Presbyte- 
rian church, and acted as its trustee in 
building the first brick house of worship 
for the society. 

Nathaniel B. Eddy, a native of the 
State of New York, came to Lower 
Sandusky and commenced the practice 
of the law sometime about the year 
1839. Mr. Eddy was well educated 
and had thoroughly studied his profession. 
His brother, Azariah, had settled in Lower 
Sandusky previously, and at the time men- 
tioned was, perhaps, the leading merchant 
of the town. His influence at once helped 
his young lawyer brother into practice and 
into social standing in the community. 
Mr. Eddy practiced successfully alone 
for about two years. Homer Everett had 
for some years been studying law at leis- 
ure times, and was then sheriff of the 
county. In December, 1842, Mr. Eddy 
persuaded Everett that he was qualified 
to be admitted to the Bar, and proposed 
that if he would do so, he would accept 
him as a partner in the business on equal 
terms. Mr. Everett at once travelled to 
Columbus and was there, after due exam- 



ination, found qualified, and admitted to 
practice in all the courts of the State. 
After returning from Columbus he at 
once resigned the oftice of sheriff, which 
had some months to run, and entered 
into partnership, under the firm name of 
Eddy & Everett. This firm continued a 
prosperous business until some time in 
1844 or 1845, when Mr. Eddy was seized 
with a desire to become suddenly rich, 
and entered into mercantile business with 
Frederick Wilkes, his brother-in-law. The 
firm of Eddy & Wilkes occupied a store 
near the law office used by Eddy & Ever- 
ett. On the retirement of Mr. Eddy from 
practice, Lucas B. Otis and Homer Everett 
formed a partnership, and did a successful 
business as lawyers until the close of the 
year 1847, when Mr. Everett retired from 
practice and settled on his farm on the 
Sandusky River, about five miles below 
town. 

Mr. Eddy closed up his business a few 
years after, and moved to Madison, Wis- 
consin. There he was chosen county 
judge, and held the office many years, 
and died in the capital of his last adopted 
State. 

Thus far we have mentioned only the 
lawyers who practiced in Lower Sandusky 
prior to the year 1842, who with the ex- 
ception of General Buckland, are all dead 
or have removed from the State. How- 
ever, w^hile the ranks of the practicing 
lawyers of the olden time have been 
thinned by death and removal, the re- 
cruits have been abundant since, and the 
force not only kept up but largely in- 
creased from time to time by the settle- 
ment in the county from abroad, and by 
admissions to the Bar of those who lived 
and studied within its limits. Of those 
who came into practice in 1842, and since 
that time, we have to mention the follow- 
ing: 

J. W. CuMMiNGS is now a resident of 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



385 



Green Spring. He was born in Richland 
county, Ohio, in 1836, and in 1838 re- 
moved with his parents to Lagrange 
county, Indiana, where he resided until 
1864. He was educated at Ontario 
Academy, Indiana, and Michigan Univer 
sity, at Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mr. Cum- 
mings studied law at Lagrange, Indiana, 
and was admitted to the Bar there in the 
year i860. He was elected to, and held 
the office of district prosecuting attorney 
for the five northeastern counties of the 
State; was afterwards a candidate for 
circuit prosecuting attorney for the circuit 
composed of the ten counties in the 
northwestern part of the State. This can- 
didacy was in 1864, and Mr. Cummings 
was not elected. In 1864 he went to 
Washington, and there held a position in 
the land office until 1866, when he left 
Washington and located at Toledo, Ohio, 
and resumed there the practice of the 
law. Here Mr. Cummings' merits and 
talents soon gave him prominence, and he 
held public office several terms. He in 
the meantime married a daughter of the 
late Robert Smith, of Green Spring, and 
in 1876 retired from the practice of the 
law and engaged in other business. 

While Mr. Cummings was engaged in 
practice at Toledo he was frequently seen 
attending to business in the courts of San- 
dusky county. He always commanded 
the close attention of Court and Bar 
wherever he appeared. He was made ad- 
ministrator of his father-in-law's estate, 
and the large amount of property and the 
widely extended business thus thrown on 
Mr. Cummings' care and management, to- 
gether with the fact that he has a large 
share of this world's goods, will probably 
prevent a good lawyer and admirable man 
from returning to the drudgery of practice. 

John H. Rhodes, now in practice in 
our courts, and residing in Clyde, in the 
eastern part of the county, wa^ born in 



February, 1836, in Westfield township, 
then Delaware, but now Morrow county, 
Ohio. He was educated at Wesleyan Uni- 
versity, Delaware, Ohio. 

Mr. Rhodes commenced the study of 
the law in the year i860, with O. D. Mor- 
rison, at Cardington, Ohio, and completed 
his study under the teaching of Homer 
Everett, of Fremont, Ohio, in the year 
1870. At the April term of the district 
court of Sandusky county, he was admit- 
ted to practice and at once opened an 
office at Clyde, Ohio, where he has since 
done, and still is doing a good business. 

Mr. Rhodes was married on the 28th 
day of December, 1867, in Brooklyn, 
New York, to Miss May Antoinette Brown, 
also a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan 
University. They now have a happy 
family of three children. 

Mr. Rhodes served a term as Repre- 
sentative of Morrow county in the General 
Assembly of Ohio. He had also served 
in the Union army in the War of the Re- 
bellion, having volunteered. 

In purity of lite, in gentlemanly con- 
duct and courtesy, and in pleasing man- 
ners. Colonel Rhodes has no superior in 
the Sandusky county bar. As a lawyer, 
he ranks well and is a good and faithful 
attorney. 

Mr. Rhodes enlisted as a private in 
company B, of the Forty-third Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, in 1861. He served with 
his regiment through the entire war, being 
mustered out as lieutenant-colonel. He 
was promoted in obedience to the desire 
of the officers and men of his own regi- 
ment. After returning from his honorable 
service in the army, the people of Morrow 
county elected him to represent them in 
the General Assembly for the sessions of 
1866-67. He filled the office with satis- 
faction to the people and credit to himself. 

Henry R. Finefrock, now an esteemed 
member of the Bar of Sandusky conuty, 



;86 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



was born at Lancaster, Fairfield county, 
Ohio, on the i6th day of October, 1837. 
He was educated in the common schools 
and high school in Lancaster, Ohio. He 
became an approved and etficient school 
teacher, and spent some years in that pro- 
fession in Marion county, Ohio, and per- 
haps in other counties. His brother 
Thomas P. Finefrock, had been in suc- 
cessful practice for a number of years at 
Fremont, and while he was a partner witl 
John L. Greene, sr., Mr. Henry R. l^ine. 
frock studied law with them. 

In 1862, Henry R. Finefrock was ad 
mitted to the Bar at Fremont, Ohio, at the 
April term of the district court. He^ 
however, did not really commence prac 
tice as a lawyer until 1867, when he locat- 
ed in the city of Fremont, for the purpose 
of entering into practice. Mr. Fme- 
frock is highly esteemed among the mem- 
bers of the Bar, as an upright, moral man, 
and an attorney with excellent business 
qualifications. He has rendered good ser- 
vice to the county, and helped much to 
improve our schools, while acting as a 
member of the board of examiners of 
school teachers. For this positio-n his ac. 
curate learning and his experience as a 
teacher, gave him good qualifications, and 
he exercised them happily in advancing 
the qualifications of our teachers. Mr. 
Finefrock is still in active practice at Fre- 
mont, in partnership with Colonel Joseph 
R. Bartlett. 

M. B. Lemmon, now an active member 
of the Sandusky county Bar, located at 
Clyde, Ohio, was born August 7, 1847, 
in Townsend township, Sandusky county, 
and therefore "to the manor born." He 
is the youngest son of Uriah B. Lemmon, 
one of the pioneers of the county. The 
subject of this sketch was educated in 
early life in our common schools, and at- 
tended quite regularly until 1864, when he 
volunteered jn the military service of his 



country a little before coming to the age 
of eighteen years. He enlisted as a 
private in company B of the One Hun- 
dred and Sixty-ninth regiment Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry. He served with this 
regiment until it was finally mustered out. 
On his return young Lemmon determined 
to obtain a better education and to that 
end promptly entered Hillsdale college at 
Hillsdale, Michigan, which he attended 
one year. After leaving Hillsdale, he 
taught school several terms, after which he 
began service as a railroad engineer, which 
he followed for a time, and then began 
reading law. He commenced the study 
with Stephen A. Powers, esq., at Fremont, 
in the State of Indiana, and was admitted 
to the Bar September 5, 1876, at Angola, 
Indiana, and at once went into practice. 
In March, 1877, he entered into partner- 
ship with his brother, John M. Lemmon, 
of Clyde, and remains an active member 
of the firm. 

He was married October 11, 1871, to 
Miss Emma T. Stewart, of Fremont, Indi- 
ana, and is now the happy father of three 
children. 

Wilbur G. Zeiglf.r is the son of Henry 
Zeigler, formerly a prominent merchant 
and business man of Fremont, who, after 
the war, located in the South with his 
family, and returned a few years ago, 
bringing his son Wilbur with him to Fre- 
mont. 

Wilbur G. was born at Fremont, Ohio. 
While in the South, he, though com])ara- 
tively a young man, displayed unusual 
literary ability in his correspondence with 
various newspapers, which marked him for 
a literary career. For some time he read 
law with Henry McKinney, now judge, in 
Cleveland, Ohio. However, he came back 
to Fremont, and finished his legal studies 
in the of^ce of Ralph P. & Horace S. 
Buckland. He was admitted to practice 
under the lately established rules, in the 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



387 



supreme court at Columbus, in March, 
i88x. 

Mr. Zeigler was educated in the pubhc 
schools of Fremont, graduating in the 
high school in the class of 1876. On his 
admission to the Bar, Mr. Zeigler at once 
entered upon the practice of his profes- 
sion and was received into partnership with 
the Bucklands, with whom he had finished 
his studies. He i# unmarried, but his 
future career is full of promise whether he 
shall devote himself exclusively to his 
profession, or strike off into a literary 
career. , 

F. R. Fbonizer was born October 15, 
1852, at the city of Buffalo, New York, 
and emigrated to Ohio with his parents in 
the spring of 1853. He was educated in 
the common schools of Ohio. For some 
time Mr. Fronizer was a school teacher, 
and while so engaged, taught the high 
school at Woodville, Ohio. 

He commenced reading law in the law 
office of John T. Garver in Fremont, in 
the fall of 1874, and was admitted to the 
Bar in Sandusky county in the fall of the 
year 1877. He has since been elected a 
justice of the peace for Ballville township, 
which he resigned, and is now engaged in 
practice at Fremont. 

P. O'Farrell was born at Sandusky 
City, Erie county, Ohio, May 24, 1856. 
In the spring of i860 he moved with his 
parents, and settled in Scott township,- 
Sandusky county, Ohio. Here young 
O'Farrell worked on the farm of his father, 
attending a district school in the winters 
until the spring of 1871, when he went 
to the Northwestern Normal School, then 
located at Republic, Seneca county, Ohio, 
to prepare himself for teaching. The ensu- 
ing winter he taught his first school for a 
term of four months in Montgomery town- 
ship, Wood county, Ohio. At this time Mr. 
O'Farrell was not sixteen years old, yet 
he taught with good success, which indi- 



cates an aptness to acquire learning which 
is quite unusual. He continued to teach 
in the winter, and attend school in the 
summer until he commenced the study of 
the law, which was in the summer of 
1876. He, however, taught the Hessville 
graded schools when studying, and there 
closed his career as a school teacher in 
April, 1880. 

In June, 1880, Mr. O'Farrell passed 
examination under the new rules of the 
supreme court at Columbus, Ohio, and 
was there admitted to practice. He was 
elected a justice of the peace for San- 
dusky township in the spring of 1879, but 
resigned the office on the i6th of August, 
1 88 1. He was appointed a member of 
the board of county school examiners on 
the 3d day of July, 1881, which office he 
still creditably fills. 

On the 24th day of May, 1881, Mr. 
O'Farrell married Miss Catharine O'Con- 
nor, daughter of Bryan O'Connor, who is 
now one of our most popular county 
commissioners. 

Mr. O'Farrell has fine, natural gifts of 
perception, memory and language, which, 
if properly used, will make him a good 
advocate and lawyer. 

Marcus D. Baldwin was born at Fre- 
mont, Ohio, on the 25th day of Septem- 
ber, 185 I. He received his early educa- 
tion at Toledo, Ohio, finishing a course at 
Oberlin, attending the latter institution 
about four years. He commenced read- 
ing law at Toledo, Ohio, borrowing the 
books he read from Messrs. Dunlap and 
M. R. Waite. He subsequently was 
located at Green Spring, Ohio, and while 
there read law under the tuition of Hon. 
T. P. Finefrock, of Fremont, Ohio. He 
was admitted to practice at Fremont by 
the district court on the ist day of March, 
1874, and began practice at Green Spring, 
May I, 1874. He subsequently removed 
to Fremont and opened a law office. He 



388 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



was chosen city solicitor for the city of 
Fremont soon after settling in the city, 
and satisfactorily discharged the duties of 
that office for several years. At this writ- 
ing (May I, 1881,) Mr. Baldwir. is still in 
practice, doing quite a successful business 
as an attorney, and dealing in real estate, 
but contemplates a removal to Shelby, 
Ohio. At one period Mr. Baldwin re- 
sided and taught school at Mitchell, In- 
diana. On the 31st. day of October, 1874, 
he was married at Shelby, Ohio, to Sarah 
S. Rogers, by whom he has two living 
children, having lost one. 

Thomas P. Dewey, now residing at 
Clyde, Ohio, was born on the 27th day of 
December, 1852, in Crawford county. 
State of Pennsylvania, and was educated 
at the common schools, mainly at Kel- 
loggsville, Ashtabula county, Ohio. He 
commenced reading law at Painesville, 
Ohio, with Tinker & Alvord in the sirring 
of 1876, came to Clyde in the s|)ring 
of 1877, and finished his course of legal 
study in the office of Lemmon, Finch & 
Lemmon at that place, reading there until 
1879. He was admitted to the Bar April 
27, 1879, and commenced practice in 
Tiffin, Ohio, in September following. He, 
however, returned to Clyde, and is now 
practicing. Mr. Dewey was married on 
the 9th day of September, 1879, to Miss 
Jennie Stilwell. He is a young man of 
good faculties, and no doubt will in time 
make a successful lawyer. 

Byron R. Dudrow was born in Adams 
township, Seneca county, Ohio, on the ist 
day of March, 1855. He was educated 
at Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio, from 
which institution he received the degree 
of Master of x\rts. He commenced the 
study of law in the office of Basil Meek, 
at Clyde, Ohio, on the 18th day of June, 
1877. On the 26th day of April, 1879, 
he was admitted to the Bar by the district 
court of the county. He did not, how- 



ever, at once enter into active practice. 
He served as deputy county clerk from 
the time of his admission to the Bar until 
April 26, 1880, at which time he com- 
menced practice in Fremont. On the 2 2d 
day of November, 1878, he was married 
to Miss Mary E. Meek, daughter of Basil 
Meek, who is now the popular clerk of 
Sandusky county. Mr. Dudrow is a prom- 
ising young member at the Bar, and with 
his excellent habits and genial good man- 
ners will probably attain a high professional 
standing. He is now, by election, the 
city solicitor of the city of Fremont, and 
is to all appearance on the road to pros- 
perity in his profession. 

John B. Loveland was born in New 
Haven township, Huron county, Ohio, on 
the 20th day of February, 1827. At the 
age of nineteen years he left his father's 
farm for Oberlin College to supplement 
the education picked up in a pioneer dis- 
trict school on the classic Huron River, 
On the 2 2d day of August, 1850, he was 
married to Miss Martha Jane Watts, of 
New Haven, by whom he has had three 
children. In 1854 he removed to Fre- 
mont, Sandusky county, Ohio, to take 
a position as teacher in the Fremont 
graded schools. This position he held 
with credit to himself and to the entire 
satisfaction of all concerned for the term 
of ten years. Frt)m his position in the 
schools of Fremont he was called to the 
superintendency of the schools at Belle- 
vue and Green Spring respectively, in 
which position he spent eight years. All 
this time he was one of the reliable mem- 
bers of the board of county school e.xam- 
iners, in which position he well and faith- 
fully discharged the duties of the office 
for the term of fourteen years. He com- 
menced the study of the law while super- 
intending the schools of Green Spring, 
with Marcus D. Baldwin, esq., and was ad- 
mitted to the Bar by the district court of 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



389 



Sandusky county al Fremont, Ohio, on 
the 20th of March, 1876, where he com- 
menced the practice of law, and has con- 
tinued to practice until the present time. 
Although a member of the legal profes- 
sion Mr. Loveland does not make the 
practice of the law a specialty, preferring 
the retirement of his farm, situated one 
and a half miles southwest of the city. In 
solid scientific attainments, and in that 
practical common sense which is the re- 
sult of learning and original thought, Mr. 
Loveland has few superiors. His father, 
Mr. John Loveland, one of the oldest 
pioneers of Huron county, is still in good 
healtli at the advanced age of eighty-three 
years. 

Basil Meek, was born at New Castle, 
Henry county, Indiana, April 20, 1829. 
In 1832 he removed with his parents to 
Wayne county, Indiana. In August, 
1841, with his parents, he went to Owen 
county, Indiana, and there resided until 
September, 1864, when he came to Ohio 
and settled at Clyde. His school educa- 
tion was that of the common schools. He 
was married to Cynthia A. Brown, in De- 
cember, 1849, who died August 14, 1861, 
at Spencer, Owen county, Indiana. By 
this marriage he had four children, viz. : 
Minerva B., Mary E., Lenore Belle, and 
Flora B. Mary E., who is the wife of B. 
R. Dudrow, esq., and Lenore Belle, only, 
are now living. He was married to Mar- 
tha E. Anderson, September 30, 1862, by 
whom he has had two children, both liv- 
ing, viz.: Clara C. and Robert C. He 
served as clerk of the courts of Owen county, 
Indiana, continuously from February 20, 
1854, to February 20, 1862. At the No- 
vember term, 1861, of the Owen county 
circuit court, he was admitted to the Bar, 
and formed a law partnership with Hon. 
Samuel H. Buskirk, practicing at Spencer 
till his removal to Ohio. In 187 1, at Clyde, 
he resumed the practice of law, continuing 



in the practice until he entered the clerk's 
office of Sandusky county, February 10, 
1879, to which office he was elected in 
October, 1878. He is at this time serv- 
ing as such clerk, and was, at the October 
election, 1881, re-elected to said office. 

Thomas P. Finefrock was born at Frank- 
lin county, Pennsylvania, January 9, 1826. 
He came to Ohio and settled in Lancaster, 
where he studied law with Medill & Whit- 
man. He was admitted to the Bar in 
August, 185 1, and came to P'remont and 
began practice with Brice J. Bartlett in 
the following September. He soon be- 
came well known as a lawyer, and the firm 
became prominent in the legal business of 
the county. Mr. Finefrock was chosen to 
the position of prosecuting attorney in 
1853, and served two successive terms. 
In 1857 he was the Democratic candidate 
for representative in the General Assembly, 
his Republican opponent being Ozias L, 
Nims, a prominent mei^dhant of Fremont. 
After a closely contested campaign, Mr. 
Finefrock was elected by a small majority. 
During the war he took an active interest 
in politics, being a leader of the ultra- 
Democratic party. In 1866 he received 
the Democratic nomination for Congress 
in the Tenth District, but was defeated by 
General R. P. Buckland, the Re|)ublican 
candidate. His practice from the time he 
located in the county was large and re- 
munerative. In 1874 he was elected 
judge of the court of common pleas, on 
the Democratic ticket, and served for the 
full term of five years, when he again re- 
turned to the practice of law, entering in- 
to partnership with Charles H. Bell, under 
the firm name of Finefrock & Bell. The 
firm is now in full practice. He has 
always maintained the reputation of a 
good jury lawyer. Mr. Finefrock was 
married in May, 1854, to Miss Emma E. 
Carter. They have raised a family of 
children, and reside east of the city. 



39° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



S. S. Richards is a native of Townsend 
township, this county, and was born Au- 
gust 8, 1857. He was educated in 
Clyde, and graduated from the high 
school of that place in 1875. Just 
after graduating he went to California, 
where he spent about one year. Re- 
turning, he began the study of law in 
the office of Basil Meek, at Clyde, in the 
fall of 1876. He was admitted to the Bar 
by the supreme court at Columbus in the 
spring of 1879, ^^^ immediately opened 
an office at Clyde. In June, 1879, he 
formed a partnership with D. A. Heffner 
for the practice of the profession, which 
partnership still continues. Mr. Richards 
is a promising young member of the Bar. 

D. A. Heffner came to Sandusky 
county with his parents, who settled in 
York township in 1856. He was born in 
Union county, Pennsylvania, May 20, 
1849. He was educated in the common 
schools and in Hillsdale college, Mich- 
igan, where he spent one year — 1869-70. 
From 1870 to 1875 ^^ taught school in 
the winter and farmed in the summer. 
In the spring of 1875 he entered the Nor- 
mal school at Lebanon, Ohio, where he re- 
ceived the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 
1877. He then entered the office of J. 
H. Rhodes and continued two years, 
teaching school each winter. In April, 
1879, he was admitted to the Bar by the 
district court at Fremont. He began 
to practice in partnership with S. S. Rich- 
ards in June, 1879. He was married 
May 27, 1879, to Miss Belle Haff, daugh- 
ter of Hiram Haff, of Townsend town- 
ship. He is an honorable and worthy 
member of the Bar. 

John T. G.\rver was born in Congress, 
Wayne county, Ohio, July 26, 1848; was 
educated in the common school and at 
the academy at Smithville, Ohio; taught 
school six terms. He commenced read- 
ing law in March, 1846, in the office of 



Hon. H. G. Blake, at Medina, Ohio, where 
he remained until September, 1869, when 
he entered the Ohio State and Union Law 
college at Cleveland, where he took a reg- 
ular course, and from which institution he 
was graduated on June 29, 1870, receiv- 
ing the degree of Bachelor of Laws; was 
admitted to the Bar by the supreme court 
of Ohio at Columbus, on March 17, 1870, 
and in June of the same year he was ad- 
mitted to practice in the West Salem dis- 
trict and circuit courts at Cleveland. He 
commenced the law practice at West 
Salem, Ohio, in July, 1870, where he 
remained until May, 1871, when he re- 
moved to Fremont, where he has ever 
since been engaged in the active practice 
of his profession. In politics a Demo- 
crat, he was elected to the office of solic- 
itor for Fremont in April, 1873 and re- 
elected to the same office in April, 1876, 
holding that position four years. In Octo- 
ber, 1877, he was elected to the office of 
prosecuting attorney of Sandusky county, 
and re elected in October, 1879, which 
position he now holds. He has been a 
member of the board of teachers' examin- 
ers of this county since August 5, 1876, 
of which board he is now jiresident ; was 
married, in February, 1878, to Miss Sarah 
E. Gilbert, of Medina county; and is the 
father of two children. Mr. Garver has 
built up a good practice, and is now in part- 
nership with his brother, S. C. Garver. 

James H. Fowler is a native of Fre- 
mont, Ohio, and was born January 5, 1846. 
His father was, by birth, an Englishman, 
and his mother a Pennsylvania German. 
He attended common school and desired 
more extensive school privileges, but the 
financial circumstances of his father seem- 
ed to forbid. James, however, met these 
circumstances honorably, by amply re- 
munerating his fcither for the loss of his 
services, from the time of leaving home — 
eighteen — to the time of his majority. He 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



.Wi 



taught school for several terms and then 
learned the printer's trade in the office of 
the Sandusky County Democrat. He 
enlisted as a private in the One Hun- 
dredth Ohio Volunteer Infantry April 24, 
1 86 1. He was advanced from the ranks 
to the first lieutenancy. At Limestone 
Station he was taken prisoner, with many 
others of his regiment. For four months 
he suffered the hardships of prison life at 
Salisbury and Libby, the greater part of 
the time at Libby. While in prison he 
fell into association with a well-educated 
Frenchman, who was also a prisoner. 
Mr. Fowler indicated a desire to learn the 
French language, and was instructed by 
his fellow prisoner. He was an apt stu- 
dent, and advanced rapidly until the time 
of his escape, which was really a romantic 
episode of prison life. The suffering in- 
mates of Libby were detailed each day 
to gather wood to supply the prison. One 
damp day, while on this dreary mission, a 
companion and Mr. Fowler made a daring 
and successful attempt to escape. As 
soon as they reached the woods they 
speed on their way northward, being aided 
and guided by negroes. They slept dur- 
ing daylight and travelled at night. Pur- 
suing blood hounds were evaded by travel- 
ling the rocky beds of streams. At last 
they safely reached the Union lines at 
Knoxville, and re-entered the service. At 
the close of the war he was mustered out 
with his regiment as first lieutenant, and 
returned to Fremont. He at once began 
the study of law in the office of Homer 
Everett, and was admitted to practice 
August 15, 1876. After a short time of 
practice, he formed a partnership with Mr. 
Everett, and the firm has been continued 
without change since that time. Mr. Fow- 
ler has a fair knowledge of the French and 
German languages, has a large fund of 
general information, and by his own in- 
dividual efforts has earned a good standing 



among members of the Bar of the county. 

Ernest B. Williams is a native of 
Salem, Oregon, and was born February 
15, 1853; was educated at Willamette Uni- 
versity, Oregon; studied law at Portland, 
Oregon, with W. W. Thayer, now Governor, 
and was admitted to practice by the su- 
preme court of the State, in August, 1874. 
He began practice at Salem immediately 
after his admission, and came to Fremont, 
Ohio, in May, 1880. He shortly after 
entered into partnership with M. D. Bald- 
win, who has since removed from the 
county, and Mr. Williams is now practic- 
ing alone. 

George W. Click and Charles S. 
Glick for some time practiced law at Fre- 
mont. Both removed to Kansas, and 
practiced there for some time. Charles S. 
died there several years ago. George W. 
is still living at Atchison, Kansas. He 
has been a member of the State legisla- 
ture, was a centennial commissioner, and 
is a man of considerable local influence. 

George R. Haynes practiced in San- 
dusky county during the early part of his 
life. He removed to Toledo where he 
enjoyed a high reputation as a lawyer and 
citizen. 

William Aunesly was a graduate of 
Oberlin College; studied law many years 
ago with Buckland & Everett and was ad- 
mitted to the Bar in Sandusky county, and 
after a short term of practice here he re- 
moved to Port Clinton, Ottawa county. 
He was elected prosecuting attorney of 
that county, and after acquiring considera- 
ble reputation and a remunerative practice 
he died in the prime of manhood. 

William W. Ainger located in San- 
dusky county for the practice of law about 
1837, having come from the Western Re- 
serve. He married, in Fremont, the 
daughter of Dr. Daniel Brainard. After 
practicing for a few years he removed to 
Chagrin Falls, where he died years ago. 



392 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



John K. Hord came from Tiffin to 
Fremont about 1856 or 1857 and began 
the practice of law. He practiced here 
successfully a few years, when, on account 
of ill health, he was induced to remove to 
Louisiana, and engaged in the manage- 
ment of a sugar plantation. When rebel- 
ion was threatened he came North and 
settled in Buffalo. After a short time he 
removed to Cleveland, where he has at- 
tained a standing in his profession. He is 
still in practice in Cleveland. 

Edward F. Dickinson, son of Rodol- 
phus Dickinson, was educated at Cincinnati 
and was admitted to the Bar at an early 
age. He was a bright scholar and well 
qualified for the profession. He is a man 
of talent, but has never devoted himself 
arduously to the profession. He was pros- 
ecuting attorney for two terms, beginning 
in 1852. He was elected probate judge 
in 1866 and served three years. While in 
this office he was elected to Congress in 
1868. He represented this district in 
Congress one term. He has also been 
mayor of the city. 

Alpheus p. Putnam was born in Wy- 
andot county, Ohio, in 1837. At the or- 
ganization of the Seventy-second he en- 
listed, and was wounded at the battle of 
Shiloh. He rose in rank from private to 
captain. After the war he studied law in 
the office of T. P. Finefrock and was ad- 
mitted to the Bar in April, 1867, and prac- 
ticed in Fremont till the time of his death. 
He was prosecuting attorney four years. 

Hiram W. Winslovv began practice in 
Bellevue, but afterwards removed to Fre- 
mont about i860. He was a good advo- 
cate and ranked well as an attorney. He 
was elected prosecuting attorney in 1864, 
and served two years. He afterwards rep- 
resented the county in the legislature. He 
was for a time the law partner of Judge J. 
L. Green, sr. While in the General Assem- 
bly his eyesight failed entirely, but he con- 



tinued in practice with the assistance of a 
guide. His health finally failed, and after 
a protracted sickness he died. Mr. Wins- 
low never married, nor had he any rela- 
tives in this vicinity. During his last sick- 
ness, however, he was kindly cared for by 
personal and professional friends. 

John McIntyre Lemmon was born in 
Townsend township, Sandusky county, 
Ohio, July 25, 1839, his father being 
Uriah Blake Lemmon, and his mother 
Emily A. McIntyre Lemmon. John 
McIntyre remained with his parents 
until eighteen years old, and received a 
common school education. He taught a 
district school in the winter of 1857-58; 
attended school at Oberlin college in the 
summer of 1858; taught again the follow- 
ing winter, and in the spring of 1859 went 
to Missouri, and began the study of law 
in the office of Knoll & McIntyre. In No- 
vember, 1859, he went to Jefferson City, 
Missouri, and studied with Mr. Knoll, 
who had been appointed attorney general 
of the State. In April, i860, Mr. Lem- 
mon was admitted to the Bar by the su- 
preme court of Missouri, and soon after 
returned to his home. 

July 12, i860, his mother died, after a 
lingering illness. In the winter of 1860-61 
Mr Lemmon again taught a district 
school. April 24, 1861, he enlisted in com- 
pany F, Eighth Ohio, in the three months' 
service, and was discharged August 18, 
1861. October 9, 1861, Mr. Lemmon 
again enlisted in company B, Seventy- 
second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and con- 
tinued in the service until the close of the 
war; was promoted to second lieutenant 
May 23, 1862, and to captain July 23, 
1863, and was mustered out at Selma, 
Alabama, June 21, 1865. During part of 
the war he was on detached duty as judge 
advocate of a military commission at 
Memphis, Tennessee. 

March 29, 1864, Mr. Lemmon was 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



393 



married to Miss Annie Covell, of Perkins, 
Erie county, Ohio. In December, 1865, 
he settled in Clyde, and began the prac- 
tice of his profession. He has met with 
good success in his practice and has for 
many years past enjoyed an extensive 
practice in the State and Federal courts. 
He has one child living, named Mack, 
born April 8, 1870. One child, Frank, 
born October 8, 1865, died November 9, 
1867. 

When the village of Clyde was incor- 
porated, in May, 1866, Mr. Lemmon was 
chosen its first mayor, and was re-elected 
in April, 1867. He has never held any 
other civil office. 

Mr. Lemmon is one of the most studi- 
ous, active, and industrious members of 
the Bar now in practice in the county. He 
has accumulated money and property by 
his practice. His library at Clyde con- 
sists of fifteen hundred well selected vol- 
umes. Mr. Lemmon's energy and indus- 
try have brought him into such prominence 
in the northwest portion of Ohio, that a 
bright career is opening before him. His 
practice already extends into Erie, Huron, 
Ottawa, Seneca, and other counties in 
northwestern Ohio. He also practices in 
the circuit, district, and supreme courts 
of the United States^ as well as the su- 
preme court of Ohio. 

Morris Elbert Tyler was born No- 
vember 16, 1836, at Lower Sandusky. 
His father was Captain Morris Tyler, and 
his mother Sophia (Bristol) Tyler. He 
attended the common schools of his na- 
tive place until qualified to enter Kenyon 
college, at Gambier, Ohio, where he grad- 
uated. He began the study of law in the 
winter of 1853-54, in the office of Buck- 
land & Everett, at Fremont, and was ad- 
mitted to the Bar in 1857. He at once 
opened an office in what is known as 
Buckland's old block, in Fremont. In the 
summer of i86i he volunteered in com- 
50 



pany F, of the Foity-ninth Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, and was made first lieuten- 
ant. Afterwards Lieutenant Tyler was 
promoted and commissioned as captain of 
company I, of the same regiment. Cap- 
tain Tyler is naturally a brave man and 
soon after entering the service became a 
good soldier. On the 24th day of July, 
1864, while fighting in front of Atlanta, 
Georgia, he received a severe wound 
from a rifle ball, which struck him in the 
mouth, knocking out some of his front 
teeth, and passing into the roof of his 
mouth pnssed on and out behind his left 
ear. This wound was received, it will be 
noticed, just two days after General Mc- 
Pherson fell, he being killed on the 2 2d 
day of July, 1864. Captain Tyler, on the 
24th day of November, 1864, was honor- 
ably mustered out of the service on ac- 
count of the disability resulting from this 
wound. On returning to Fremont he was 
for some time engaged as assistant editor 
of the Democratic Messenger. Captain 
Tyler was elected justice of the peace 
soon after he began practice in 1859, and 
has since held that office, with the excep- 
tion of the time spent in the military ser- 
vice of the country, and as a civil officer 
is as good and true as he was faithful and 
brave in the army of the Union. 

Horace Stephen Buckland was born 
in Fremont on the 21st day of April, 185 1. 
He is the son of R. P. and Charlotte 
(Boughton) Buckland. In early boyhood 
he attended the common schools of Fre- 
mont. For a time he attended the pre- 
paratory school at Gambier, Ohio, and 
afterwards a like school at East Hampton, 
Massachusetts. He then entered Cornell 
college. New York, and after remaining 
there about one year returned to Fremont 
and studied law in the office of Buckland 
& Everett about one year and a half. He 
then attended the law department of Har- 
vard college about a year, when he re- 



394 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



turned to Fremont and read law for a 
short time with Everett & Fowler. In 
September, 1875, he was admitted to the 
Bar after a close examination by a com- 
mittee appointed by the district court at 
Elyria, Ohio. Upon his admission Mr. 
Buckland at once formed a partnership 
with his father, General Ralph P. Buck- 
land, in the practice of law, in which he is 
still engaged. 

Horace Buckland is a promising young 
member of the Bar, of peculiarly exem- 
plary life and conduct, and already begins 
to develop those qualities of mind and 
habits of industry which will surely place 
him high in his profession. 

Mr. Buckland was married to Eliza C. 
Bowman, on the loth day of June, 1878, 
with whom he is still living in Fremont. 

Hezekiah Remsburg was born in Ha- 
gerstown, Maryland, February 2, 181 2; 
emigrated with his father to Lower San- 
dusky, arriving at the latter jjlace on the 
iiih day of March, 1822. His education 
was in the common school after he came 
to Ohio, and began in the first school 
house built between the Sandusky River 
and the Maumee. The house was a rude 
log structure which stood on the east 
bank of Muskalonge Creek and north of 
the Maumee and Western Reserve turn- 
pike, and was probably erected about the 
year 1825. Mr. Remsburg helped his 
father to clear off a fine farm on Muska- 
longe Creek, south of the turnpike 
above mentioned and adjoining it. The 
father of Mr. Remsburg was a mechanic, 
whose services were in much demand as a 
millwright, and the son learned the trade 
by working with his father in the prepara- 
tion of the mills which were built in an 
early period in different parts of the 
county. Young Remsburg inherited his 
father's mechanical talent, and afterwards 
worked at various mechanical jobs when 
his services on the farm could be dispensed 



with. Thus he passed his time, and also 
began the study of law in 1849, under the 
tuition of Judge John L. Green, sr., now 
deceased. He was admitted to the Bar at 
Fremont in the year 185 1, and has ever 
since practiced law, and is now so engaged. 
He was elected prosecuting attorney for 
Sandusky county, and performed the 
duties of that office four successive years 
with ability and diligence. Mr. Remsburg 
has been married, and has raised to man- 
hood four sons now living, and has now 
been a widower for over ten years. He is 
a well preserved man, of good habits, 
and bids fair to be strong and active for 
many years to come. 

Merritt L. Snyder was born at the 
farm of his father, George N. Snyder, esq., 
in Scott township, Sandusky county, Ohio, 
on the 8th day of January, 1838. He 
was educated at the Ohio Wesleyan Uni- 
versity, at Delaware, Ohio, where he re- 
mained three years, having previously 
attended the common school of his town- 
ship. After leaving Delaware he became 
a school teacher and taught twelve terms, 
and was a faithful and efficient teacher. 
In i860 he began the study of the law in 
the law office of Hon. Judge T. P. Fine- 
frock, at Fremont, Ohio. He then went 
to Fort Wayne, in the State of Indiana, 
where he was admitted to the Bar in May, 
1864. After his admission he returned to 
Fremont, Ohio, and shortly after that, in 
May, 1864, removed west and located 
at Holton, Jackson county, Kansas, 
where he at once commenced the practice 
of his profession. While in Kansas Mr. 
Snyder acquired a good standing as a 
lawyer, and for three consecutive years 
was chosen prosecutor for Jackson county, 
and also held the office of clerk of the 
courts. He left Kansas on the 12th of 
November, 1874, on his return to his 
former home, arriving at Fremont, Ohio, 
on the 1 8th of the same month, and at 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



395 



once entered upon the practice of the law 
in the same city where he had received 
his instruction in the science of the law, 
where he has ever since and still is en- 
gaged in the practice of his profession. 
He was married to Miss Susan Bo- 
land, of Sandusky county, on the 14th 
day of June, 1866, who has proved a faith- 
ful and devoted wife, and with whom he 
still lives, having three children living to 
cheer and beautily their home. Mr. 
Synder is a fair lawyer, an ingenious ad- 
vocate, and a kind-hearted and courteous 
gentleman in his intercourse with men and 
in his practice at the Bar. 

Samuel C. Garver is a native of 
Wayne county, Ohio, where he was born 
on the 14th day of May, 1855. Mr. 
Garver in his early life attended the com- 
mon schools of his native county, and 
obtained such instruction as they af- 
forded. After leaving these schools he 
attended Smithville academy, where he 
made considerable advancement in the 
various branches taught in that institution. 
After leaving the academy Mr. Garver 
taught school two terms. He commenced 
the study of the law in the office of Wins- 
low & Garver, at Fremont, Ohio, in the 
year 1874. After reading two years he 
took a regular course of study and lec- 
tures at the Ohio State and Union Law 
College at Cleveland, from which he 
graduated on the 25th day of May, 1876, 
receiving the degree of LL. D. Mr. 
Garver was admitted to practice in the 
several courts of the United States on the 
24th day of May, 1876, and about the 
same time admitted to practice in the 
courts of the State of Ohio. He has been 
a member of the law firm of Garver & 
Garver since his admission, and is still en- 
gaged as such in active practice. Mr. 
Garver is a young man of much energy, 
and his present developments indicate 
that he will become a practitioner of good 



standing in the profession he has chosen. 
He remains unmarried, but his brothers 
in the order of "Haugastols" are in great 
fear that he will soon forsake them for a 
life of double blessedness. 

Charles F. Bell was born at Milwau- 
kee, Wisconsin, on the 15th day of No- 
vember, 1856. He came to Fremont 
with his parents about 1864, and attended 
common schools for a time, then took a 
course of study at Hellmouth college, in 
London, Province of Ontario. Besides 
these opportunities for acquiring an edu- 
cation, Mr. Bell was placed under the 
private tuition of the Rev. Richard L. 
Chittenden, pastor of St. Paul's church, 
Fremont, Ohio, who faithfully and suc- 
cessfully taught him in Latin, mathe- 
matics, and in fact, all the branches gen- 
erally taught in institutions of learning in 
this country. He studied law with Ever- 
ett & Fowler two years, and was admitted 
to the Bar by the district court of San- 
dusky county, on the 19th day of March, 
1878. After his admission young Bell 
continued to read in the office of Bartlett 
& Finefrock until Judge Thomas P. Fine- 
frock left the bench and returned to 
practice. Mr. Bell then formed a part- 
nership with the judge, and is still in prac- 
tice with him at Fremont, with influential 
friends to help him on. No doubt Mr. 
Bell, with time and experience, will devel- 
op into a popular and successful practi- 
tioner. A few years ago he married the 
daughter of one of Fremont's prominent 
citizens, H. R. Shomo, esq. 

Joseph R. Bartlett, one of the most 
popular attorneys at the Bar of Sandusky 
county, was born in the county of Seneca 
on the :6th day of July, 1830, and came 
to Lower Sandusky with his father, Brice 
J. Bartlett, in the fall of 1833. Young 
Bartlett received his education in the 
public schools of Lower Sandusky and 
Fremont. He studied law with his father 



396 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



and was admitted to practice in 1853. 
He began practice with his father. Joseph 
R. at first rather discouraged his father by 
a want of enthusiasm in the practice of 
his profession, but as time passed and 
he awoke to the responsibiUties of Hfe 
which were thrown upon him by his 
father's death, he devoted himself intently 
to study and practice. He has steadily 
advanced in practice and knowledge of 
the law, until there are few, if any, superior 
to him now in the management and trial 
of causes at the Bar of the county. Mr. 
Bartlett has continuously practiced law 
since his admission to the Bar, excepting 
the time spent in the service of his coun- 
try in the war for the suppression of the 
Southern Rebellion, in which he was dis- 
tinguished for bravery and efficiency in 
connection with the Forty-ninth regiment, 
and for a more complete notice of the 
military services of Colonel Bartlett the 
reader is referred to the history of the 
Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry in another part of this histoiy. 
Mr. Bartlett was married many years ago 
to Miss Rachel Mitchner, but has no 
children living, having lost by death a few 
years ago a daughter who was one of the 
brightest and most promising young ladies 
in Fremont. 

Brice J. Bartlett, son of Samuel 
and Elizabeth Bartlett, was born in the 
county of Lincoln, State of Maine, on the 
2ist day of September, 1808. His 
father, Samuel, with his family, emi- 
grated to Ohio in 1824, and settled 
in Hamilton county, near Cincinnati, 
where he resided until November, 1824, 
when he moved and settled in Seneca 
county. Young Bartlett was in early life 
apprenticed to the trade of cabinet-making. 
He was married in 1829 to Phebe Ellis, 
and moved to Lower Sandusky, now Fre- 
mont, in the fall of 1833. The next year, 
upon the breaking out of the cholera, he 



moved his family to Seneca county, and 
returned himself and rendered assistance. 
Upon moving to Lower Sandusky he for a 
time followed the business of painting, 
and afterwards watch repairing, and then 
engaged as clerk for Andrew Monhuse, in 
the grocery business. He commenced 
reading law in April, 1838, and in July, 
1840, was admitted to practice. In 
September, 1841, he formed a partner- 
ship with Hon. L. B. Otis, afterwards 
judge of common pleas, which part- 
nership was dissolved in May, 1842. 
In 1843 ^^ formed a partnership with 
Hon. J. L. Green, afterwards judge of 
common pleas, and continued to October, 
1845, when he formed a partnership with 
Charles Edylin, which was dissolved in 
August, 1846. In 1848 he formed a part- 
nership with S. N. Wilcox, and afterward, 
in August, 1 85 1, with Hon. T. P. Fine- 
frock, afterwards judge. In 1853 he 
formed a partnership with his son, and his 
health failing he retired from practice in 
July, 1854. His health afterwards im- 
proved, and in July, 1855, he resumed 
practice in partnership with his son, Joseph 
R. Bartlett, under the firm name of B. J. 
Bartlett & Son, and continued in uractice 
until March 23, 1859, at which time he died 
from pneumonia, resulting from a cold 
contracted at the March term of Sandusky 
common pleas. 

John L. Green jr., was born July 
7, 1838, and was educated in the com- 
mon schools of Sandusky county. He 
learned the printer's trade in the offices of 
the Fremont Journal and Cleveland Plain 
Dealer. He studied law under his father 
and was admitted by the supreme court of 
Ohio in January, 186 r. He enlisted in 
company G, Eighth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry, three months service, April, 1861. 
He enlisted in company D, One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry in March, 1862, and was discharged 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



397 



for disability, in January, 1863. He was 
appointed adjutant of the One hundred 
and Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry 
in May, 1864, and discharged in Sejitem- 
ber 1866. He raised company E, One 
Hundred and Eighty-sixth, in December, 
1864, and January, 1865; was discharged 



September 25, 1865. He was appointed 
probate judge by Governor Hayes in Jan- 
uary, 1869; elected probate judge in Oc- 
tober, 1869; served nearly six years on 
appointment and election. He married 
Emma Shaw, October 10, 1867, and has 
four children — three boys and one girl. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

FREMONT. 

The Village and Village Life. 



INTEREST clings around the old fort; 
memory carries us back to the scene of 
fast filling ditches, leaning pickets and de- 
serted block-houses. Imagination, assisted - 
by history and tradition, goes farther back, 
and the events of more than a century, 
which filled this little square with action 
and activity, rush upon a bewildered fancy. 
Going backwards in chronological order 
from the close of the war, here and there 
is seen a small cabin adjoining to which 
is a field of corn cultivated by men who 
were accustomed to keep one eye on their 
work while the other was watchful of the 
forest inhabited by savage men and wild 
animals. A commissary merchant lazily 
attended his easy duties, and a few sol- 
diers day after day amused themselves with 
their guns, pipes, and bottles, and re- 
counting past experiences. Cannon balls 
here and there washed from the embank- 
ments, and scarred pickets are the souvenirs 
of battle. The scene of an heroic con- 
flict fills the mind. What must have been 
the anxiety of Croghan and his brave lit- 
tle band, when vessels laden with trained 



soldiery and improved instruments of de- 
struction disturbed the Sandusky's still 
waters ? What fearful apprehension must 
have been added to anxiety when Tecum- 
seh came at the head of a band of red 
warriors, wrought to rage by the memory 
of past grievances ? The battle ter- 
minated most gloriously, yet sadly ; for 
under what circumstances can we think of 
destruction and death without sadness ? 
Follow back the clear pathway of history 
to before the existence of Fort Stephen- 
son, when Wyandots made this their own 
home, seeing white men only as traders 
or agents. Canoes glided over the still 
water's surface, where, on several occasions, 
might be seen the thoughtful, plotting face 
of Tecumseh. Indian cabins dotted the 
beautiful hill west of the river. Council 
fires lighted the evening sky, and night 
often resounded with the war-dance and 
revelry. 

Go back a quarter of a century further. 
When the Wyandots made the valley 
of the Sandusky the tribal seat of empire. 
What meeting within our corporation 



398 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



in the importance of its deliberations 
equaled that assembled around a council 
fire in 1785, where the eloquent and 
masterly Brant formed the league and 
union which defeated two American armies 
and retarded nearly a decade the settle- 
ment of the Northwest. White captives 
and their treatment appear, as the picture 
is fast fading in the distance. That dream 
of fact or fancy, as may be, paints two 
neutral forts upon the river's bank — peace- 
ful resting places amidst the fright and 
blood of exterminating war. The fancied 
picture has at last faded, and, as we come 
back to our own time, we seek a reason 
why this one small tract has figured so 
conspicuously in history. 

We have an answer, at least partially 
satisfactory, in the geographical conforma- 
tion of Northern Ohio. Much has been 
said of the pathless and almost impenetra- 
ble forests. Even Indians made streams 
their highways, and the line of communi- 
cation between Ohio and Detroit, a trad- 
ing centre from the first exploration 
of the country. The Sandusky River, a 
friendly arm of the lake, stretched across 
flats and swamps to a range of sandy 
bluffs, admitting of navigation further 
south than any other point within the 
lake system. This reservation was there- 
fore a beautiful inland harbor — a com- 
mercial and military port of two races of 
men. After the treaty of 1815 had brought 
joy to every home in America, and every 
foreign troop had left our shores, men re- 
sumed peaceful occupations, Western em- 
igration revived, and every Eastern high- 
way presented the spectacle of long trains 
of covered wagons, conveying families 
from cultured communities to pioneer 
homes Indian powtr, which had long 
held sway over northwestern Ohio, was 
broken, and the white settlements and 
improvement of this fertile region was 
the irresistible course of destiny. 



This historic reservation already had an 
inhabitance of as many as twenty families 
and a few squatters were encroaching 
upon the Indian domain. Negotiations 
were early set on foot looking toward the 
extinguishment of Indian titles, and there 
being no further apparent use of a military 
post in this quarter. Congress made pro- 
vision for the sale of lands reserved for 
that purpose. The reservation was sur- 
veyed into lots facing upon the river on 
both sides and running back to the limits 
of the tract. On the east side of the 
river Mr. Wormley, the United States sur- 
veyor, laid out, in 18 16, a regular town, 
which he called "Croghanville," in honor 
of the hero the scene of whose triumph 
triumph lay within sight of the prospect- 
ive metropolis of the Northwest. The 
city of Croghanville, when this survey was 
made, commanded scenery of rare beauty 
which the settler's axe and the growth of a 
city have destroyed. There was nothing 
of the grand or sublime in the surround- 
ings, but a rare variety of simple beauty, 
which interests the imagination and satis- 
fies cesthetic longings. High above the 
surrounding country a green gulf of wav- 
ing forest stretches far in the distance to 
where it meets the descending blue hori- 
zon. Below, the Sandusky's sleeping 
water fills a tortuous bed, fringed with 
alternating prairie and underbrush, with 
here and there a cluster of plum or locust 
trees filling the air with the sweet perfume 
of their white blossoms. But a perfume 
yet sweeter was brought by northwestern 
breezes; and the eye, following the direc- 
tion of its coming, found a fascinating rest- 
ing place. The hill rising from a green 
sward, within the river's bend, was thickly 
covered by crab and plum trees mingling 
their branches, and in spring-time appear- 
ed like a mountain of flowers. Toward 
the west could be seen something of life 
and human activity, and smoke curling 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



399 



from the wooden chimneys of isolated 
cabins. The plowman's song was heard 
in the valley below, and toward the south 
and west, skirting cornfields, the sparkling 
river hurried over a bed of rock. Beyond, 
a steep, at some places, precipitous bluff 
intercepted the view. Such were the sur- 
roundings of the site chosen for a city. 

That the location was deemed one of 
promise is indicated by the fact that a 
reservation was made by Congress of one 
lot for a ship-yard. At the time of the sur- 
vey a boat was being built on the west 
side of the river, by the firm of Wilson & 
Disbrow. Surrounded by excellent inland 
timber, and the facilities for floating vessels 
to the lake being remarkably good, there 
was no reason why ship building should 
not become an important enterprise. War 
experience had taught the Government 
the necessity of having in the West secure 
facilities for recruiting an inland navy. 

Excepting the ship-yard the town of 
Croghanville was held for sale by in- and 
out-lots, under the direction of the land 
commissioner. It was expected that a 
city, in fact, would soon cover this pictu- 
resque elevation, regularly laid off in streets 
and squares. But a rival, almost within a 
stone's throw, changed the expected 
course of affairs and left Croghanville for 
many years with an existence only on 
paper. 

THE KENTUCKY COMPANY. 

Among the inhabitants of the reserva- 
tion in 1817 were a number of men of 
good business capacity and keen foresight, 
who were able to command a limited 
amount of capital. Who they were and 
their characteristics as citizens and men, 
will be told subsequently. The Kentucky 
Company was formed June 9, 181 7, and 
was composed of the following members: 
Israel Harrington, Thomas L. Hawkins, 
Ephraim Johnson, Morris A. Newman, 



William Andrews, David Gallagher, Aaron 
Forgerson, Randall Jerome, Thomas E. 
Boswell, John Drury, Joseph Mominne, 
Joseph Rumery, John A. de La Cost, 
John Baptiste Mominne, and John Ander- 
son. All became residents of the town they 
founded except Boswell and Anderson, 
the former being a Kentucky gentleman 
of means, who was afterwards associated 
in business with Thomas L. Hawkins, but 
never became a citizen. 

The reservation was originally surveyed 
into lots forty rods wide, facing upon the 
river, and numbered from north to south. 
The Kentucky Company appointed, in 
June, 1817, Israel Harrington, Thomas L. 
Hawkins, and Ephraim Johnson, agents of 
the company to attend to the land sales at 
Delaware and purchase lots (or ranges, as 
they are known in the old records) eight 
and nine, which include all that part of 
the present city lying west of the river be- 
tween parallels intersecting the river near 
the turnpike bridge and Lake Shore & 
Michigan Southern railroad bridge. The 
conditions of the sale provided that a per- 
centage should be paid down and the bal- 
ance in annual payments; that, in case of 
failure to pay, the land should revert to 
the United States. It was the policy of 
the Kentucky Company to divide their 
lands proportionately to the stock sub- 
scribed, and to give to each member a 
separate title of ownership, thus making 
each individual responsible for future pay- 
ments. This was a wise arrangement, for 
subsequent records show that much of the 
purchased tract reverted in consequence 
of non-payment. The causes of this are 
hinted at in a poem written by one of the 
associates, from which we shall presently 
quote. The tract was looked upon as 
especially eligible for a town, and it seems 
there were many bidders, each determined 
to have a piece. Mr. Thomas L. Hawk- 
ins, in his poetical reminiscence, says: 



400 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Where now Sandusky rolls her lovely tide 

Few years since no human footsteps glide; 

One dark, dense forest for the bounding roe 

From Lake Erie to the pleasant Ohio; 

Where silence reigned with her old magic spell. 

Broken only by the wolf's or savage yell ; 

One spot was marked for Virtue's soft retreat, 

Where Proctor's legions met a sore defeat; 

Where the young Croghan won a deathless fame. 

Implanted honors on Sandusky's name. 

And oh' ye warriors, venerate the dead, 

Nor fear in danger's path to take the lead; 

Shrink not, I say, at threats of Mexico, 

But for your country's glory go meet them, go. 

This great achievement rang throughout the land, 

For this favored spot Congress took a stand; 

In their wise council ventured to declare 

That in '17 should be sold two miles square; 

That in war's event they on arms relied, 

A conspicuous place should be fortified. 

Now what rushing to the public sale! 

All emulous, tract too small, some must fail; 

Great speculators, ready to cut a dash, 

O'erbid each other, and felt the want of cash. 

Yet, keeping in view their first great intent. 

Each got a piece, advancing small per cent. 

Blessed their stars! weather superbly fine! 

Per acre a hundred and fifty dollars for lot number nine! 

Oh! do you doubt your simple, plain narrator. 

And say no man would buy thus in a state of nature? 

Yet so it was, and they so deemed them blessed. 

Establishing emporium of the West. 

Did they misjudge? Do they stand convicted? 

Or is Sandusky what they then predicted ? 

This poem from which we have extract- 
ed was written in 1845. It is not proba- 
ble that Mr. Hawkins foresaw the comple- 
tion of a grand trunk line of railroad and 
other great public enterprises which have 
built a city of the second class from the 
small village which he knew and of which 
he wrote. But we return to the Kentucky 
Company. The purchased tract, lots eight 
and nine, was carved into town lots and 
equitably divided among the shareholders. 
The first town plat of "Sandusky" was 
made, and recorded at Norwalk in De- 
cember, 181 7, attested by the following 
names: Thomas L. Hawkins, for self and 
Thomas E. Boswell; Morris A. Newman; 
William Oliver, for self and company; 
Israel Harrington, for self and L. E. P.; 
Josiah Rumery. 



The lots were appraised by commission- 
ers for the purpose of distribution among 
the proprietors. They considered the 
land, even though it was in a state of 
nature, very valuable. For instance, the 
mill lot containing one acre was appraised 
at three hundred dollars. We will now 
cross the river to 

CROGHANVILLE. 

The original village was laid off in out- 
lots and in-lots, after the manner so suc- 
cessfully adopted in the founding of towns 
during the early settlement of Ohio. One 
lot in each block of si.xteen lots and two 
out-lots, containing about sixteen acres, 
were set apart for the support of public 
instruction; one large lot lying on the 
east bank of the river in the north part of 
the survey was reserved for a ship-yard. 
A large number of the village lots were 
purchased by Alexander Morrison, a very 
respectable citizen who lived on that side 
of the river for many years, and who filled 
with honor various local and county 
offices. Morris A. Newman, one ot the 
proprietors of Sandusky, purchased a tract 
of lots in Croghanville, and erected a frame 
house in which he kept tavern. A school- 
house was erected on that side, in which 
also the first courts were held. After the 
seat of justice was removed to the west 
side of the river, Newman closed his 
tavern, but for many years resided in the 
house. With the exception of these and 
a few other scattering houses, Croghan- 
ville remained a common, without fences, 
and even the stakes which marked the 
streets and lots of the prospective city rot- 
ted away. In 1830, when Lower San- 
dusky, which had become a flourishing 
village, was incorporated, it included with- 
in its limits the platted village. Thus 
Croghanville, which had never existed in 
fact, passed out of existence even in name. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



401 



LOWER SANDUSKY SIXTY YEARS AGO. 

We mean by this heading, Lower San- 
dusky in the days of its incipiency. The 
town was always peculiar in its character, 
made so not only by being an emporium 
of trade, but a number of eccentric and 
brainy men gave interest to every street 
meeting and bar room gathering. 

The first frame house was erected by 
Israel Harrington in the year 181 5. It 
stood near the corner of Croghan and 
Front streets, on the ground now occu- 
pied by the stores of Lewis Leppelman 
and Philip Dorr. The building, when 
first erected, was unique in appearance. 
There were no saw-mills, and the builder 
brought by water lumber only for the 
frame. The weather-boarding was, there- 
fore, made of split white oak shingles, or 
clapboards. These were afterwards re- 
moved and sawed boards took their place. 
Mr. Everett, in a lecture delivered many 
years ago, remarks: "A frame house at 
that time was a great curiosity in this part 
of the country, and Harrington's tavern 
was for some time the centre of attrac- 
tion." The bar was handy and whisky 
cheap. The villagers made the tavern a 
frequent place of resort. The travelling 
public had to be depended upon for news, 
and loquacious emigrants and traders de- 
tailed events and at times most astonish- 
ing stories. In this tavern took place 
many events of revelry and joy, not un- 
mingled with the inspiration of spirits. 

The second frame house was the store 
building of J. S. and G. G. Olmstead, 
fully described in another chapter. 

The third frame building was built by 
Cyrus and Jaques Hulburd, on Front 
street, and was used for a store. This 
building was erected in 181 7. 

William Andrews built the fourth frame 

house in 181 8 or 18 19. It was three 

stories in height, and stood on the present 

site of June's foundry. In the third story 

51 



of this building the Masonic lodge met. 

The fifth frame building is yet stand- 
ing, and is one of the two oldest structures 
in the city, now known as the Peach 
House. It was built about 182 1 by 
Nicholas Whittinger. In the upper story 
was a hall in which Hawkins' theater gave 
entertainments. 

The oldest house yet standing was also 
the first brick house in the town. For 
half a century it has been the Beaugrand 
residence. It was built about 18 19 by a 
man named Williamson, who never be- 
came a citizen, nor paid his building bills. 

The next brick building was erected by 
Josiah Rumery about 1820, on the hill 
just .south of the old Catholic church. It 
was removed in 1857. 

Besides these frame and brick houses, 
there were about thirty cabins scattered 
over the tract now covered by substantial 
blocks and handsome dwellings. 

The buildings of the fort were sold in 
18 18. These block-houses had been use- 
ful resorts and stopping places for emi- 
grants until houses could be built. One 
block-house was occupied by three families 
for a short time just after the war closed. 

One of the families who stopped in the 
fort before making permanent settlement 
was the Braytons. The capture and life 
of the eldest son, Matthew, is an episode 
in the early history of this region. The 
following is Doctor Daniel Brainard's ac- 
count: 

Mr. Brayton, whu lived in this village, moved to 
the country some time during the year 1824 or 1825, 
for the purpose of farming more largely. On the 
20th of September, 1825, his eldest son, a boy of about 
fifteen years, and a younger one of about seven years 
named Matthew, started at evenmg when the sun 
was half an hour high, to hunt the cows. Not find- 
ing them in their usual range, the oldest told his 
brother Matthew he had better return to the house, 
as they might be some distance off, and he himself 
would find them. On getting upon a log they both 
thought they could see the opening on their father's 
farm, and Matthew cheerfully left his brother to re- 
t«rn. Some short time after dark the oldest brother 



402 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



drove home the cows, when he was asked by his 
mother ' 'Where is Matthew?" He told the facts, which 
much alarmed and disturbed the parents. A com- 
munication was immediately made to several of their 
nearest neighbors who turned out and helped to hunt 
for the boy till morning without effect. A geneial 
alarm was then given along the river for forty miles, 
and to all the settlements on the west side, for it was 
on the west Brayton lived. The whole people, or all 
who could leave home, became at once an.xious about 
the fate of the boy, and showed their sympathy for 
the parents by joining in the task of hunting him. 
The weather was quite mild, and high hopes were 
entertained of their being able to find him alive. On 
the first morning after his absence, the place where 
the brothers had parted was carefully examined. He 
was barefooted and could be tracked a short distance 
towards home, then in a more westerly direction till 
the hardness of the ground admitted no further im- 
pression. It was now the third day when the grand 
turnout took place. The neighboring Indian villages 
had been looked to. Many of them in a very kind man- 
ner joined in the hunt. As it was thought that all per- 
sons, and more especially children, would soon be- 
come wild or partially deranged, and would hide or 
flee on hearing their name called, or the sound of a 
horn or voice, they thought it advisable to form two 
extensive wings at some distance apart, to penetrate 
the wilderness in perfect order, and meet at some 
given point, then circling in smaller and smaller com- 
pass till they would all come together in the centre, 
that if he was encircled he could not escape. This, 
no doubt, was a rational plan, but unsuccessful. 
Many persons in the hunt imagined they had seen 
imder logs, or in thickets, where the child might have 
bedded in leaves, etc., yet no certain trace could be 
found. The pursuit was continued daily and unre- 
mittingly till the 2oth of December, when some gave 
out from fatigue, and their places were supplied by 
others. Such was the anxiety of all to afford some 
rehef to the almost distracted parents. If they 
could find the dead body, or some part of his cloth- 
ing, it would mitigate their grief, even if thev had 
proof he had been devoured by wolves, and that his 
sufferings were at an end. But no such consolation; 
not a foot trace could be discovered; the whole 
wilderness and settlement had been thoroughly 
searched from the Sandusky to the Maumee in width, 
and as much as fifty miles in length, and principally 
in the manner described, when further pursuit was 
abandoned in despair. 

From that day to this, the fine, active, promising 
little Matthew Brayton has never been heard of. 
The mystery will never be solved in this world. Two 
or three journeys have been made to the far distant 
tribes of Indians to the West and beyond the Missis- 
sippi for the purpose of discovery, believing it pos- 
sible that some straggling Indians might have come 
across him, and taken him to some remote tribe. No 



comments need be made on the unhappy affair, or 
the affliction of the parents, brothers, and sisters; 
they can better be conceived than told. However, 
with regard to Matthew's fate, I am myself of the 
opinion that if the wolves had killed him, some part 
of his clothing and some portion of his body would 
have been found. My conclusion is that he wandered 
till life was nearly spent by want of food and exces- 
sive fatigue; that in this exhausted state he laid him- 
self down in some secret place and perished — though 
his death has been more generally ascribed to the 
wolves. 

Such is the account of the late Dr. 
Brainard, of the loss of Matthew Brayton, 
and the extensive search made for him by 
his friends and neighbors. It was not the 
Doctor's lot to live to see Matthew, after 
thirty-four years captivity among the In- 
dians, return to his parents, and thus to 
clear up all doubts as to his fate. None 
would have rejoiced more with the family 
than he, for, undoubtedly, he had often 
seen Matthew, and dandled him upon his 
knee, for he was born in this town. 

The Sandusky River was, in the early 
history of Lower Sandusky, of great 
commercial and economic value. The 
settlers produced a surj^lus of corn and 
pork, but these articles of food were at 
first not exchangable for groceries and 
wearing apparel. Flour was also a scarce 
article, and salt was almost impossible to 
obtain, except occasionally when a schoon- 
er ascended the river from Portland (now 
Sandusky). But in the village there was 
a man of enterprise and remarkable in- 
ventive genius, whose name we have men- 
tioned and shall frequently have occasion 
to mention again. Lieutenant Thomas 
L. Hawkins was ever alive to the interests 
of the settlement, and his ingenious 
method for facilitating trade with Port- 
land, for the accommodation of immi- 
grants, is worthy of minute description. 

The boat constructed by Mr. Hawkins 
consisted of two large canoes placed at a 
proper distance apart, on which were placed 
a platform sutificiently large to carry the 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



403 



superstructure of machinery, a large 
amount of freight, and several passen- 
gers. The machinery consisted of a four 
horse power, by which was turned wheels 
or paddles at each side of the boat. 
When freights were light only two horses 
were ustd. The boat was propelled in 
this way with facility, making trips when- 
ever the demands of trade or travel re- 
quired. This crafi was built in 18 [9, and 
during the following three or four years 
made many rounds trips without any seri- 
ous accident, though occasionally an in- 
cident relieved the monotony of tedious 
journeys. On one occasion a refractory 
horse made a successful attempt to escape 
his dreary work. He broke his halter and 
leaped over the railing, plunging head 
first into the water, and in that precarious 
situation hung until cut loose. He then 
swam triumphantly to the shore, "to the 
great delight and satisfaction of the whole 
crew."* 

Hawkins' boat was built the same year 
the first steamer navigated Lake Erie. 
The horse power boat brought goods, 
groceries, and salt, and carried away furs, 
fiour and pork. Lower Sandusky being 
the most southern market of the lake, be- 
came the trading emporium of a large 
part of Northern Ohio. Fish, which at 
times literally filled the river, gave Lower 
Sandusky a prestige in the trade with 
southern farmers. They brought their 
flour and pork here in exchange for 
fish, which cost practically nothing, for, as 
an old manuscript remarks, "every spring 
the pickerel and white bass were found in 
such multitudes lying (apparently wait- 
ing to be caught) all along the rapids, 
that it was often found quite impossible 
to ride a horse across the ford till much 
exertion was made to drive them away to 
make room for his feet."* Did we not 
know the author of this statement to be 

Dr. Brainard's Manuscript. 



a man of sincere truthfulness, it might be 
accredited to Munchausonism. The tes- 
timony of many others confirms the state- 
ment. Such was the trade in fish that 
every spring many of the villagers became 
fishers and fish packers. From the mid- 
dle ot March till early in June other busi- 
ness was practically laid aside. Shanties 
were built on the river bank, and as often 
as they cast their nets they drew forth fish 
in abundance. Early in spring time 
suckers were drawn forth, next came red 
horse. Pickerel was the choice quality, 
which came third during the season ; and 
last, but in greatest numbers, were brought 
up out of the water white bass. The 
sight of these fishers at work was really 
an interesting one. A law required that 
all the offal should be buried. For viola- 
tion of this law criminal proceedings were 
frequently brought. At the first term of 
court, held in May, 1820, three indict- 
ments were found on the charge of caus- 
ing nuisance. Fines for this offence were 
from one to twenty dollars. In the board 
shanties those in the business kept salt, 
barrels and salted fish. Outside was a 
long scaffold or table of convenient height, 
on one side of which the men engaged at 
dressing stood, and on the other was a 
long trench in which the offal dropped 
and was buried. Fish-dressing was a 
trade which required a quick hand and 
accurate eye to learn. By the side of the 
dresser stood a barrel in which live fish 
were pouied from the seine. They were 
seldom given time to die a natural death, 
but while yet fluttering were caught in the 
left hand of the dresser, thrown upon the 
board, when one cut of the knife severed 
the head and sent it flying into the trench. 
One more cut opened the back, and a 
single scrape sent the entrails into the 
trench. A barrel for the purpose received 
the dressed fish, and the operation, which 
required but a few seconds, was repeated. 



404 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Barrels of fish were in this way dressed 
and salted down. Some men became 
notorious for their expertness. David 
Grant and John S. Tyler were known as 
leaders and masters of their trade. 

As soon as roads became passable in 
spring time, the scattered little village 
filled with teams from southern counties. 
TilHong into the autunm the road from 
Urbana, Dayton, and Franklinton was 
thronged by great covered wagons, drawn 
by four, six, and sometimes eight horses. 
Coming down they were weighted with 
flour, linsey cloth, dried fruit, bacon, and 
other articles such as in older settled com- 
munities were pro;luced. Here they bar- 
tered their commodities for fish, salt, and 
leather, often leaving much cash, occa- 
sionally their tavern and whiskey bills. It 
is said that a marching army is greatly 
supported by display of uniform and 
music. Even horses catch the inspiration 
of display and are enabled to bear extra- 
ordinary fatigue. On the same principle 
the old-time teamster surrounded his busi- 
ness with attractive paraphernalia and glit- 
tering pretension. There was something 
animating in a street scene, as we picture it 
on the imagination from a description be- 
fore us. The horses were large and well 
trained. No elaboration was spared to 
make their strong gearing handsome. 
Broad straps and fancy housings, and an 
arch of small btUs jingling at every step, 
gave the animal a proud consciousness 
of being an object of attention. The 
teamster, almost always a jolly fellow, oc- 
cupied a saddle on the near wheel horse. 
In one hand he swung a long whip, which 
cracked with pistol shrillness whenever a 
horse was indisposed to pull his share. 
The other hand held a single line, guiding 
six horses over roads which, to our un- 
trained eye.s, would seem impassable for 
two. The accuracy attained by the team- 
ster in whip craft is remarkable. It was 



an old-time hotel amusement to test each 
other's teamstership by snuffing with a whip- 
lash a tallow candle, at a distance of twenty 
feet; the driver who outened the flame or 
missed the candle altogether was ruled out. 
We have heard tell of teamsters able to 
pick off with a whip lash a horse-fly without 
hurling the animal on which it was sitting. 
The full-freighted wagon, arched over with 
canvas, was the driver's dwelling place as 
well as store-house. The typical teamster 
was jolly and full of good nature. Noth- 
ing would ruffle his cheerful temper except 
inability to procure feed for his horses. 
He was willing to endure hardship for 
himself, but that the horses in which he 
took an affectionate pride should suffer 
from hunger, was more than his manly 
heart could stand. These traders "made 
our roads, bad as they were, vocal and 
cheerful, and presented an animating spec- 
tacle." During the early life of the village 
the arrivals and departures of these teams, 
— sometimes one alone, but frequently 
ccmsisting of a train of five or six — was of 
daily occurrence, and the tavern nightly 
rang with the merry laugh of self-contented, 
fun-loving teamsters. 

Such was the beginning of trade in 
Lower Sandusky, and such were daily 
village scenes during the summer for a 
great many years. A decade later wheat 
and stave wagons crowded homely Front 
street, and oftentimes blockaded the way. 
Indians, from the beginning, made Lower 
Sandusky their principal trading point. 
The Senecas, and kindred tribes from the 
neighboring reservation, traded here ex- 
clusively, and the VVyandots of Upper 
Sandusky often visited and traded with 
the white man at this ancient seat of their 
tribe. What change a quarter of a cen- 
tury had made in the condition of this 
heroic tribe, whose dominion for more 
than a century had been acknowledged by 
all the West. Wayne's expedition was 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



405 



the arrow which struck deep into the body 
of Indian power, and its deadly effect pen- 
etrated the heart. Did the VVyandots who 
came here to trade ever picture the* village 
home and corn-fields, the gauntlet track 
and the council fire of their heroic ances- 
tors? We know that ihey were familiar 
with the history of their tribe, and we have 
a right to suppose that, as they sat upon 
store benches or reclined upon the smooth 
sod of the common, drawing from homely 
pipes dense mouthfuls of smoke, con- 
sciousness of humiliation and degeneracy 
oppressed them. Little more than a 
quarter of a century before, their tribe 
headed a confederacy which defeated two 
American armies ; but the spot lighted by 
the council fire, around which these great 
campaigns were planned, was now the 
scene of busy traffic and trade. 

It is a pleasure to record the fact that 
the Indians who came to Lower Sandusky 
were treated with becoming courtesy. 
Scarcely a day passed without the appear- 
ance of some of them, bringing furs, ven- 
nison or sugar to exchange for tobacco, 
pork, ammunition, blankets and calico. 
A balance was usually due the merchants, 
which was paid from the annuities. Once 
a quarter the head chiefs of the Senecas 
came to Lower Sandusky to transact 
tribal business and diaw their annuity. 
The Olmsted firm transacted their busi- 
ness, and it is remembered that Hard 
Hickory, Coonstick, Tall Chief, Crow, 
Seneca John, and others, being detained 
late by business, often remained in the 
store all night. They slept on blankets 
with their feet towards the fire, the 
thought of theft or dishonesty never en- 
terering their honest heads. 

The chiefs of the Senecas were singu- 
larly honest and honorable in their busi- 
ness transactions. They were abiding in 
their faith that no Indian could enter the 
happy hunting ground who left debts be- 



hind. We believe, however, that purer 
promptings made these pagans , honest. 
The Socratic death of Seneca John, told 
elsewhere, shows that he, at least, was a 
man of lofty character and capable of 
high moral convictions. The Senecas 
and Ottawas traded here till 1832. The 
Wyandots made occasional visits till they 
moved away in 1842. Of Seneca John, 
whe was murdered by his brothers, Coon- 
stick and Steele, an account of which is 
given in the chapter relating to Ballville 
township, Mr. Everett, who knew him 
well, says: 

He was a man of remarkable power of mind, and 
head chief of the Senecas. When any difKcult mat- 
ter was presented in council Seneca John was looked 
to by all as the right man to solve and explain it; 
and, as the Indians said, he always made crooked 
things straight. At the age of about forty-five years 
his remarkable mind, with a brave heart, fine person 
and manly demeanor, had given him unbounded in- 
fluence over his tribe. 

A VILLAGE NIGHT. 

While Lower Sandusky sixty years ago 
was a spot busy with enterprise and traffic, 
a forest oppressive in its shade, and 
deep gloom extended on all sides, wild 
beasts made night hideous and dangerous, 
and at times in their midnight prowlings 
ran through the village. Wolves were the 
boldest of all wild animals, and were 
often alarming to the settlers. They in- 
habit almost all unsettled districts; 
climate has little effect upon them. From 
Mexico to Hudson's Bay the primitive 
forest echoed with their howls. Like the 
Indians they receded before white settle- 
ment, but kept up a prolonged and an- 
noying border war. 

The primitive village of Lower San- 
dusky was especially troubled with these 
obnoxious animals. The packs driven 
from eastern and southern counties took 
refuge in Northwestern Ohio, adding 
greatly to the number already here. To 
the Indian wolves could do little injury, 



4o6 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



and were of no value. They consequently 
escaped .the i)riaiitive hunters, being left 
to roam the woods at will and multiply 
rapidly. The bear was a choice mark, and 
in consequence they were more numerous 
around this Indian camjMng ground, and 
soon disappeared after white settlers broke 
the stretch of forest. Wolves are natur- 
ally thievish. Neither in town nor in 
country, during the period under con- 
sideration, were young cattle, hogs, or 
sheep safe outside of secure stables. Dr. 
Brainard, an old resident of the village, 
remarks in his manuscripts that their 
hunger and rapacity knew no bounds, and 
fearing their ferocity, and knowing their 
peculiar and exquisite taste for sheep, for 
many years settlers did not attempt to 
keep this useful animal. They would 
very often prowl through the village 
after night, to secure some more deli- 
cious repast. This is shown by an inci' 
dent. A man living on the first street 
from the main one, one evening be- 
ing in a paroxysm of chill and fever, recol- 
lecting that his horse, in the stable across 
the street nearly opposite, had not been 
fed his grain, requested his wife to carry 
his accustomed allowance to him. She 
being an accommodating partner in hard 
times, readily consented. She had pro- 
ceeded about half way when a gang of 
wolves made an assault. Being yet young 
and active, you may conclude she was not 
long in retracing her ste[js; fear lent wings 
to her speed, the wolves close to her heels 
when she shut the door against them. 
They being thus foiled and disappointed, 
appeared to be in great rage, set ud re- 
peated and tremendous howls, and seemed 
unwilling to depart. In a few minutes, 
however, as tiie people had not yet retired 
to rest, nearly all the male part assembled 
at the scene of this wild confusion, armed 
with such weapons as they in the moment 
could most easily grasp. The common 



enemy, seeing they would be overpowered 
by nun)bers, fled, and all again was quiet, 
except their distant howls, which still 
sounded upon the ear. This is one of 
many similar attacks that occurred in our 
village durmg the hours of night. The 
only serious consequence of this was the 
husband being told by his affectionate 
wife that, sick or well, he would there- 
after feed his own horse for all her. 

THE FIRST THEATRE. 

Thomas L. Hawkins, the village miller, 
was one of those useful men in a small 
community to whom we ap|)ly the [)hrase 
"universal genius." He was a mechanic 
and a landscaj^e painter, a poet and a phi- 
losopher, a preacher and a stage actor. 
As master of the village theatre, three of 
his many faculties were called into exer- 
cise. He painted the scenery for the stage, 
wrote the prologue, and performed diffi- 
cult and important parts. The Lower 
Sandusky theatre was formally opened in 
1 8 19, by Goldsmich's play, "She Stoops 
to Conquer," acted by the young men of 
the village. Mr. Hawkins wrote a pro- 
logue, in which he predicted the introduc- 
tion of railroads, steamboats, and tele- 
graphs. He also hints at the town's gen- 
eral bad reputation for wickedness, and 
then proceeds to preach a sermon in verse. 
Here is the prologue in full: 

Sandusky Theatie, of tender age, 

Now makes its first appearance on the stage. 

Lord! wliat a crowd! I blush for what? These are 

but men, 
And fellow mortals every soul within. 
Then, first, my friends, — for friends you surely are,— 
As foes and critics have no business here. 
Yet, should they come, their astonished sense shall 

burn 
To find how youths in Lower Sandusky learn. 
But you, my friends, on your good sense I call, 
Oh, pray excuse our impel factions all. 
Your uneasy seats— on poles and wooden pins — 
May try your patience ere the play begins. 
Our paper scenes, and flimsy curtains new, 
May make you tiiink our actors flimsy too. 
Not so. I hope, and hope you'll hope with me; 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



40.7 



'Tis all I crave, — the exhibition's free. 

"That's false! I paid before I entered here!" 

You did? But 'twas to pay the music, sir. 

"What, free?" says one. " Upon my soul [ thought 

These painted scenes, these candles bought!" 

They truly were, and dearly paid for, too; 

Yet we live in hopes to get that pay from you. 

For, if our youths should now be blessed with skill, 

We'll force you here, though much against your will. 

Our time and talents we will devote to you; 

You cannot wish to take our money too ? 

"Oh!" cries the foe, " I see your whole intent; 

I've long wished to knowr what the deuce you meant. 

You think, by painting, pasting, rhyming, jokes. 

E'en to make money from us poor folks!" 

Not so, good sirs; let me begin again; 

Lend but your patience, I'll not long detain. 

Long has our place with crimson dies been stained. 

And counterfeiters' residences gained; 

Both far and near our character been lost. 

In the lifeof Spicer and death of poor La Coste. 

But now, thank God! a happy change succeeds; 

(With painful hearts we face those wicked deeds.) 

'Tis time, good sirs, those actions to despise. 

Since all around our tender offspring rise. 

In their blest lives let us re-live again 

A life of virtue, freed from conscious pain. 

Those are the pillars of expected state; 

As life declines, they will our souls elate. 

In future days, wlien snug on yonder rise 

Their once loved parents, fieedfrom toil, lies. 

In senates they, as statesmen bright, will stand. 

While arts and science roll at their command; 

Thy sons shall then in fond remembrance tell. 

And bless the sires that tutored them to spell. 

Blessed be the man, that friend, who taught me first 

From science's page, undaunted, to rehearse — 

To stand, regardless of the critic's sneer. 

And boldly speak, nor mortal face to fear. 

With thoughts like these, we anticipate delight; 

'Tis this alone which brings us here to-night. 

Dear fathers, mothers, guardians, tutors too, 

Oh, what a task, good heavens! devolves on you. 

Look forward then, anticipate with joy. 

What prospects burst upon your infant boy! 

Behold yon wide, uncultivated plain. 

From ocean's wave to ocean's wave again; 

Where silence reigns, nor human face is found — 

All nature sleeps secure from human sound; 

Where bounds the deer, pursued by savage cries. 

Shall adventurous man with villages arise. 

Town after town and State on State unfurled, 

'Til the proud Pacific hails a new-born world. 

When solitude sits with tmie and age grown gray, 

The arts shall flourish, e'en like the blaze of day. 

Hammers shall ring, and the anvil's lab'ring peal 

Shall cheer the maid that hums the spinning-wheel. 

Those hidden ores that line Superior Bay 

Shall quit their beds and shine in upland day; 



While o'er its tide sail after sail shall bend. 
And with proud cars of fire and steam contend. 
Rivers that have rolled since time itself began 
Shall lend their aid to bear adventurous man; 
While through the groves, uncultivated plains, 
They extend their arms, and meet wiih arms again. 
To unite their forks, oh! wonderful to tell! 
The upthrown earth bespeaks the proud canal! 
With spreading sail, then merchantmen may go 
From Hudson's mouth through States to Mexico. 
The fluted railroad, with bars above, below, 
Thus man may speed a hundred miles a day. 
And leave the bird a lingering on the way. 
The speaking-tube, concealed beneath the ground. 
All news convey to distant seats around. 
These, fathers, these might cause e'en stones to 

speak. 
And thoughts like these might entertain a week; 
But I too long have trespassed on your time, — 
Strove to explain, in disconnected rhyme. 
Why we those scenes and exhibitions plan; 
Instruct the youth to thoughts and acts of man. 
Perhaps from these, to fill us with surprise, 
.Some Newton, Milton, Washington may rise. 
I here would close, but, mixed among you all, 
The old bachelor sits, on whom I'm forced to call. 
In joys like those which sires anticipate. 
You have no share, nor can you, — 'tis too late; 
But if youthful strength there still remains in one, 
Who wishes to live immortal in a son. 
Rouse from your stupor! awake your torpid brain! 
And quick the heart of some fair maid obtain! 
A blight example for you we set to-night; 
Four happy souls we shortly will unite. 
To prepare for these, good-night, I won't intrude, 
But soon return in woman's altitude. 

Such \va.s the prologue recited before 
the play opened. In a littrary stnse it is, 
oi course, crude, but it has the higli merit 
of being suited to the occasion. 

The play, considering conditions, was 
very well produced, and its rtpioduction 
on several occasions, and the presentation 
of other plays from time to time, gave a 
wholesome spice to village life. The hint 
at the slab benches, with pins protruding 
through them, and at the paper scenes 
and flimsy curtains, gives an interior view 
of the hail, which was the first place of 
public entertainment in the village. 

LAW AND ORDER. 

This is a delicate topic. It would be 
perverting the truth of history to represent 
the village from which this city has grown 



4o8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



as a moral paradise, and at the same time 
we are inclined to think there was no more 
depravity heie than at other frontier trad- 
ing posts. The leading citizens were not 
of the class lauded for piety, yet they were 
good people who, by example and execu- 
tive action, endtavored to support law and 
order in society. But, being the leading 
village of Northwestern Ohio, it is not 
strange that a full share of knaves and 
villains made their temporary home here. 
There were petty thieves, common swin- 
dlers, and a few of that class, one of whom, 
on a certain occasion, declared that he be- 
longed to a society "for the transportation 
of horses and improving the currency." 
How much counterfeiting was done here 
no man knows nor ever will know; the 
expeditious method "for transporting 
horses" made the town somewhat cele- 
brated. Evil repoit went out from here 
more than from otherfrontier i)05ts because 
Lower Sandusky was made a well-known 
place by its precedence in trade. 

Very few of the villagers were close 
Sabbath observers. This is almost uni- 
versally the rule of pioneer settlements. 
Those people who have persuaded them- 
selves that the commandment setting apart 
a day of rest has been downtrodden by 
constant violation in these latter years, and 
that the world is daily becoming more 
Godless, will find in the history of Ohio 
communities, with hut few exceptions, a 
refutation of their opinions. In Lower 
Sandusky, sixty years ago, a few of the 
residents observed the Sabbath, but a 
weekly day of rest, and worship, and 
thanksgiving was not on the calendar of 
the business men or an influential propor- 
tion of the citizens. Now, as a rule, the 
Sabbath is observed ; disregard is the ex- 
ception. When Rev. Jacob Bowlus, an 
ardent Methodist, came here in 1822, he 
was very unpopular. The account given 
by his son, at a pioneer meeting a few 



years ago, is full of interest, for it reflects 
not only the moral status of the village at 
that time, but also the impolitic method 
of the preacher in liis hasty zeal to reform 
the place in which he was a very new resi- 
dent. Peoi)le then, as now, became in- 
dignant at interference with their private 
affairs, especially so when interference 
touched their method of living. Mr. 
Bowlus, in his address in 1878, said: 

I was with father when he came here in 1822. The 
first Sabbnth after our arrival he thought it was his 
duty as a minister of the Gospel to use his influence 
to have the Sabbath properly observed. He went 
around town and told the people what he came here 
for — to live among them and have them live as Chris- 
tian people. He went from house to house and from 
store to store, and induced the people to close their 
places of business and observe the Sabbath. Pre- 
vious to that, Sunday had been to them like any 
other day. They did probably more business on 
Sunday than on other days. It is true, however, 
that some permitted smuggling goods through the 
back doors. Father noticed this, and talked to them 
about it frequently, but did not succeed in preventing 
the practice altogether. 

Several families were considered pretty rough folks. 
Among them, some of you remember old Mr. Dew 
and family. A man lived with this old man Dew 
named Sanford Maines. Father met him down in 
the village after Sabbath was over, and said to him: 
" Is your name Sanford Maines?" He told him it 
was. "They tell me," said father, "you are a set of 
horse thieves, and I warn you to take care.'' 
"What!" exclaimed Maines, apparently surprised. 
Father repeated the same words and passed on. The 
next night father's buggy was hauled back of where 
the court-house now standi, where there was a thicket 
of hazel bushes. A chip fire was started and the 
vehicle burned up. Many such instances occurred in 
those days. It was a wild country indeed. 

The forefathers of our city occasionally 
inflicted summary punishment upon those 
who trespassed upon the laws of society. 
Onecharacteiistic instance is remembered: 
A man by the name of Avery, some time 
during the year 1820, stole an axe. He 
was arrested, and, there being no jail to 
confine him in till he could be tried, the 
citizens decided to take him down to a 
locust tree about where the Fremont & 
Indiana railroad engine house now stands, 
and give him a sound thrashing. They 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



409 



tied him up to the tree and gave him one 
hundred lashes, well laid on. After being 
released he swam the river, and never 
came back. 

The practice of stealing fire-wood is 
shown by the records of the village justice, 
to be a very old one. An eccentric old 
man by the name of Hawkins, father of 
the miller, poet, preacher and actor, spent 
a portion of the time from 1816 to 1820 
in Lower Sandusky. He was interested 
in the mill with his son, Thomas L. 
Hawkins, and occasionally missed slabs 
from the log yard. Being convinced that 
they went for fire-wood, he prepared some 
slabs by boring, and then loading them 
with tremendous charges of powder. The 
next morning there was such an explosion, 
in a log-cabin near the mill, as to take the 
gable end and a part of the end wall out 
of it, besides frightening and somewhat 
injuring the inmates. This was considered 
dangerous, and although the man owned 
up to stealing the slabs, Hawkins was ar- 
rested for an attempt upon his life. The 
old man, when arraigned before the justice, 
told all he had done, and, in justification, 
said his slabs were green, and wouldn't 
burn without some powder to help them, 
and he prepared his own slabs just as he 
pleased, and if they didn't quit stealing, 
he blow them all to . 

Hawkins was a party to another novel 
lawsuit of the period. He kept a canoe 
in the mill pond. A Frenchman one day 
took the canoe to hunt ducks, and after 
landing it on the other side, left his gun 
in the canoe, and went after plums. The 
old man waded the river, and took the 
canoe, fired off the Frenchman's gun, and 
paddled for the other shore. Fastening 
his canoe, he hastened to Esquire Har- 
rington, a justice of the peace, and had 
the Frenchman summoned, to the tune of 
fifteen dollars damages for taking one 
canoe. But the old man found bii match. 



Frenchy came, and laid in a counter claim 
to same amount, in about this style: "Mr. 
Hawkin owe me for shoot my gun one 
time for noting, fifteen dollars." The 
justice suggested that that was a pretty 
high charge for one load of powder and 
shot. "Sacre," said the Frenchman, "sup- 
pose he sharge me ver' high, I sharge him 
ver' high, too, aha! dat not right, sare." 

Whatever may have been the reputation 
inflicted upon the town by a coterie of 
rakes, outlaws and swindlers who were not 
citizens but only transient sojourners, there 
was much virtue here. People were gener- 
ally hospitable and generous, honest in 
dealing with each other, and united 
heartily in the amenities, and sympathized 
with each other in the asperities of border 
life. 

POSTAL FACILITIES. 

We are unable to say just when postal 
facilities were provided for Lower San- 
dusky, but it is altogether probable that 
military routes were established in the 
winter of 181 2-13 when the stockade was 
built. After the war a postofifice was es- 
tablished, and according to our best in- 
formation Morris A. Newman was commis- 
sioned postmaster. Three mail routes 
were established — one up the river through 
Fort Seneca to Delaware, another east to 
Norwalk, and a third west to Fort Meigs. 
During the war mail-carriers were in great 
personal danger. Some of the Indians 
were hostile, and the mail-bag was a 
tempting object of plunder. The first 
mail-carrier of whom we have any per- 
sonal knowledge, was a man named 
Munger, whose route was from here to Fort 
Meigs. One mile from the fort he was 
attacked by a party of Indians, but made 
his escape with but slight wounds, leaving 
the mail-bag and his horse to the red 
robbers. The thick woods and swamp 
sheltered him while he travelled four days, 
as he supposed toward Fort Stephenson. 



410 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



At the termini of his route he was sup- 
posed to be dead, or taken captive, but on 
the fifth day he made his appearance at 
Lower Sandusky, having wandered as far 
north as Port CHnton on the lake shore. 

During the early stages of the war it 
was sometimes necessary to give the mail- 
carriers a military escort. This was the 
mission of Colonel Ball's detail when at- 
tacked by a party of Indians about one 
mile south of Fort Stephenson, in 1813, a 
full account of which is given elsewhere. 

It is difficult to realize the perils and 
hardships of the early mail-carriers. The 
most difficult and dangeious route was 
from here to Perrysburg (Fort Meigs). 
There was no road, and the carrier was 
guided by blazes or scars made on the 
trees. The route was from Lower San- 
dusky down the river through the Whit- 
taker farm, to where two large white oaks 
were blazed. These two trees were solid 
guides pointing to the thick, swampy 
forest westward. Muskallonge was forded 
some distance from the mouth, and from 
there to the site of Elmore was a tortuous 
path, at places scarcely wide enough for a 
horse to pass through. From the Portage 
River at Elmore, a crooked path led to 
Fort Meigs. After leaving Mrs. Whit- 
taker's, there was not an inhabitant on the 
whole route. After Munger had been 
robbed, it was difficult to get any one to 
travel this route. In spring or winter time, 
when the ice was breaking, the journey 
could be performed only on foot. Isaac 
Knapp, a young man of distinguished 
bravery, who had located here in 18 14, 
undertook the perilous contract. He as- 
sociated with himself his lion-hearted 
brother Walter, who carried it some of the 
time, Walter being selected chiefly on ac- 
count of his lightness of body, and conse- 
quent ability to walk lightlyover their ice or 
frozen crust, which would break through 
with a heavy man or horse, and make 



progress extremely difficult. It needed 
the Knapp sort of spirit to travel this 
lonely path during that dangerous period. 
One day, just before leaving Fort Meigs, 
Isaac Knapp saw from the fort two men 
who had just started out, waylaid and 
murdered by a party of Indians. With 
this terril)le scene fresh on his mind, he, a 
few hours afterward, shouldered the mail- 
bag, and set ofT into the forest- By a 
devious route he evaded the watching red- 
skins, and safely performed the journey. 
The Knapps had hearts for any fate. 
Is?.ac became a highly esteemed citizen of 
the town, and an associate judge of the 
county. Walter also located here in later 
years, where he raised a family and died. 
These two brothers were the heroes of a 
romantic adventure which illustrates their 
character, and proves their fitness for the 
public service performed during times 
which tried men's souls: 

Shortly after the War of 1812 closed, Walter 
Knapp, for speaking disrespectfully of the British 
Government, was arrested and imprisoned in Sand- 
wich, Upper Canada, a town opposite Detroit. The 
crime charged to him was punishable by fine, and 
his brothers James and Isaac prepared to pay the 
fine, and went to Detroit to await the trial of Walter, 
pay his fine for him and bring him away. The court 
sat at Sandwich at this time, but, contrary to usHge, 
the trial of Walter was not brought on, and the court 
adjourned leaving him in jail where he might stay 
another year. The brothers, James and Isaac, 
therefore resolved on rescuing him, for he was badly 
treated, and might die before trial day. They found 
friends enough in Detroit who were willing to go over 
and assist in the enterprise, but upon consultation it 
was thought best for only two to go over, as that 
number would not e.xcite suspicion. At about 10 
o'clock at night Isaac applied to the ferryman for the 
use of his canoe for three hours to go to Spring 
Wells, a place on the American side, but the suspi- 
cious Frenchman refused to let him have it until he 
promised three dollars for its use, and left ninety 
dollars as a pledge for its safe return inside of three 
hours. It was a good-sized pine canoe, light, and 
easily propelled. 

At a little after 10 o'clock that night Isaac Knapp 
left the .'\merican shore at Detroit. They select-ed a 
landing place on the Canada side under a high bank 
near a church, whose steeple towered up visible in 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



411 



the gloomy sky. After landing and securing their 
canoe the brothers proceeded a mile through the 
streets to the jail, which they intended to enter, with 
the aid of saws, through a window. All was dark 
and quiet. The work at the window was commenced 
but a little while when the saw broke. They then 
tried the front door of the jail, and found it locked 
and immovable, and impregnable. They then pro- 
ceeded to the rear of the jail yard, which was enclosed 
with pickets twelve feet high, set in the ground. A 
strip of scantling was spiked to the pickets about ten 
feet from the ground to hold them parallel at the top. 
By a run and a leap they found they could reach and 
hold to the scantling. After throwing over a sledge- 
hammer, which they anticipated would be necessary 
for their purpose, they leaped the pickets and went 
to the back door of the jail hall. This door was not 
locked. They had learned from one McDonald, a 
tavern keeper in Detroit, the plan of the jail, and 
where the jailor hung the keys. The prison was on 
one side of the hall, and the room right opposite the 
jail door was occupied by the jailor and his family, 
and behind the door of the jailor's room hung the 
prison keys. Walter was awake, and James went to 
the prison door and whispeied to his brother, who 
informed him where the keys hung, and that the 
largest key was the one to his door. James entered 
the jailor's apartment into perfect darkness, and be- 
gan feeling for the keys, but was some time in find- 
ing the largest one. Isaac stood in the door of the 
room. James, in fumblmg for the keys, unfortu- 
nately knocked a large bunch of heavy keys from 
their suspension, which fell rattling like a log-chain 
upon the floor, rousing the jailor, who instantly 
sprang to his feet and e.vclaimed : "What in the 
name of God is that? Who's here?" Isaac Knapp, 
guided by the sound, sprang directly in front of the 
jailor as he stood at the bedside, and said, in a low, 
determined voice, "Not a word, sir. We have come 
for a prisoner; we must have him; and if you 
utter one word of alarm I will dispatch you in a mo- 
ment!" At this the jailor's wife and children were 
terrified, but the same command, backed by the- 
command of the jailor himself, to save his life, soon 
quieted them. Meantime the key was found, and 
James and Walter were at the door of the jailor's 
apartment saying: " Wearehere." Isaac followed the 
sound and reached the door, joined his brothers, and 
proceeded to scale the pickets at a different point 
and over into an alley. As they were going through 
the yard, which was planted with potatoes, 
Walter lost his bundle of clothes, and began to 
search for them. Just then the jailor gave the shout 
for alarm, and they heard numerous voices at the 
front door of the jail. There was no time for hunt- 
ing old clothes in the dark, and James whispered 
"come," and instantly they scaled tlie pickets. 
Isaac siezed Walter by the collar, and with a bound 
threw him over to James, and with another scaled the 



pickets, bounding almost at the same time into the 
alley. Walter was weak from confinement and ill- 
ness, and the brothers siezed each arm, emerged 
from the alley into the main road or street, which led 
to the church steeple, under which they knew their 
canoe was, a mile distant. By this time the alarm 
became loud, and the inhabitants were hurrying to 
the jail from every quarter. They met many, but 
when out of sight made such speed as permitted 
Walter to touch ground only once in a while. They 
reached the canoe, but Walter was exhausted, and 
they laid him in the bottom of it and shoved off. 
The canoe was furnished with oars and rowlocks. 
James and Isaac took their seats at the oars with 
their backs towards the Detroit shore, struck in the 
oars as strong and active men would in such a case, 
till they supposed they were in the middle of the 
river, and out of sight and hearing from the Canadian 
shore. At this point Walter, who had been rendered 
breathless and fainted in the race, came to, and 
told them to give him a paddle, as he was able to 
steer. The Judge, in narrating this adventure, said 
that it seemed to him as if the canoe leaped out of 
the water at every stroke of the oars. At the middle 
of the river they slacked their exertions to rest a little 
and take observations. I'hey soon gained breath 
and found their direction, and then pulled leisurely 
to the landing from which they had started. Isaac's 
ninety dollars would be forfeited if he kept the canoe 
over three hours, and he found the Frenchman, who 
hoped for the forfeit, loth to wake, but finally suc- 
ceeded to make him acknowledge that he was awake, 
receive the canoe, and refund the ninety dollars, less 
three, the agreed price for the use of the craft. After 
half an hour spent at this place and in reaching John 
Halmer's tavern, they found it lacked five minutes of 
two hours from the time they left the landing on the 
American side. 

With the Judge himself, and others who knew the 
facts, it is still a mystery how Isaac got Walter over 
the pickets of that jail yard; and this rescue was 
considered one of the most daring and successful of 
Northern adventures. The Judge said: "I was in 
Major Holmes' command on the Thames when we 
were one hundred and fifty surrounded by about five 
thousand British, and yet entering that jail in the 
dark was more trying to my nerves than that battle. 
But as soon as the jailor waked and spoke, and I had 
something to do, my courage and coolness came to 
me at once. I was cool and determined. I did not 
wish to injure the jailor, but I had determined to save 
my brother, and we did."* 

In 1818 Jeremiah Everett was ap 
pointed mail-carrier on this route, which 
was soiTiewhat changed, but reached the 

* Judge Knapp himself communicated this adventure, 
substantially as detailed, to Hon. Homer Everett. 



4ii 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Portage Riveras formerly, at Elmore, where 
there was now a solitary cabin, occu])ied 
by the family of a Mr. Harris, who kept 
the mail-carriers over night. Hon. Homer 
Everett gives the following account of his 
father's experience while in the service: 

From two to three days, often four, were required 
to perform the trip. I have he.ird my father fre- 
quently mention his disagree ible experiences in this 
service, being often compelled to camp out between 
Maumee and I'ort ige River at night and alone. He 
told of a fallen hollow sycamore tree which he used 
as a protection on these occasions, when the stale of 
the roads, or accident prevented him from reaching 
Portage River on his return trip, which frequently 
happened. If on foot, the mail, and a blanket made 
into a pack, were slung upon his shoulders, with 
bread and meat for the journey, — and with a hatchet 
and knife in his belt, he would set out. If on horse- 
back, which the roads permitted only a part of the 
year, a more ample outfit was carried, and grain for 
the animal. At the sycamore tree the axe, steel and 
flint aided to build him a good fire in front, which 
kept off cold and wolves. The wolf's howl near, by 
was familiar music then, and he was waked in the 
morning, and found a path beaten in the snow 
around him by the feet of these prowlers. He was 
always an.xious to have a good road from Lower 
Sandusky to Fort Meigs, and lived to be eminently 
useful and influential in having one made. 

One of the old mail-carriers on the 
route up the river to Delaware was named 
Brush. Samuel Cochran was stationed 
near the mouth of Wolf Creek, in Ballville 
township, to ferry the mail-carriers over 



the creek during times of high water. 

The route Irom the east, opened soon 
after the war clostd, came from Nor- 
waik across Strong's ridge to Amsden's 
corners (Bellevue); from thence by a 
crocjked path through the southern part of 
Green Creek township to the old Rumtry 
place and thence to Lower Sandusky. A 
fourth route was established during the 
period which we are describing, from 
Lower Sandusky to Venice on the bay 
shore. 

After the Maumee road was completed 
a stage Une was established, which carried 
east and west mails. Mails from the south 
Were brought down the river on horse- 
back for a number of years afterward. 

Harvey J. Harman succeeded Newman 
as postmaster, and after his death in 1834, 
the office was placed in charge of Grant 
F. Forgerson. Jesse S. Olmsted succeeded. 
Homer Everett, who had charge of the 
office during Olmsted's administration, 
was commissioned postmaster in 1837. 
His successors have been Benjamin F. 
Meeker, Wilson M. Stark, Isaac M. 
Keeler, L. E. Boren. We are unable to 
conclude the list, no record having been 
kept. George Krebs is the present effi- 
cient incumbent. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

FREMONT CONTINUED. 

Civil Government. 



THE first organization of local govern- 
ment on the soil of Sandusky county 
followed in consequence of an order direct- 
ing the erection of the township of Sandus- 
ky, in August, 1815. The first page of the 
record has been torn out of the musty old 
book and is destroyed. On the cover of 
the book is written in a large, clear hand: 

This book was presented by Israel Harrington, es- 
quire, to the township of Sandusky for the purpose 
of keeping the records of said township. 

August 15, 1815. 

For seventeen years this book, con- 
taining less than two hundred pages, is the 
only record of the township. 

Israel Harrington was the first justice 
of the peace. The other officers elected 
August 15 were: Isaac Lee, clerk; Isaac 
Lee and William Ford, fence viewers; 
Jeremiah Everett, Randall Jerome, and 
Israel Harrington, trustees; William An- 
drews and Morris A. Newman, overseers 
of the poor; David Gallagher, treasurer; 
Henry Disbrow and Charles B. Fitch, ap- 
praisers of property; Thoda A. Rexford 
alnd William Hoddy, constables. 

At the succeeding election, held October 
ID, 1815, twenty-eight votes were cast. 
The following was the poll: 

William Andrews, Thoda A. Rexford, 
Daniel McFarland, Asa Stodard, William 
Ford, Israel Harrington, Eli^ha Har- 
rington, Randall Jerome, Jeremiah Everett, 
Mosts Nichols, Anthony Arndt, Jost-ph 
Done, Obediah Morton, Jonathan Jerome, 
Joel Thomas, Thomas D. Knapp, Peleg 
Cooky, Antoine Laurent, Isaac Lee, 
Joseph Mominne, Charles B. Fitch, John 
M. Clung, Henry Disbrow, Jam^s Whitta- 



ker, Nathaniel Camp, Samuel Avery, Peter 
Menare, Lewis de Leonard. 

There seemed to be great unanimity at 
this election. None of the candidates 
voted for or received less than twenty-six 
votes, and four of them received the full 
twenty-eight. Partisan bitterness was not 
yet born and an election was much like a 
council of friends. It seems, too, that it 
was a council in which all were pretty 
much of one mind. 

The first appraisement of property was 
made by Charles B. Fitch and Daniel Hill, 
May 23, 18 16. Only eight houses were 
appraised, as follows: Morris A. New- 
man, one, $250; Moses Nichols, one, 
$100; Israel Harrington, one, $300; 
Aaron Forgerson, one, $200; Randall Je- 
rome, three, $450; Thomas Brown, one,. 
$150. 

At the October election of 18 16 thirty- 
three votes were cast. Since very few of 
the citizens whose names are given lived 
beyond the present corporate limits of the 
present city of Fremont, we give the poll 
as a census of the cluster of homes about 
old Fort Stephenson, just beginning to 
assume the appearance of a village: 

Joseph Harris, William Andrews, T. A, 
Rexford, Obediah Norton, \\'illiam Avery, 
Moses Nichols, Almtron Sands, Daniel 
McFarland, Samuel Avery, Jonathan Je- 
rome, W. S. Drake, Charles B. Fitch, Jtre- 
miah Everett, Daniel Hill, Thomas D. 
Knapp, Israel Harrington, William Downs, 
David Gallagher, Hugh B. McKner, 
Thomas Brown, Aaron Forgtrson, Jcjshua 
Davids, Ruel Louis, John Payne, Morris 

413 



414 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



A. Newman, Pcleg Cooley, John Robin- 
son, John Cooley, Thomas L. Hawkins, 
Thomas Forgerson, Holsey Forgerson, 
Aaron Willis, and John W. Tyler. 

We give one more list of elections of 
Sandusky township, taken from the rec- 
ords of the October election of the year 
1826: Samuel Treat, James A. Scranton, 
John Downs, Esbon Husted, Thomas Gal- 
lagher, Richard Sears, Asa Bliss, Giles - 
Thompson, Jacob Bowlus, Jesse S. Olm- 
sted, James Fuller, Casper Remsberg, 
Francis Call, Mahlon Thomas, Jonathan 
Holcomb, Jacob Nyce, Ammi Williams, 
Phineas Ball, David Bowlus, Jacob Me- 
lius, William McClelland, Elisha B. John- 
son, Francis A. Wally, Merrit Scott, John 
Wolcott, Cyrus Hulbuvd, Thomas Haw- 
kins, William Dew, Rodolphus Dickin- 
son, George Shannon, Abram Bark, Har- 
very J. Harman, George Jackson, George 
J. Whitaker, Moses Wilson, John W. Ty- 
ler, William Knapp, Jacob Bowlus, jr., 
Charles Cole, John McLaughlin, Thomas 
Bonner, Michael Egan, Leonard Kider, 
Charles Runnels, Warren Waterman, Wil- 
liam Suihorn, Peter Bellow, Eldridge A. 
Bristol, John Culbertson, John Andrews, 
Joel Van Doren, James P. Stej^henson, 
Ferdinand Wilson, Joseph Mominne, 
David Grant, Abram Van Doren, Andrew 
Baker, Joseph Hall, Thomas Ware, Wil- 
liam Ware, Benjamin Bailey, L. C. Ball, 
Joseph Connel, John Woods, Ezra Wil- 
liams, Elisha W. Howland, Calvin Seager, 
David Gallagher, William Baker, EHsha 
Thompson, Daniel Brainard, Daniel Brain- 
ard, jr., Thomas Holcomb, Aaron Love- 
land, McKinsey Mowery, Abner Loveland, 
and Thomas White. 

By 1 83 1 the number of votes in the 
township had increased to one hundred 
and forty-six. 

Previous to 1830 there was no corpo- 
rate government for the village, which had 
now changed the name Sandusky for that 



of Lower Sandusky. Sandusky township 
had exercised exclusive jurisdiction over 
the village. By sj^ecial act of the Legisla- 
ture, passed February 11, 1830, so much 
of the reservation as is included in the sur- 
veyed township number five, range fifteen, 
was set apart and granted the powers and 
privileges of a corporate town, under the 
statutes of the State. The complement 
of the two miles square reservation, being 
a strip about three-quarters of a mile wide 
off the south side, continued under the ju- 
risdiction of Ballville township exclusively. 
In 1856 the corporate limits were so ex- 
tended as to include this strip, making the 
town of Fremont co-extensive with the an- 
cient and historic reservation. John Bell 
was elected first mayor. 

CIVIL ROSTER. 

Previous to 1843 the records of the 
town are lost. The mayors of Lower San- 
dusky, elected in the spring of each year, 
were: John Bell, 1830; R. P. Buckland, 
1843;* John Bell, 1844; Cornelius Let- 
scher, 1845 and 1846; Chester Edgerton, 
1847; L. C. Ball, 1848; J. G. B. Downs, 
1849. That year the name of the town 
was changed to Fremont. At the expense 
of repetition we give the full council for 
each year : 

1850 — Brice J. Bartlet, mayor; C. R. 
McCuUoch, recorder; LaQ. Rawson, John 
R. Pease, C. O. Tillotson, James Huf- 
ford, Samuel Wilson, trustees. 

1 85 1 — B. J. Barllett, mayor; Alvin 
Coles, recorder; James Parks, Thomas 
Pinkerton, Frank Bell, Christian Doncy- 
son, John P. Haynes, trustees. 

1852 — B. J. Bartlett, mayor; Thomas 
P. Finefrock, recorder; William Herbster, 
Christian Doncyson, Isaac Sharp, O. L. 
Nims, J. F. R. Sebring, trustees. 

1853 — A. B. Taylor, mayor; T. P. 
Finefrock, recorder; Christian Doncyson, 

*From 1830 to 1843 unknown. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



415 



O. L. Nims, Isaac Sharp, J. F. R. Sebring, 
M. Wegsson, trustees. 

1854 — -A. J. Hale, mayor; Charles L. 
Click, recorder; Thomas Pinkerton, J. F. 
R. Sebring, Ceorge C. Canfield, R. C. 
McCulloch, William E. Haynes, trustees. 

1855 — B. J. Bartlett, mayor; Charles 
L. Click, recorder; Thomas Pinkerton, 
J. F. R. Sebring, G. C. Canfield, C. R. 
McCulloch, William E. Haynes, trustees. 

1856 — B. J. Bartlett, mayor; E. M. 
Hulburd, recorder; R. P. Buckland, S. 
Thompson, Jesse S. Van Ness, J. F. R. 
Sebring, Ira Smith, trustees. 

1857 — John R. Pease, mayor; Nat 
Haynes, recorder; H. Cleland, C. Doncy- 
son, Casper Smith, W. Beaugrand, John 
Joseph, trustees. 

1858 — John L. Green, mayor; Oscar 
Ball, recorder; S. M. Ellenwood, C. Don- 
cyson, Casper Smith, Joseph Stuber, Dan- 
iel Capper, trustees. 

1859 — Stephen Buckland, mayor; J. 
R. Bartlett, recorder; W. N. Morgan, 
Andrew Morehouse, Theodore Clapp, 
Detleff Thompson, Samuel Thompson, 
trustees. 

i860 — James Justice, mayor; Joseph 
R. Bartlett, recorder; Thomas Kelly, F. 
J. Geibel, Nat Haynes, Philip Dorr, 
Thomas Pinkerton, trustees. 

1861— Daniel L. June, mayor; D. W. 
Krebs, recorder; G. M. Tillotson, O. A. 
Roberts, Ira Smith, Joseph Chapman, 
Creighton Thompson, tiustees. 

1862 — John M. Kline, mayor; D. W. 
Krebs, recorder; O. A. Roberts, D. Cap- 
per, Bryan O'Connor, C. Hodes, A. Ben- 
nett, trustees. 

1863 — John M. Kline, mayor; D. W. 
Krebs, recorder; O. A. Roberts, Bryan 
O. Connor, D. Capper, Casper Hodes, 
Aaron Bennett, trustees. 

1864 — LaQuinio Rawson, mayor; D. 
W. Krebs, recorder; D. Garvin, John 



Koons, Isaac Dryfoos, J. S. Van Ness, 
Charles Thompson, trustees. 

1865 — Homer Everett, mayor; D. W. 
Krebs, recorder; Fred Fabing, A. J. Har- 
ris, Oscar Ball, Charles Thompson, George 
AVilliams, trustees. 

1866 — John Bell, mayor; E. F. Dickin- 
son, recorder; Ambrose Ochs, J. Stier- 
walt, William E. Haynes, Thomas Kelly, 
F. G. Geibel, trustees. 

The number of trustees in 1867 was 
increased to six, and one of their own 
number was chosen president. Previous 
to 1867 it was the duty of the mayor to 
act as president of the council. We give 
below the names of members of the 
council as they appear on the roll, the 
president always being named first : 

1867 — John Bell, mayor; F. Wilmer, 
recorder; Jacob D. Botefur, Betts, Brush, 
Ochs, Quilter, and Keller, trustees. 

1868 — John Bell, mayor; F. Wilmer, 
recorder; C. H. Bell, Betts, Botefur, 
Brush, Engler, and Quilter, trustees. 

1869 — Jesse S. Van Ness, mayor: J. S. 
Van Valhenburgh, recorder; Charles H. 
Bell, Betts, Gores, Haynes, Horn, and 
Sheldon, trustees. 

1870 — J. S. Van Ness, mayor; J. S. 
Van Valhenburgh, recorder; Paul Gores, 
Botefur, Kridler, McArdle, Haynes, and 
Sheldon, trustees. 

1871 — E. F. Dickinson, mayor; George 
J. Krebs, recorder; James Kridler, Shel- 
don, Haynes, Thompson, McArdle, and 
Botefur, trustees. 

1872 — E. F. Dickinson, mayor; George 
J. Krebs, recorder; James Kridler, Haynes, 
Sheldon, Thompson, Stuber and Geibel, 
trustees. 

1873 — E. F. Dickinson, mayor; F. J. 
Geibel, jr., recorder; F. J. Geibel, Stuber, 
Kridler, Greiner, Fabing, and Bauman, 
trustees. 

1874 — E. F. Dickinson, mayor; F. J. 
Geibtl, jr., recorder, resigned, F. J. Smith 



4i6 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ap[)ointed to fill vacancy; George W. 
Gurst, Fabino, Greiner, Eldcrkin, Heider, 
and Baunian, trustees. 

1875 — E. F. Dickinson, mayor; H. B. 
Smith, recorder; J. P. Elderkin, jr., Fa- 
bing, Greiner, Bauman, Gurst, and Heider, 
trustees. 

1876 — E. F. Dickinson, mayor; W. W. 
Stine, recorder; A. Young, Bauman, Fa- 
bing, Greiner, Dickinson, and McCulloch, 
trustees. 

1877 — Jesse S. Van Ness, mayor; W. 
W. Stine, recorder; C. K. McCulloch, 
Dickinson, Young, Sheldon, Haynes, and 
Parks, trustees. 

1878 — Jesse S. Van Ness, mayor; \V. B. 
Kridler, recorder; James Parks, Haynes, 
Sheldon, Kridler, Reinick, West, Meng, 
and Thompson, trustees. 

1879— C. H. Bell, mayor; W. B. Kri- 
dler, recorder; S. P. Meng, Batman, Gei- 
bel, Johnson, Kridler, Parks, Thompson, 
and West, trustees. 

1880— Charles H. Bell, mayor; W. B. 
Kridler, recorder; F. J. Geibel, West, 
Baker, Loudensleger, Johnson, Bauman, 
Moos, and Butman, trustees. 

1 88 1 — Jesse S. Van Ness, mayor, (de- 
ceased in July, E. Loudensleger appointed 
to fill vacancy); W. B. Kridler, recorder; 
E. Loudensleger,* J. V. Beery (vice [jres- 
ident), Geibel, West, Baker, Price, Moos, 
and French, trustees. 

One more change of local government 
remains to be spoken of. Ttie township 
jurisdiction of Sandusky township extend- 
ed over the city until 1878, when, by act 
of the county commissioners, a new town- 
ship, to be called Fiemont, was erected. 
The b liindaries of the township are co- 
extensive with those of the city. 

NAME OF THE CITY. 

As has already been seen, the first 
name of the capital city of the county was 

•.Appointed mayor in place i^f J. S. Van Ness, de- 
ceased. 



Sandusky. The ])ostoffice was entered as 
Lower Sandusky, and by 1830, when the 
incorporating act was passed, Lower San- 
dusky had become the commonly accepted 
name. There was, however, endless con- 
fusion in the mail service and among bus- 
iness men, caused by the number of posts 
along the river bearing the same name 
with but slight modifications. There w'ere 
Upper Sandusky, Little Sandusky, Middle 
Sandusky, Lower Sandusky, and Sandus- 
ky City. It was felt, therefore, not only 
expedient, but a business necessity, that 
the name should be. changed. The town 
was already giving promise of that rapid 
growth which has since been fulfilled. 
What the new name should be was a mat- 
ter, therefore, of no little interest and dis- 
cussion. Croghanville was the natural 
choice of a certain class of citizens who 
delight to recall the past and memorialize 
great deeds and heroic characters. This, 
too, was the name of the original village 
surveyed under authority of the United 
States as early as 1816. 

But there were practical business men 
who foresaw the difficulties which would 
follow the adoption of the historic name. 
Croghanville was a hard name to spell, 
and, should it be adopted, was almost cer- 
tain to be the cause of many orthograph- 
ical blunders. 

Discussion materialized into action in 
1849. A name, at that time, in every 
newspaper, in almost every mouth, was 
John Charles Fiemont. Our interest in 
events of local history and admiration of 
heroic conduct compels us to regret that 
the town did not receive the name of the 
officer who made the ground over which it 
has spread, a j^lare of National interest. In 
the firmament of history, brightened by 
many lustrous names. Colonel Fremont 
appears not as a brilliant star, but as a 
permanent light. His useful explorations 
and discoveries in the far West, were valua- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



417 



ble contributions to gco.i^raphical science, 
and gave a powerful impetus to the settle- 
ment and development of California. 

John Charles Fremont was born in 
Georgia, entered Charleston college at the 
age of fifteen, and was noted tor mathe- 
matical genius. Before the comjjletion of 
his course he became inf.ituated with a 
West India girl, "hose raven locks and soft, 
black eyes interfered sadly with his studies. 
He was expelled from college. His first 
employment was as private teacher of 
mathematics, and in 1833 the situation of 
instructor in mathematics on a United 
States sloop of war was given him. He 
was subsequently given a ])rofessorship of 
mathematics in the navy, and a few years 
later was employed in the survey of sev- 
eral Southern railroads. In 1838 he was 
commissioned second lieutenant and 
placed on the corps of topograjihical en- 
gineers. While compiling a series of re- 
ports in Washington, in 1840, he made 
the acquaintance of Miss Jesse Benton, 
daughter of Colonel Thf)mas H. Benton, 
then a leader of his part)' in the United 
S'.ates Senate. The lady was only fifteen 
years old, but )Outh is no barrier to love. 
Colonel Benton, taking advantage of his 
influence, had ihe young officer peremp- 
torily ordered on an exploring expediiion 
to the Djs Moines River. R, turning the 
following year, Fremont claimed his be- 
trothed, whom he secretly married. 

Fremont made the first systematic ex- 
ploration of the Ro' ky mountains, one ol 
the highest peaks of which bears his name. 
His repons were of great value, as furnish- 
ing information about overland routes to 
California, and setting forth the mineral 
resources of that region. 

During the troubles with Mexico, 
Colonel Fremont's services were of great 
value, in protecting American settlers in 
California, and ultimately in expelling Mex- 
ican authority from the Territory, Jn 1847 

S3 



he bought an estate in California, on which 
he determined to settle. In 1849 the 
State was admiited to the Union, and as 
a mark of ajipreciation of his services as 
an explorer, and for having secured the 
annexation of the Territory to the United 
States, Colonel Fremont was elected by 
his State to represent her in the United 
States Senate. A cast of lots gave Fre- 
mont the short term of three years. While 
he occupied a seat in the Senate, Califor- 
nia interests received his close attention. 
He was author of the most impoitant 
legislation relating to her early interests. 
He took a decided stand against the ex- 
tension of slavery, which lost him a re- 
election to the Senate. His ideas con- 
cerning the "pecular institution" con- 
formed to the principles upon which the 
Re])ublican party was established, and he 
became the party's first Presidential candi- 
date. In a letter to the convention he 
said : 

I heartily concur in all movements having for their 
oljject to repair the mischiefs arising from violation of 
good laith in the repeal of the Missouri compromise. 
I am opposed to sl.ivery in the abstract and upon 
principle, .■■ustained and made habitual by long set- 
tled convictions. While I feel inflex ble in the be- 
lief that it ought not to be interfered with where 
it exists, under the shield of State sovereignty, I am 
as inflexib'y opposed to its extension on this conti- 
nent beyond its present limits. 

This was the platlonn on which the 
-pirited cami^aigii of 1856 was fought. 
Buchanan recuved one hundred and 
<eventy-four votes from nineteen S'ates, 
while Fremont received one hundred and 
fourteen votes from eleven States. 

Colonel Fremont, in 1858, removed to 
California, where he became identified 
with impott.int measures of public im- 
provement, but sufRred financial misfor- 
tune. In recogniticm of the high politi- 
cal station to which he attained, he was 
appointed to the Go\ernorship of Arizona 
Territory, in which office he served one 
term. 



4i8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



We have now sketclied brit- fly tlie career 
of the man in lionor of whom the county 
seat was n.imed — a man who enjoyed mi- 
niense i)oi)ularity while in the zenith of 
his carter, and a man, too, who left the 
impress of his l.fe U[)ijn an important 
section of our country. 

About tlie only op[)0>ition to changing 
the name of the town was made \)y Judgu 
Rowland, who was always odd. While 
the subject was under discussion he wrote 
the fi/llowii g poi m : 

There is n pravf r now gi'ing round, 

W'hicli 1 dislike to hear, 
To ch.inge the iiMrne of th;s old town, 

W'hicli 1 hold very dt;. r. 

They prny the court to alter it, 

I pmy to God they won't; 
But let it stand Snndus'.y yet, 

And not J. C. Fremont. 

Sandusky is a pleisant name, 

"Tis short and easy spoken, 
Descending to us by a chain 

That never should be broken. 

Then let us hand it down the stream 

Of time, to after ages, 
And Lower Sandusky be the theme 

Of future b.irds and sages. 

Won't the old honest sachems rise 

And say to us pile faces ; 
"Do you our ancient name ilespise, 

And change our resting places?" 

" Our fathers fathers slumber here ; 

Their spirits cry: ' Oh don't 
Alter the name to us so dear, 

And substitute Freniont.' " 

Therefore my prayer shall still remain 

Until my voice grows liusky — 
Oh ! change the people, not the name. 

Of my old home, Sandusky. 

SURVEYS. 

Fremont now embraces several differ- 
ent surveys or plats; 

First. Croghanville, laid out and survey- 
ed by Lieutenant Wormley, United States 
surveyor, in 1816, and hdd for sale by in- 
and out-lots, the title still being in the 
General Government. Then it was ex- 
pected that a city, fort, and ship-yard would 



so m be built on that elevated and beautiful 
site. 

Second. Sandusky, the first survey on 
the east side of the river, made, or dedi- 
c.ited and acknowledged, December 6, 
1817, by Thomas L. Hawkins, Thomas 

E. Boswell, Morris .\. Newman, Israel 
H.iriington, and Joslah Rumery. 

Thir.l. The suiv. y made by Q lintius 

F. .Atkins, in 1825. This was a survey of 
the unsukl and reverted tracts and lots in 
two miles squ.ue, into in- and out-lots, to 
be sold for the purpose of constructing 
the Western Reserve and Maumee Road. 
At this time the east side of the river, 
along the turnpike, called East-town ; the 
lots along the river above and about the 
warehouses, North-town ; and the lots about 
the shipyard and arc^und the late resi- 
dence ot Dr. M. E. Rawson, called Mid- 
dle-town; a number of lots in the vii.inity 
of Mc.\rdale's new planing mill and sa>h 
factory, called the Triangular Survey, were 
made. 

Fourth. The Brush survey, including 
that part of town where the court house 
and the Episcojjal Church now stand, dedi- 
cated by Piatt Brush, Piatt Brush, jr., 
Samuel Brush, and John T. Brush, Apiil 
4, 1840. 

Fiith. Dickinson and Birchard's addi- 
tion to the town of Lower Sandusky, in- 
cluding the lots along the turnpike, on the 
hill, on the west side of the river, dedi- 
cated September 6, 1840, by Rodolphus 
Dickinson, Sardis Birchard, and Richard 
Sears. 

These are the chief surveys made in the 
town, though a number of others have 
since been made. To mention them all 
would be tedious. These several surveys 
made it expedient to re-number the whole 
city, which has been done, and each added 
plat has been numbered in the same series. 
Tlie whole of two miles square is platted 
and numbered, either in in- or out lots. 



CHAPTER XXVT. 

FREMONT— BUSINESS PROGRESS. 

Mercantile, Manufacturing, and Banking— Business Directory. 



THE mercantile history pro[)er of Fre- 
mont begins in 1817 witii the arrival 
here of a large stock of dry goods, gro- 
ceries, hardware, crockery, liquors and 
wines, shipp^'d from Alban\', Ntw York, 
to J. S. & G. G. Olmsted. This miscel- 
laneous assortment was one of no small 
proportions for a country store, the invoice 
amounting to no less than twuity-seven 
thousand dollars, and the transportation 
on the same being four thousand four 
hundred dollars. Even in those days it 
required men with something besides heavy 
bones and brawn, elements of endurance, 
strengthened by hardships, and a spirit ol 
enterprise to build up towns and i)0]ni- 
late the surrounding wilderness. Capital, 
then as now, was the principal motive 
power. '1 he firm also brought with ih^ m 
a number of carpeniers to erect a store 
building, and several coopers to make 
barrels to be used in the liver fisheries. 
Fine lumber for building material was 
brought here from Buffalo by water. Im- 
mediately on the arrival of men and ma- 
terial, the con-,truction of a commodious 
I'rame building was commenced on tract 
number six, as it was called, about on the 
present site of I. E. Amsden's saw-mill 
ofifice. It was two stories in height, and 
presented a front of sixty feet towards the 
Sandusky River. Dormer windows jutted 
out above, and under them were i)roje(t- 
ing beams with pulley-blocks and tackle 
for raising goods. The lower story was 
divided into two departments, one used for 
a general salesroom and the other for a 
warehouse in which to store away the pro- 



duce received in barter for the necessary 
household wares and luxuries for the 
pioneers and villagers. The dimensions 
of the structure were thirty by sixty feet. 
It was considered a mammoih building, 
and the stock of merchandise, which soon 
piled high the counters and shelves, was 
greater than any other between Detrcnt 
and Cleveland, and Urbana and the lake. 
For a number of years the store was in 
truth a comnienial emporium. 'J he fol- 
lowing prices, at tliat time deiv.anded for 
goods, which, in com])arison, now bring 
but a pittance, may be read with interist: 
IJrown sheeting, three-fourths of a yard 
wide, fi ty cents per yard; calico, from 
nt"ty to seventy-fi\e <cnts ])er vard; satinet 
at two dollars and a half per yard. In 
artichs of consumption tlu re is not so 
much d.fference in tlie figures, for coffee 
sold at thirty-eight cents, tea for one dol- 
lar and one dollar and a lialf, and tobacco 
at fift) cents. Powder sold lor one dollar, 
and lead for twenty-five cents per pound 
respe'ciively. Under such circumstances, 
to make it [)ay, every sh(jt had to count. 
In contrast to these prices, but still to our 
own advantage, whiskey, which of like qual- 
ity would now cost from two to four dollars 
per gallon, then was easily purchased at 
seventy-five cents. It is curious what 
changes are brought about by the advance 
of civilization. Refined loaf sugar was 
the only article of that nature imported, 
as the sugar ma[)le forests well supplied 
the inhabitants with this staple article, and 
also took the jjlace of molasses and syr- 
ups. Probably the first manufacturing 

419 



420 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



done by the Ir.dians was the conxeiting 
of tlie sap of the mapL- into a portable pro- 
duction — sugar, 'i'hcy e\( Iianged this lor 
the storekeeper's gew-gaws. It was put 
up in b<;xes made of birch bark, hnlding 
from thirty to fifty poun is, and ihe package 
called, in the musical la;iguag.- of the 
noble r^d man, a "nvjcock." These 
"iliococks" ft;riiKd a prime article of ex- 
portation, as well as lor local consumption. 
Foreign brown sugar, i)r that made iVom 
the cane, was not sold in the vill.igc uniil 
1828 or 1829. At this early tmie (1817) 
the rivers and woods abounded m vjluable 
fur-bearing animals, and it would seem 
from the following figures that the occupa- 
tion of a trapper and hunter might llun 
have b^-en followed to exceeding great ad- 
vantage. Soon after opening business the 
Olmsted firm received in trade and 
shipped during one season, twenty thou- 
sand muskrat pelts, worth twenty-five 
cents each; eight thousand coon skins, 
worth fifty cenis each; one hundred and 
fifty otter skins, worth five dollars each, 
and two hundred bear skins, worth five 
dollars each. 

The first wheat shi[)i)ed East from this 
city, then the village of Lower S.indusky, 
was a lot of six hundred bushels, sent for- 
ward by J. S. Olmsted in the year 1830. 
It was bought at the price of forty cents 
per bushel, and sold in Buffalo at sixty 
cents per bushel. The high rates of 
transportation consumed all the profits. 
In 1820 the first cargo of ])ork, to the 
amount of one hundred and filty bairels, 
was shipped to Montreal by the lirm of J. 
S. & G. G. Olmsted, where it was sold at 
a considerable loss. I'hese latter state- 
ments of shipments and i)rices of goods 
will give some idea of the mercantile busi- 
ness at an early day in Sandusky county. 

While the Olmsieds, as related, were 
the first merchants here, in the true sense 
of the teim, they were not the earliest 



traders. Before the war of 1812, ]\Ir. 
James Whiit.iker had traded to some ex- 
tent with the Indans, barti rmg with them 
a lew gouds for their own peculiar use. 
Hugh Pa teison, a Scotchman, who had 
been a paiiner in these transactions with 
i\Ir. Whitiaker, soon alu r the date last 
mention, d ki pt a store at Muncietown, on 
the e.ist side of the livcr and about two 
unlcs from this ciiy. There wasoncf-tlur 
trader, by name Augustus Texier, who 
ke])t a small stock of cheap goods in the 
village, and managed to gain a livelihood 
ihereb}'. David Gallagher, another of the 
early merchants, came here before the war 
of I Si 2, and was employed for a number 
of years as an assistant commissary at 
Fort Stephenson. He was afterwards 
connected with the Olmsteds, both as 
a clerk and a partner. 

In 1823 Dr. L. Brown was selling gen- 
eral merchandise in a frame building where 
Mrs. Tyler's block now stands. Richard 
S^ais, a young man and accredited as 
having been one of the beaux of the vil- 
lage, was a merchant at ihe same date, and 
afterwards on the same site. In 1831, re- 
moving his slock from a frame structure 
on the present site of the Heffner block, 
he formed a copartnership with J. S. Olm- 
sted, who in the meantime had dissolved 
partnershii) with his brother, and having 
left his original store house on the river 
bank below, was selling general merchan- 
dise on the northwest corner of Front and 
State streets. The firm name was Olm- 
sted & Sears. Four years the partner- 
ship continued, dissolving on Mr. Sears 
engaging in business by himself. Mr. 
Olmsted, soon alter this dissolution, re- 
moved to the old Harrington block, and 
from thence, in 1840, to a building stand- 
ing on a |)ortion of the lot now occupied 
by the Fabing & Himc block. 

John W. Tyler was another of the 
eailier storekeepers, and Esbon Husted, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



421 



bttwcen 1820 and ['^25, kept a genera! 
store, with drugs, on the southeast corner 
of Front and State streets. Isadore Beau- 
grand and George Gtant were his < lerks. 
Rodolphus Dickinson, Sardis Hircliard, 
and E-.l)nn Hu-.ted, in 1831, Ixgan the 
dry goods business on the s.ime site, under 
the firm name of R. D.ckinson & Co. 
From 1841 to 1844 the firm of Cutte^ & 
Hey Wood sold dry yoods and bought grain 
there. Among the other i)ioncer trades- 
men, still W(.ll remembered by the older 
citizens, was Judge Knapp, who sold gro- 
ceries in the old Knapp bu Iding, on the 
present site of White's block. In 1836 
or 1837, John M.. Smith commenced sell- 
ing dry goods where Dryfoos Brothers & 
Bach now hold forth. Eddy & W'ilkts 
succeeded him. Where the First National 
Bank is at present, John Bdl and Merritt 
L. Harman kept a general store of dry 
goods, groceries, hardware, etc., between 
the years 1830 and 1840. John P. Haynes, 
J. K. Glen, and Austin B. Taylor were 
three more of the old merchants com- 
mencing here early in the thirties. 

Richard Sears opened a store on the 
corner of Front and Croghan streets 
shortly after dissolving with the Olmsteds. 
He made a fortune trading with the In- 
dians, and in 1827 sold out to Sardis 
Birchard and left for Buffalo. Mr. Bir- 
chard's long and successful business life is 
traced in a biography elsewhere in this 
volume. Like his predecessor, he had a 
large trade with the Indians. 

The first pork was shipped from this 
place in 1820 by the Olmsteds, and was 
marketed at Montreal. It consisted of 
one hundred and fiity barrels. The cost 
here was two thousand dollars for the lot. 
The venture cost the firm considerable 
loss, but pork afterwards became an im- 
portant and profitable commodity of trade. 
The first wheat was shipped fro;n here in 
1830, by J. S. Olmsted, and consisted 



of a lot of six hundred bushels. Mr. 
Olmsted's first venture in wheat was little 
more successful than the pork speculation 
of ten years previous. Forty cents per 
bushel was paid at the war*, house here and 
si.xiy cents the price received in Buffalo. 
Transportation was then so high that the 
margin of twenty cents per bushel was con- 
sumed. But the trade in pork and wheat 
from 1830 to 1830 was enormous. Every 
day the streets were filled with teams of 
f )ur and six horses drawing great wagons 
with high wheels, making it almost im- 
l)ossible to pa>s through town. About 
1840 staves were in general demand, and 
stave wagons with high racks crowded 
among the produce wagons, altogether 
presenting a bewildering spectacle of busy 
life and business activity. Those scenes 
will never be repeated in this country. A 
vast net-work of railroads gives to every 
community the means of rapid transporta- 
tion, and consequently a steady market 
for all productions. Lower Sandusky 
and Milan were the main produce mar- 
kets west of Cleveland. Both at the 
time were small villages. One is now 
a deserted town, the other a prosperous 
city, made prosperous chiefly by the good 
fortune of securing early railroad facilities. 
The largest store (one for general mer- 
chandise of all descriptions,) that ever 
existed in Fremont, was started in 1846, 
by two enterprising merchants from Elyria, 
H. K. Kendall, and O. L. Nims. The 
former, the elder member of the firm, 
never resided here, the business being 
carried on by Mr. Nims, then a young 
man twenty-six years of age. Possess- 
ing remarkable business qualifications, an 
exem[jlary character, and a winning dis])o- 
bition, he soon built up a trade that ex- 
tended around for a radius of fifty miks 
into the counties of Erie, Huron, Wyan- 
dot, Seneca, Hancock, Ottawa, Lucas and 
Wood, The building occupied by this 



422 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



firm was ihen owntd by F. I. Norton. It 
was a frame structure of two stories in 
height, and faced on Front street. The 
salesroom covered the space now occupied 
by Rice's dry goods store and Strong's 
clothing establishment, being forty feet in 
width and extended back into the ware- 
house that was soon afterwards added. 
This wareiiouse, at right angles from 
the oiiginal main building, extended in 
the rear of the (jld Leshcr bakery building 
and Betts' corner store, and opened on 
Croghan ^trjtt. It was used for produce, 
wool, and pork. The largest number ot 
clerks employed, and the largest nuinbt.r 
ever employed by a single mercantile hrm 
in Fremont, was twenty-one. Mr. Kendall 
died a few years after starling in bus ness, 
and Mr. Ninis remained sole proprietor 
until 1^53, when Henry Zeigler and C. B. 
King removed their stock of goods Irom 
Findl.iy, where they had been in business 
a short time, and entered into i)artner.-,hi[j 
with Nims, under the firm name of O. L. 
Nims & Co. In March, 1854, this store, 
known as "Headquarters," together uidi 
Lesher's bakery and Betts' store, was 
entirely destroyed by fire. Mr. Nims im- 
mediately purchased the ground on the 
northeast corner of Front and Crcjghan 
streets, and removing the shaky frame ten- 
ements that covered it, he erected the 
brick building now owned by F. S. White. 
In the corner store-roo..i the old '"Head- 
quarters" store was opened anew by Henry 
Zeigler, David Garvin, and Michael Zeig- 
ler, under the firm name of Zeigler, Gar- 
vin & Zeigler, in the fail of 1S54. Michael 
Zeigler died the same autumn, and soon 
afier C. B. King resumed a partnership 
interest, the style being C. B. King & Co. 
Several changes were made from that time 
on to 1866, the firm name being success- 
ively as follows: King, Zeigler & Co.; 
D. Garvin & Co.; Clark &: Zeigler; D. 
Garvin & Co. Under the latter style 



Garvin and Zeigler continued partners 
until 1875. At that date David Wagner, 
of Ottawa, Ohio, purchased Garvin's inter- 
est, and until 1878 business was transacted 
under the st)le of Wagner & Zeigler, 
when the latter sold out and Wagner be- 
came sole owner. Besides those already 
mentioned, a number of others, at present 
business men of Fremont, were clerks in the 
old "'Headquarters," that is, S. P. Meng, 
H. R. .Shomo, William A. Rice, and Dan- 
iel Al affer, who are mentioned under their 
respective bu>iness heads. 

In 18J.7 David B^.tts, who hid clerked 
for J. K. Cilen for six or seven years, rented 
ihe room foimeily occupied by his em- 
]3loyer on .Sliomo's corner, and moving in 
a stock of goods, continued doing business 
on that site until June 7, 1849, when the 
building was dv stroyed by fire. 'J'he fol- 
lowing month Mr. Belts purchased of 
Frederick W^ilks, the corner lot now oc- 
cupied by the Dryfoos block, and refitting 
the old building, made a new start that 
fall. The large fire of March, 1854, that 
destroj'ed tiie headijuaiters establishment 
j and Lesher's bakery aliO burned out Mr. 
Betts. He rebuilt the same year, and, with 
D. W. Krebs as a partner, engaged again in 
business under the firm name of D. Betts 
& Co. In 1856 the stock was sold to 
Edgerton & Wdcox, who discontinued the 
year after, w^hen D. Betts & Co. repur- 
chased the whole interest. The next 
change was made in 1862, by Mr. Belts, 
who sold his interest to Krebs, Sargent & 
Price. Krebs & Boardinan were the suc- 
cessors a year after. 

The dry goods store of \Villiam A. & 
C. F. Rice was started at its present site 
some time in the fifties by P. C. Dean. 
In 1859 Dean sold out to William A. 
Rice. Alfred Rice, who was a partner 
for several years, closed out his interest in 
1877. 

Condit Bros, was the firm title of the 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



423 



original proprietors of the dry goods es- 
tablishment of thtir present successors, 
VVilNani W. Brandt & Co. In 1867 Wil- 
liam Brandt went into business with the 
first company, the Co. f^ing added. 
Brandt & Condit succeeded William W. 
Brandt, following as sole proprietor, and 
continuing as such until the present co- 
partners were admitted. 

Tiie present extensive ( lothing-house of 
Dryfoos, Bro & Bach, consisting of Isaac 
and S. Dryfoos and S. Bach, was started 
by Is.iac & M. Dryfoos, in 1852, on Front 
street near the rornt r of Garrison street. 
Afttra few yeais they removed to a room in 
Birchard block, where they continued do- 
ing business till 1873, when the block, 
now i^aiily occupied by them, was pur- 
chased, and the stork trans'"eired to the 
corner sales-room. M. Dr\foos sold out 
his interest in 18S0. 

The merchant tailoring establishment of 
Philip Gottron and Charles Augustus, lo- 
cated on Cn ghan street, was started three 
years since. The firm name is Gottron & 
Augustus. 

The first exclusive drug and book store, 
an (jffshoot from the general country store 
for dry goods, boots and shoes, drugs, 
hardware and jewelry, was started in a 
room of the old headcjuarters bui'ding on 
the ]iresent site of Ltsher's grocery, in 
1840, by C. G. McCuUoch. In 1847 C. 
R. McCulloch succeeded his brother and 
two years after removed his stock to the 
site of the store room now occu])ied by 
him, where he was ever since remained in 
business. Stephen Buckland was a part- 
ner for a few years. 

On the dissolution of the partnership of 
C. R. McCulloch & Stephen Buckland, 
the latter, in 1856, went into rival drug 
business in the room now occupied by 
him and his son, Ralph P. Buckland, jr. 
The firm, until 1859, was Wooster & 
Buckland, when W'ooster retired, and 



Buckland's sons entered into partnership 
with their father. 

The Thomas &: Grimd drug house was 
established by Dr. E. Dillon & Son in 
i860. Lannian & 'J'homas purchased the 
business in 1868, and in 1872 Thomas, 
Grund & Long succeeded. On the death 
of the latter member of the firm some few 
)ears since, the title was changed to 
Thomas & Grund. 

Dr. D. B. Myers entered into the drug 
business in this city in 1876. His son, 
Kelley Myers, was a ])artner during a 
])orlion of the tinie. Previous to the 
above date, Dr. Myers was engaged with 
Strausnieyer and Kelley in the grocery 
business on Front street. 

'I'fe cigar and tobacco store of Charles 
Barth was started by his predecessor in 
the business, P. Poss, in 1856, who com- 
menced the manufaeture and sale of ci- 
gars in a s;iiall frame bu.hJing, where Bur- 
lev's restaurant now stands. No changes 
were made in the firm until 1877, when 
Mr. Poss removed to Chattanooga and 
the jjresent pro])rietor took possession. 
The store was moved to where it now is, 
on the block being opened for occupancy. 

^VI^ere White & Haynes' office now 
stands the shop of the first harness-maker 
for Fremont, II. R. Foster, was started. 
J. C. Montgomery succeeded him, and in 
1845 Jo'^n Kridle, became a partner. In 
1847 .b'^mes Kridler, the present leading 
harness dealt r and manufacturer, jjur- 
chased the interest of Montgomery, and 
with his brother continued in business 
under the firm name of J. &: J. Kridler, in 
the old frame building covering the land 
now occupied by the Thompson & Com- 
p-;ny hardware store. When the frarne 
structure was moved further south on the 
street they removed their business with it. 
Mr. McNeal was a partner for a few years. 
In 1859 James Kridler bought in all the 
interest. For five years he carried on his 



424 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



business in the low brick building former- 
ly occupied by the First National Bank, 
and then moved, in the early part of Sep 
tember, i8Si, to the postoffice building. 

In 1835, when the country closely sur- 
rounding the village of Lower Sandusky 
was slill the veritable "howling wilder- 
ness" spoken of in the Indian and early 
settler romances, Edward Leppelman lo- 
cated in an old, yellow frame building 
that stood on the present site of Mrs. 
Heffcr's block on Front street, and 
opened out a scanty stuck of clocks, jew- 
elry and groceries. As a watch-maker he 
also repaired the stationary and portable 
tune-pieces of the worthy villagers and 
backwoodsmen. Business in the three 
branches increased, and in the course of 
a few years he removed to a one-story 
frame structure, standing on the site of 
John Horn's grocery. 'I'he next removal, | 
was to the first frame building erected in 
Fremont, and occupied before the removal 
first as a hotel by Harrington, and innne 
diately preceding Leppelman's advent by 
J. K. Glenn. Edward Leppelman here re- 
mained in the jeweliy business until he 
was succeeded by his son, Lewis Leppel- 
man, the present proprietor. The old 
frame building was entirely destioyed by 
fire in February, 1857, and on a brick 
block being erected in its ])lace, the busi- 
ness was resumed. It is now the large>t 
jewelry house in the county; business, both 
wholesale and retail, being cairiedon, and 
an organ and sewing mat hine store con- 
nected wiih the main salesroom. 

The first regular hardware store started 
in Fremont was opened on the pike by 
George Camfield and James Mitchell in 
the year 1850. .\iter several changes they 
removed to ihe store-room occupied by the 
])resent successors of the old firm. The 
first change in the firm was occasioned 
by the withdrawal of Mitchell, and Lewis 
Camfield taking his interest. Camfield, 



Brother & Company succeeded this firm, 
and on the successive deaths of the 
two senior partners, George and Lewis 
Camfield, the company has changed to 
the title of Hedrick & Bristol (Fred Hed- 
rick and E. A. Bristol). 

The corporation of Thompson & Co. 
hardware dealers, was formed in March, 
1877, the being composed of Charles 
Thompson, John T. Thompson, John P. 
Bell, Robert Lucas, and Edward C. Gast. 
The original house, of which this firm has 
been the outgrowth, was staited by Oliver 
Fusselman, on the east side of the river, 
in 1859. In i860, Fusselman having in 
the mean time removed to the jjresent 
location, Charles Thompson purchased 
the business, taking in as partners Orin 
England and John T. Thomi)son, in 1865. 
Charles A. Nortcjn was a partner a few 
years. England and he retired in order, the 
latter in 1876. 

Phili|) Dorr is the oldest of the boot 
and shoe merchants in Fremont. He 
commenced in 1841, on the east side of 
the river, and continued there a number 
of years, until he removed his stock and 
the tools of his trade to a stoie-room on 
the northeast corner of Front and Garri- 
son streets. The present store is on Front 
street, just south of the First National 
Bank. His sons, Fred, Lewis, and Henry, 
are ])artners. 

In 1867 H. R. S'loiiK), immediately 
after the expiration of his term as |)ost- 
master, opened a boot and shoe store and 
has continued in the business since that 
date, occupxing for the last twelve years 
his present site. 

The boot and shoe store owned and 
conducted by .S. P. Meng, and now locat- 
ed on tlie northeast corner of Croghan 
and Front stieets, was started in 1862, 
under the firm name of S. P. Meng & 
Co. A. Hoot was his partner until 1868. 
The original firm having dissolved, in 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



425 



1870 Mr. Meng again opened up a boot 
and shoe store under the style of Meng, 
Altaffer & Co. This continued for two 
years, when Mr. Meng bought out the en- 
tire interest. 

A. Hoot, the early partner of S. P. 
Meng, is at this date engaged in the boot 
and shoe business in Buckland's new 
block, on Front street. 

Perry Close is the oldest representative 
grocer of the city, having followed that 
business entirely since 1850, when he 
commenced with a stock in the room at 
present occupied by John Horn. Mr. 
Close has had no partners, with the excep- 
tion of his son, Clarence Close, which 
partnership was dissolved a year ago. A 
glassware department is connected with 
the grocery proper. 

Pork packing, as a regular business, was 
commenced by Andrew Morehouse, in 
1846 or 1847. For a number of years he 
carried on the trade on the southeast cor- 
ner of Front and Garrison streets. He 
then removed to some buildings erected 
on Front street, near the railroad bridge, 
and continued there for 1 en or twelve years. 

In 1859 Mr. A. Gusdorf entered into 
the pork packing business in the ware- 
houses where Rice & Co., and Strong are 
at present. Two years after he removed 
to the building still occupied by the firm, 
just north of the gas factory. The firm 
members are M. Gusdorf, A. Gusdorf, 
and S. M. Gusdorf, under the style of Gus- 
dorf Brothers. 

Jacob Bauman is extensively engaged 
in the same business. 

ARDENT SPIRITS. 

The business of whiskey distillation, 
commenced at a very early date in Fre- 
mont, was entirely discontinued before 
the year 1838, and has never since 
been revived. The earliest distiller was 
William R. Coates, who came here from 
New Orleans, and about the year 1820 
54 



erected a great hewn-log building on the 
old Glenn farm, between the spring that 
still wells up there and the Edgerton prop- 
erty. He carried on quite an extensive 
distilling business, keeping two sets of 
hands at work, one for the day, and one 
for the night. The whiskey was barrelled 
and shipped by boats to eastern markets. 
It was not the pure, unadulterated article; 
the proprietor was intent on making 
money, and used a good deal of water 
to dilute, then drugs to strengthen the 
weakened extract. Coates, when he came 
here, was considered very well off finan- 
cially, and was coining money with the dis- 
tillery, but he became entangled in a 
series of lawsuits in relation to his mill 
property above Ballville, which consider- 
ably embarrassed him, and he at length 
discontinued distilling, and left the coun- 
try. Weed & Wilder afterwards occu- 
pied the vacated buildings, but after a 
few years the business ceased altogether, 
and the buildings were left to gradually rot 
and crumble away. 

Ammi and Ezra Williams began op- 
erations in 1825, in a log building stand- 
ing where Ammi Williams, jr., now re- 
sides. Nothing now remains of the struc- 
ture or the apparatus of the still, the 
last vestige — a great, heavy, black-walnut 
trough, into which the still swill was 
poured — having been chopped for firewood 
only two years since. Ammi Williams, sr., 
died suddenly in 1826. In the following 
year Ezra Williams, having completed a 
building at the foot of the east side-hill on 
the south side of State street, moved his 
still therein, and continued operations. 

The building was a substantial, un- 
painted frame one, of two stories in 
height. It was close to the foot of the 
hill, and afforded a fine basement in 
which the high-wines and whiskey were 
stored. The furnace and steam tubs were 
also below. On the main floor was 



426 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



located the mash tubs and worm, and the 
second story was used as a grain floor. 
This structure was afterwards torn down 
in 1839. 

Ezra Williams was a very conscientious 
man. The whiskey he manufactured was 
absolutely pure, and although even preach- 
ers drank in those days, no cases of de- 
lirium tremens were ever known to result 
from even an over-load of this early-day 
liquor. The whiskey jug had its place 
with more necessary articles of consump- 
tion in the cabin of the settler, and at 
meal time helped set off the table. The 
Indians were great imbibers of " fire- 
water," and bought it at the distillery by 
the pint, quart or gallon. They were 
generally very much excited under its in- 
fluence, and Williams avoided selling to 
them as much as possible, this course 
being agreeable to the old chief, Hard 
Hickory, who was desirous to altogether 
prevent the sale to them. 

The article manufactured was distilled 
from corn and rye — two thirds of the for- 
mer to one-third of the latter. Copper 
boilers were not used, but to render it 
better it was distilled by steam in air-tight 
wooden tubs or casks. Joseph Edwards 
was the head distiller, and under his ex- 
perienced management one bushel of grain 
produced from eleven to thirteen and one- 
half quarts of whiskey. From twelve to 
thirty-three bushels of grain was distilled 
per day, the distillery running generally all 
the year round, with from two to three 
men in attendance. In those days corn 
was worth fiom tvventy-five to fifty cents 
per bushel, and rye from sixty to ninety 
cents. The whiskey retailed at from thirty- 
five to fifty cents per gallon, and from 
twenty-eight to forty cents per gallon by 
wholesale. It was of the color of purest 
spring water, and held a good bead for the 
length of a minute. Burnt sugar was the 
only foreign material used in its composi- 



tion, and this was introduced to give it 
the rich, yellow color, indicative of mellow 
old age. 

A tread-mill, to do the grinding, was 
connected with the establishment. Wil- 
liams also occupied himself with farming, 
and was necessarily a butcher, as he raised 
large numbers of hogs and kine on the 
refuse matter of the still. 

It seems that the subject of temperance 
was little discussed, at least not openly, in 
those days, and no demonstrations of a 
crusade nature ever disturbed the serenity 
of these primitive distillers; but about 
1830 a temperance society, known under 
the name of the Washingtonians, began to 
exert some influence in the county. Re- 
ligious revivals were held here in ensuing 
years, and with this movement the tem- 
perance organization grew stronger. In 
1837 Ezra Williams joined the church, 
and the same year, deeming that spiritual 
and spirituous matters (in spite of the 
seeming paradox), could not consistently 
blend together, he, in keeping with his 
recent profession of faith, abandoned a 
pursuit which was opening to him a sure 
road to wealth. 

The manufacture of whiskey was of con- 
siderable benefit, in a commercial light, to 
the county. It was the chief source of 
revenue to the farmers. Corn was then 
the princij)al production, and the rates of 
transportation were so high-that any under- 
takmg to convey it to the markets of the 
East assured financial failure on the part 
of the operator. The distillery acted as a 
medium. The corn was sold to the dis- 
tillers; the whiskey was exchanged for 
goods with the traders and merchants, and 
then easily shipped to the metropolis. 

BREWING INTERESTS. 

The first Fremont brewer was Sarius 
Young, who, in 185 1, built a frame brew- 
ery on the east side of Ohio avenue, be- 
low the brow of the hill. In the fall of, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



427 



1853 Anthony Young went into partner- 
ship with him. One year later the original 
proprietor sold out his interest in the 
business to Lawrence Romer, who con- 
tinued with A. Young until the spring of 
1855, when the latter sold out. During 
1856 and a portion of 1857, the Youngs, 
who still owned the building and property, 
rented it to Charles F. Giesin and C. 
Doncyson. After the withdrawal of the 
latter firm, Fred Her purchased the prop- 
erty, who, after continuing brewing for a 
few years, sold it to John Paulus, who 
built the present brick building. For 
several years it has not been in operation, 
and at a sheriff's sale some time since, it 
was purchased by the Fremont Brewing 
Company. 

In 1857, Charles Giesin purchased the 
old packing-house below the gas works, 
and fitted it into a brewery. A few years 
after he sold the building to the Gusdorf 
Brothers, and in 1862 he built the brick 
brewery now occupied by the Fremont 
Brewing Company. In 1876 he sold out 
to Felix Stienley, William Mefort, Frank 
Hiem, Joseph Stuber, and Barney Casper. 
Mr. Casper has since died. The com- 
pany is known under the style of the 
Fremont Brewing Company. They are 
making many improvements, and doing a 
considerable business. 

THE LIVERY BUSINESS. 

The first livery stable in the village was 
opened by David W. Gould in 1842. The 
primitive stables of this first proprietor 
were located on Water street close to the 
bank of the river, and at the foot of the 
alley between Croghan and Garrison 
streets. In 1847 Mr. Gould removed his 
horses, carriages, and provender to a 
frame building on the site of the brick 
building now occupied by Charles Close. 
Three years after he commenced carrying 
the mail between Toledo and Cleveland, 
and, using his stock for that purpose, he 



was obliged to discontinue the livery busi- 
ness. In the old stables vacated in 1847 
by William Gould, Ira Smith and Henry 
Sweet carried on the livery and horse- 
trading business for a number of years. 
About this time Reuben Wood kept a 
rival establishment on Arch street, below 
the old Dickinson property that faces on 
the pike. 

The most prominent livery proprietor 
of Fremont is Timothy H. Bush, who 
came to this city in 1840. In 1855 he 
purchased John Pitman's entire interest in 
the business, at that time located on the 
river bank and facing on Front street, 
below the former Kessler House. William 
Bush became a partner in 1862. The 
death of the latter occurred six or seven 
years later, and Daniel Bunnell was taken 
in as an equal partner, under the firm 
name of Bush & Bunnell. Their business 
was carried on in the original stables until 
in 1875, when they removed to the brick 
building in the rear of the former Cooper 
House. These stables were built for the 
livery business in 1855, by Charles W. 
Moore, and run by him until his death, 
when Frank Gurney carried on the busi- 
ness in connection with his hotel. Charles 
Close purch'ased Bush & Bunnell's inter- 
est in 1879 and has continued there since. 
Mr. Bush is the only extensive horse dealer 
in the county, and also the only one who 
has made a comfortable fortune in that 
line. 

Besides Close's the present stables are: 
Doncyson's, located on State street, near 
the bridge, and Bunnell's, in the rear of 
the Ball House. Dr. G. O'Harlan is the 
proprietor of the Fremont hack line. 

MANUFACTURING. 

The manufacturing interests of this 
city, as well as that of the county, like 
those of all other communities in a new 
and unsettled country, commenced with 
the erection of grist-mills and saw-mills 



428 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



on the banks of the streams. These 
mills, necessary to supply food first, and 
then convenient shelter, were, very natur- 
ally, succeeded by the factories for the 
making of cloths, then by the foundries 
for manufacturing articles needed in an 
agricultural section of country, and so on, 
as the increase of population and variety 
of pursuits gave rise to different and more 
varied wants, or the peculiar situation 
and facilities for a certain branch of man- 
ufacturing induced enterprising men to 
engage m it. 

In 1818, the same year that the 01m- 
steds brought on their large stock of mer- 
chandise and erected their frame store- 
house, Thomas L. Hawkins and Thomas 
E. Bosvvell, full of the spirit of the early 
pioneers, and with an eye to business, dug 
the race that at the present day runs the 
water flouring-mill, built the dam, and 
erected, where the mill now stands, a 
diminutive, well ventilated grist-mill, which 
in every way merited the appellation of a 
primitive "corn-cracker." Here came the 
settlers for miles around, and patiently 
waited from sunrise till evening twilight 
for the slow-running mill-stones to empty 
the hopper and grind out their bushel of 
meal. In the course of time" Bosvvell sold 
out to Elibha W. Howland. Here, as it 
is told in a happy manner by the oldest 
inhabitants, Howland, who was a cabinet- 
maker and joiner, a man ofgood humor and 
made the best of all things, manufactured 
coffins, and often of evenings, with boon 
companions, played cards on these last re- 
ceptacles for the dead. Some ghastly pic- 
tures might well be drawn with graphic 
pencil, either of artist or writer, of the 
rude interior of a primitive mill. A work- 
bench in one corner, the rafters overhead, 
the rough, white-coated mill-stones, all 
lighted up by a flickering, unsnuffed can- 
dle, and the light of this candle flaming 
in the faces of a group of good-natured 



looking men gathered around the bench, 
and dealing cards in an exciting game of 
"old sledge" on the white top of a pine 
board coffin. One could hearjhe roar^of 
the mill race below — a dead, ceaseless 
voice, and well imagined the 'spiritual 
form of the'destined inmate of the coffin, 
standing in silence and grave clothes in 
one of the" cobwebbed corners of the 
room. Whiskey^ was cheap in those days, 
and it required but little money to brace 
the nerves. 

Some time in 1830 Revirius Bidwell 
purchased the mill property, and tearing 
down the primitive structure, he erected 
a substantial frame building in its place. 
The property has since that date gone 
through various hands, and been greatly en- 
larged in room, and its facilities increased. 
Morgan & Downs succeeded Bidwell at 
an early date, and in 1857 or 1858, the 
business was carried on by J. B. G. Downs, 
F. S. White, and George Canfield. Depp 
& Ensminger were afterwards sole propri- 
etors, and Koons Brothers, who afterwards 
succeeded them, are now conducting the 
business. A saw-mill was, during the first 
years of its existence, connected with the 
mill. 

About the same year that Hawkins and 
Boswell commenced grinding corn in the 
valley by water-power, Ruel Loomis built 
a horse and ox grist-mill on Ohio avenue, 
upon the brow of the hill, on the east 
side of the river. This was not the 
nucleus of any lasting or extensive busi- 
ness enterprise, and but few of the citi- 
zens of Fremont will remember the fact 
of a mill being in operation there, and 
still less recall the tread of the yoked oxen 
as they prepared the grain for backwoods 
consumption. 

The first saw-mill in Ballville was built 
in 1822, by David Moore, a wealthy land 
owner, who came there in 1821, and im- 
mediately made his preparations and com- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



429 



inenced building, at the head of the race 
that now runs Dean's Woolen Mills, and 
on the space of ground now occupied by 
the old red tannery. While he actively 
employed his laborers in the mill, his wife, 
who came soon after his arrival, boarded 
them in a rough slab shanty near by. 

In 1827 John Bell commenced the 
carding of wool, giving an opportunity for 
woodsmen to purchase, at a reduced 
price, the goods for their clothes, and en- 
abling them to discard the skin-tight 
breeches and coats made of hides. He 
run his carding machine in a part of the 
water-power flouring-mill in this city. His 
machinery was carried away by a disas- 
trous spring flood a few years after. 

In 1 83 1 Charles Choate, a practical 
carder, came to this county from Milan, 
Ohio, where he had learned his trade in his 
brother's mill. He brought with him a 
double carding-raachine and picker, and 
located it in a portion of the frame grist- 
mill belonging to David Chambers, which 
stood on the river's west bank, about one- 
half mile above where Moore's stone mill, 
in BallviUe, now stands. During the first 
year he carded a little over eight thou- 
sand pounds of wool. Business kept in- 
creasing, and in eight years he was run- 
ning four double carding-machines, and 
carded that year forty thousand pounds of 
wool. At that date (1839) he closed out 
to a Mr. Otis. The first two years George 
Moore was a partner on shares with him. 
In the summer of 1834 Mr. Choate 
erected a large frame building close by 
the old yellow mill owned by James 
Moore, and occupied it for carding for one 
summer. About 1845 he sold out his in- 
terest in the business to P. C. Dean. In 
the early days Mr. Choate commanded 
for his business an extent of country from 
Bellevue to the head of the rapids on the 
Maumee River, and from the Peninsula 
to Upper Sandusky. P. C. Dean con- 



tinued in the wouUen-mill business until 
his death some few years since, when his 
two sons succeeded under the firm name 
of Dean Brothers. A year ago they dis- 
solved partnership, Philip Dean closing 
out his interest to W. Dean. The mill 
on the present site of the one erected by 
Mr. Choate, was built only a few years 
since upon the destruction by fire of the 
first one. 

The manufacture of pottery was com- 
menced in 1822 by Elijah Drury, in a rude 
log house that reared its unpretentious 
front on the corner of Front and Garrison 
streets, on the ground now occupied by 
Tchumy's block. Here Drury moulded 
his clay and baked his crocks and jugs for 
ten or more years, until succeeded in due 
course by Robert S. Rice. Rice contin- 
ued in the business until he was elected 
justice of the peace. 

The earliest tanner was Moses Nichols, 
whose tannery was located by the lower 
road to BallviUe, on the little stream that 
courses through the low lands adjacent to 
the property owned by the heirs of Jacob 
H. Hultz. 

George S. Brainard was probably the 
first tinner in Fremont. He started in 
business here about 1837. John R. Pease 
bought him out in 1840. The shop in 
which they did business was on the site 
where Pease, Perrine & Co. now carry on 
their manufacture of carriages. After con- 
tinuing here a few years Mr. Pease re- 
moved to the east side of the river, and 
erecting a brick block on Front street, 
moved in his stock. In 184S O. A. Rob- 
erts went into partnership with Mr. Pease. 
In 1853 Mr. Pease sold out to Roberts & 
Sheldon, who continued in business to- 
gether until 1869, when they sold out their 
interest to Charles Dillon. The brick 
block, on the site of the old Pease build- 
ing, and now owned by Roberts & SheL 
don, was built in 1863. 



430 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



In 1840 F. I. Norton and Cornelius 
Letcher, recognizing the fact that they 
were in the centre of a rich farming coun- 
try, that the inhabitants depended mainly 
for their existence upon the product of 
the soil, and that agricultural implements 
were the chief want of the community, 
decided to engage in the manufacture 
of plows, and with this end in view, en- 
tered into a co-partnership under the firm 
name of Norton & Letcher. Their first 
foundry, a small Irame structure, was 
erected in liie rear of the brick block now 
occupied by William A. and C. F. Rice, 
on Front street. Here they remained for 
two years, increasing their business until 
it was found necessary to secure more 
si)ace and enlarge their buildings. To 
meet these requirements they purchased 
the property close to the river's bank and 
cornering on River and Carrison streets, 
where stands the present foundry of D. 
June & Co. A brick foundry and frame 
shop was built on this land by them in 
1842, and a four-horse power engine j^ur- 
chased and put in place for blowing the 
blast. On the death of Mr. Letcher Mr. 
Norton became sole owner and proprietor, 
and continued running the business until 
in 1853, when he sold out to David June 
and Mr. Curtis. Curtis remained a mem- 
ber of the firm only six months, closing 
out his interest to D. L. June, a brother of 
his partner, the firm name being changed 
to June & June, continuing until 1856, 
when Lyman Gilpin bought out D. L. 
June. June and (iilpin remained together 
as partners until November i, 1859. At 
that time the firm consolidated in D. June, 
the present proprietor, who, immediately 
afier the dissolution, took again into part- 
nership, with him Curtis. Seven years 
elapsed, when Curtis retired, and three 
years after the present firm, comi)osed of 
.David June, Robert Brayton, and O. S. 
French, formed a partnership under the 



style ot D. June & Co. The changes in 
buildings and great increase in business 
speak well for the energy and business and 
financial qualifications of David June and 
his partners. In 1861 the old brick and 
frame structures of the original firm of 
Norton & Letcher were razed and a per- 
manent block erected on the former's site. 
An addition of seventy-six feet front has 
since been added, and in 1877 a boiler shop 
projjer and erecting shop were built on the 
ojjposite side of Garrison street. When 
D. June and partner purchased the con- 
cern from Norton & Letcher the business 
yearly amounted to five thousand dollars. 
At the present time it amounts to one 
hundred thousand dollars, and from sixty 
to seventy-five men are constantly em- 
l)loyed. Their work consists in the build- 
ing of portable, stationary, and mill en- 
gines, the Champion engine being their 
principal manufacture. This latter engine 
was patented in 1875, ^^l^y ^"d 1877. 
At the time of the Centennial Exposition 
the attention of Russian manufacturers 
was called to the Champion, and shortly 
after they visited the works in this city 
and examined models for the purpose of 
introducing it in Russia. 

Francis Lake, of Milan, Ohio, came 
here in 1852 and commenced the manu- 
facture of sash and blinds on the east 
side of the river, in a large frame building 
where the carriage shop of Pease, Perrine 
& Co. now stands. The manufacture was 
steadily continued for a number of years, 
McClellan, McGee, Nat. Haynes, N. 
C. West, George T. Dana, and Wil- 
liam Haynes forming the successive firms 
until the business was discontinued. In 
1859 J. H. McArdle and Chester E. Ed- 
gertun, under the firm name of J. H. Mc- 
Ardle & Co. built the brick sash factory 
next to the Fremont gas company's works 
on Front street. In 1S64 Chester E. Ed- 
gerton bought out McArdle's interest and 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



431 



the same year G. G. Edgerton became a 
partner. 

Ambrose Ochs is the oldest wagon and 
carriage manufacturer in Fremont. In 
1847, four years after his arrival here from 
Germany, Mr. Ochs and B. Keefe started 
a wagon shop in a two-story frame build- 
ing on the present site of the brick block 
now occupied by the former. For five 
years this partnership continued under the 
firm name of Keefe & Ochs: then Ochs 
bought out the business, and in 1863 
started a blacksmith shop in connection 
with the factory. The brick building was 
erected in 1872. 

J. P. Moore is one of the most success- 
ful carriage and wagon manufacturers in 
the county. From where he first started 
into blacksmithing, on the pike west of 
Fremont, he removed to the site of his 
present extensive works in 1851, where a 
small frame shop was erected and business 
done under the firm name of Samuel & 
John P. Moore. In 1854 Samuel sold 
out to John P. who soon after formed a 
partnership with his brother William. This 
latter firm was dissolved in 1854, the pres- 
ent owner remaining in charge. The brick 
block now used as blacksnnth shop, paint 
shop, and salesroom, was built in 1863. 
The addition occupied by the wagon and 
carriage manufacturing departments was 
erected in 1869. 

In 1873 the old, dilapidated frame build- 
ing on the east side of the river that had 
been used as a sash factory, was razed 
and a frame structure erected in its place. 
In this building Ed. Pease, John Pease 
and Frank H. Rummell, under the firm 
name of Pease, Rummell & Co., com- 
menced the manufacture of carriages and 
wagons and blacksmithing, The partner- 
ship dissolved in 1876, and Ed. Pease 
became the sole owner and proprietor, 
running the business till 1879, when G. A. 
Perrine and Jacob Harbrond were taken 



in as partners and business resumed under 
the title of Pease, Perrine & Co. 

The Star City fiouring mill was built by 
David June for I). L. June in 1858. Curtis 
& Camfield succeeded and remained part- 
ners till 1 861, when Curtis sold out his 
interest to John (ieeseman. Koons 
Brothers were the next partners, Bowlus 
& Beery succeeding, the former selling to 
Quale. The present firm is VanEpps & 
Cox. 

The elevator destroyed by fire in the 
summer of 1881, standing one mile south 
of the city, at the head of navigation on 
the Sandusky River, was built by I. E. 
Amsden in 1859. A half interest in it 
was owned by Dr. L. Q. Rawson and 
James Moore. The grain business trans- 
acted by means of the elevator was one of 
great profit until the years of the great Re- 
bellion, when the production of grain be- 
came less with the years of the struggle, 
and dwindled down to an inconsiderable 
amount, in comparison to what it had for- 
merly been. The elevator went through 
successive hands, and when burned be- 
longed to the Lake Erie & Western Rail- 
road company. 

Immediately after the sale of his interest 
in the elevator Mr. I. E. Amsden, in 1857, 
went into the lumber business. His first 
saw-mill was built near where the eleyator 
stood, but about two years after he re- 
moved to the north end of Front street, 
where he is now engaged in an extensive 
trade. The amount of lumber produced 
yearly at his mill averages one million five 
hundred thousand feet, and besides this 
he purchases largely to meet the demand. 

N. C. West is the other large lumber 
dealer in this city. He commenced busi- 
ness here in 1S63 with George T. Dana as 
his partner, and doing business under the 
title of West & Dana. Their saw-mill was 
located three or four miles from town; at 
the present, and for many years past, it 



432 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



has been located a short distance west of 
the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern de- 
pot. Mr. West purchased Mr. Dana's in- 
terest in 1876. 

In 1 86 1 F. I. Norton began the manu- 
facture of spokes in the sash factory built 
by Francis Lake on the east side of the 
river. In 1863 he built the brick building 
on Arch street, between Croghan and 
Garrison streets (which has since been en- 
larged by the Trommer Extract of Malt 
Co.), and continued the manufacture of 
spokes until 1874, when he sold the build- 
ing to Edward Underbill. Williard Nor- 
ton, his son, was his only partner. 

The first gas company formed for the 
manufacture of that article for this city, 
was organized in i860, by a Mr. -Stephen- 
son, who remained here but two years 
after securing stockholders and erecting 
works. At the end of that time a sheriff's 
sale became necessary to settle up the 
claims of creditors, and the business and 
works were purchased by Morris Gusdorf ; 
interests taken by C. Doncyson, C. O. Til- 
lotson, Fred Fabing, and D. June. For 
five years the company conducted business 
under the firm name of Gusdorf & Co., 
when it was changed to the Fremont Gas 
Co. D. June sold out his interest ten 
years since. 

One of the largest branches of industry 
in the city is the manufacture of Trom- 
mer's Extract of Malt. The company oc- 
cupy for their works the large brick block 
and its adjoining buildings on Arch street, 
between Croghan and Garrison streets. 
The company was originally formed in 
1874, between Hon. John B. Rice, Dr. 
Robert H. Rice, Dr. Gustavus A. Gessner, 
Stephen Buckland, and Ralph P. Buck- 
land, jr. The two latter gentlemen with- 
drew from the firm in 1877. The article 
manufactured by them is an inspissated 
extract of malt, with a small proportion of 
hops, and consists of malt sugar, dextrine, 



resin and bitter of hops, tanin, diastase, 
phosphates of lime and alkaline salts. It 
is considered by eminent practitioners to 
be a valuable agent in pulmonary con- 
sumption, dyspepsia, etc. Experiments 
were made for some time by Drs. J. B. 
Rice and Gessner, before they succeeded 
in making a satisfactory article. They 
have built up an inunense trade, extend- 
ing through all the United States, and into 
Mexico, Central America, South America, 
England, Japan, Sandwich Islands, West 
India Islands, and Canada. This has 
been done by extensive advertising in all 
medical journals, and employing physicians 
as agents. 

The Fremont Cultivator Company was 
incorporated in September,- 1881. The 
officers and stockholders are H. C. Stahl, 
president; Samuel Brinkerhofif, secretary; 
A. E. Rice, treasurer; and Henry Fine- 
frock and J. S. Bower. Their works are 
located just south of the Lake Shore and 
Michigan Southern Railroad, in the valley. 

The largest branch of industry in San- 
dusky county is the manufacture of the 
Hubbard mowers and self raking reapers, 
by the Fremont Harvester Company. 
Their extensive works occupy a large tract 
of land on State street, in the west out- 
skirts of the city of Fremont, and on the 
line ol the Lake Shore and Michigan 
Southern Railroad. The buildings are 
substantial brick structures and fully 
furnished with machinery and great engine 
power. One hundred and fifty men are the 
average number employed in the works. 
The business is increasing and the stock 
bids fair to soon being a rich paying invest- 
ment. Movements were first made early in 
1872, by William B. Sheldon, for the or- 
ganization of an incorporated company 
lor the manufacture and repairing of cars. 
An interest was soon manifested by the 
citizens, and on the 15th of February, 
1S72, articles of incorporation, signed by 




-="^"'l)yA.H,Fii.tl-'i 



Q^ ov^ /c-/.^-'t-o^ 



O^'^L^ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



433 



R. P. Buckland, L. Q. Ravvson, F. S. 
White, James W. Wilson, ;ind A. H. Mil- 
ler, were granted, the company to be 
known under the title of the Fremont Car 
Co. The capital stock was placed at two 
hundred thousand dollars; the shares at 
one hundred dollars each. William B. 
Sheldon was elected president of the or. 
ganization; F. S. White, treasurer; and 
J. M. Smith, secretary. The board of 
directors were William B. Sheldon, F. S. 
White, James W. Wilson, R. R Buckland, 
and LaQ. Rawson. No changes have 
been made in the ofificers or board, with 
the exception of the resignation of F. S. 
White from the position of treasurer, and 
the election of John M. Smith to fill this 
vacancy. The buildings were erected 
soon after the incorporation, and fitted up 
with all necessary machinery for the man- 
ufacture of railroad cars, in accordance 
with the origmal intention of the organiza- 
tion; but about this time the panic of 
1873 began, and with it fell off the de- 
mand for cars. The works were never 
put in operation for their manufacture, 
but in June, 1875, the name of the com- 
pany was changed to its present one of 
the Fremont Harvester Company, and 
the manufacture commenced of mowers 
and reaj^ers. 

SHIP-BUILDING ON THE SANDUSKY RIVER. 

While the Sandusky River and the 
country along its banks bearing forests of 
grand oak trees were in a state of nature, 
few places afforded such facilities for ship- 
building as Lower Sandusky. In fact, 
ship-building began at an early day and 
was continued many years. But the tim- 
ber in time was cleared away from the 
banks, and each year made ship-building 
less profitable by reason of the lengthened 
haul of the timber. Then again, the 
advent of the iron horse, careering along 
the lake shore, has seriously dwarfed the 
commerce on the waters of Lake Erie and 
55 



its tributaries. Hence the ship-building 
at this, as well as all other points, has 
been of no magnitude for some years 
past, and ship-building at Fremont may 
probably be called one of the past indus- 
tries of the pb.ce. Still, as time and 
change go on, it may be interesting, as in 
fact it is already, to know that ship-build- 
ing was once carried on, and to obtain 
some idea of the extent to which the 
business was prosecuted. Hence, we 
place in this history such information on 
the subject as can now be obtained. 

THE NAUTILUS. 

In 181 6 a small sloop was built on the 
west bank of the river, nearly opposite 
the lower end of the island, and launched 
about where the dock of the elevator 
lately burned now stands. The Nautilus 
was of twenty tons burden, and was built 
by Wilson & Disbrow. Little information 
can now be gathered about the vessel. 
No doubt, judging from her size, she was 
built for the bay and river trade, probably 
between Venice, now in Erie county, and 
Lower Sandusky. 

We are under obligations to Charles B. 
Tyler, esq., son of Captain Morris Tyler, 
deceased, for the following additional 
facts relative to the building of vessels at 
Lower Sandusky: 

Next after the Nautilus came the Horse 
Boat, built by Thomas L. Hawkins, which 
was a platform resting upon two large pi- 
rogues or canoes, with a shaft across 
which worked a paddle-wheel on each 
side. Over the shaft was a circular plat- 
form with perpendicular cogs on the rim of 
the circle, matching into cogs on the shaft 
on each side. Horses were placed on 
this circular platform and cog-wheel, 
hitched to stationary posts, and by pulling 
moved the circle and turned the main 
shaft to which the paddle-wheels were 
attached, thus propelling the boat. This 
boat could, in good weather, run from 



434. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Lower Sandusky to Venice in one day 
and return the next. There was no cov- 
ering over the platform and no hold in 
the boat. It was merely a floating platform 
propelled by horse-power. But this sim- 
ple contrivance was quite useful, and per- 
formed the carrying trade up and down 
the river for several years. 

The next vessel after the horse boat 
was the schooner Cincinnati, built by Cap- 
tain Morris Tyler, in 1825 or 1826, and 
was a fair-sized vessel for that period. A 
Mr. Jones was the master-builder, and the 
vessel was built and launched about where 
the wagon-shop of Mr. Ealtas Keefer now 
stands, on the bank of the river, perhaps 
fifty or sixty rods below the bridge on the 
Maumee and Western Reserve road, over 
the river. This vessel, under the com- 
mand of Captain Morris Tyler in person, 
was a profitable investment, and plied for 
a number of years between Lower San- 
dusky and intermediate ports. Her toi"„ 
nage was equal to about five thousand 
bushels of wheat. 

The steamboat Ohio was the nextvessej 
built on the river. She was built by a 
joint stock company, and launched near 
the same place where the schooner Cin- 
cinnati was, in the year 1828. Captain 
Morris Tyler was placed in charge of this 
steamer, and remained in charge of her 
until 1833 or 1S34, when she was sold to 
persons interested in the commerce of To- 
ledo. She afterwards became old and un- 
seaworthy, and was laid up as useless, and 
her remains were covered up when the 
middle-ground was filled, and are buried 
under the Island House in Toledo. 

The schooner Wyandot was next built, 
and launched near the mouth of Muskal- 
longe Creek. Captain John L. Cole, now 
a well to-do farmer residing about one 
mile north of Fremont, was master of 
this vessel. 

The schooner Home was the next vessel 



built on'the river. She was built by Cap- 
tain Morris Tyler in the year 1843, ^"^ 
placed in charge of Captain Sacket. She 
was launched a little below where the 
steamer Ohio was, and near where John 
Pero's coal ofifice now stands. Our fellow- 
citizen Charles B. Tyler remembers work- 
ing on this vessel, in the building of it, at 
the rate of seventy-five cents per day, when 
quite young. The master-builder was 
William Redfield. The Home, after be- 
ing in the carrying trade from Lower San- 
dusky to Buffalo and intermediate ports, 
and sometimes in the upper lake trade, for 
a period of about six years, was sold to 
parties residing in Sandusky City, and was 
chiefly engaged afterwards in trade be- 
tween that port and Buffalo and Detroit, 
although she occasionally came back to 
Lower Sandusky, her native place, with 
freights, after she was sold. Her carrying 
capacity was probably about eight or ten 
thousand bushels of wheat. 

The schooner Almina Meeker was the 
next vessel built on the Sandusky River. 
The enterprise of building this vessel was 
undertaken by Benjamin F. Meeker, after 
whose wife the vessel was named. After 
commencing the building of this schooner 
Mr. Meeker became financially embar- 
rased, and before the vessel was finished 
she was transferred on the stocks to the 
-Messrs. Moss, of Sandusky City. She was 
built on the river bank and near the south 
bank of the mouth of Muskallonge Creek, 
and launched there in the year 1846 
Her carrying capacity was eight thousand 
bushels of wheat or thereabouts. 

The next craft built on the Sandusky 
River was the Ben Flint, and received her 
name from her intended captain of that 
name, who afterwards was her captain in 
fact for several years. The proprietors 
were Nims & Tillotson, and Captain Wil- 
liams was master-builder. She was built 
and launched near where the bridge of 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



435 






the Lake Erie & Western Raihray now 
strikes the west bank of the river. The 
carrying capacity of this schooner was 
equal to about sixteen thousand bushels of 
wheat. Captain Benjamin Flint sailed her 
for a number of 3ears with great regularity 
and financial success. 

The next vessel built on the river was 
the scliooner Dan Tindall. She was built 
by Captain William Totten, an experienced 
ship-carpenter and builder, who came from 
Staten Island, New York, and settled in 
Fremont, he choosing the place as an ad- 
vantngeous point for business. She was 
built and launched at about the same point 
on the river where the Ben Flint had been 
previously built. The Tindall was built 
and launched in the years 1861 and 1862. 
Her carrying ca]:)acity was equal to twenty 
thousand bushels of wheat. Her first 
captain was Gordon Wilson, then Cap. 
tain James Hone commanded her, and 
Captain George M. Tyler was her master 
for several years. The Tindall proved to 
be a vessel of superior sailing qualities 
and was very successful while he com. 
manded her, clearing net by her earnings 
thirty-five thousand dollars in the three 
years the vessel was under his control 

The Cornelia Amsden was modeled^ 
built, and owned by Captain William 
Totten, and was another success of his 
skill in building and designing water craft. 
She was launched in 1863, from the west 
bank of the river, about one-fourth of a 
mile below the bridge of the Lake Erie & 
Western Railway. Her carrying capacity 
was one hundred and eighty- four tons. 
She was named after the wife of Isaac E. 
Amsden, then and now one of the es- 
teemed citizens and prominent business 
men of Fremont. After being in the Fre- 
mont trade about two years she was sold 
to Messrs. Hubbard, of Sandusky City, 
and, thereafter, visited Fremont occasion- 
ally^ but not regularly. 



The N. C. West was built for the Fre- 
mont trade. Having been begun by 
Messrs. Skinner & Donaldson, who failed 
financially, she was transferred to Charles 
Foster, George T. Dana, and Charles O. 
Tillotson, who finished and launched her 
about half a mile below the Lake Erie 
& Western Railroad bridge on the west 
bank of the river. Her carrying capacity 
is equal to about nine thousand bushels of 
wheat. She was launched in 1867, and 
is still in the Fremont trade. The N. C. 
West is the last vessel built in Fremont, 
and should railroad building go on it may 
be doubted whether there will beany further 
ship-building at this once admirable point 
for that industry. 

A railway leading to Sandusky City 
now crosses the river at a point where 
some of the above-mentioned vessels were 
built, and gives a cheap and rapid transit 
for freight and passengers to that city, 
thus establishing a competing line which 
has superseded transportation by the waters 
of the river and Sandusky Bay. 

And a fact worthy of note, and which 
palpably illustrates the changes of time 
and progress of the day, is that at this 
very time the Wheeling & Lake Erie Rail- 
way is engaged in procuring the right of 
way along die bank of the river, and ap- 
propriating for a railroad track the very 
ground on which most of the vessels 
above-mentioned were built. 

BANKS AND BANKING. 

The first banking house in Fremont was 
a private bank started by Sardis Birchard, 
esq., and Judge Lucius B. Otis, and was 
opened for general business on the ist 
day of January, 1851. Mr. Birchard, who 
was at that time about fifty years of age, 
had for many years been one of the lead- 
ing merchants of the place. He was one 
of the early settlers, greatly interested in 
the town, and always active and earnest in 
his efforts for. its prosperity. Judge Qtis^. 



436 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



his partner, was a lawyer about thirty-three 
years of age, and was about that time 
elected judge of the court of common 
pleas, which position he filled with ability. 
In 1856 he moved to Chicago, where he 
still resides, a gentleman of wealth and 
prominence. Starting with two such men 
as its founders, the banking house of Birch- 
ard & Otis commenced at once doing a 
prosperous business. Mr. Jacob Lesher, 
who is still a worthy business man of Fre- 
mont, was the first depositor. 

The following letter from Judge Otis, in 
response to one from A. H. Miller, gives 
an interesting account of the beginning of 
banking business in Fremont: 

Chicago, Illinois, Octobers, 1881. 

Dear Sir: — On the ist day of January, 1851, 
Sardis Birchard, in partnership with Lucius B. Otis, 
established the first banking house in Fremont, under 
the name of Birchard & Otis. The firm continued 
without change, doing business in the same bank 
building (the first one erected in the town), imtil Jan- 
uary I, 1856, when I commenced making my ar- 
rangements for a removal to Chicago. Birchard and 
Otis were equal partners. I withdrew from the firm 
January i, 1856, and then Anson H. Miller, and one 
year later Dr. James W. Wilson, came into the bank 
as partners with Mr. Birchard, under the firm name 
of Birchard, Miller & Co. I removed to Chicago 
from Fremont December 9, 1856. 

For twenty years previous to the starting of the 
first bank in tSandusky county, merchants and others 
doing business with banks had been compelled to 
send to Norwalk or Sandusky, where the nearest 
banks were to be found. One was established, how- 
ever, in Tiffin about 1847. It was the custom foj. 
some one to go frcm Fremont, about once a week 
to one of these places where banks could be found, 
and do up the whole banking business for all the bus- 
iness men of Fremont. Mr. Birchard, General Buck- 
land, and myself frequently made these trips, pur- 
chasing New York drafts for several merchants, get. 
ting certificates of deposit, paying notes, etc., at 
banks. The well-known wealth of Sardis Birchard, 
and his high standing and character as an old mer- 
chant, gave the banking house of Birchard & Oiis 
first-rate standing and credit from the day of its 
opening. It never had a run upon it, and never 
failed to pay on demand, and I am rejoiced to say 
that such has been the standing of its successors to 
the present time. When the bank was first opened, 
January i, 1851, Dr. Alvin Coles, now living at Ot- 
tawa, Illinois, at the advanced age of seventy-six, 



was employed as cashier in the bank for Birchard & 
Otis. He had long been a popular county officer in 
the court-house, a man of sterling worth. His 
name and face in the bank contributed considerably 
to make it popular. For a few months after the 
business was opened, and the word "Bank" was put 
up over the door, it was a common occurrence for 
clusters of Sandusky and Ottawa county farmers to 
form in the street, looking at the sign and discussing 
the subject. Few of them had ever seen or knew 
anything about a bank. It was a common thing to 
hear some of them say: "Well, Birchard has land 
adjoining my farm, and I know the bank is safe. I'lj 
deposit my money there." 

Yours trulv, 

L. B. Otis. 

The building in which Birchard & Otis 
commenced banking is still standing, and is 
the small, one-story brick on the east side 
of Front street, between State and Cro- 
ghan streets. Mr. F. S. White, a gentle- 
man well known among bankers, was 
cashier in the banking-house of Birchard 
& Otis for about two years j:)revious to the 
summer of 1854, at which time he re- 
signed to establish with Mr. O. L. Nims 
and Mr. C. O. Tillotson, another banking- 
house, which for many years did a highly 
successful business. The position made 
vacant by the resignation of Mr. White 
was offered to Mr. Anson H. Miller, who 
at the time was bookkeeper for Dr. Wil- 
liam F. Kittredge, treasurer of the Toledo, 
Norwalk & Cleveland Railroad company. 
He accepted, and came to P'remont on the 
2d day of August, 1854. 

At the time referred to in Judge Otis' 
letter, from 1851 to 1856, and for some 
years later, the customary rate for money 
was one per cent, a month, and for New 
York exchange one per cent, premium was 
charged. The paper money in those days 
was a queer mixture of various and uncer- 
tain values. The sorting of this money 
was one of the imi:)ortant duties of the 
bank clerk. The New York city. New 
England, and some of the Ohio bank 
notes, being carefully selected to be sent 
home, or to some broker for the purpose 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



437 



of getting in return New York exchange, 
that being one of the cheapest and most 
available ways of obtaining it. 

On the first day of January, 1857, Dr. 
James W. Wilson became a partner in the 
bank of Birchard, Miller & Co., the firm 
name remaining unchanged. Dr. Wilson 
had been, since 1S38, one of the leading 
and most successful physicians in the 
town, was well known in Sandusky and 
the adjoining counties, and his wealth and 
careful business habits gave to the bank 
still another element of strength and safe- 
ty. The bank continued to prosper with 
Sardis Birchard, Dr. James W. Wilson, and 
Anson H. Miller as partners, and without 
further change until the year 1863, when 
it was merged into the First National 
Bank of Fremont, which succeeded the pri- 
vate banking-house of Birchard, Miller & 
Co., and was organized in 1863, wch a 
paid up capital of one hundred thousand 
dollars, and with an authorized capital of 
two hundred thousand dollars. 

THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK. 

The first preliminary certificate was 
dated April 24, 1863, but in consequence 
of a change in the regulations of the 
department at Washington, this was 
afterwards cancelled, and another dated 
May 23, 1863, was adopted; the articles 
of association were dated May 23, 1863. 
Both the preliminary certificate and arti_ 
cles of association were signed by the fol. 
lowing named persons: Sardis Birchard, 
James W. Wilson, Anson H. Miller, 
James Justice, Robert W. B. McLellan, 
Jane E. Phelps, LaQuinio Rawson, Mar- 
tin Bruner, Robert Smith, Abraham Neff, 
Augustus W. Luckey. 

The first stockholders' meeting was held 
May 27, 1863, at which James Justice was 
chairman and Robert W. B. McLellan 
secretary. At this meeting the following 
first board of directors was elected: Sardis 
Birchard, James W. Wilson, James Jus- 



tice, Martin Bruner, Robert Smith, Au- 
gustus W. Luckey, Anson H. Miller. 

The first directors' meeting was held on 
the same day, at which Sardis Birchard 
was elected president; James W. Wilson, 
vice president, and Anson H. Miller, cash- 
ier. 

The certificate of authority from the 
Comptroller of the Currency, at Washing- 
ton, was dated June 22, 1863. The bank 
commenced business September i, 1863, 
and soon thereafter was designated by the 
Government as a depository of the public 
money. The first report of its condition 
was made April i, 1864, which shows 
among its resources, of loans, $121,305.29; 
total resources, $347,703.05; and among 
its liabilities, due depositers, $133,620.56; 
due United States as Government depos- 
itory, $64,450. In its last published re- 
port, dated October i, 1881, the bank 
makes the following showing under the 
same heads: Loans, $417,443.91; total 
resources, $694,112.32; due depositors, 
$414,216.91, which only partially shows 
the increase in the bank's business. At the 
time the bank was merged into the First 
National, Mr. Miller, with the helj) of a 
young clerk, did all the routine work of 
the bank; now six experienced men are 
constantly employed. The bank came 
near being the first one organized in the 
United States, being only number five on 
the official list. 

On the 2ist day of January, 1874, Mr. 
Birchard deceased, and the vacancy there- 
by caused in the presidency, was filled 
January 27, 1874, by the election of Dr. 
James W. Wilson to the place. 

The bank has lost by death four direc- 
tors, viz: James Justice, who died May 
28, 1873; Sardis Birchard, who died Jan- 
uary 21, 1874; Robert Smith, who died 
April 2, 1878; Augustus W. Luckey, who 
died March 20, 1881. 

There have been no changes in the offi- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



cers or directors, only such as were caused 
by death, except in the case of Martin 
Bruner, who, in consequence of having 
disposed of his stock in the bank, had 
ceased to be a director several years before 
his death. He died September 24, 1876. 

The bank never made a practice of pay- 
ing interest on dei^osits — neither did its 
predecessors after the ist of April, 1859. 
At that time both Birchard, Miller & Co. 
ami the banking house of Nims, Tillotson 
& White, discontinued the custom, satisfied 
that for the future it would be an unwise 
one. 

■ This bank has been fortunate not only 
in its officers, but also in its employes. 
Mr. Augustus E. Rice, one of the directors 
and the present assistant cashier, came 
into the bank in March, 1865, and was at 
that time a mere boy. His industry, in- 
tegrity, and good habits have well entitled 
him to the important place he now occu- 
pies, not only in the bank, but as an influ- 
ential citizen. Mr. William E. Lang, tel- 
ler; John G. Nuhfer, individual book- 
keeper; James W. Wilson, collection 
clerk; and John W. Pero, general book- 
keeper, have all been in the bank for 
years, and are young men well qualified 
for the positions they hold. 

The present officers of the hank are: 
James W. Wilson, president; Anson H. 
Miller, cashier; Augustus E. Rice, assist- 
ant cashier. The present directors are: 
James W. Wilson, LaQuinio Rawson, 
Rutherford B. Hayes, Anson H. Miller, 
Augustus E. Rice. 

• Until the first of January, 1877, the busi- 
ness of the bank was carried on in the 
building occujMed by Birchard & Otis, 
previously mentioned. About the ist of 
January, 1876, the bank purchased of 
Mr. P. Close the lot owned and occupied 
by him on the southwest corner of Front 
and Croghan streets. The two-story brick 
feuHdingj in AMhich he had been doing bus- 



iness, was torn down and the same year 
the bank erected on the spot a new and 
elegant three-story Amhei'st stone front 
bank building into which it moved Janu- 
ary I, 1877, ^"d in which it still does its 
business. 

The bank was one of the few that con- 
tinued to pay its depositors during the 
panic of 1873 in full on demand. The 
condition of the bank on the ist of Octo- 
ber, 1 88 1, is shown in the following report: 

RICSOURCES. 

Loans $4i7.443 9i 

Overdrafts 1.275 31 

United States bonds 150,000 co 

Due from other banks 41.647 15 

Real estate 15,618 27 

Expense account.. 4.325 58 

Checks and cash items 106 42 

Cash on hand 59, 195 68 

Due from United States Treasury 4,500 00 

Total $694, 1 12 32 

LIABILITIES. 

Capital stock $100,000 00 

Surplus fund 60,000 00 

Undrawn profits 18,384 58 

Bank notes out 90,000 00 

Deposits 414,216 91 

Due other banks 10,389 03 

Tax account 1,121 80 

$694,112 32 

Anson H. Miller, who has been so 
prominently connected with this bank, 
and consequently with the business in- 
terests of the city, is a native of Hinsdale, 
New Hampshire, and was born May 2, 
1824. His father, John Miller, was a de- 
scendant of Nathan Doyles, who was a 
sufferer by the burning of New London, 
Connecticut, during the Revolution, and 
to whose heirs was granted a large tract in 
the Firelands near New London, in Huron 
county. By inheritance and purchase 
Mr. Miller came into possession of the 
whole tract. He removed with his family 
to Norwalk in 1825 and in 1839 settled 
on the farm near New London. Anson 
H., during the family's residence in Nor^ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



43? 



walk, attended the seminary, and during 
the year 1845 continued his studies at 
IMjlan academy. In 1847 Mr. Miller en- 
tered the employ of Prague & Sherman, 
lumber dealers, at New Orleans. He 
was there about fourteen months, during 
the yellow fever epidemic, and was him- 
self a sufferer from the disease. In 1852 
he attended Commercial college at Cleve- 
land, and soon after was employed as 
bookkeeper in the office of the treasurer 
of the Toledo, Norwalk & Cleveland Rail- 
road, which position he held until enter- 
ing the bank in 1854. Since 1856 the 
burden of management has mainly been 
borne by the cashier. The exceptionally 
successful career of the bank, both as a 
partnership and a corporation, is the best 
commentary on Mr. Miller's worth as a 
banker. His management has always 
been honorable to himself and profitable 
to the stockholders. 

BANK OF FREMONT. 

The partnership of Nims, Tillotson & 
White was formed in 1854, and conducted 
a general banking business under that 
name for about four years. The name 
was then changed to Bank of Fremont^ 
and business conducted to the entire sat- 
isfaction of its patrons until 1878, when 
every depositor was paid in full and a suc- 
cessful career closed by a dissolution of 
the partnership. 

THE BANK OF FREMONT. 

In October, 1880, a partnership under 
the above style began a general banking 
business with L. Wideman, president; C. 
M. Spitzer, cashier, and J. C. Wideman, 
assistant cashier. The business has been 
in charge of the two last named gentle- 
men. In addition to general banking an 
exchange and brokerage business is tran- 
sacted. 

FREMONT BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 

Besides the long-established and more 



extensive firms mentioned in the above 
pages, the following business houses and 
factories are located in Fremont: 

Agricultural implements — Treat & Corl. 

Architect- — J. C. Johnson. 

Attorneys-at-law — Bartlett & Finefrock, 
H. R and H. S. Buckland & Zeigler, 
Samuel Brinkerhoff, Everett & Fowler, 
Byron Dudrow, F. R. Fronizer, Finefrock 
& Bell, Carver Bros., J. L. Green, Lem- 
mon, Wilson & Rice, Frank O'Farrell, 
Smith & Kinney, M. L. Snyder, L. E. 
Stetler, M. E. Tyler, E. Williams. 

Baggage, express and hack line^ — Ur. G. 
O. Harlan, J. H. Stewart. 

Bakers — D. Hock, H. Lesher, A. 
Voght. 

Barbers — J. Berling, O. E. Curtis, F. E. 
Gerber, F. J. Rheincgger, F. Schoeffel, S. 
Wolf. 

Billiard halls — C. P. DePuyster, George 
Nighswaner, W. D. Sherwood, C. Grett. 

Blacksmiths — G. A. Berger, D. S. Blue, 
J. Cookson, John Fend, G. Greiner, Wil- 
liam Groves, W. Hund, Peter Nolf, D. 
Rooney. 

Bottling works — -A. Hauck. 
- Cabinet-makers— S. Doer, Casper Smith. 

Carpenters — S. E. Anderson, A. Foster, 
Anthony Kiser, Rich & Richards, J. B. 
Schraff. 

Carriage-manufacturers — D. Consedine 
& Son, John Kecfer. 

Cigar manufacturers — A. Good, J. L. 
Rafferty, John Stober. 

Clothing — Charles Strong, B. Young- 
man, W. Dean & Co. 

Coal dealers — E. P. Underbill & Co. 

Cooper shop — John A. Grant. 

Dentists — A. F. Price, F. T. Creager. 

Druggist — G. W. Petty. 

Dry goods — Hermon & Wilson, Jen- 
kins & McElroy, John Ryan, J. Joseph. 

Elevator— E. H. Underbill & Co. 

Fancy goods— D. H. Altaffer, S. P. 
Hansom & Co., E. Sympkins, W. H. Hart 



440 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



Flour and feed — Chan. Norton. 

Grain dealers — George Engler, Gusdorf 
Bros., D. Wagner. 

Grocers — Baker & Stine, G. F. Buch- 
man, P. Dillane, H. F. Dwelle, Ernst 
Bros., T. F. Heffner, Frank Bauman, D. 
Hock, J. Horn, Kelly & Hauck, — Lynch, 
A. Miller, J. C. Street, Robert Hidber, S. 
R Wottring, Lawrence Dick. 

Gun manufacturers — George Thomp- 
son, Harry Thompson. 

Hotels— Ball House, John P'ord, pro- 
prietor; Peach House, Richard Peach, 
proprietor; American House, J. Paulus, 
proprietor; Tell House, William Hocke, 
proprietor; Germania House, J. B. Weber, 
proprietor. 

Ice dealer — A. Hodes. 

Insurance agents — L. B. Ward; J. K. 
Elderkin, William B. Kridler, jr., D. F. 
Thomson, Z. Ross. 

Jewelers — E. L. Cross & Bro., William 
Gasser, A. V. Hamilton. 



Justices of the peace — Samuel Brinker- 
hoff, M. E. Tyler, F. R. Fronizer. 

Lime manufacturers — Gottron Bros., A. 
D. & F. L. Noble, Quilter Bros. 

Marble works — Gurst & Son, Purdy & 
Williams. 

Meat markets — Henry Adler, J. Bau- 
man & Co., S. Cohn. 

Merchant tailors — N. Barendt, S. Bal- 
lau, F. Brady. 

Organs and pianos — Heberling & Darst. 

Photographers — Charles Pascoe, H. 
Post, R. Groben. 

Pump manufacturers — C. Baker, Barney 
Meyers. 

Saddle and harness manufacturer — 
William Schroder. 

Sign painter — George Dole. 

Stoves and tinware — Winter Bros. 

Tile works — Fremont Brick and Tile 
Co., William Parker. 

Undertakers — E. Swartz, C. W. Tschu- 
my. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

F R E M O N T -M EDI C A L. 

'Sanitary History and the Medical Profession. 



THOSE who have travelled over San- 
dusky county within the past ten or 
twenty years can form but an imperfect 
idea of this region, then known as the 
Black Swamp, between twenty-five and 
forty years ago. There can not probably 

*N0TE. — We are under obligations to all the 
physicians who have furnished information for this 
chapter, but especially to Dr. John B. Rice and Dr. 
Thomas Stillwell, for interesting contributions, and 
to Dr. James W. Wilson for the special interest he 
has taken in having the subject fully presented. 



be found elsewhere a richer or more dura- 
ble soil. The farms are now mostly 
well improved, and their owners occupy 
commodious dwellings, constructed not 
merely with reference to furnishing com- 
fortable homes for their occupants, but 
with due regard to appearances. The 
barns and other out-buildings are large and 
pleasing to the eye, and afford ample room 
for storing and sheltering the immense 
crops and improved stock that now reward 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



441 



the farmer's toil and intelligent enterprise. 
The land is adequately drained, for the 
numerous creeks that help to swell the San- 
dusky, the Portage, and the Maumee, af- 
ford every desirable facility toward this end. 
Thorough ditching, and in many instances 
tile under-drainage, and the removal of 
dead timber from the small streams, have 
accomplished the rest. 

The roads are generally well improved, 
many of them macadamized, and the 
bridges safe and of good construction. 

How remarkable is the change! For- 
merly, where now are large farms, there 
were only small clearings of a few acres 
each, fairly covered with stumps and "gir- 
dled" or deadened trees. The small log 
cabin, with its chimney of sticks and clay, 
puncheon floors and clapboard roof, and 
the little log stable, were the means of 
protection from wind and weather erected 
by the hardy pioneers, generally with their 
own hands, assisted by willing neighbors 
on the day of "raising." The small pro- 
duce of the soil and the stock were gen- 
erally kept without shelter. The un- 
threshed grain, hay, and fodder were 
systematically stacked to favor shedding 
the rain. Potatoes and other vegetables 
were covered in "pits," in the absence of 
cellars. The pigs ran at large, and fat- 
tened well on hickory nuts and acorns. 
A little corn was fed for a brief period be- 
fore butchering, to "harden the fat." The 
grain saved from the ravages of blackbirds 
and raccoons was required for bread, and 
for the work-horses and oxen that richly 
earned their share for the hard work per- 
formed among the logs and stumps. The 
driver was often noisy, and by no means 
choice in his expressions. 

In those days there were few roads 
worthy of the name, and the best of these 
were mostly thickly set with stumps and 
dead trees, and scarcely passable for teams 
during the spring and fall. In the worst 

S6 



places, where they were otherwise impass- 
able, causeways were made of logs, often 
of unequal size, placed side by side. This 
constituted the now obsolete "corduroy 
road," which, serving a useful purpose in 
its time, one can not now contemplate 
without a shudder, remembering the hor- 
rible jolting of the springless vehicles that 
passed over them, and the almost un- 
fathomable mud-hole with which they 
commenced and ended. There were few 
bridges, and these of very primitive con- 
struction, and often unsafe. The prudent 
horseman often went round them, or dis- 
mounted in crossing. 

The swales and small creeks were so 
obstructed by fallen trees, that had ac- 
cumulated as driftwood, that the flow of 
water was greatly hindered, and when 
there was much rain it overflowed the 
adjacent land. A large part of the rain- 
fall disappeared by evaporation, and slow 
percolation through the soil. The well 
water, especially where the land was par- 
ticularly wet, was colored and flavored by 
decaying vegetation. 

The prevailing diseases during this 
period, in Sandusky county, were the same 
as were encountered during a similar era 
in all Northwestern Ohio, and in Indiana 
and Michigan, as well as elsewhere. They 
were of miasmatic origin, and most prev- 
alent in the autumnal months. Some sea- 
sons hardly an inhabitant escaped. Occa- 
sionally the fevers were especially malig- 
nant. The remittent form of fever was 
generally, however, amenable to treatment, 
but still always regarded as a serious mal- 
ady. When not of the pernicious or con- 
gestive type, the cases of intermittent fever 
were usually promptly relieved by reme- 
dies. This was, however, by no means so 
with the chronic intermittent, or ague, 
which was also most prevalent in the fall, 
and yet had a fashion of staying around 
during the rest of the year. Whether the 



442 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



attack occurred daily, or every second or 
third day, iis coming on was seldom a sur- 
prise. Its pale and sallow victims were 
often discouraged by the recurrence of 
the disease upon the slightest exposure. 
They wearied of the doctors' monoto- 
nously bitter doses, and themselves scoured 
the woods plucking and digging after in- 
diginous "sure cures." It was an open 
question among the people whether it were 
better to try any cure at all, or to bravely 
"wear it out." 

As prevalent as miasmatic fevers were 
in those days, the improvement of the 
county gradually effected a decided change 
for the better, until now Sandusky county 
is as free from this class of disease as anv 
part of Northwestern Ohio. It is doubtful, 
indeed, whether any ])art of Ohio is now 
more salubrious. Within recent years 
this region has enjoyed a fair degree of 
exemption from epidemic diseases. The 
year 1834 was probably the most dreadful 
in the history of this localit)-, made so by a 
terrible cholera scourge. In August of that 
year a boat load of emigrants came from 
Buffalo, among whom was a travelling 
man. The traveller, upon the arrival of 
the boat at our landing, came up to the 
Western House, then the leading hotel of 
Northwestern Ohio. A man named Marsh 
was the landlord. The emigrants en- 
camped on the bottom near the landing. 
During the night after his arrival the 
stranger in the hotel was taken sick. He 
requested the presence of a Free Mason, 
if there were any in the village, and Har- 
vey J. Harman was sent for. Mr. Har- 
man attended the stranger during the 
night and until he died in the morning. 
Drs. Brainard and Rawson pronounced 
cholera the cause of death. The village 
was panic-stricken. Harman, in a couple 
of days, died, and then Marsh, the land- 
lord of the Western House, and his wife. 
All who could get away left town, and with 



few exceptions, those who could not get 
away closed iheir houses and admitted no 
one. The Olmsteds went into the coun- 
try, leaving their store and the post office 
in charge of Mr. Everett. Dr. Anderson 
would see no one, and Dr. Brainard was 
himself attacked but recovered. At the 
beginning of the scourge death followed 
attack quickly. An old bachelor — ,Billy 
Stripe — who lived east of the town, came 
in one day and was seized on the street. 
He found refuge on a pile of shavings in 
a new building being erected on the cor- 
ner of Croghan and Front streets, and in 
a few hours was dead. The emigrants' 
camp down by the landing was a place of 
indescribable suffering. Many of them 
died without attendance, and the living 
could scarce bury the dead. Joel Everett 
was one day passing this encampment on 
his way home from Lower Sandusky. He 
had not gone far before the dread disease 
compelled him to stop. The neighbors 
dared not take him into their houses, but 
built a tent over him by the roadside and 
provided a bed, on which he died on the 
following day. He was buried near his 
lonely death-bed. 

The scourge lasted about three weeks, 
and the percentage of mortality was large. 
During the whole time Mr. Brown, Mr. 
Birchard, Judge Hulburd, and Dr. Raw- 
son made themselves eminently useful in 
caring for the sick and burying the dead. 
Homer Everett acted as general commis- 
sary, having the keys of nearly all the 
stores, with instructions to take out what- 
ever was needed. Most of the merchants 
cleared the town. About one month 
elapsed before the disease was wholly 
eradicated. 

In 1849, when <-holera visited Sandusky 
city with such frightful mortality, there were 
one or two deaths among those who had 
taken refuge here, but it did not spread. 
Almost every family forsook the town. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



443 



i'nere were also one or two deaths in 
1854, and two cases, both fatal, in 1866, 
An epidemic of cerebro spinal meningitis, 
not affecting large numbers, but character- 
istically fatal, occured in 1847-48 in Fre- 
mont and vicinity. This disease has re- 
appeared two or three times since, and 
was the cause of several deaths during the 
present year. 

During the latter part of the winter of 
1848-49 an exceedingly malignant type 
of erysipelas prevailed throughout the 
town and county. It attacked many and 
was very fatal. Among those who fell 
victims were two physici.ins, Drs. A. H. 
Brown and B. F. Williams. In 1856 
dysentery prevailed and caused many 
deaths. Fremont has enjoyed a remark- 
able exemption from diphtheria, for al- 
though since about 1857-58 this dreadful 
malady has carried off a small number 
during several and even the present year, 
the disease never at any time prevailed 
extensively in the town. It has, however, 
been in some seasons very destructive in 
various neighborhoods in different parts 
of the county. As miasmatic fevers grew 
less and less prevalent, typhoid fever 
seemed in some sense to take their place, 
and appears now to be firmly implanted. 
This fever is fully as prevalent, if not 
indeed more so, in the country than in 
the town, and appears, in both instances, 
to be clearly traceable to local causes 
within the reach of practicable means of 
prevention, when intelligence respecting 
the causes of its development and diffu- 
sion becomes more general. The first 
appearance of scarlet fever is believed to 
have been about the year 1852, when it 
occurred in a malignant form, and since 
that year, although it has occurred on 
several occasions, the disease has been 
confined to a few families, and has not 
been remarkably fatal. Cases of small- 
pox have now and then been witnessed, 



but the disease has never spread among 
our people. 

The pioneers of Sandusky county who 
endured, with almost matchless fortitude, 
great privations, were, by the force of cir- 
cumstances, unable to avoid those dis- 
eases which inevitably result where, in 
such a climate as this, the virgin soil with 
its rank vegetation is first exposed to the 
rays of the sun by work done with the 
axe and the plow. No human foresight 
or skill is able to prevent the development 
of the peculiar miasma or germ thus 
brought into activity, and which, though 
unperceived by the senses, is still the un- 
doubted source of miasmatic fevers. Pro- 
longed cultivation, however, diminishes, 
if it does not finally entirely remove the 
conditions favora'-:)le to the causation of 
diseases of this class. The case is far dif- 
ferent with many of the diseases with 
which we are now called upon to contend, 
and which are produced by decaying 
matter supplied by living beings. In our 
cities, villages, and country places little 
attention is paid to the prevention of con- 
tamination of wells and springs supplying 
water used for drinking by filthy accumu- 
lations. In many situations, if not in 
most, the water thus used is manifestly 
rendered noxious by such sources of con- 
tamination, and not until the importance 
of this condition of affairs is fully realized 
in its relation to the production ot disease, 
and intelligent and effective measures, in 
accordance with modern sanitary science, 
are faithfully carried out, can we hope to 
wipe out those diseases, which are now 
looked upon by the medical faculty as 
practically preventable. 

Dr. Goodin was probably the first 
physician to locate in the village of Lower 
Sandusky. He came soon after the gar- 
rison was removed. His very meagre in- 
come was increased somewhat by teaching 
school. He was somewhat eccentric, and 



444 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



was particularly noticeable on account ol" 
his frontier dress, which he continued to 
wear for several years. He always wore 
a coat and pantaloons of deerskin, which 
looked very well in fair weather, but in 
rainy times his clothes stretched and drew 
to disagreeable shapes. He left here after 
about ten years. 

Dr. Hastings came to Lower Sandusky 
about 1816. He was a man of refined 
manners and general scholarship. In his 
profession he was successful, and had con- 
siderable practice, but it was of a laborious 
and unprofitable ciiaracter, not diffeiingin 
this respect from the practice of all the 
pioneer physicians. He left here in 1828. 

Dr. Holloway was another of the 
pioneer doctors, but we are unable to 
learn anything about him. He remained 
but a short time. 

Dr. Daniel Brainard, a native of 
New York, began the practice of medicine 
in Lower Sandusky in 181 9, and con- 
tinued for a period of about forty years. 
He ranked among the first practitioners in 
Northwestern Ohio, and for many years 
his practice embraced the settlements in- 
cluded by a line running east of Bellevue, 
south as far as Fort Seneca, west to Port- 
age River and north to the lake. Perhaps 
no man ever lived in the county who had a 
more varied experience of pioneer life. He 
was here when the county east and west was 
a roadless expanse of dark, damj) forest, cut 
into two parts by a tortuous stream over 
whose rapid current in its upper course 
skirting trees joined their outstretching 
branches, and bordering the still waters in 
its lower course were grassy prairies. 
Lower Sandusky was an expansion of this 
forest path, which Indian romance and 
military history had already celebrated. 
When Dr. Brainard came here, a village 
was already showing signs of life and 
growth, but all around was dark wilder- 
ness, the gloom of which was broken only 



by an occasional habitation. 'I'he practice 
of medicine was especially arduous, be- 
cause it required almost constant travel. 
Dr. Brainard was not only sound in 
the science of physic, but was a de- 
scriptive writer of force and interest. 
He was himself the hero of an ad- 
venture worthy of being preserved. The 
world has Httle enough romance without 
any being lost. Prosy detail is the bane 
of history. Romantic episodes are neces- 
sary to destroy the drudgery of life, and 
make history interesting. The scene of 
Dr. Brainard's experience is laid between 
twenty and thirty miles southwest of his 
ofifice at Lower Sandusky, in a dense for- 
est. On a March morning, while a blus- 
tering snow storm was closing every path, 
and a cold northwester was whistling 
among the trees, this faithful servant of a 
sufi'ering pioneer community started to see 
a patient thirty miles distant. The last 
twelve miles of the journey was through 
a forest which fallen snow had made path- 
less. The Doctor^ of course, did not 
reach this forest till late in the day. Snow- 
laden saplings bent across what seemed 
the woodland road, and made it necessary 
to seek openings around. This circum- 
stance not only retarded his progress, but 
bewildered him in his course. He finally 
lost the road altogether, and was com- 
pelled to rely upon his judgment to direct 
the horse the remaining miles of the jour- 
ney. The weary horse and anxious rider 
both became impatient with their uncer- 
tain, zig zag progress. Slowly, and with a 
consciousness of his rider's bewilderment, 
the horse stumbled through snow-heaps, 
seemingly multiplying every hour. At 
last a plain road was reached, but where 
it was and whither it led was more than 
the Doctor or the horse knew. In the 
hope of soon reaching a house, the horse, 
whose load was made doubly burdensome 
by discouragement, (for an animal is not 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



445 



slow to detect the thoughts of his master,) 
was urged on. Night drove light from 
the inhospitable wilderness. The fatigued 
horse lagged slowly through the deep 
snow, while hope kept up the rider's con- 
fidence, but hunger and cold sadly afflicted 
both. Dr. Brainard notes that melan- 
choly began to send strange fancies across 
his troubled brain. Cold, hungry, lost, 
with a horse shaking with fatigue, what 
if some wild animal should attack him 
while in such a situation? While revolv- 
ing these uncomfortable anticipations, the 
cold, snow-burdened breeze brought the 
well-know howl of a distant wolf. The 
lash clashed oftener and louder upon the 
poor horse, but the faithful animal, ex- 
hausted by long travelling without food, 
reeled under the smarting cuts of his fright- 
ened rider. The terrible howl grew in 
volume, and fast came closer. No cabin 
light was within sight. The horse stag- 
gered in his exertions to hurry. Cold, 
hunger, exhaustion — ^fear had displaced 
them all when the rcd-tongued pack 
dashed into the road but a few rods be- 
hind. Now others crossed the road in 
front, and, circling near and nearer, their 
hideous howl became more terrible. The 
poor horse was too weak to frighten at the 
situation, which increased the danger. If 
he should fall from exhaustion, the issue 
was not doubtful. While Dr. Brainard 
was debating his ability to escape by 
climbing a tree, the thought occurred to 
him that a loud voice would frighten 
them. He lifted his chest to his lungs' 
fullest capacity, and stnt a strong shout 
at his unwelcome companions, but his 
voice was like a musket amidst the roar 
of artillery. The howling of the circling 
wolves became more threatening. Desper- 
ately they snapped their jaws in the horse's 
face, and dreadfully their red eyes gleamed 
from the snow-covered surface. The Doc- 
tor seriously contemplated sacrificing his 



horse to the appetites of his pursuers, and 
indeed hints that he would have done so 
had not such an undertaking been too 
hazardous. He therefore, as the safer al- 
ternative, resolved to stick "to his wearied 
horse as long as it could walk, and trust to 
Providence for the event." The pack 
gathered so near that their horrid grin was 
discernable. They seemed to be gather- 
ing resolution to make an attack. Fear- 
ing that his fatigued horse might give 
way, the doctor prepared to climb. He 
took off his overcoat, released his feet 
from the stirrups, and chose his tree at 
every point of the slowly-traversed road. 
In this way a distance of at least four 
miles was passed over. At length a bright 
spot appeared in the not far distant dark- 
ness. It was the star which hope had 
seen during more than four hours of peril. 
The sight of that cabin window brought 
joy inexpressible. Even the way-worn 
horse recovered his spirits and quickened 
his step. Maddened animals, fierce winds, 
and beating snow were all forgotten at the 
glimpse of a log hearth, caught through a 
paper window. The horse, a moment be- 
fore on the point of falling, pricked up his 
ears and neighed aloud. The hospitable 
inhabitants of that lonely forest home had 
heard the coming of the weary traveller 
and his unwelcome train. They were at the 
door, ready to receive their guest and 
serve his wants. The emboldened beasts 
pressed near, but the heavy sound of a 
musket, the bark of a faithful dog, and the 
light of several torches sent them howling 
to the wilderness. It was now 2 o'clock 
in the morning. The Doctor's wants were 
abundantly provided for, and the horse 
given the best of corn. Upon inquiry, he 
found that he was ten miles south of the 
point of his destination. 

Dr. Brainard had the respect and confi- 
dence of the people, whom he served for 
forty years. He^ was one of the first 



446 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Free Masons in Lower Sandusky, and 
a member of Fort Stephenson lodge after 
the revival of Masonry. Brainard lodge 
was named in his honor. His funeral was 
conducted with Masonic honors. Dr. 
Brainard died in 1859, just forty years 
after beginning his useful career in this 
county. 

Dr. L.\Quinio Rawson. — A biography 
of Dr. Rawson is part of the legitimate 
history of Sandusky county. He came 
here in an early year of its settlement, 
and has since devoted his strong energies 
and very respectable talent to the service 
of his fellow-citizens, both as a ])hysician 
and in business enterprises of a public 
and useful character. 

Dr. Rau'son's descent is traced from 
the age of English chivalry, the coat of 
arms descending from family to family, 
until finally inherited by Edward Rawson, 
who came to America in 1636 or 1637, 
and was chosen to the secretaryship of the 
Colony of Massachusetts Bay. He sev- 
eral times represented his town of New- 
bury in the General Court of the colony, 
and was a man of note and influence in 
the early history of New England. Of 
the fifth generation from Secretary Edward 
Rawson, was Lemuel Rawson, father of 
the subject of this biography. He was 
born in 1767. He was occupied as a 
tanner at Warwick, Massachusetts, until 
about 1812. He then turned his atten- 
tion to agriculture, residing in each of the 
following-named places: Orange, New 
Salem, and Irving Grant, all in Massa- 
chusetts, until 1836, when he came to 
Ohio, and located at Bath, Summit 
county, where he remained until Sep- 
tember 20, 1844, when liis wife died, 
after which he lived with his children in 
Northern Ohio. He died December 2, 
1851, at Dr. Rawson's residence in Fre- 
mont. His wife was Sarah Barrus, whonf 
he married at Warwick, Massachusetts, in 



1 79 1. i'he family consisted of six sons 
and three daughters. Five of the sons 
came to Ohio; four of them were success- 
ful practitioners of medicine, and the 
other attained a high place in the legal 
profession of Northern Ohio. Secretary 
Rawson, oldest of the five brothers, prac- 
ticed medicine in Richfield, Summit 
county, Ohio, forty-two years. Success 
followed him through his professional 
life. 

Abel Rawson, second of the five Ohio 
brothers, was well-known in this countv. 
He was one of the pioneer lawyers at 
Tiffin, Ohio, and his presence was familiar 
in every court-room in this part of the 
State. He studied law in Massachusetts, 
and when admitted to the Bar was over 
four hundred dollars in debt. He came 
to Ohio in 1824, and taught school at 
Norwalk. In 1826 he opened a law office 
at Tiffin, and at once took high rank in 
his profession. 

Dr. Bass Rawson first learned the trade 
of a hatter, but in a few years began the 
study of medicine in New Hami)shire. 
In 1829 he located in Findlay, Hancock 
county, Ohio, where he earned a reputa- 
tion as a skillful physician, and was very 
successful. 

Dr. Alonzo Rawson, youngest of the 
brothers who came to Ohio, first learned 
the trade of printing. He established, in 
Tiffin, in 1834, the Independent Chroni- 
cle. After two years experience he dis- 
continued editorial work to engage in 
mercantile enterprises, but finally studied 
medicine, and was a successtul practi- 
tioner. 

Few tamilies have honored the memory 
of a worthy ancestor by successful and 
useful lives as have the membtrs of this 
branch of the Rawson family. De- 
pending wholly upon their own exertions, 
each has left the impress of his life and 
character upon the history of the com- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



4il 



munity in which he lived and labored. 
We have spoken of these membtrs of the 
Rawson family partly to show the charac- 
ter of the family, and partly because they 
are remembered by a large number of 
people living wilhin the proper scope of 
this history. We now turn to the subject 
of this biography. 

LaQuino Rawson was born at Irving, 
Franklin county, Massachusetts, Septem- 
ber 14, 1804. His earlier boyhood was 
spent on his father's farm, and in the com- 
mon schools of his neighborhood. At the 
age of sixteen, being ambitious to acquire 
an education, and being wholly dependent 
upon himself for the means of pursuing 
his cherished purpose, he left home and 
entered the academy at New Salem, where 
he attended instruction for some time, ex- 
cept during the intervals spent at com- 
mon labor and teaching school, by which 
means he earned money to pay his ex- 
penses at the academy. In 1824, being 
then nineteen years old, he came to Ohio 
and entered upon the study of medicine, 
and at the same time taught school to 
meet his expenses. In 1826 he was 
granted license to practice by the Ohio 
Medical Society, and entered upon the 
duties of his profession at Tyamochtee, 
Crawford county. At that time the Wy- 
andot Indians occupied a large reserva- 
tion in the county, and he had frequent 
calls to attend their sick. The Indians 
received the intelligent services of their 
white physician very gratefully, and paid 
their bills much more promptly than the 
white people. The Indians generally en- 
tertained an idea that they could not en- 
ter the happy hunting ground without 
every obligation having been discharged, 
and consequently cheerfully handed over 
to their doctor the shining half dollars 
received as annuity from the Government. 
The Indian doctors and their herb reme- 
dies were in most cases abandoned as 



soon as they were given the opportunity 
of scientific treatment. The honesty of 
these weak descendants of a powerful and 
noble nation is illustrated by a incident in 
the practice of Dr. Rawson. He was 
asked to visit a very sick Indian at Upper 
Sandusky, and while there an old chief 
came to him and said: "Mr. Doctor, 
this sick Indian very poor; he no money; 
not pay you now; but you cure him all 
same and when we get our pay [annuity] 
I pay you." The sick Indian got well, 
and soon after pay day the old chief came 
to the Doctor's office and left the amount 
of the bill in shining half dollars. 

The Indians were afflicted by the same 
diseases which prevailed among their 
white neighbors — fevers, ague, and other 
malarial complaints. The Doctor says 
about one-fourth of his practice at Tya- 
mochtee was among the Indians. 

In 1827 Dr. Rawson began the prac- 
tice of his profession in Lower Sandusky, 
where his life has since been spent, except 
during an interval of about three years. 
From 1 83 1 to 1833 he practiced in Find- 
lay, Ohio, and during the winter of 1833- 
34 attended lectures at the Ohio Medical 
College, and received the M. D. degree 
in the spring of 1834. He afterwards at- 
tended a course at the University of 
Pennsylvania, and was the recipient from 
that institution of the ad eiiiidem degree 
of M. D. After completing this thorough 
course of study and preparation, he again 
opened an office in Lower Sandusky, and 
was in constant practice until 1855. Dur- 
ing this time Dr. Rawson's standing as a 
physician was recognized by complimen- 
tary diplomas of membership in the Cin- 
cinnati Medical Society, the Philadelphia 
Medical Society, and the Ohio Medical 
Lyceum of Cincinnati. 

All through this volume are paragraphs 
descriptive of the county in its early his- 
tory. No class of men suffered mor!? 



448 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



than the early doctors. The statement 
has been made, and indeed needs little 
modification, that sickness was a constant 
unwelcome guest of every cabin. Houses 
were far apart and forest paths and primi- 
tive roads forbid description. The pro- 
fession had in it very little to remunerate 
all these dismal and sometimes dangerous 
rides. People were all poor and some of 
them destitute. They were without money 
and without a market where agricultural 
products could be exchanged for money. 
As a consequence the physician saw little 
hard cash for the hard times he ex- 
perienced. Dr. Rawson says: 

When I located at Lower Sandusky, there were two 
physicians here— Dr. Hastings and Dr. Daniel 
Brainard. They were both well educated and skil- 
ful in their profession, and now, when looking back 
to those times, when Sandusky county was a wilder- 
ness and uncultivated swamp, and many of the set- 
tlements composed of rough pioneers, 1 wonder why 
educated and accomplished men, such as the two 
physicians I have mentioned were, should have come 
to this desolate place to spend their lives. But such 
is the history of the human race. 

This is a generous compliment to his 
early contemporaries. Whatever opinions 
we may entertain of providential dispensa- 
tions, liere we have a peculiarly striking 
picture illustrating the eternal fitness of 
things. The spectacle ot men of intelli- 
gence and science devoting themselves, 
body and soul, to their lofty calling, often 
without hope of reward, always amidst 
the most discouraging surroundings, is 
worthy of a better pen. 

We have given in the preceding sketch 
of Dr. Brainard, who came here in 1819, 
some idea of Lower Sandusky's wild sur- 
roundings. When Dr. Rawson located 
here, eight years later, the east part of the 
county had been opened and clearing fires 
blazed in every direction. Dr. Harkness 
had established himself near Bellevue, and 
considerable territory, formerly embraced 
within Dr. Brainard's circuit on the east, 
was cut off. The general limit of Dr. 



Rawson's practice was west to the Portage 
River, from the source of that stream to 
its entrance into the bay at Port Clinton; 
on the east Hamar's tavern (now Clyde); 
and on the south Fort Seneca. None of 
the streams within this tract, embracing a 
large part of the i)resent counties of San- 
dusky, Ottawa, Wood, and Seneca, were 
bridged, excejjt the Sandusky River, at 
Lower Sandusky. 

The year 1834 was an epoch in the 
medical history of tins county. The 
cholera scourge prevailed, and many of 
the frightened people of Lower Sandusky 
locked their doors and refused to leave 
their houses or to admit visitors. The 
village population at that time amounted 
to about three hundred, a large per cent, 
of whom were afflicted with the fatal 
disease, and the mortality was large. Four 
men, — it is a delight to record their names 
and preserve the memory of their disin- 
terested charity — Dr. Rawson, Mr. Brown, 
Mr. Bircliard, and Judge Hulburd, went 
from house to house of the afBicted, per- 
forming the tender offices of physician and 
nurse, and, when sad necessity required, 
attended the rites of burial. This was 
the first visitation of the cholera on the San- 
dusky. It subsequently appeared several 
times, but never with such fatal results. 

As the country developed, Dr. Rawson's 
practice grew more extensive and re- 
munerative. His practice was laborious, 
but a physique capable of almost any en- 
durance was his best inheritance. The 
rugged labor of his early life was a fit 
preparation for the toils of his profession- 
al career. In his case vigor of body was 
happily equalled by vigor of mind. To a 
close and extensive knowledge of medical 
science he brought the aid of practical 
judgment. 

Many were the regrets, in 1855, when 
he announced his intention to withdraw 
from professional life. His patients 




-^J'g'^JTi-H.ST^X> 



/ 



a / 1^ f^^ c^cz-y 






HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



449 



cherished toward him more than profes- 
sional affection. He had been to them a 
prompt friend in every hour of physical 
distress and anxiety. Aside from his skill 
and sincere honesty in the treatment of 
diseases, Dr. Rawson had one character- 
istic as a practitioner worthy of imitation 
by members of his profession. He never 
failed to meet an engagement. Every 
summon to a bed of sickness was prompt- 
ly answered by his cheerful presence, re- 
gardless of financial condition, or prospect 
of remuneration. He thus endeared him- 
self to the people whom he served. 

He was successively appointed to the 
office of county clerk from 1836 to 1851, 
inclusive. His laborious professional 
business made it necessary that the charge . 
of the office should be confided to a 
deputy. 

We have now briefly traced the career 
of Dr. Rawson as a practitioner of medi- 
cine during a period of nearly thirty years. 
But his career of usefulness by no means 
ended with his retirement from profession- 
al life. He had accumulated considerable 
property, and had for years been alive to 
every enterprise which promised to be- 
come a public benefit. In previous chap- 
ters of this volume are detailed the history 
of three of the most important public 
improvements in the history of the county, 
the plank-road from Tiffin to Fremont 
and Fostoria, the Cleveland, Toledo & 
Norwalk Railroad, and the Fremont & 
Indiana Railroad. In the plank-road en- 
terprise Dr. Rawson worked actively and 
vigorously, and when money was wanted 
his hand went deep into his treasury. 

To detail Dr. Rawson's connection with 
the other two enterprises would be to re- 
peat what has already been said by one 
familiar with all the circumstances. Dr. 
Rawson and others, when the Cleveland, 
Toledo & Norwalk Railroad was first in- 
augurated, obligated themselves to m- 



demnify the county commissioners, who, 
without ample personal guarantee, refused 
to issue the bonds, as authorized by vote 
of the people of the county. When stock 
books were opened. Dr. Rawson was 
among the heaviest subscribers. For the 
history of the Lake Erie & Western Rail- 
road, with which the name of Dr. Rawson 
is so closely associated, we again refer to 
a preceding chapter. To the united energy 
of the incorporators — L. Q. Rawson, Sardis 
Birchard, James Justice, Charles W. Fos- 
ter, and John R. Pease — the country ben- 
efited by this road is indebted. The lead- 
ing spirit and advocate from the beginning 
was Dr. Rawson, who, at the first organiza- 
tion of the company in 1853, was elected 
president and director, and served in that 
capacity until 1875. For about twenty 
years he had the general management of 
all the interests of the road. His connec- 
tion with the county agricultural society is 
duly mentioned under the proper head. 

Dr. Rawson married, July 8, 1829, So- 
phia Beaugrand, daughter of John B. 
Beaugrand, who was born in Bordeaux, 
France, in 1768. He was married in St. 
i\nne's church, Detroit, in 1802, to Mar- 
garet Chabert, daughter of Colonel Cha- 
bert de Joucaire, of the French army. 
Mr. Beaugrand was a merchant at Maumee 
from 1802 till 181 2. He then went back 
to Detroit, where he remained till 1823, 
then came to Lower Sandusky. 

Mrs. Rawson was born October 20, 
1 8 10. The family of Dr. and Mrs. Raw- 
son consisted of seven children, four of 
whom survived childhood — -Dr. Milton E., 
Joseph L., Eugene A., and Estelle S., two 
of whom are living, Joseph and Estelle. 

We have in this sketch touched upon 
only the leading features of the life of a 
worthy man and citizen, who from early 
youth was busy, and who in old age has 
not wholly laid aside the cares of business. 
His Ufe has been one of real worth, which 



45° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



we have but feebly reflected. Mrs. Raw- 
son is a woman of quiet temperament and 
refined taste. She is a consistent member 
of her church, and possessed of the vir- 
tues which only Christian convictions can 
give a woman. 

Dr. Robert S. Rice was born in Ohio 
county, Virginia, May 28, 1805, and died 
in Fremont, Ohio, August 5, 1875. ^t 
the age of ten he came with his father's 
family to Ohio and located in Chiliicothe, 
Ross county. From that place, in 18 18, 
the family removed to Marion county, and 
in 1827 he settled in Lower Sandusky. 
He worked at his trade, a potter, until 
about the year 1847, when, having long 
employed his leisure hours in the study of 
medicine, he began the practice; and al- 
though he labored under the disadvantages 
of limited educational opportunities in his 
youth, and of not having received a regu- 
lar course of medical instruction, his ca- 
reer as a physician was quite successful. 
He numbered as his patrons many among 
the most respectable families in his town 
and county. 

Dr. Rice was a man of sound judgment, 
quick wit, fond of a joke, and seldom 
equaled as a mimic and story teller. He 
was a keen observer, and found amuse- 
ment and instruction in his daily inter- 
course with men by perceiving many things 
that commonly pass unnoticed. His sym- 
pathies were constantly extended to all 
manner of suffering and oppressed people. 
He denounced human slavery, and from 
an early period acted politically with the 
opponents of the hated institution. Dur- 
ing a period also when the most brutal 
corporal punishment was the fashion and 
practice in families and schools, his voice 
and example were given in favor of the 
humane treatment of children. He was 
of a deeply religious turn of mind. In 
early years, when preachers were few in 
this new country, he often exhorted and 



preached. He was colonel of the first reg- 
iment of cavalry militia organized in the 
county, and also general of the first brig- 
ade. He assisted in running the line be- 
tween Ohio and Michigan, the dispute in 
regard to which led to the bloodless 
"Michigan war." He also served one term 
as mayor of Lower Sandusky, and several 
terms as justice of the peace. He was 
married to Miss Eliza Ann Caldwell, in 
Marion, Ohio, December 30, 1824. They 
had seven sons and two daughters. The 
first two were boys, and died in infancy. 
William A. was born in Fremont, July 31, 
1829; John B., June 23, 1832; Sarah 
Jane, February 20, 1835; Robert H., De- 
cember 20, 1837; Albert H., September 
23, 1840; Charles F., July 23, 1843; Em- 
eline E., January 14, 1847. Sarah Jane 
died June 20, 1841; Emeline died Sep- 
tember 19, 1859. 

The name of Mrs. Eliza Ann Rice de- 
serves more than bare mention in connec- 
tion with the record of the family whose 
chief ornament she was, and to whose in- 
telligence, affection, and example they owe 
whatever of good they have, or shall ac- 
complish in the world. This amiable and 
Christian lady, and loving and devoted 
wife and mother, was born near Chiliicothe, 
Ohio, March 19, 1807. She died on Jan- 
uary 17, 1873, in her sixty-sixth year. She 
belonged to the older class of the commu- 
nity, and occupied a high place in the af- 
fection of a large circle of friends. She 
was a devoted mother, and in return was 
loved and revered by her family. The 
following is an extract from a notice in the 
Fremont Journal of January 24, 1873 — 
one week after her death. It is from the 
pen of Dr. Thomas Stilweil: 

It was not for her to shine in the fashionable as- 
sembly, or the more ostentatious circles of social life, 
but wherever " the ornament of a meek and quiet 
spirit" was the passport to recognition, she was emi- 
nently entitled to receive it. But it was within the 
sacred precincts of home, the true woman's grandest 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



451 



field of display, that she exhibited the virtues that 
win the heart and add a charm to the sacred name of 
mother. 

From early life a member of the church, 
the Protestant Methodist, her heart was 
ever in unison with the teachings of the 
Divine Master, and she died prepared, by 
a life of faith, "to pass through the valley 
of the shadow of death, and to fear no evil." 
Wise in counsel, devoted in her love for her 
children, her sons, who rank as prominent 
and respected professional business men 
of our city, honor themselves by the rec- 
ognition they give that sainted mother's 
teachings, for much of what they have at- 
tained in the walks of life. 

Her father, William Caldwell, was 
the third of the ten children of Rob- 
ert Caldwell and Mary Stephenson, and 
was born in York county, Pennsylvania, 
on the 5th of June, 1779. His parents 
emigrated to Bourbon county, Kentucky, 
in 1782. William Caldwell was married 
to Miss Polly Park, August 2, 1804. in 
Kentucky. She was born ifl the State of 
Virginia, in a block-house to which her 
mother had fled for refuge from an Indian 
massacre which threatened the settlement 
where she lived. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell 
settled near Chilhcothe soon after their 
marriage, but afterwards removed to Ma- 
rion, and finally made their home in Lower 
Sandusky. The former died June 29, 
1835, the latter in 1861. He was a gun- 
smith by trade; served in the War of 181 2, 
under General Hull, at whose surren- 
der he was made a prisoner of war. They 
also had two sons: Robert A., who died 
in California, and Judge William Caldwell, 
of Elmore. 

Peter Beaugrand, a son of John B. 
Beaugrand, came to Lower Sandusky with 
his father's family in 1823. He was born 
in Detroit, in August, 18 14. In March, 
1833, he began the study of medicine at 
Findlay, Ohio, in the office of B. and L. Q. 



Rawson, and when Dr. L. Q. Rawson re- 
moved to Lower Sandusky, Mr. Beaugrand 
came with him. In the winter of 1835-36 
he attended a course of lectures at the Col- 
lege of Physicians and Surgeons, at Fair- 
field, Herkimer county, New York, and af- 
terwards, in 1845, graduated at Ohio Medi- 
cal college, Cincinnati. Dr. Beaugrand 
began practicing in Lower Sandusky 
in 1834. Between 1837 and 1840 he 
was a partner of Dr. Rawson. At the 
dissolution of the partnership he went to 
Michigan and practiced at Monroe City 
three years. He returned to Fremont in 
1843, ^"^d has since been in practice here 
except while serving as surgeon of the 
One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry. 

Drs. Brown and Anderson are two 
physicians of the earlier period. Both 
were at different times partners of Dr. 
Rawson. Dr. Anderson was a partner of 
Dr. Rawson during the cholera scourge of 
1834, but gave no assistance to the suffer- 
ing. Dr. Brown was a merchant at that 
time, and made himself conspicuously 
useful. He afterwards practiced medicine 
with a fair degree of success, but was all 
the time more or less interested in mer- 
cantile pursuits. He died during the epi- 
demic of 1848-49. 

Dr. B. F. Williams was born in Pom- 
fret, Chautauqua county, New York, June 
27, 181 1, and came to Lower Sandusky in 
October, 1822. He attended school at the 
academy in Sangersfield, New York, after 
which he returned to Fremont in 1829. 
About two years later he began the study 
of medicine with Dr. Anderson, with 
whom he remained three years. He then 
went to Cincinnati, where he became a 
student of Dr. Drake, and attended lec- 
tures. He graduated in 1835 or 1836. 
During his stay in Cincinnati he became 
acquainted with and married Miss Sarah 
Addison, a descendant of the English 



452 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



author, Joseph Addibon. He then return- 
ed to Lower Sandusky and began the 
practice of medicine, in which he contin- 
ued until the time of his death, which 
occurred February 9, 1849. Dr. WiUiams' 
untimely death terminated what would 
have been an honorable and successful 
career. His mental powers were good, 
and he applied himself closely to study. 
He was exceedingly fond of scientific 
pursuits, and possessed excellent literary 
taste. His manners were cultivated and 
agreeable, and his character pure and 
above reproach. 

His widow, a son and a daughter reside 
in Brooklyn, New York, and another son 
in Minnesota. 

Dr. Louis Gessner was born April 6, 
1804, in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. His 
father died in 1809, leaving a widow and 
four children. Although in moderate cir- 
cumstances, she succeeded, through true 
motherly sacrifice and devotion, in secur- 
ing for them a good education. Louis 
left home at the age of fifteen, and travelled 
on foot to the Danube, and thence went 
to Vienna, where he had relatives, who 
kindly rendered him assistance in the com- 
pletion of his education. After finishing 
his course of study in medicine, he left 
Vienna, travelling on foot to Switzerland. 
Arriving at the Canton of Berne in 1828, 
he commenced the practice of medicine, 
and in the same year was married to Miss 
Elizabeth F. Schwartz, daughter of a 
prominent physician of Thun. In 1833, 
Avith his family, he emigrated to America, 
and located first near Tonawanda, but 
soon afterwards in Buffalo, New York. In 
1837 he removed to Williamsville, Erie 
county. Leaving his family in that place, 
he returned to Switzerland, and coming 
back in 1838, decided to move West. He 
accordingly settled in Lower Sandusky in 
that year. He soon enjoyed a good prac- 
tice, largely, but by no means exclusively. 



among the early German settlers in San- 
dusky county. As a physician, Dr. Gess- 
ner won the confidence of the public, and 
his standing among his brethren of the 
medical profession was always high. He 
purchased a house and lot of Thomas L. 
Hawkins in i84i,and his present residence 
in the country in 1848. 

The offspring consisted of eleven chil- 
dren, three of whom — Karl, Louis, and 
Louise — were born in Thun, Switzerland. 
Karl, the eldest, died during the voyage to 
America, and was buried at sea. Freder- 
ick and Emily were born in Buffalo, and 
Matilda, Caroline, Gustavus A., Randolph, 
and two others who died in early infancy, 
in Fremont. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Frederika Gessner was, 
on the maternal side, of Italian descent. 
Her mother's father was a physician of 
the name of Rubini. Her great-grand- 
father, of the same name, was the author 
of a treatise on materia medica, written in 
1688, a copy of which is still preserved. 
Mrs. Gessner died in 1864. She was a 
lady of excellent education and great re- 
finement of feeling, tender and sympa- 
thetic. x\midst the constant and exacting 
duties of wife and mother, from which 
she never shrank, and which she never 
slighted, her moments of leisure were 
given to books and music, her passion for 
which ended only with her life. She de- 
lighted most of all in the songs and tradi- 
tions of the land of her birth, and dwelt 
on them and kindred topics with a pathos 
often tinged with melancholy, that im- 
pressed those with whom her memory is 
sacred forever that her lot should have 
been so cast that the land of her birth 
had been also the land of her life and 
death, surrounded only by familiar scenes, 
and gentle and loving friends. 

Dr. James W. Wilson was born in 
New Berlin, Union county, Pennsylvania, 
February i, 1816. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



453 



His grandfather, James Wilson, emi- 
grated from Connecticut to Eastern Penn- 
sylvania about 1 79 1. His father, Samuel 
Wilson, the only son of James Wilson, 
was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsyl- 
vania, November 25, 1793. He married 
Miss Sarah Mauck, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, at New Berlin, and resided there, 
a much esteemed and successful merchant, 
until his death, November 3, 1855. His 
wife, the mother of Dr. Wilson, died May 
31, 1872, aged eighty-four years. 

Dr. Wilson studied medicine with Dr. 
Joseph R. Lotz in New Berlin, and after- 
wards attended lectures at Jefferson 
Medical College, Philadelphia, where he 
graduated in March, 1837. He com- 
menced the practice of medicine in 
Centre county, Pennsylvania, in Novem- 
ber of the same year. He emigrated to 
Ohio in June, 1839, in company with Dr. 
Thomas Stilwell, and settled in Lower 
Sandusky (now Fremont), July 24, 1829, 
where they opened an office, and con- 
tinued to practice as partners most of the 
time until 1862. 

During the years that Dr. Wilson 
was engaged in the practice of his 
profession, he ranked among the most 
successful physicians in this section of the 
State. He was distinguished for prompti- 
tude, and faithful punctuality in fufilling 
engagements. The urbanity of his man- 
ners made him ever welcome to the bed- 
side of the sufferer. His intelligence and 
manly deportment won the confidence of 
the public. His acknowledged skill, and 
the painstaking care with which he investi- 
gated the cases submitted to his judgment, 
commanded the respect and regard of his 
fellow-practitioners. It is probable that 
no physician outside the large cities of 
Ohio has ever enjoyed a larger practice, 
or performed more arduous labor in meet- 
ing its requirements. 

In consequence of extraordinary ex- 



posure, while attending to this large 
practice, Dr. Wilson was attacked, January 
9, 1858, with a severe pneumonia, from 
the effects of which he has never com- 
pletely recovered; nor has he since de- 
voted himself to the practice of medicine. 
He has, however, retained a lively interest 
in whatever pertains to the profession of 
his choice. He is president of the San- 
dusky County Medical Society, and a 
member of the Ohio State Medical 
Society. During the war of the Rebel- 
lion he was appointed by Governor Tod 
(August, 1862), surgeon for Sandusky 
county, to examine applicants for exemp- 
tion from draft. 

On the 25th of May, 1841, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Nancy E. Justice, daughter 
of Judge James Justice, of Lower San- 
dusky. They have four children — two 
sons and two daughters. Charles G., the 
eldest son, a graduate of Kenyon College 
and Harvard Law School, now of the law 
firm of Pratt & Wilson, of Toledo, mar- 
ried Nellie, daughter of J. E. Amsden, of 
Fremont. The younger son, James W., 
is collection clerk in the First National 
Bank. The eldest daughter is the wife of 
Dr. John B. Rice, of this city. Mary, 
the younger daughter, is married to 
Charles F. Rice, of New York City. 

In 1857 Dr. Wilson became a partner 
in the banking house of Birchard, Miller & 
Co. In September, 1863, the bank was 
merged into the First National Bank of 
Fremont, with Dr. Wilson as vice-presi- 
dent. January 27, 1874, after the death 
of Mr. Birchard, Dr. Wilson was elected 
president, which position he now holds. 

To the various enterprises tending to 
promote the business interests and growth 
of Fremont, the doctor has been a liberal 
contributor. 

Dr. Wilson is a man of conservative 
views, but still not wanting in the liber- 
ality which accords to others the same 



454 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



rights and privileges he desires for himseU". 
He is a man of firm rehgious convictions, 
and has always been consistent with his 
professions. For thirty years he has been 
a member of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church, and a regular attendant upon its 
services. Dr. Wilson holds the church 
to be the mainspring of law and order in 
society, and contributes liberally for the 
support of its charities. 

Thomas Stilwell, M. D., was born 
in Buffalo Valley, Union county, Pennsyl- 
vania, five or six miles west of Lewisburg, 
in January, 1815. His father, Joseph 
Stilwell, for more than half a century an 
honored citizen of that county, died in 
185 1, aged seventy - four years. His 
mother, Anna Stilwell, died eleven years 
later aged eighty-four years. 

While a child his parents removed to 
New Berlin, the county seat of Union 
county, where he continued to reside, with 
the exception of such time as he was 
absent at school, until he left to make the 
West his future home. 

After a full academic course at Milton, 
Pennsylvania, under the tuition of Rev. 
David Kirkpatrick, a distinguished teacher 
in that section of the State, and a brief 
course of selected studies at Lafayette 
college, Easton, Pennsylvania, he entered 
upon the study of medicine with Dr. 
Joseph R. Lotz, at New Berlin, and grad- 
uated at Jefferson Medical College, Phila- 
delphia, Pennsylvania, in March, 1839, 
and located the same year at Fremont. 

He was married to Miss Jerusha A. 
Boughton, of Canfield, Mahoning (then 
Trumbull) county, in 1842. Their chil- 
dren, five in number, are: Charles B., who 
resides at Watertown, New York ; Thomas 
J., at St. Louis, Missouri; Charlotte E., 
married to John T. Lanman, at New 
London, Connecticut; Mary, married to 
W. T. Jordan, Louisville, Kentucky; and 
Anna M., at home with her parents. 



At the close of forty-one years of pro- 
fessional life he still continues in the prac- 
tice of medicine. 

Dr. Stilwell's place in the profession has 
always been with those in front. For the 
past two years he has been vice-president 
of the Sandusky County Medical Society, 
and for many years a member of the State 
Medical Society. He was among the first 
appointed pension examining surgeons 
(February, 1863), which position he held 
until he resigned in 1879. To his letter 
of resignation the Commissioner of Pen- 
sions replied in very complimentary terms, 
expressing regret for its having been ten- 
dered. He has recently been elected one 
of the censors of the medical depart- 
ment of the Western Reserve University 
at Cleveland, having held the same posi- 
tion in Charity Hospital Medical College, 
afterwards known as the Medical Depart- 
ment of ^Vooster University. Dr. Stilwell 
has been a member of the Presbyterian 
church during the whole of his mature 
life, and has for many years been an elder. 

Dr. Stilwell, at our request, has fur- 
nished the following account of some of 
the experiences of himself and Dr. Wil- 
son connected with their practice: 

Drs. Wilson and Stilwell — who grew up 
together in close companionship in their 
Pennsylvania town, and were fellow-stu- 
dents in Dr. Lotz's ofifice, giaduating at 
the same college — formed the purpose, 
while yet office students, to emigrate to 
the West together. Accordingly, on the 
13th of June, 1839, in a two-horse covered 
carriage, purposely constructed with ample 
room for themselves and baggage, which 
included a small stock of books and in- 
struments, they left their home for a West- 
ern prospecting tour, with the design, if no 
location to their liking ofifered sooner, to 
go on to Illinois, at that day the " Far 
West." Travelling leisurely, they stopped 
long enough at each important town on 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



455 



the way to ascertain what inducement it 
could offer two adventurous young men 
who were in the pursuit of bread and 
fame. Cahing on their professional breth- 
ren, both as a matter of courtesy and 
interest, the pleasure of their journey 
was much increased thereby. In this way 
they reached Lower Sandusky (Fremont). 
Spending a few days visiting friends — who 
a few years before, on coming West, settled 
in the neighborhood of Lower Sandusky 
— they continued on to Perrysburg and 
Maumee. Here they saw what had often 
been the exciting theme of their childhood 
— a tribe of Indians — the Ottawas, who 
were encamped on the flats opposite Mau- 
mee, preparatory to their being removed 
to their new hunting-grounds west of the 
Mississippi, assigned them by the Govern- 
ment. 

Finding the roads impassable for their 
carriage the travellers returned to Lower 
Sandusky, and turned south. At Tiffin 
they met with Dr. Dresbach — of lasting 
reputation in that locality for his genial 
manner, and his ability as a physician and 
surgeon. Advised by him, they decided 
to remain at Lower Sandusky, to which 
they returned, and "put up" at Corbin's, 
the Kessler House of to-day, it being the 
24th of July. A week subsequently oc- 
curred the 2d of August, whereon the 
citizens of Sandusky and neighboring 
counties celebrated the anniversary of 
Croghan's victory by barbecuing an ox 
on the commons — now the court-house 
park, Eleutheros Cook, of Sandusky 
City, delivering an oration from the porch 
of the low frame dwelling-house erected a 
few years before by Jacques Hulburd, 
standing in the middle of Fort Stephen- 
son, and which, three or four years ago, 
was removed from the gounds when they 
became the property of the city and 
Birchard library by purchase. 

The breastworks of the fort were, at 



that day, still conspicuous, a few of the 
decayed palisades yet to be seen. 

Within a few days after their arrival 
both were taken sick with fever. Oc- 
cupying beds at the hotel in the same 
out-of-the-way room, they were left pretty 
much to themselves, to acquire experience 
as patient, nurse, and doctor, all at the 
same time and at their leisure. A new 
settler had a good deal to learn about 
sickness, and but few lacked opportunities 
for acquiring knowledge by personal ex 
perience. 

A notable fact connected with the his- 
tory of the hotel that season is remembered 
by living participant:, namely: That at one 
time, for a few days, not a woman re- 
mained in the house, filled as it was with 
guests and boarders, of whom many were 
sick, except the landlord's wife, and she, 
too, down with the fever. The women 
help had all gone home sick. It was very 
hard to obtain others. A colored man^ 
a steamboat cook— with man help for 
general housework, supplied their place. 

The sickness that season being very 
general all over the town and country, 
before either had so far recovered as to be 
able to do more than leave their room 
they were importuned to visit the sick 
and were compelled to comply long be- 
for they were fit for the service. 

They secured for an office a little one- 
story frame structure, which stood where 
Buckland's block now stands, at the cor- 
ner of Front and State streets. It was 
an unpretentious building, belonging to 
Captain Morris Tyler. Their neighbors 
on the south were Morris & John Tyler, 
merchants, whose store occupied one-half 
of a low two-story frame house of very 
moderate dimensions, but for size and 
appearance one of the noted mercantile 
establishments of the town. To the 
north they were in close proximity to 
General R. P. Buckland's law office, of 



456 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



about the same size as their own, and in 
no way superior to theirs, excepting it was 
a shade whiter from having probably had 
two coats of paint, while theirs had but 
one, and that one almost washed off by 
the northeasters which swept its front, 
unobstructed by three-story blocks on the 
opposite side of the street. 

And just here a digression may be par- 
donable to relate how nearly this office, 
with that of General Buckland, came to be 
put out of sight, or left standing only in 
ruins — a testimonial of the patriotism that 
periodically continued to display itself 
upon these historic grounds. A cannon 
fired at the intersection of State and Front 
streets, on the occasion of a jollification in 
1842 over the election of Wilson Shan- 
non as Governor of Ohio, burst, sending 
its butt-end through the north side of 
General Buckland's office, and but for its 
wise discrimination in the interest of hu- 
manity, it would have gone through the 
north side of the doctors' office as well. 

The "doctor's ride" in that day meant 
twelve or fifteen miles in all directions, 
and on horseback, mostly through woods 
on new cut-out roads, often paths for some 
part of the way. He found his patients in 
the scattered cabins in which the farmers 
of Sandusky county then lived. 

During the continuance of their part- 
nership, and until Doctor Wilson's health 
became impaired by a severe attack of 
sickness by exposure, as noted in his per- 
sonal biography on a preceding page, they 
so arranged their business that their at- 
tendance upon patients was by alternate 
visits, making thus an equal division of 
the labor. He who went on the eastern 
round to-day would go on the western to- 
morrow. 

The "sickly season" — meaning from 
about the middle of July to the middle of 
October — was a phrase very familiar in 
those times, happily not applicable to this 



day, for the State may be challenged to 
name, within its bounds, a county health- 
ier now than this same Sandusky. The 
change has been wrought partly by clear- 
ing up the land, but mostly by construct- 
ing ditches to carry of the water that over- 
spread the surface. 

During the sickly season the pressure 
on their time was such as to enable them 
to make the round only once in two 
days. Oftentimes each passed over the 
other's route before they met in their 
office — not seeing each other for days — 
the necessary communications being made 
on a large slate kept in the office for that 
purpose. 

The story of the daily ride, extending 
far into the night, oftentimes with fog 
above and mud below, the weariness of 
body and limb, the loss of sleep, the bur- 
den of thought — all this now sounds like 
exaggeration, but to them who underwent 
it all it is a well remembered and now 
wondered at reality. Their contemporary 
physicians were equally hard pressed. 

In the season of which this is written, 
in the cabins visited, which meant some- 
times every cabin on the road travelled, it 
was very exceptional to find but one of a 
family sick. To find two, three and four 
was commonly the case. Not infre- 
quently the whole family were patients, 
and this with no outside help, sometimes 
not procurable even in times of dire ne- 
cessity. 

While extreme cases could not be given 
fairly, as the general experience, yet this 
class, after all, constituted a large propor- 
tion of the whole. An enumeration would 
include cases of scanty house-room; ot 
lack of supplies; of distance from neigh- 
bors; of remoteness from physicians; of 
absence of help; of the number down in 
a family; of neglected ones; of work un- 
done; of fields, such as they were, un- 
prepared for seed. These, in their varied 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



457 



forms, composed a large list. In mak- 
ing their rounds one day, he whose 
circuit included a cabin to be visited, 
which had recently been erected in a 
small clearing — a half acre or so — in a 
dense woods south of where Hessville now 
stands, and reached by passing through 
David Beery's lane and then along a path, 
which led to the opening, found upon en- 
tering the man of the house lying upon a 
bed in one corner of the room in a burn- 
ing fever; the woman in another part of 
the room sitting upon the edge of an ex- 
temporized bed, with a face flushed with 
fever, and wild with excitement, leaning 
over a cradle in which lay their little child 
in spasms, it too having the fever. Quickly 
enquiring of the woman for the water- 
bucket, he was told it was empty, that 
their well had just been dug, and was un- 
walled and uncovered; the only way they 
had to get water was to climb down a 
ladder that stood in the well and dip it 
up, which neither had been able to do 
that day, and no one coming to the house, 
they had had no water. Procuring water 
from the well, he remained until the child 
was relieved of the spasms, when, having 
dispensed the medicines necessary, he 
departed, telling them to expect some 
one in soon, as the result of his effort to 
send somebody, it possible, from the first 
house he reached on his way. 

The fevers of the country had peculiar- 
ities which for years have ceased to be 
observed, and which were conditions ex- 
citing anxiety in the mind of the doctor 
as well in the friends of the sick. 

Intermittent fever, one of the forms 
very common, was sometimes with chills, 
sometimes without, as now, and was 
manageable enough unless, as not unfre- 
quently was the case, it assumed a 
malignant type, known in the books as 
congestive chill, or pernicious intermit- 
tent. With the best that could be done, 
58 



they were often fatal; many times for want 
of care at the critical period. 

But more marked was the condition 
which attended the latter stage of bilious 
remittent fever, the other form of miasmatic 
fever generally prevalent in the latter part 
summer and in the autumn months. 
Whether it run a short or long course, 
whether of a high or low grade, it usually 
terminated with a sweat and extreme ex- 
haustion. A "sinking spell," as it was 
commonly called, was frequently its 
dreaded sequence, and the danger to life 
at the time imminent. A failure on the 
part of the attendents then to keep up 
the circulation by rubbing the surface, by 
applying warmth to the extremities, by 
spreading plenty of cover over the bed, and 
by administering stimulants freely, with 
Uberal doses of quinine — was sure to seal 
the fate of the patient. 

Many died in this way. A representa- 
tive case occurred in a small frame house ot 
two rooms, which stood on what was then 
open common, but now the corner of 
Croghan and Wood streets, occupied by a 
man and his family of the name of Tyler, 
strangers — no relatives of the Tyler family 
resident here. He was a stone-mason, 
and came to work on the court-house, the 
building of which had just been com- 
menced. He and his wife were taken 
sick with the fever. No one could be 
found to take the constant charge of them. 
The neighbors, sparsely settled then in that 
part of the town, as they could be spared 
from home, went in, one now and another 
then, and did what they could, but withal 
the case was far from what their condition 
required. The fever of the husband 
yielded first — instructions having been 
left as to what was to be done when the 
crisis came, which during the day gave 
signs of its near approach. The doctors 
both having reached their office on their 
return from the country at the same time 



458 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



— about 12 o'clock at night — upon be- 
ing informed that a messenger had just 
been down for them from the Tylers, went 
to the house to find the patient cold and 
pulseless — no appliances, no stimulants 
having been used as directed — and he 
died. They had the wife removed to a 
neighbor's house. When the crisis came 
to her — the breaking up of the fever in 
the manner described, — she had the neces- 
sary care, and lived. 

And here it should be remarked that 
whatever allusions may have been made 
in this or any other sketch of years ago, 
to hardship suffered for want of help in 
times of sickness it was never refused, 
when it could be given. To the extent of 
their abilitv to give it, no neighbor ever 
withheld it. The brotherly spirit displayed 
at such times made itself proverbial, and 
could the deeds to which it prompted be 
written, they would form a grand chapter 
in the history of Sandusky county. 

Dr. John B. Rice was born in Lower 
Sandusky, June 23, 1832. He enjoyed 
such educational advantages as the village 
afforded during his boyhood. He entered 
the office of the Sandusky County Dem- 
ocrat, and worked at the printing trade 
three years, after which he spent two 
years at school. He studied medicine, 
graduating at Ann Arbor m the spring of 
1 85 7, and soon after associated himself with 
his father. Dr. Robert S. Rice, and made a 
beginning in practice. In 1859 he further 
prosecuted his medical studies at Jefferson 
Medical College, Philadelphia, and Belle- 
vue Hospital, New York. On returning 
home he resumed practice. On the break- 
ing out of the rebellion he was appointed 
assistant surgeon of the Tenth Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry, and served with his regi- 
ment, under the gallant Colonel Lytle, in 
Virginia. November 25, i86i, he was 
promoted to surgeon, and assigned to the 
Seventy-second Ohio, and served with 



this regiment over three years in the im- 
portant campaigns in which it took part. 
During the war Dr. Rice was on different 
occasions assigned to duty as surgeon-in- 
chief — of Lauman's and Tuttle's divisions 
of the Fifteenth Army Corps, and of the 
District of Memphis, when commanded by 
General Buckland. 

Dr. Rice was married, December 12, 
1 86 1, to Miss Sarah E., daughter of Dr. 
J. W. Willson, of Fremont. They have 
two children — Lizzie, born September 18, 
1865, and Willie, born July 2, 1875. 

Since the close of the war Dr. Rice has 
been associated with his brother. Dr. 
Robert H. Rice. He has had a large 
surgical practice, and there are few capital 
operations in surgery that he has not per- 
formed many times. His consultation 
practice extends to adjoining counties. 
He is a member of the Sandusky County 
and Ohio State medical societies. For 
several years he delivered courses of lec- 
tures in the Charity Hospital Medical 
College, and medical department of the 
University of Wooster, at Cleveland. His 
topics were military surgery, obstetrics, 
etc. 

In July, 1880, Dr. Rice received, with- 
out solicitation, the nomination for Con 
gress, by the Republican party of the 
Tenth District. The most gratifying in- 
cident attending his election the following 
October, was the circumstance that he re- 
ceived a majority of votes in Sandui^ky 
county, although the opposite political 
party is largely in the ascendency. He 
had, however, never engaged actively in 
politics, and does not expect to be again 
a candidate. 

Dr. Louis S. J. Gessner was born 
September 25, 1830, inThun, Switzerland, 
and emigrated to America with his parents 
during childhood. He studied medicine 
with his father, and returning to Europe 
graduated in Heidelberg, in 1858. He 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



459 



has practiced in Fremont since 1858. He 
served as assistant surgeon of the Thirty- 
seventh regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
in Virginia, and as a contract surgeon at 
Brown hospital, Louisville, Kentucky, and 
hospital number two, Nashville, Tennessee. 

Dr. J. W. Failing is a native of Wayne 
county, New York, and was born in 1833. 
He was educated in the common schools 
of New York, and at an early age was 
employed in a drug store where he be- 
came proficient in pharmacy. After six 
years experience handling and compound- 
ing drugs, Mr. Failing began the study of 
medicine in Norwalk, Ohio. He graduat- 
ed at the Cleveland Homeopathic college 
and came to Fremont to practice in 1854, 
being then but twenty-two years old. 

Dr. Failing was for many years well re- 
ceived and had the foundation of a suc- 
cessful professional career. A great many 
people felt self-interested regret when he 
became practically disabled for active 
practice. 

John M. Corey was born at Austin- 
town, Trumbull county, Ohio, January 21, 
1837. He was reared on a farm and at- 
tended the district school. He com- 
pleted his preliminary course at Western 
Reserve seminary, at West Farmington, 
Trumbull county, passing through the 
junior year. He began to read medicine 
in Warren, in 1854, in the office of Daniel 
B. Woods. He attended medical lectures 
at the University of Pennsylvania, from 
which institution he received the de- 
gree of M. D. in the spring of 1859. 
He entered the office of H. A. Ackey, in 
Warren, but remained there only three 
months. He came to Fremont in Decem- 
ber, 1859, and began the practice of his 
profession here. When the Forty-ninth 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized, 
in August, 1861, Dr. Corey enlisted as 
hospital steward. In April, 1862, after 
passing an examination before a board 



of surgeons, he was assigned to the posi- 
tion of acting assistant surgeon in the 
United States armj'. After serving in 
several hospitals in the South, he returned 
to Fremont, in September, 1864. In the 
winter of 1864-65 he attended lectures 
at the Charity Hospital Medical College, at 
Cleveland. At the end of the course he 
was awarded the Salisbury prize (a gold 
medal), for the best examination and ob- 
servations in physiology. He was also 
awarded, by G. C. Weber, as a prize for 
the best Latin prescription, Piper's Illustrat- 
ed Treatise on Surgery. After completing 
this course he again entered the army 
service, being made assistant surgeon at 
Camp Chase, and afterwards at Cincin- 
nati, and was finally appointed major-sur- 
geon of volunteers, with headquarters at 
Sandusky. 

Dr. Corey was mustered out of the 
army service in September, 1865, and at 
once returned to Fremont. He was in 
uninterrupted practice from this time until 

1873, when he attended a course of lec- 
tures at Bellevue Medical College, New 
York, receiving from that institution, in 

1874, the ad eia/dei/i degree of M. D. 
Since that time he has been in reg- 
ular practice in Fremont. Dr. Corey's 
practice is of a general character, but his 
liking is for surgery, which he has made a 
special study. 

Dr. Robert H. Rice was born in 
Lower Sandusky, December 20, 1837. 
In his boyhood he was for several years 
employed as a clerk in the store of O. L. 
Nims. He afterwards attended school at 
Oberlin college about two years, then be- 
gan the study of medicine with his father 
and brother John ; attended medical lec- 
tures at the Medical Department of the 
University of Michigan, and graduated 
from that institution in March, 1863. He 
then returned to Fremont and began the 
practice of medicine with his father, Dr. 



460 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Robert S. Rice, Dr. John being at that 
time in the army. 

May 14, 1865, he married Miss Cynthia 
J. Fry, a daughter of Henry Fry, of Ball- 
ville township. They have three children; 
Henry C, born July 11, 1867; Anna, 
born November 30, 1869; and Ada, born 
May 6, 1874. 

Dr. Rice soon acquired a very extensive 
practice, which (associated with his brother 
Dr. John B. Rice,) he has ever since 
prosecuted with untiring zeal,and in which 
he has been eminently successful. 

In 1872-73 Dr. Rice spent a year in 
Europe, during which time he travelled 
extensively over the continent and Great 
Britain and Ireland, devoting some time 
in the medical schools of Paris and Ber. 
lin to the study of his profession. His 
knowledge of the German and French 
languages, which he acquired by his own 
efforts, and for which he has a great fond. 
ness, enabled him to derive unusual 
pleasure and advantage from his travels 
abroad. 

The Doctor has many excellent quali- 
ties of head and heart, which peculiarly 
fit him for the practice of his profession 
being of a kind, sympathetic and generous 
nature, agreeable and affable in his man. 
ners, bestowing on all alike the same re- 
spectful consideration, he has won a high 
place in the esteem of those with whom 
his professional relations have brought 
him in contact. He aided in the organi. 
zation of the Sandusky County Medical 
society, was chosen its secretary, and still 
holds that office. 

For some years past Dr. Rice has taken 
considerable interest in agricultural pur- 
suits, having a large farm near Fremont 
which he has greatly improved. Few 
things at present afford him more pleas- 
ure than regarding his growing stock and 
waving fields. 

Sardis B. Taylor, M. D., born in Fre- 



mont, March ly, 1843, was educated in 
our public schools with the exception of 
nine months at Hudson, Ohio, Western 
Reserve College. He commenced the prac- 
tice of medicine in 1864, at Fremont, 
Ohio. He served as volunteer assistant sur- 
geon of the One Hundred and Sixty- 
ninth regiment Ohio National Guards, 
at Washington, District of Columbia, 
summer of 1865. Graduated at Starling 
Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, Feb- 
ruary 22, 1875. He is the oldest son of 
Austin B. Taylor, and is now in active 
practice. His standing as a physician has 
always been creditable. 

Dr. George E. Smith, born June 
27, 1832, at Lyme, Huron county, Ohio, 
prepared for college at Lyme and Milan, 
and graduated from Western Reserve Col- 
lege in 1855. He taught school in Tennes- 
see from 1855 to 1857; and as principal of 
Western Reserve Teachers' Seminary from 
1857 to i860. Received the degree of 
A. M. from Western Reserve College 
in 1858. Attended medical lectures at 
Cleveland Medical College in the winter of 
1858-59, and at Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 
the winter of 1859-60. Taught as princi- 
pal of a boys' grammar school, at Circleville, 
Ohio, from September, i860, until the 
spring of 1862. Attended a course of lec- 
tures at Ohio Medical College in the 
spring of 1862, and graduated with the 
degree of M. D., at the close of the ses- 
sion. 

He was married to Sarah Brinkerhoft" in 
September, 1862, and commenced the 
practice of medicine at Willoughby, Lake 
county, Ohio, in the fall of the same 
year. He was appointed assistant-sur- 
geon of the Seventy-sixth Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, December 23, 1862, and joined 
the regiment January 14, 1863, at Ar- 
kansas Post, Arkansas. Resigned on ac- 
count of sickness, Jiine 4, 1863. Went 
to Hillsdale, Michigan, July, 1863; was 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



461 



surgeon of the post and to examine re- 
cruits, from January, 1864, until April of 
the same year. Left Hillsdale in the 
spring of 1875, ^'^d came to Fremont, 
Ohio, where he has been engaged in the 
practice of medicine since that time. 

David H. Binkerhoff, M. D., was 
born December 5, 1823, in the township 
of Owasea, Cayuga county. New York. 
In the year 1837 his father, Henry R. 
Binkerhoff, removed to New Haven, Huron 
county, Ohio, and the son attended school 
at Aurora academy. New York, and at Au- 
burn academy, in the same State, during 
the years 1839, 1840, and 1841. He com- 
menced the reading of medicine with 
Drs. Benschoter and Bevier, at Plymouth, 
Ohio, in the year 1843. During the 
years 1844, 1845, ^"^ 1846 he contin- 
ued the reading of medicine in the office 
of Dr. Thomas Johnson, at New Haven. 
He attended the medical department of 
the Willoughby University of Lake Erie, 
at Willoughby, Ohio, during the session of 
1846-47, and again attended medical lec- 
tures at the Cincinnati College of Medi- 
cine and Surgery, at Cincinnati, graduating 
therefrom at the session of 1856-57. He 
entered the service of the United States 
in the year 1862 as assistant surgeon, and 
was promoted to surgeon-major in 1864. 
He served on the staff of General Scho- 
field from the time of the capture of 
Atlanta, Georgia, until the close of the 
Rebellion. He was mustered out with his 
regiment, the One Hundred and Third 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1865, at Ra- 
leigh, North Carolina. He has been en- 
gaged in the general practice of medicine 
and surgery since the year 1847, ^"d for 
the past twelve years at Fremont, Ohio. 
He has a large practice. 

Dr. John W. Groat studied medicine 
in the office of Dr. Sampsell, of Elyria, 
and graduated at the Cincinnati Eclectic 
Medical College; he afterwards attended 



lectures at Cleveland Medical College. 
He began practice at Port Clinton, from 
which place he removed to Fremont in 
1866. In 1877 he went to Illinois, and is 
now practicing in Aurora. Dr. Groat was 
possessed of remarkable mechanical abil- 
ities. The attention he bestowed upon 
mechanical.science somewhat impaired his 
usefulness as a practitioner. He is, how- 
ever, a man of good mind and training. 

Dr. H. F. Baker, present editor and 
proprietor of the Bellevue Local News, 
practiced in this city from 1865 until 1868. 
He had previously been located in Fulton 
county, and removed from here to Belle- 
vue. 

Dr. George Lee practiced in Fremont 
about three years, removing to Washing- 
ton, District of Columbia, in 1880, where 
he is now in practice. He is a graduate 
of Western Reserve College, and of Lane 
Theological Seminary. He edited a paper 
for some time in Minneapolis, and then 
studied medicine and graduated at Cleve- 
land Homeopathic Medical College in 
1877. His first location was in Fremont. 

Dr. J. D. Bemis is a native of Lorain 
county, Ohio. At an early age he was re- 
ceived into the office and family of his 
uncle. Dr. L. D. Griswold, of Elyria. 
While attending the public schools of the 
city, he devoted considerable time in his 
uncle's medical library. After about three 
years spent in this way, Dr. Griswold was 
appointed superintendent of the Soldiers' 
and Sailors' Orphans' Home, at Xenia. 
Mr. Bemus continued his residence in the 
family, and completed the full course 
of instruction of the schools of the 
Home. The study of medicine, as when 
at Elyria, consumed the odd hours 
of his time. In 187 1 Mr. Bemus was 
appointed bill-room messenger for the 
Ohio Senate by Lieutenant-Governor 
J. C. Lee, and served in that capacity two 
years. During the State Constitutional 



462 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



convention of 1873-74 he served as first 
assistant sergeant-at-arms, having been ap- 
pointed to that position by M. R. Waite, 
president of the convention, now chief 
justice of the United States. During the 
school year 1874-75 Mr. Bemus attended 
Baldwin University. In January, 1876, 
he resumed the study of medicine in the 
office of E. C. Perry, of Elyria. His win- 
ters were spent in attendance upon lectures' 
and summers in the office at Elyria, unti 
February, 1879, when he graduated at 
('incinnati. He opened an office in Fre_ 
mont in June, 1879, and now has a full 
and successful practice. 

Dr. W. Caldwell, son of Judge William 
Caldwell, of Ottawa county, a short sketch 
of whom will be found elsewhere, attended 
the public schools of his neighborhood 
and Oberlin College. During the winter 
of 1860-61 he attended medical lectures 
at Ann Arbor, and in 1861 enlisted as hos. 
pital steward in the Seventy-second Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry. He was promoted to 
assistant surgeon in April, 1863, and mus- 
tered out of service January 4, 1865 
After the war he located in Michigan for 
the practice of his profession. He gradu- 
ated from Cleveland Medical College in 
the class of 1869. During the winter of 
1879-80 he took a special course in New 
York. In June, 1880, he located at Fre- 
mont, where he has since been meeting 
with flattering success. 

Dr. C. B. White received his prelim- 
inary education in West Virginia, in which 
State he also studied medicine. He at- 
tended lectures at the Eclectic Medical 
College of Cincinnati, and was graduated 
from that institution in 1878. He had 
previously practiced several years in West 
Virgmia and Ohio. He began practice in 
West Virginia in 187 1. Dr. White located 
in Fremont in 1879. 

Dr. a. J. Hammer was born in Bedford 
county, Pennsylvania, June i, 1853. He 



graduated at Pulte Medical College, of 
Cincinnati, in the class of 1880, and com- 
menced practice at Fremont in September 
following. 

Dr. S. p. Ecki was born in Holmes 
county, Ohio, in 1854. After attending 
the common schools of his neighborhood 
he pursued a course in Northwestern col- 
lege, Illinois. He studied medicine in 
Mansfield under J. C. Anderson, and at- 
tended lectures at the New York Homeo- 
pathic Medical college, from which insti- 
tution he graduated in 1881. He selected 
Fremont as the field of his practice, and 
opened an office there in June. 

SANDUSKY COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

As an auxiliary to the State Medical so- 
ciety, the Sandusky County Medical socie- 
ty was organized November 6, 1879, with 
the following members: James W. Wilson, 
Thomas Stihvell, Robert H. Rice, Lewis 
S. T. Gessner, Sardis B. Taylor, John B. 
Rice, John M. Corey, George E. Smith, 
M. Stamm, Gustavus A. Gessner. 

James W. Wilson was chosen president; 
Thomas Stihvell, vice-president ; Robert 
H. Rice, secretary; L. S. T. Gessner, 
treasurer; and Sardis B. Taylor, librarian. 
The officers have been annually re-elected, 
and have served without change to the 
present time. 

Members have been added since the 
time of organization as follows: Cyrus E. 
Harnden, Clyde; John C. Tomson, Rol- 
lersville; R. S. Hittell, (iibsonburg; D. 
G. Hart, Gibsonburg; W. T. Gillette, 
Millersville; William C. Caldwell, Fre- 
mont; A. D. Shipley, Helena; R. S. Ship- 
ley, Lindsey; LaQ. Rawson, Fremont; 
George Lanterman, Bellevue, and U. B. 
Irwin, Gibsonburg. The membership of 
this society embraces physicians only of 
the regular school of practice. Meetings 
are held once a month, or oftener, at 
which there is a free interchange of expe- 
riences and opinions. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



463 



The society is accumulating a fine libra- 
ry, and already has a valuable collection 
of books and periodicals, which are pro- 
cured by annual subscriptions of the mem- 



bers and by donations, Space in Birch- 
ard library has been allotted to the soci- 
ety where this collection is kept for the 
convenience of its members. 



CHAPTER XXVni. 



FREMONT — IMPROVEMENTS. 



Building of the City Hall — Laying of the Corner-stoi «.. — Birchard Library — City I'arks— Fire Department- 
Street Paving. 



THE Stranger is given a favorable im- 
pression of this city's public spirit and 
enterprise while passing from the depot to 
the centre of business. He rides over a 
Medina paved street, thickly shaded on 
both sides by thrifty maples. He passes 
between a quiet park and large, substan- 
tial public school buildings and a moment 
later is in presence of another park on 
which is located a very fine library 
building, and an elegant stone front three- 
story structure for public uses. An old 
cannon mounted in the centre of this 
park is a reminder of historic associations. 
Front street, the main business thorough- 
fare, presents the appearance of activity 
and thrift. The good opinion formed is 
slightly marred, however, by the very 
noticeable absence of plate-glass store- 
fronts. Commercial blocks are generally 
large and in other respects present a good 
appearance. But it is the mission of his- 
tory not to comment on what is nor to 
suggest what ought to be, but only to nar- 
rate what has been and to reproduce the 
story of the growth of what is. 

This chapter comprehends so many 
distinct topics that it is not convenient, 
nor would it be desirable to preserve any- 



thing like chronological arrangement. 
The subject which naturally comes first to 
mind is public buildings. 

THE CITY HALL. 

It is rather a remarkable fact that prior 
to 1878 this city did not own a public hall. 
Union hall, Birchard hall, and Opera hall 
had all been open to the public for meet- 
ings, entertainments, etc., but were and 
are controlled by individuals. The press- 
ing need of a building for the accommoda- 
tion of the fire department, city offi- 
cers, and public meetings of a general 
character was long felt, but no ac- 
tion looking towards the consumma- 
tion of such an improvement was taken 
until in 1877, when the city purchased of 
its individual owners the square formerly 
included in the old fort. The terms of 
this purchase are given elsewhere. On 
June 7, 1877, the city council, consisting 
of Colonel William E. Haynes, W. B. 
Sheldon, C. R. McCuIloch, James Park, 
jr., J. B. Dickinson, and A. Young; Mayor 
J. S. VanNess, and Clerk W. W. Stine, 
unanimously 

Resolved, That the city of Fremont build the first 
story ot a city hall building, and that it be ready for 
the fire department as soon as practicable. 



464 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



In accordance with their resolution work 
was immediately commenced and by 
September the foundation was ready for the 
corner-stone. The occasion of laying the 
corner-stone, September 14, 1877, was 
made the most memorable in the history 
of Fremont. In obedience to common 
custom, the ceremonies proper were 
under charge of the Masonic fraternity. 
The same day was appointed for the re- 
union of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, and a home visit of the esteemed 
colonel of that regiment, and President of 
the United States. Elaborate preparations 
had been made by the citizens for the ac- 
commodation of distinguished guests and 
great crowds of people, who came from 
every direction. The day is well remem- 
bered. A National salute roused people 
from their slumbers, and a cloudless sky 
gave promise of a perfect day. Morning 
light revealed a brilliancy and elaboration 
of decoration never before equalled in 
our history.. Flags fluttered in every di- 
rection, and artistic banners bearing pa" 
triotic sentiments, added beauty to pro- 
fusion. Most^ noticeable was a splendid 
arch thrown over Croghan street, with 
*he inscription, "Welcome to the Twenty- 
third O. V. L." On the keystone was 
painted Masonic symbols and over this 
was an immense gilt eagle, measur- 
ing eight feet from tip to tip. To the 
right of this central arch was a repre- 
sentation of a camp scene, and to the 
left Ohio's coat of arms. Over the en. 
trance at each corner of Fort Stephenson 
park was an arch, that at the southwest 
corner bearing the inscription, "Colonel 
Hayes, the Soldier and Statesman;" at 
the southeast corner, "Colonel Rosecrans; 
He Came at His Country's Call ;" at the 
northwest corner, "Colonel Scammon, 
Ever^at His Post;" at the northeast cor- 
ner, "Colonel Comly: Honor to the 
Brave." 



At least twenty thousand people 
thronged the streets by ten o'clock, and 
many of the most distinguished men of 
the Nation participated in the ceremonies. 
Nirle bands of music entertained the 
crowds, and the brilliant uniforms of 
Knights Templar added impressiveness to 
the day's scenes. Ten o'clock was the 
hour appointed for laying the corner-stone. 
Masons began to assemble at half-past 
eight, and at half-past nine the Grand 
Lodge of Ohio was in session in Brainard 
lodge-room. At the same time war veter- 
ans and members of the Twenty-third 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry were holding a 
reception in Birchard Hall, where, at 10 
o'clock, President R. B. Hayes, General 
Phil. Sheridan, Senator Stanley Matthews, 
General J. D. Cox, Secretary McCrary, 
and General E. P. Scammon arrived, and 
from there walked to the City Hall founda- 
tions while the Masonic procession was 
parading the streets in the following order: 

Light Guard Band. 

Walbridge Light Guard. 

Masonic Commanderies. 

Erie of Sandusky. 

Shawnee of Lima. 

DeMolay of Tiffin. 

Grand Lodge of Ohio. 

Mayor and City Council. 

Other Guests. 

After marching through the principal 
streets they halted at the City Hall foun- 
dations, where President Hayes, General 
Sheridan and a number of other distin- 
guished men and a dense crowd of spec- 
tators had already assembled. It was with 
difficulty that the marshals succeeded in 
forcing back the crowd to get sufficient 
standing-room for the Masons. Their 
efforts were watched by General Sheridan 
with a merry twinkle in his eye. Not 
only the adjacent streets and a large pile 
of bricks lying near, but the high bank 
along the park and even the roofs of build- 
ings were crowded with eager spectators. 
The heavy corner-stone lay ready and in 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



465 



its foundation was the usual box of me- 
mentoes. 

The corner-stone is inscribed as follows, 
on the east side: 

A. L. 5877, A. D. 1877. Sept. 14. 

G. A. WOODWARD, 

Grand Master of Masons of Ohio. 

J. C. JOHNSON, 

Architect. 

D. L. JUNE & SON, 

Builders. 

The following is the inscription on the 
north side: 

FORT STEPHENSON. 

1813. Col. GEORGE CROGHAN. 

1877. R. B. HAYES, 

President of the U. S. 

J. S. VAN NESS, Mayor. 

CITY COUNCIL. 

C. R. McCuLLOCH, J. W. Park, jr., 

Wm. E. Haynes, 
A. Young. 



Wm. B. Sheldon, 
J. B. Dickinson. 



The following articles are deposited in 
the corner-stone.- 

Silver coins of 1877, programme of the 
day, copies of the Democratic Messenger, 
Fremont Journal, and Fremont Courier, 
School Report for 1877, photograph of 
Colonel Croghan, list of notables present, 
population of the city, list of churches 
and pastors, photograph of City Hall, 
picture of Fort Stephenson, copy of invi- 
tation to promenade concert and pro- 
gramme, copy of premium list of Sandusky 
County Agricultural Society for 1877. 

Time of the organization of the Ma- 
sonic bodies of the city of Fremont, Ohio. 

Fort Stephenson Lodge, No. 225, Free 
and Accepted Masons. 

Brainard Lodge, No. 336, Free and 
Accepted Masons. 

Fremont Chapter, No. 54, Royal Arch 
Masons. 

Fremont Council, No. 64, Royal and 
Select Masters. 

Address of Isaac M. Keeler, delivered 
before Brainard Lodge, February 22, 1876. 



Masonic Calender City of Fremont, 
1877. 

Masonic Circular of Invitations to 
Lodges. 

The city programme of the day, and 
report of the meetings held on Wednes- 
day and Thursday. 

The ceremony was conducted by C. W. 
Woodward, of Cleveland, G. M. of Ohio, 
in accordance with the ritual of the order, 
assisted by A. T. Brinsmade, D. G. M.; 
R. E. Richards, D. G. S. W.; R. H. Rice, 
D. G. J. W.; O. Bale, R M.; G. H. Bell, 
R M.; C. Doncyson, P. M.; W. W. Ross, 
P. M.; O. E. Phillips, P. M.; J. C. John- 
son, P. A.; Rev. G. W. Collier, D. G. C; 
I. M. Keeler, D. G. T.; W. H. Andrews, 
D. G. S.; S. P. Meng, D. G. S. W.; E. S. 
Thomas, D. G. J. W.; J. F. Heffner, D. 
G. S.; W. G. Hafford, D. G. S.; T. F. 
Heffner, D. G. T. 

There was no speech -making, but at the 
close of the ceremony President Hayes 
mounted the stone and said: 

Ladies, gentlemen, and fellow-citizens: For the 
purposes of the city of Fremont we erect here on 
this ground made illustrious by the victory of Col- 
onel Croghan in his gallant combat with the British, 
a City Hall. The corner-stone has now been laid. 
The ceremonies in connection with it are now ended 
and I am requested to announce that the further 
public exercises of the day will take place immedi- 
ately after dinner, at the park in front of the court- 
house. 

At the close of Hayes' announcement 
loud calls were made for Sheridan, but he 
quietly slipped away without making any 
public response. 

The ladies of Fremont distinguished 
themselves on this occasion by spreadmg 
a magnificent dinner. We append the 
Journal's comments: 

The members of the regiment then proceeded to 
Opera Hall, where they partook of an elegant din- 
ner provided for them by the ladies of Fremont. 

The hall was grandly and tastefully decorated, 
and the long tables were loaded with the very best 
the season afforded, and which the skill, and the 
pains, and the money of the citizens of Fremont 



466 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



could procure, and the whole was arranged in such 
excellent taste that it looked like a banquet good 
enough for a feast of the gods. 

Upon the wall on the left hung a large portrait of 
President Hayes in the centre of a waving scroll in- 
scribed "Union Forever," and immediately below, 
in one grand group, were the names of all the States 
of the Union, each on a separate shield, the whole 
creating an impression at once pleasing and gratify- 
ing to the friends of the President. 

At the further end of the hall, in addition to the 
fine landscape painting in the centre, there was on 
either side, in beautiful lettering, a list of the battles 
fought by the Twenty-third and associated regiments. 
Among them were the following: Fisher's Hill, 
Cedar Creek, Kearnstown, Cloyd Mountain, Clark's 
Hollow, Lynchburg, Opequan, Antietam, South 
Mountain and Giles' Court House. 

The proceedings of the afternoon were 
devoted exclusively to the veterans. The 
occasion was the subject of so much 
newspaper comment at the time, and the 
unreserved efforts of our citizens resulted 
in such triumphant success, that a partial 
record of the day deserves a place in this 
volume. 

At I o'clock p. M. the Twenty-third 
regiment, preceded by the Light Guard 
band, of Toledo, were conducted to the 
city park by the committee of arrange- 
ments, the mayor and city council, fol- 
lowed by other bands and a vast concourse 
of people. President Hayes marched 
with them. In the line behind him 
was led his old war-horse, twenty-seven 
years of age, and enjoying the so well- 
earned ease and rest on the farm of his 
former rider. 

The speaker's stand was tastefully dec- 
orated, and not far from it stood a beauti- 
ful evergreen monument surmounted by a 
cross, in honor of the gallant dead. 

The platform was soon reached and 
filled. General Sheridan escorted Mrs. 
Hayes, and that lady was assigned a 
prominent position. 

It is seldom that so many men whose 
names are familiar to the people are gath- 
ered upon one platform as were to be seen 
on the speakers' stand: 



President and Mrs. Hayes, Secretary 
McCrary and wife. Chief Justice Waite, 
General Phil Sheridan, General W. S. 
Rosecrans, General J. D. Cox, General S. 
S. Carroll, General J. H. Duvall, Generals 
F. H. Devol, Scammon, Barnett, Ken- 
nedy, Swayne, Buckland, and Gibson, 
Senator Matthews and Major McKinley. 

The public square was soon packed full 
by a dense crowd of spectators, and thou- 
sands were unable to get within hearing 
distance. It is estimated that about fif- 
teen thousand were present in and around 
the square during the afternoon exercises, 
and the crowds down town did not seem 
sensibly diminished. 

As soon as the Twenty-third regiment, 
the several bands, speakers and others 
were as comfortably seated as tlie circum- 
stances would permit, and the crowd had 
partly quieted, General R. P. Buckland 
came forward and said: 

Ladies and Gentlemen: — You will now please 
come to order. The exercises of the afternoon will 
commence by the introduction of Chaplain Collier, 
to whom you will listen for a few moments. 

Chaplain Collier then stepped forward 
and said: 

It seems to me that these exercises could be com- 
menced appropriately by taking off our hats, rising, 
and joining in singing: 

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow. 

Praise Him all creatures here below. 
Praise Him above ye Heavenly Host, 
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. " 
Let every one that can sing, sing this song of 
praise to the giver of all good. 

The vast multitude then stood and sang 
those solemn words with more than usual 
interest, after which they were led in 
prayer by Chaplain Collier. 

After prayer General Buckland intro- 
duced Hon. Homer Everett, who deliv- 
ered the welcoming address on behalf of 
the home committee of arrangements. 

The orator of the day was Hon. William 
McKinley, whose polished address was 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



467 



highly eulogized by the daily press of the 
State. 

We now come back to the City Hall 
building. The first story was completed 
at an expense of two thousand eight hun- 
dred dollars, and paid for from receipts 
from rents, and without special taxation. 
Under authority of a special legislative 
enactment, the council resolved to submit 
to a vote of the people the proposition of 
issuing bonds to the amount of twelve 
thousand dollars, bearing seven per cent, 
interest, for the purpose of completing the 
building. The vote was taken on the i8th 
of Maich, 1878, and almost unanimously 
carried, and the bonds issued accordingly. 

The following were the municipal of- 
ficers under whose management the build- 
ing was brought to completion: Council 
■ — William E. Haynes, James Kridler, S. 
P. Meng, James Park, jr., D. Reinick, 
William B. Sheldon, J. P. Thompson, and 
C. N. West; J. S. Van Ness, mayor; Wil- 
liam Kridler, jr., clerk; M. D. Baldwin, 
solicitor; J. W. Moore, marshal; J. S. 
Rawson, engineer; E. Underbill, chief of 
fire department; and J. C. Johnson, arch- 
itect. 

The building was completed in Febru- 
ary, 1879, and dedicated on the 21st of 
that month to the use of the public. The 
occasion was one of general enjoyment. 
The fire company had charge of the cere- 
monies, and Chief Underbill presided at 
the dedicatory meeting. Professor W. W^ 
Ross delivered an address, and Hon. 
Homer Everett recited the growth of the 
fire department. 

Professor Ross, in his address, said: 

The total cost of the building, including steam 
heating apparatus and furniture, is fourteen thousand 
one hundred and seventy-eight dollars, and inclusive 
of the city stables adjoining, about sixteen thousand 
dollars, the bonded indebtedness incurred being 
twelve thousand dollars. No one, I think, who sur- 
veys this structure can question that every dollar of 
this money has been judiciously and economically 
expended, that for the cost we have an admirable 



City Hall building. There is another occasion for 
congratulatory pride, in that the architect who con- 
ceived and designed it is one of our own citizens, 
with a reputation, however, fast becoming State and 
general. To him our thanks are due for the tasteful 
conception and successful completion of his design. 
I ought, however, in justice to him, to say that his 
ideal was necessarily qualified by the expenditure it 
was thought wisdom to ask at the hands of the peo- 
ple. For the first time in the history of our city we 
have a city hall, with good acoustic properties, com- 
modious and attractive, and whose free use is guar- 
anteed to our citizens on all appropriate occasions, 
for meetings, lectures, festivals, and entertainments 
under the auspices of home organizations. For years 
our city officials and our fire department have been 
without suitable accommodations. Hereafter they 
will be occupants of the most beautiful structure in 
our city. 

The uses to which this building this evening is 
dedicated are among the most vital to the interests 
of our city, both moral and material. The City Hall 
building is to the city what the Capitol building is to 
the State and the Nation. We have in our country 
three forms of government. National, State, and 
municipal, all of them possessed to some extent of 
legislative, executive, and judicial powers. The vast 
growth of American cities occasioned by the influx of 
population both from the country and foreign lands, 
is rapidly throwing upon our city governments a re- 
sponsibility even greater and more delicate than that 
devolving upon the State government itself. 

The first floor of the building is used 
by the fire department and for a city prison. 
On the second floor are offices for the city 
clerk, mayor, city engineer, city solicitor, 
and a council chamber. The third story 
is a commodious, well seated hall, for pub- 
lic meetings, entertainments, etc. The 
front is of Amherst stone, tastefully orna- 
mented. This building excels in architec- 
tural beauty any other structure in the city. 

BIRCHARD LIBRARY.* 

Birchard Library derives its name from 
the late Sardis Birchard, of Fremont, who 
was its founder. Early in the year 1873 
Mr. Birchard indicated to several citizens 
that he was about to set apart, in property 
and money, the sum of fifty thousand 
dollars for the purpose of establishing a 
free library for the benefit of the city of 

*By E. Bushnell, D. D. 



468 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



Fremont and the county of Sandusky. 
He designated the following gentlemen to 
act as a board of trustees, viz: The Hon. 
R. B. Hayes, L. L. D., General R. P. 
Buckland, L. Q. Rawson, M.D., Rev. E. 
Bushnell, D.D., James W. Wilson, M. D., 
Col. William E. Haynes, Thomas Stilwell, 
M.D., Hon. E. F. Dickinson, ex-officio, 
being mayor of the city of Fremont, and 
William W. Ross, A. M., ex-officio, being 
superintendent of the public schools of 
Fremont. 

These gentlemen held their first meet- 
ing at the ofifice of the mayor on the 
evening of July, 1873. At this meetmg 
measures were taken to secure a fitting 
room in which to open a library, to pro- 
cure a suitable librarian, and to effect a 
corporate organization. 

February 13, 1874, the board of trus- 
tees met, and adopted articles of associa- 
tion, forming themselves into a literary 
and benevolent association under the name 
and style of "The Birchard Library." 
All the trustees afifixed their names and 
seals to the articles, and ex-Governor R. 
B. Hayes was elected president; Dr. J. 
W. Wilson, treasurer, and W. W. Ross, 
secretary. 

By the articles of association, and ac- 
cording to the wish of Mr. Birchard, the 
mayor of Fremont and the superintendent 
of public schools of the same are ex- 
officio trustees of the library. Any va- 
cancy which may occur among the other 
trustees, is to be filled by appointment of 
the Court of Common Pleas of Sandusky 
county. Or, if the court shall fail to ap- 
point, a majority of the trustees present 
at a regular meeting may do so. 

Birchard Hall was selected as a fitting 
place to locate the library for the pres- 
ent. Jessie E. McCulloch was chosen 
librarian, and Governor Hayes, Rev. Dr. 
Bushnell and W. W. Ross were appointed 
a committee to select and purchase books. 



Mr. Birchard having deceased in Jan- 
uary, 1874, his executors at sundry times 
transferred money and property to the 
possession of the treasurer of the board 
to the amount of the bequest. The 
library was opened June 2, 1874, with one 
thousand six hundred and eighty-three 
volumes. By June 2, 1875, there were 
four thousand two hundred and five vol- 
umes. 

In order to secure a permanent site for 
a library building, and also to aid the 
city of Fremont in securing the historic 
site of Fort Stephenson as a park, the 
library board paid nine thousand dollars 
towards the purchase of the square now 
occupied by the Library Building and the 
City Hall, and known as Fort Stephenson 
Park. The board became part owners of 
the same, and have erected their building 
on a portion mutually agreed upon. 

In January, 1878, a communication was 
received from the president of the board 
(at that time President of the United, 
States), suggesting the propriety of erect- 
ing a library building during the ensuing 
summer. After full consideration of the 
matter at several meetings, on the 14th 
of April, 1878, a building committee was 
appointed, consisting of E. Bushnell, R. 
P. Buckland and William E. Haynes. 
Under their direction the building was 
erected during the summer and autumn, 
at a cost of six thousand three hundred 
and sixty-nine dollars and thirty-one cents. 
Early in the year 1879 the library was re- 
moved from Birchard Hall to the new 
building. 

The building is provided with a spa- 
cious gallery, which is used as a museum, 
and now contains many articles of interest 
secured through the kindness of ex-Presi- 
dent Hayes, Hon. Mahlon Chance, Rev. 
A. Phelps, of PainesviUe, Mrs. Judge 
Ferris, of Washington, District of Colum- 
bia, and others. Room is devoted to 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



469 



such articles as may belong to the Pioneer 
Association of Sandusky county. 

To the present writing (October, 1881) 
no changes have taken place in the board 
of directors, except such as have resulted 
from changes in the mayoralty of the city. 
The position has been occupied by J. S. 
Van Ness, Charles H. Bell and E. Lou- 
densleger. The librarians have been Jes- 
sie E. McCulloch, Miss F. G. McCuUoch, 
and Mrs. Hattie Ross, the present in- 
cumbent (October, 1881). 

The number of books in the library in 
June, 1880, including public documents, 
was six thousand and seventy-five. The 
number drawn during the year preceding 
June I, 1880, was sixteen thousand four 
hundred and eighty-five. 

The whole square of Fort Stephenson 
Park is in process of improvement under 
the direction of the city's board of park 
commissioners. The library building is 
heated by steam conveyed through under- 
ground pipes from the boiler of the city 
Hall building. 

The financial condition of the library is 
such that current expenses can hereafter 
be met, and additions of from three to 
five hundred volumes can be annually 
made. 

CITY PARKS. 

Towns, like individuals, during the pe- 
riod of early growth, should prepare for 
the contingencies of full maturity. Vil- 
lages, surrounded by or rather scattered 
over spacious commons, do not need 
places of outdoor resort and amusement. 
But far different is it with a city whose in- 
habitants are compelled to spend the day 
m close rooms or dusty shops. It is 
highly important that for such attractive 
resorts should be provided where an occa- 
sional hour can be spent in health-giving 
exercise and the indulgence of aesthetic 
appetite. 

Fort Stephenson, the most finely situa- 



ted and most interesting of Fremont's four 
parks, occupies the ground included in the 
old stockade. The history of its purchase 
has been given in a previous chapter. 
The site is naturally elevated, and the im- 
provement of surrounding streets has 
made it necessary to construct an abutting 
wall on all four sides. This improvement 
was completed in 1881 at a large outlay of 
money. Thelibrary building stands near the 
western side, the city hall at the northeast 
corner, and heavy stone stairways at each of 
the other corners leading to circling walks. 
[n the centre stands mounted "Old Bess," 
an enduring monument of an heroic day. 
This old cannon has often spoken 

What bloody carnage then befell 
^ The foes of great Ohio. 

She was returned to Fremont in 1852, 
through the efforts of B. J. Bartlett. At 
the 2d of August celebration of that year 
a local poet apostrophised as follows: 

Perhaps like Hamlet's ghost you've come 
This day, to celebrate the fame 
Of Croghan's honored, worthy name — 
The hero of Ohio. 

Court-House Park occupies the square 
opposite the court-house. This space 
was set apart for a park mainly by Piatt 
Brush, and is so recorded in the Brush 
addition to the town of Lower Sandusky, 
made in 1840. Two small or fractional 
lots have since been added to the original 
reservation, making the park co-extensive 
with the square. The tract is enclosed by 
a substantial fence, and is well shaded by 
thrifty maples. A band stand and speak- 
ers' stand for public meetings have been 
placed near the centre. 

Two other parks are the gifts of Sardis 
Birchard. One is a small three-cornered 
tract at the corner of Buckland and 
Birchard avenues, and named Dia- 
mond Park. The other is an important 
addition to the public property of the 
city. The tract is large enough for any 
public gathering, and is highly favored 



47° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



in respect to topography. It is well 
shaded by native forest trees, and already 
possesses many of the elements of an at- 
tractive, quiet resort. Its location is in 
the extreme western part of the city, far 
removed from the annoying bustle of busi- 
ness, but within easy walking distance 
from any of the upper avenues. 

These parks are annually growing in 
value as the city grows up around them. 
All except one have been donations of 
liberal spirited citizens for the public good. 
The other was fortunately purchased at a 
low sum, considering its commanding loca- 
tion and proximity to the business centre 
of the city. 

STREETS AND STREET IMPROVEMENTS. 

The city in general is laid out in squares, 
with streets of convenient width. It was, 
of course, impossible to adhere to rigid 
regularity in this particular, on account of 
the turnpike angling through the center in 
one direction, and the river in another. 
Few of the streets are numbered. Nearly 
all bear historic names. The names of 
the two chief commanders on Fort Ste- 
phenson day are perpetuated in the names 
of the streets passing the two points of at- 
tack, Croghan on the north and Garrison 
on the south. The most beautiful avenue 
leadmg westward bears the name of a man 
who spent fifty years of his life here, and 
who proved his town love by bequeathing 
to the city's interests, and for the use of 
her citizens, more than seventy thousand 
dollars' worth of property. One of the 
branches of Birchard avenue is Buckland 
avenue, named in honor of a man yet liv- 
ing, the story of whose life is told else- 
where. 

On the opposite side of the city are 
Justice street and Rawson avenue. Many 
other streets and avenues are named in 
honor of historical characters or honored 
citizens. 

Nothing gives a town so much freshness 



and beauty as well shaded streets. A fer- 
tile soil has contributed to the rapid growth 
of trees in all parts of the city. Almost 
every street and avenue is fringed wilh an 
unbroken line of maples on both sides. 
Much credit is due in this connection to 
General R. P. Buckland, who set a worthy 
example and followed it with influential 
precept. 

Croghan street is travelled more by 
heavy vehicles than any other highway in 
the city. It was found necessary, a few 
years ago, to substitute for ordinary lime- 
stone macadamizing more substantial pav- 
ing material. In 1874 the council resolved 
to pave this street with Medina (New 
York) stone, and provide for effectual 
sewerage. The paving was completed at 
a cost of twenty-four thousand dollars. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT.* 

The first effort in this direction was an 
ordinance passed by the town council May 
12, 1843, when R. P. Buckland was mayor, 
and David E. Field recorder. It was en- 
titled "An ordinance relating to fire buck- 
ets." By this ordinance owners and occu- 
pants were required to procure for each 
house a leather bucket, holding not less 
than two and a half gallons; and to keep 
it at or near the front door of the house, 
for the use of the inhabitants in case of 
fire, and to be used for no other purpose. 
The initials of the owner's name were re- 
quired to be painted on the outside of the 
bucket, in plain letters. This ordinance 
was promptly obeyed, and for a time these 
black leather buckets formed a conspicu- 
ous appendage to every house. 

March 13, 1844, under the administra- 
tion of the same mayor and recorder, an 
ordinance was passed "To organize the 
fire department;" that is, a hook and lad- 
der company. 

On the 26th of the same month, the 
same mayor, recorder, and trustees ap- 

* Written by Hon. Homer Everett. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



471 



pointed Stephen C. Smith chief engineer, 
Robert Caldwell first assistant, Michael 
Huffman second assistant. 

Under this ordinance a hook and ladder 
company was organized, which did service 
until 1853, a period of about ten years. 

An engine to be worked by hand was 
contracted for in January, 185 1, and on 
the 3d of March, 1853, an ordinance was 
passed to organize engine company num- 
ber one, and hook and ladder company 
number one. 

The old organization gave place to the 
new. 

During the time of this purchase and 
the organization of these companies, 
Brice J. Bartlett was mayor, and T. P. 
Finefrock was recorder of the village, and 
Mayor Bartlett was zealous and efficient 
in bringing about the organization. 

After the great fire of 1835 '•^ ^^w York, 
premiums were offered by insurance com- 
panies for plans of steam fire engines. In 
1 84 1 one was built from plans by Mr. 
Hodges, but it was too heavy and was final- 
ly abandoned. The honor of a successful 
invention was reserved (as many other 
great affairs are) for an Ohio man. 

Early in 1853, and probably about the 
time we purchased our hand engine, A. 
B. Latta, of Cincinnati, introduced his 
steam fire engine into successful operation 
in the Queen City. 

July 5, 1865, the city council, namely, 
A. J. Harris, George Williams, Oscar Ball, 
Charles Thompson, and Frederick Fabing; 
D. W. Krebs, recorder; H. Everett, 
mayor, passed an ordinance authorizing 
F. I. Norton to buy a steam fire engine, 
subject to the approval of the council. 

This movement resulted in the purchase 
of the steamer which was named McPher- 
son, and a quantity of hose which was de- 
livered, tested, and accepted about the ist 
of October following. The cost of engine 
and hose amounted to about six thousand 



dollars. This engine was almost destroyed 
when the engine house burned, but was 
repaired or made over and is now in ser- 
vice. 

January 6, 1874, the city council bought 
what is now known as steam fire engine 
number one, manufactured by Clapp & 
Jones, for four thousand dollars. 

The council, at this time, consisted of 
Jacob Bauman, Fred Fabing, George 
Greiner, James Kridler, Joseph Stuber, 
and F. J, Geibel; E. F. Dickinson, mayor. 

The hand engine has for several years 
been on the east side of the river. Until 
1870 each engine was managed by a 
separate company, and all were volunteers. 

In the year 1870 the department was 
reorganized and all the engines and com- 
panies were placed in the charge of a 
chief engineer, E. H. Underbill, who has 
since remained in charge, except a short 
time when Peter Stine was chief, and an- 
other when Captain M. E. Tyler was chief 
engineer. 

In 1872 the east side company was 
merged. It consisted of about thirty men 
who had been paid one dollar and a-half 
each, for every fire they attended. 

The present organization consists of 
twenty men, including officers — one chief, 
and one first, and one second assistant 
chief The men are paid five dollars per 
month, and the chief one hundred dollars 
a year. 

The total cost to the city for maintain- 
ing the fire department now, after deduct- 
ting earnings of the horses at outside ser- 
vice, is about one thousand five hundred 
dollars a year. 

The steam engines are kept together, 
well stored and cared for in the basement 
of the City Hall building. 

Insurance agents and firemen from 
abroad say this is the cheapest and most 
efficient organization in the State. These 
excellencies are largely to be accredited to 



472 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



the tact, steadiness, and energy of the 
present worthy chief, E. H. Underhill. 

This brief outline enables us at once 
to see the progress made in means 
to resist the destroying element, and pre- 
vent the destruction of life and property. 
We have progressed from the leather 
bucket to the steam fire engine in thirty- 
five years. Though we may be so for- 
tunate as to have no fires, still it will be 
wise to maintain the organization, for no 
one can tell how soon it may be needed. 
Again, the expense is fully compensated 
in easier and cheaper insurance on our 
property, resulting from our ability to cope 
with fire if it does occur. 

The duties of a fireman are akin to 
those of the soldier. He encounters 
privation, hard labor, and danger, for 
the benefit of others for little pay. His 
service is in a degree patriotic, and he 
seeks his reward in the sense of doing 
good and hoping to be honored by those 
he serves. 

The foregoing is a brief history of the 
fire department as it stood in 1879. On 
the 25th day of October, 1881, we find 
many improvements and additions which 
greatly facilitate the working of the de- 
partment, and improve its promptness on 
call. There are now two steam fire en- 
gines in the town, one manufactured by 
Clapp & Jones, and the other made 
by Button & Son. Two thousand feet of 
hose are constantly kept dry and in good 
order. Four hose carts are always ready, 
as is also a fine hook and ladder truck, 
well furnished with excellent extension 
ladders. There are four sets of swinging 
harness, so arranged and hung on each side 
of the tongue of the carriages and engines 
to be moved, that when the horse takes his 
place the harness drops upon him, and he 
is buckled in and hitched in a moment. 

The steam fire engines are constantly, 
day and night, kept heated with steam up 



to a pressure of from five to ten pounds to 
the square inch. There is no hose-tower 
in which to dry the hose of this depart- 
ment, and for a long time, especially in 
winter and rainy weather, much difficulty 
was encountered in keeping the hose in 
order and preserving the sections ready at 
all times for use. 

Dr. Charles F. Reiff, the present effi- 
cient chief of the department, has obviated 
the difficulty in drying and preserving the 
hose by an ingenious invention of his own. 
The apparatus consists of a small boiler, 
which generates steam, heats an air cham- 
ber, and forces the hot air through the 
hose when it is screwed on to an attach- 
ment tube the size of the hose. With 
this contrivance, the hose are kept in good 
order, and are well preserved, ready for 
use at all times. The same chief has in- 
vented an ingenious method of kindling 
fire under the boiler the moment it moves, 
without the aid of a hand to look after it. 
This is done by two small vials of chem- 
icals inserted in an auger-hole in a block 
of wood and placed under the kindling 
and coal. The vials are surrounded by a 
cord, which is attached to a chain fastened 
to the floor by a staple or rivet in the rear 
of the steamer. The moment the steamer 
is moved forward the cord breaks the 
vials, and a powerful combustion is caused 
by the mingling of the chemicals within 
them, and the fire is strongly burning in 
an instant. These inventions, with many 
conveniences introduced by Chief Reiff, 
have greatly improved the fire department 
of Fremont. 

The department now keeps and uses 
four black horses, which are well kept in a 
room adjoining that in which the engines 
are stored, and always ready. 

At the present time the force of men 
engaged in the fire department of the city, 
and their pay, is as follows: Charles F, 
Rieff, chief of department, salary one hun- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



473 



dred dollars per year; A. M. June, en- 
gineer, salary one hundred dollars per 
year; John Fend (who is also assistant 
chief), William Lang (stoker), George 
Fend, Robert F. Hidber, Frank Myers, 
George Grable, Stephen Cook, Ed 
Schwartz, Charles Miller, John Donaho, 
William Burgess, Charles Bump, and 
Philip Dutt, the whole force consisting of 
seventeen men. These minute-men are 
paid one dollar and fifty cents for each 
fire they attend, and thus far have proved 



prompt and efficient under the present or- 
ganization. 

The alarm bell over the city hall is so 
arranged that it can be rung by cords on 
both the inside and outside of the engine- 
room. The engine-room has also connec- 
tion by telephone with every part of the 
city. These, with a published and posted 
signal for alarms, enables the people and 
the department to act with great prompt- 
ness and efficiency whenever the devour- 
ing element makes its appearance. 



CHAPT 

FREMONT— PU 

Village Schools and Teachers — G: 

THE first school-house m Fremont was 
erected about the year 1816, on the 
site of the present High School building, a 
few rods west of Fort Stephenson (then 
standing) and within three years after the 
heroic defence of that fort by Colonel 
Croghan. 

It was constructed of rough, unhewn 
logs, cut from the surrounding trees and 
hastily put together by the joint efforts of 
the early settlers. Oiled paper took the 
place of glass in the windows, and the 
seats were of the most primitive construc- 
tion. It was replaced in 181 7 by a more 
substantial structure, erected on the same 
site, fronting east, and built of hewn logs, 
with some such improvements as glass 
windows, a row of desks around the walls, 
and a blazing fire-place at the eastern ex- 
tremity. 

•Contributed to the Centennial Educational Vol- 
ume published by the State authorities, 



n:R XXIX. 

3LIC SCHOOLS.* 

ided Schools and School Officers. 

TEACHERS.* 

In recording the names of such of the 
early teachers of our common schools as 
we have been able to find, we may men- 
tion Mr. Jocelyn, Dr. Gooding, Miss Bee- 
be, Mr. Bradley, Dr. Brainard, and Ezra 
and Justus Williams; but we cannot name 
them in regular order from 1819 to 1828, 
except E. B. Johnson and Mr. Simms, who 
taught in 1824 and 1825. 

During the winter of 1818-19 a select 
school was taught by Mrs. Lysander C. 
Ball, in one of the rooms of old Fort 
Stephenson, and she says that one of her 
pupils was an Indian boy, whose capacity 
for learning was quite equal to that of her 
brightest scholars, and he was so con- 
sidered by the rest, and respected accord- 
ingly. Mrs. Ball was born February 15, 
1800, and is still living (1881) in her 

* What is said under this head is the contribution 
of Dr. Thomas McCune. 



474 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



old home near Fremont ; a well-preserved 
old lady, cheerful, kind-hearted, and highly 
respected by the whole community. 

Samuel Crowell, from Virginia, was en- 
gaged in the common schools in 1828 and 
1829; he was a fine teacher and a very 
worthy man. He was afterwards twice 
elected sheriff of Sandusky county. 

Edson Goit came next, who taught in 
1830 and 1 831; he then studied law, was 
admitted to the Bar in 1833, and died at 
Bowling Green in 1879. He was a man of 
superior ability and leaves an honorable 
record. 

Wilson M. Stark was engaged in teach- 
ing from 1836 to 1839 inclusive; he 
was then appointed postmaster, and after- 
wards elected county treasurer for four 
years, and then county superintendent of 
schools; he was highly respected as a fine 
scholar and teacher, a thorough business 
man, a gentleman of strict integrity, and 
thoroughly qualified for every position he 
was called to fill; he died, in 1864, 
honored and loved by all. 

Horace E. Clark, after teaching a 
number of years, was elected county sur- 
veyor seven years, and county auditor four 
years; he died at Lower Sandusky, and is 
remembered as a very worthy citizen. 

One of the most prominent and effi- 
cient pioneer teachers of Sandusky county 
was John W. Case, who came to Lower 
Sandusky about the year 1834, and served 
the people as teacher for about ten years 
with eminent success, and he has always 
stood so high in the estimation of this 
community, as a scholar, teacher, and 
Christian gentleman, that we feel assured 
our readers will justify us in present- 
ing to them an epitome of his history, 
which we we clip from a report of the 
proceedings of the Muskingum Methodist 
Protestant conference in 1877. 

The committee on obituaries reported 



touching the life and death of Rev. John 
W. Case as follows : 

Whereas, Death has visited our conference during 
the past year and removed from our midst one of 
our pioneers, as well as a revered father of the church; 
and 

Whereas, We believe that the name and services 
of such a minister of Christ should not be forgotten, 
therefore, 

Resolved, That we, as a conference, join in record- 
ing the following facts in regard to the deceased : 
Rev. John W. Case was born in October, 1808, in 
Orange county. New York. He was converted and 
united with the Baptist church in his sixteenth year. 
He was married in August, 1829, to Miss Rachel M. 
Bylia of New York city. He taught school in 
Georgia, New York city, Rochester, Adams' Basin, 
and Lower Sandusky. When he moved to Ohio, he 
united with the Methodist Protestant church. In 
1839 he was licensed to preach; and in 1841 he was 
admitted into the itineracy. He preached and labored 
on th'e following circuits and stations: Bellevue, 
Bucyrus, Coshocton, Pleasant Hill, Steubenville, 
Vienna, Mount Pleasant, Belmont, Zanesville, Penns- 
ville, Wellsville, Cambridge, Pisgah, Otsego, Hunt- 
ingdon, Richwood, and Lewistown. On all these 
fields of labor Brother Case was highly esteemed, and 
he still lives in the memories and hearts of these 
people. His dear companion was a true wife, a lov- 
ing mother, and a sympathizing co-laborer; she died 
August 24, 1874, in great peace. He was again 
married to Mrs. Mary Conning, of York, Medina 
county, Ohio, June, 1876, with whom he lived in 
harmony until March, 1877, the day of his death. 
He was buried at Hartwood, Tuscarawas county, 
by the side of his first wife. Thus rests a veteran of 
the cross. 

To which we append the following 
poetic address delivered by Dr. Thomas 
McCune, of Fremont, Ohio, at the re- 
union of the John W. Case association 
held at the court-house during the annual 
pioneer meeting, September 6, 1881. 

REMINISCENCES OF LOWER SANDUSKY. 

Dear schoolmates, do I dream once more. 
Or am I as in the days of yore, 

.'\gain in Lower Sandusky? 
It's now past forty years, you know, 
Since 'round these streets we used to go 
With youthful feelings all aglow. 

In that old Lower .Sandusky. 

Those times were grand, those girls and boys 
Were happy in their youthful joys. 

In good old Lower Sandusky. 
Our minds were free from anxious care. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



475 



Our sports and pastimes all might share, 
And roguish mischief was not rare, 

In that old Lower Sandusky. 

That old brick school-house where we met 
Is sacred in our memories yet. 

In good old Lower Sandusky. 
The log, and stone-house on the hill. 
Come back in memory sacred still 
To all our hearts with vivid thrill. 

From that old Lower Sandusky. 

There we were wont from day to day 
To con our lessons, laugh and play. 

In that old Lower Sandusky; 
And when at last our school was out 
We bounded homeward with a shout. 
And people knew we were about 

That good old Lower Sandusky. 

John W. Case, upon the hill. 
Our youthful memories tried to fill 

In that old Lower Sandusky, 
With Webster, Daboll, Kirkham's rules. 
To wisely shun the fate of fools, 
And learnthe truths then taught in schools. 

In good old Lower Sandusky. 

A generation's passed away, 
Since we were happy in our play 

In that old Lower Sandusky; 
But we are spared to meet once more. 
And greet each other as before, 
E're we go hence forever more. 

From dear old Lower Sandusky. 

Then let us now recall once more, 

The names and friends we knew of yore 

In that old Lower Sandusky, 
Miranda, Orrin, Joe and Sam, 
Miss Emily Hunt and Sally Ann, 
And Casper Smith, the furniture man , 

All lived in Lower Sandusky. 

Miss Nancy Justice, Minerva, too, 
With Chauncey Roberts, a jolly crew. 

Lived then in Lower Sandusky. 
Miss Sarah Bell and Williams Joe, 
With Mary Case and Catharine O., 
.\nd Kridler Jim, now white as snow. 

Belonged to Lower Sandusky. 

George Momenne and Tristam Hull, 
With Capper Tom, of mischief full. 

In that old Lower Sandusky. 
George Loveland, always on the wing, 
Ed. Hawkins, of the genuine ring, 
And Leppelman the jewelry king, 

All boys of Lower Sandusky, 

Pierre Beaugrand and Betsey Brainard; 
Nancy, too, and Washington Maynard, 

Were here in Lower Sandusky; 



Miss Sylvia Roberts, Shannon Jim, 
The boys and girls respected him; 
And Mary Hafford, neat and trim, 

All there in Lower Sandusky. 

Miss Hannah Bates and Delia Ann, 
Nett Shepardson and Hafford Sam, 

Were there in Lower Sandusky; 
Orland Smith and Thomas Nyce, 
With Eveline and William Rice, 
With other girls and boys as nice. 

Were here in Lower Sandusky. 

-Almira Hafford, Frances Case 
Were often foremost in the race 

To spell in Lower Sandusky; 
But Charles B. Tyler, Herbster Bill, 
Would manage with consummate skill 
To come out best and beat them still. 

In jolly old Sandusky. 

Lodusky Everett, now on high, 
Maria Bell, above the sky, 

Look back to Lower Sandusky. 
Miss Nancy Tracy, Ami, too, 
Who sealed their friendship firm and true. 
With love of deep indellible hue, 

Down there in Lower Sandusky. 

Nor is this list complete at all 
Without Thad and Alvira Ball, 

In good old Lower Sandusky; 
Dick Beaugrand and Orland C. , 
Belle Nyce and Sweet Alvira P., 
With Betsey Maynard, full of glee. 

In that old Lower Sandusky. 

Lucinda Cowden, Hawkins Jane, 
Beery and Moore, of Hessville fame, 

Not far from Lower Sandusky; 
Clarissa Meeker, John McNath, 
.\nn Olmsted, often full of laugh. 
Is now on Governor Foster's staff, 

Short distance from Sandusky. 

Our much-respected Homer E. 
Still honors this society. 

That comes from Lower Sandusky. 
Jim Hadley, seldom out of tune, 
-Vliss Harrington, and Tom McCune 
Who got the mitten one night in June 

In naughty old Sandusky. 

.\Imira Brainard, Charley Bell, 
.A.nd more my memory could tell. 

Who lived in Lower Sandusky, 
But time forbids; I must be brief. 
For fear I bring you all to grief, 
.\nd sleepshould come to your relief. 

To dream of Lower Sandusky. 

How many things we think of yet. 
Those spelling schools we can't forget. 



476 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



In good old Lower Sandusky; 
For, after we'd spelled down, you know, 
The girls were glad to take a beau. 
And walk with only two in a row, 

Down there in Lower Sandusky. 

And this suggests more winter sports, 
According to our old reports, 

In good old Lower Sandusky. 
The sleigh ride with its jolly whoa! 
The laugh and light fantastic toe. 
Till near the morning home we'd go. 

To jolly old Sandusky. 

And by the way, we'd sing our song, 
And never thought the road too long, 

To jolly old Sandusky. 
And as we went they'd hear us sing, 
Until we made the welkin ring. 
For we were happy as a king. 

Sleighing to Lower Sandusky. 

But joys of youth with us are pass'd. 
For youthful pleasures could not last 

In that old Lower Sandusky; 
But we will not begrudge them to 
Our children, and their children who 
Have lived and loved as we used to, 

In good old Lower Sandusky. 

But Lower Sandusky's pass'd away. 
And with it, too, our joyous days, 

That good old Lower Sandusky. 
And nearly all our school-mates, too, 
Have bid that good old town adieu, 
And gone to realms of brighter hue 

We trust, than Lower Sandusky. 

Our teacher, too, has gone to rest. 
Among the mansions of the blest. 

Far from old Lower Sandusky. 
At last may we, who linger here, 
In that bright realm of Heaven appear; 
But while we live, we'll still revere 

Our old home. Lower Sandusky. 

Those who were pupils of the old log 
school-house remember very distinctly the 
deep ravine that used to run just south of 
the present High School building, in 
whose waters, swollen by recent rains, they 
used to play; also the graves of the Brit- 
ish officers near by, and a mound which 
marked the common burial place of the 
British soldiers that fell in the battle of 
Fort Stephenson, over and among which 
they were accustomed to ramble in their 
school-day sports. This school-house was 



also the church and court-house. In it 
the teacher taught, the missionary preach- 
ed, and the judge expounded the law and 
administered justice. 

The studies pursued in the earlier schools 
were reading, writing, arithmetic, a little 
grammar, and very little or no geography. 
Among the text books were Pike's Arith- 
metic, Murray's Grammar, the introduc- 
tion to the English Reader, the English 
Reader, and the sequel to the same, to- 
gether with Webster's Spelling Book. 

The schools were supported entirely by 
subscription. 

The old log school-house stood until 
the fall of 1834, when it was burned 
down, as it was considered unsafe for 
school purposes, a cholera patient having 
died in it the previous August. In 
its stead a rough stone building was 
erected, containing at first one room, and 
eventually two. This remained until after 
the organization of the schools on the 
graded or union school plan, and the erec- 
tion of the new brick building in 1852-53. 
The same year a brick school-house was 
erected on the east side of the river, on 
Howland street, which continued to be 
used for school purposes for nearly thirty 
years, when it was sold to the city council 
for an engine house. 

The stone school-house on the west side 
of the river and the brick on the east side 
supplied the school wants for many years, 
although before 1850 additional buildings 
were rented on both sides of the river. 

During these years many select schools 
were taught in rented buildings. 

Dr. Dio Lewis, who has since obtained 
a National notoriety, taught school in 
1843-44, in the old Exchange building, 
north of the Kessler hotel. The school 
was incorporated as the Diocletian Insti- 
tute. Mr. Lewis not meeting with suffi 
cient encouragement, abandoned the pro- 
ject after about two years' trial. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



477 



Horace E, Clark taught for several 
years in the public schools. 

GRADED SCHOOLS. 

In January, 1850, a public meeting of 
the citizens of Fremont was held at the 
court-house, for the purpose of taking pre- 
liminary steps toward the organization of 
the schools on the graded or union-school 
plan, under the State law of 1849. Akron 
had led the way in the establishment of 
graded schools, under a special law passed 
at the instance of that town. Fremont 
was not slow to improve the opportunity 
afforded by the general law of 1849, whose 
passage by the Legislature had been in- 
duced by the favorable reception of the 
Akron experiment. Among the active 
supporters of such reorganization of the 
schools were Dr. L. Q. Rawson, Rev. H. 
Lang, General Buckland, Hon. Homer 
Everett, Judge James Justice, Sardis 
Birchard, and Horace E. Clark. The 
question was submitted to a vote of the 
people February 2, 1850. The measure 
met with active opposition, and the elec- 
tion was, perhaps, the most exciting local 
election in the history of the city, elec- 
tioneering carriages being brought out to 
gather in voters as on great political occa- 
sions. The measure of reorganization on 
the graded school plan was carried by a 
majority of forty-four in a total poll of two 
hundred and eighteen votes. 

The school record from this date, 1850, 
for a period of twelve years, is unfortu- 
nately lost, and we are therefore obliged 
to depend for information relative to the 
early organization of the schools very 
largely upon the memory of men, together 
with such documents as poll books and 
the occasional reports of treasurers and 
teachers found among the papers pre- 
served. 

On the 14th of February, 1850, the fol- 
lowing gentlemen were elected members 
of the first board of education : Jesse 



Olmsted, Rev. H. Lang, Homer Everett, 
J. B. G. Downs, D. Capper, and J. H. 
Hafford. 

Mr. Olmsted had been an active and 
even violent opponent of the new depart- 
ure in the school organization, and had 
done what he could to defeat the measure. 
The friends of new organization, as a 
stroke of policy, determined to elect him 
a member of the board, of which he was 
chosen president. He gracefully accepted 
the situation, and became a warm sup- 
porter of the schools. 

The first board of education proceeded 
to take measures for the erection of a new 
building for the better accommodation of 
the schools. There were, at this time, 
five schools — two in the stone school- 
house, one in the brick on the east side, 
one in the frame building, still standing 
just east of the bridge, known in the 
records as the Bridge school-house, and 
another in the basement of the old Meth- 
odist Episcopal church, the latter two be- 
ing rented for school purposes. 

The new school building, containing 
four rooms, and costing between six and 
eight thousand dollars, was not completed 
so as to be ready for the schools until the 
fall of 1853. Three different appropria- 
tions were made for the erection of this 
building, the first being carried with 
scarcely any opposition, and the last by a 
small majority only. 

It does not appear that any attempt was 
made to grade or classify the schools for 
two or three years subsequent to the or- 
ganization under the law of 1849, prob- 
ably from the want of suitable accommo- 
dations. 

The following amounts were paid for 
tuition for the fall term of three months 
In 185 1 : Rev. F. S. White, one hundred 
and twenty dollars; Horace E. Clark, 
ninety dollars; Miss R. P. Mitchener, 
Sarah G. Downs and Elizabeth Ryder, 



478 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



forty-five dollars each. F. S. White, be- 
fore his removal to Fremont, had been a 
teacher in Cleveland, and an active and 
warm supporter of Superintendent Frieze 
in the organization of the schools of that 
place, contributing articles to the Cleve- 
land Plam Dealer in furtherance of their 
interests and the interests of the public 
schools in general. His salary of forty 
dollars per month was considered by many 
as extravagant in its character. It was the 
largest amount that had ever been paid. 
He only taught one term. 

In a report of one of the male teachers, 
in 1853, we find the statement that three- 
fourths of the pupils lose, at least, one- 
sixth of their time, or one hour every day, 
in consequence of tardiness. Teachers 
of to-day, who rightly enough feel that 
they have cause to complain of the tardi- 
ness of their pupils, can gather consola- 
tion from this statement of twenty-three 
years ago. 

The schools were first graded when the 
new school building was occupied, in the 
fall of 1853. Horace E. Clark, a former 
teacher in the schools, and at that time a 
member of the board of education, and 
county auditor, exercised a general super- 
vision over the schools during this school 
year. B. W. Lewis taught in the high 
school, S. Treat in the west, and J. \V. 
Hiett in the east side grammar schools. 
There is no report for this year. 

The following year, 1854-55, J. W. 
Hiett acted as principal of the high school, 
and Superintendent B. W. Lewis and S. 
Treat having charge of the grammer 
schools, and Julia Kridler, Helen Mor- 
gan and Mary Tichneor being teachers in 
the primary and secondary schools. 

The report of this year, the first gen- 
eral report ever made, shows a total enu- 
meration of eight hundred and sixty-four, a 
total enrollment of five hundred and ninety- 
two, and an average daily attendance of 



three hundred and twelve, or fifty-three 
per cent, of the entire enrollment. The 
salaries paid were tbrty dollars per month 
for the high school, thirty-five dollars in 
the grammer schools, and twenty dollars 
per month for the lady teachers in the 
primary and secondary grades. 

There were at this time six schools, re- 
spectively styled the high school, the west 
side and east side grammar schools, the 
west side secondary, and the west side 
and the east side primary schools, four of 
which occupied the new school building. 

The studies pursued in addition to the 
common branches were, according to the 
reports, philosophy, physiology and chem- 
istry. In the fall of 1855 George A. Stark- 
weather was employed as superintendent, 
and his wife as grammar school teacher, 
at a joint salary of one thousand dollars. 

J. B. Loveland taught in the east side 
grammar school. Mr. Loveland contin- 
ued an effcient teacher in the grammar 
and high schools from this time until the 
year 1864. Mr. Starkweather remained in 
charge of the school for two years. His- 
tory, algebra and Latin are reported among 
the additional studies pursued. 

C. C. Woolard, the present principal 
of one of the Cincinnati schools, suc- 
ceeded Mr. Starkweather as superintend- 
ent in the fall of 1857, holding the posi- 
tion two years, at a salary of eight hundred 
dollars per year. From their correspond- 
ence the board seemed anxious to obtain 
all the information possible from other 
towns of the Slate relative to the manage- 
ment of graded schools. At this time 
there were eight schools, four in the cen- 
tral building, one on Wood street, two on 
Howland street, and one on Croghanville 
hill, three new one-story buildings hav- 
ing been erected about this time. In 
1858 it became necessary to rent the Pres- 
byterian session room for the use of the 
high school. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



479 



The superintendent complains to the 
board of the irregular attendance of teach- 
ers upon the teachers' meetings. This is 
the first reference we find, in the history 
of the schools, to teachers' meetings for 
professional instruction. They were held 
on Saturday, and attendance upon them 
had been rendered obligatory by action of 
the board. 

That this period was not one of per- 
fectly harmonious action and good feeling 
is evident from the tone of the letter of 
Don. A. Pease, in which he speaks of the 
excited state of the public mind in school 
matters, and rather reluctantly, in conse- 
quence thereof, accepts the position of 
superintendent for the year 1859-60, at a 
salary of seven hundred dollars. 

Mr. Pease discharged the duties of su- 
perintendent for one year only. No gen- 
eral annual report seems to have been 
made during all these years, since Super- 
intendent Hiett's report, nor for the three 
following years, or if made they took no 
permanent shape and have been lost. 

In i860 the Rev. Dr. Bushnell, resident 
pastor of the Presbyterian church, was 
elected to the position of superintendent 
of schools at a salary of three hundred dol- 
lars per year. Mr. Bushnell was a fine 
classical and mathematical scholar. His 
work was exclusively of a supervisory 
character. He did not teach, and in con- 
nection with his school work continued to 
discharge his ministerial duties. He held 
the position of superintendent, and ably 
discharged its duties for a period of three 
years. During the first year of Mr. Bush- 
nell's administration J. B. Loveland taught 
in the high school, Mr. Sowers in the west 
side grammar school, and J. Burgner in 
the east side grammar or mixed school. 
In the following year J. Burgner taught in 
the high school, J. B Loveland in the 
grammar school, and F. M. Ginn was 
employed on the east side. Mr. Ginn 



remained connected with the schools, an 
efficient and acceptable grammar school 
teacher, until the year 1870, when he be- 
came superintendent of the schools of 
Clyde, Ohio. In the fall of 1862 G. C. 
Woolard returned to the schools as princi- 
pal of the high school, at a salary of five 
hundred dollars a year; J. B. Loveland 
continuing in the grammar school at a 
salary of four hundred and fifty dollars, 
F. M. Ginn, at three hundred and fifty 
dollars, and the lady teachers generally 
receiving two hundred dollars a year. 
The Presbyterian session room was occu- 
pied by the high school, and the basement 
of the Methodist Episcopal church was 
rented for a primary school. This was 
the last year of Mr. Bushnell's superin- 
tendency. He was endeavoring, we learn, 
to bring the schools to a course of study 
which he had marked out for his own 
guidance, something that had not here- 
tofore been done. His superintendency 
closed, however, before the work had 
been thoroughly accomplished. 

The following year, 1863-64, Mr. Wool- 
ard was first elected principal of the 
high school, and then clothed with the 
powers of superintendent, and an assist- 
ant teacher for the first time employed in 
the high school. Hitherto the superin- 
tendent, with the exception of the Rev. Mr. 
Bushnell, had been sole principal of the 
high school, and supervision under such 
circumstances must necessarily have been 
of a nominal character. There seems to 
have been considerable friction during this 
school year, in the working of the school 
machinery in the teachers corps, and, as 
a natural consequence, between board and 
teachers. 

Toward the close of the year the powers 
of supervision over the schools on the 
east side of the river were conferred tem- 
porarily on Mr. Ginn. 

Two new school buildings were erected 



48o 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



this year, one on John street and one on 
Hickory street. It seem to have been the 
policy of the board, after the erection of 
the central building, to build one-story 
structures, with a view almost solely to 
local accommodations. 

This year terminated Mr. Woolard's 
connection with the schools of Fremont. 
We are disposed to regard him as a gentle- 
man of good ability, and possessed of a 
large fund of valuable information in the 
theory and practice of teaching, especially 
in the lower departments. 

SUPERINTENDENCY OF W. W. ROSS. 

In 1864 W. W. Ross was elected super- 
intendent, his brother Zachary Ross being 
employed in the grammar school, both 
at a joint salary of one thousand one hun- 
dred dollars, which was increased to one 
thousand two hundred dollars at the close 
of the first term. Miss Kate Patrick was 
assistant in the high school. 

At this time there were ten schools, re- 
spectively styled high, grammar, inter- 
mediate, secondary, and primary. Two 
of these schools occupied rented rooms, 
entirely unsuited to school purposes. 
There was no printed course of study, and 
in fact no definite course of study of any 
kind, especially in the high school, that 
was considered as of a binding character. 

A course of study was marked out dur- 
ing the first term, covering a period of 
eleven or twelve years, four years being 
given to the high school. It received 
the sanction of the board, and was pub- 
lished for the guidance of teachers and the 
information of parents. 

The high school studies hitherto pur- 
sued were, according to the reports, al- 
gebra, philosophy, physiology, and history, 
a very few pupils having occasionally 
studied geometry, chemistry, and Latin. 

The new course of study embraced, in 
addition to the common branches, algebra, 
geometry, trigonometry, physiology, phys- 



ical geography, philosophy, history, book- 
keeping, botany, chemistry, rhetoric, sci- 
ence of government, natural history, 
astronomy, geology, logic, mental and 
moral philosophy, and Latin, the latter 
being optional. 

During the first year the superintend- 
ent's time was wholly occupied in teach- 
ing, the work of supervision being effected 
chiefly through teachers' meetings, which 
were held weekly. During the second 
and third year about one hour each day 
was given to the work of supervision. 
The last term of the year 1864-65, 
Zachary Ross having resigned, Mr. Ginn 
was transferred to the west side, as prin- 
cipal of the grammar school, and the east 
side school became one of secondary and 
intermediate grade. 

At the beginning of this school year, 
1865-66, Miss E. L. Otis, an intermediate 
teacher, was transferred to the high 
school, a position she has continued to 
fill, either as assistant or principal, with 
marked fidelity and success to the present 
time. 

In June, 1867, Eliza Bushnell gradu- 
ated from the high school. She was the 
first graduate. 

In May, 1866, the question of appro- 
priating sixteen thousand dollars for the 
erection of new school buildings, one on 
the east and one on the west side of the 
river, was submitted to the vote of the 
people. It was carried by a vote of two 
hundred and seven to one hundred and 
twenty one. These buildings, one a two- 
story and the other a three-story structure, 
were built the following year, and first oc- 
cupied about January i, 1868. 

An additional teacher was first employed 
in the high school at the beginning of the 
school year of 1867-68. This arrange- 
ment, which thenceforward gave the su- 
perintendent two-thirds of his time for 
supervision, together with the new school 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



481 



buildings, enabled the schools to start on 
a new and more successful career. 

A German-English school was first es- 
tablished in 1868-69, covering the five 
lower grades. It has been maintained 
ever since, having for several years been 
in charge of Miss E. x\ugspurber, a teach- 
er of twenty-five years' experience. 

None but lady teachers have been em- 
ployed in the English schools since 1870. 
Miss G. A. Lawton, the first lady principal 
of the grammar school, filled the position 
with rare ability for one year. Her suc- 
cessor. Miss M. E. Wood, has continued 
to discharge the onerous and responsible 
duties of grammar school principal from 
that time to the present, with sucli ability, 
energy, and success as few gentlemen 
could excel. She has been assisted most 
of the time by Mary Fanning, a faitliful 
and competent teacher. 

There has as yet been no conscious loss 
of power in the schools, either in disci- 
pline or in other respects, from the exclu- 
sive employment of lady teachers. 

In 1873 a new and beautiful two-story 
primary school building was erected on 
John street, at a cost of five thousand dol- 
lars, and a one-story school-house on John 
street, and another on Hickory street, were 
sold by the board. This was a move in 
the direction of centralization of the 
schools, rather than their isolation. 

In this year, 1873, the schools prepared 
work for the Vienna Exposition, illustrative 
of the work of all the grades, for which 
they received a diploma of merit. 

This same year the board of education, 
for the first time, gave the annual report 
of the schools a more permanent form, by 
the publication of a neat little volume of 
sixty pages, containing the regulations, 
course of study, and report of the super- 
intendent. 

In this report the grades were slightly 
modified, and their nomenclature changed 
61 



from grammar, intermediate, secondary, 
and primary to grammar and primary, four 
years being given to each department, the 
grades being respectively styled A, B, C, 
and D. 

Shortly after, the number of grades in 
each room was reduced from two to one, 
as far as the scattered state of the school 
buildings made it practicable. These 
changes, which more definitely marked 
out the work of the lower grades, and de- 
termined their boundaries, resulted in im- 
mediate improvement in the work of the 
first six years, and a more general advance- 
ment in the annual promotions. 

More recently these single-grade schools 
have been subdivided into two sections, 
with a view ultimately to have one five 
months in advance of the other, both to 
be promoted annually, and the advanced 
section of the A grammar grade, when 
promoted to the high school, to have the 
privilege of completing the course in three 
years, or of taking up additional studies. 

ATTF.NDANCK, ETC. 

1855. 1865. 1875. 

.\umljcr of pupils enrolled 592 917 950 

Average daily attendance 312 482 643 

Number of teachers 6 12 18 

Number of school-rooms 6 10 14 

Number of weeks in session. ... 36 36 40 

KXPENDITl'RK.S. 

1855. 1865. 1875. 

Amount paid teacheis. .. . $1,530 $ 3.500 $ 9,385 

Total expenditures 5,000 13,000 

Value of school property.. 8,000 20,000 50,000 

The apparently small increase in the en- 
rollment of 1875 over 1865 was occa- 
sioned by the withdrawal of pupils from 
the public schools to attend the new de- 
nominational schools in the city. The 
per cent, of the total enrollment in aver- 
age daily attendance has increased from 
fifty-three per cent, in 1855 and 1865 to 
sixty-eight per cent, in 1875. 

The management of the schools has 
grown constantly easier, with exceptional 
periods, in different schools. There is 



482 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



not one case of corporal punishment now 
where there were five eight years ago. 

Suspensions have been rarely resorted 
to, too rarely, perhaps, for the interests of 
the schools. The policy has been one of 
extreme caution in setting a boy adrift, 
even when there was small prospect of 
amendment. It is believed there is a gen- 
eral willingness in the community to sus- 
tain the teacher's authority, the cases being 
exceptional where parents seem to regard 
that the tardiness and irregular attendance 
of their children is no one's concern but 
their own, and that their misconduct for- 
feits none of their school rights. 

The recent regulation which puts chil- 
dren or parents to the inconvenience of 
reporting to the superintendent or board, 
in case of repeated delinquencies in the 
matter of regular and punctual attendance, 
is helping to lessen these evils. 

The high school course of study, from 
the time it was adopted in 1864, has been 
a four years' course. It has been slightly 
modified by giving two less terms to 
algebra in the second year, and substitut- 
ing arithmetic in its place, and by substitut- 
ing English literature for moral science in 
the last year of the course. 

The present course is : First year, gram- 
mar, algebra, physiology and physical 
geography; second year, algebra, arithme- 
tic, philosophy, history, botany, bookkeep- 
ing; third year, geometry, chemistry, 
rhetoric, zoology and science of govern- 
ment; fourth year, trigonometry, astron- 
omy, English literature, geology, logic and 
mental science. 

Latin may be selected in the place of 
grammar and history in the first and 
second years; zoology and mental science 
in the third and fourth years, or pursued 
conjointly with all the studies of the last 
two years. 

Two years ago the plan was adopted of 
giving to the best scholars among the 



boys promoted to the high school the 
privilege of completing the course in three 
years. This i)lan has operated admirably, 
such pupils often proving the very best 
in the classes to which they have been ad- 
vanced. The privilege has not been given 
to the girls. 

The high school has never met with any 
opposition in this city. No larger audi- 
ences assemble than on commencement 
occasions. It is believed no school is 
more highly appreciated, or more thor- 
oughly fortified in the affections of the 
people. Its efficient principal. Miss E. 
L. Otis, has been continuously connected 
with the school for a period of ten years. 
She was assisted for three years by Estelle 
S. Rawson, a former graduate of the 
schools, and for the last three years by 
Miss M. L. Smith, of Mount Holyoke, 
Massachusetts, both competent teachers. 

Some attention is now paid to the 
elements of natural history in the D 
grammar grade, the elements of botany 
in the C, of physiology in the B, and of 
physics in the A grammar grade. United 
States history is also studied in the A 
grammar grade, and takes the place of 
geography. Practical language lessons 
form a more important feature than form- 
erly in the work of the C and D granunar 
and primary grades. Writing is com- 
menced with the first day of school life, 
and an effort is made to give the pupil 
constant daily practice in the use of writ- 
ten language. 

Mental arithmetic, formerly pursued as 
a separate study, is now taught in combina- 
tion with written arithmetic. Effort is 
made to give its analytical processes 
merited attention, and to use them as a 
key to the operations in written arithmetic. 
Number lessons commence with the lowest 
grade. 

Music and drawing have, at different 
times, received consideration, with varying 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



483 



success. Two years ago L. S. Thompson, 
of Sandusky, was employed as a special 
teacher in drawing, to visit the schools 
once a month, and give instruction to 
teachers as well as pupils, and S. C. 
Collins, of the same place, as a special 
teacher of music, to visit the schools twice 
a month. Under their efficient supervi- 
sion the schools are making commendable 
progress in these branches. 

One new feature has been introduced 
into the schools, worthy of mention. Prac- 
tical drill in music and literature has been 
made a daily exercise, with excellent re- 
sults. A series of concerts was given at 
the close of the school year 1880 and 
1881, which showed gratifying proficiency. 
Burns' and Moore's songs were sung with 
enthusiasm. A regular course of reading 
is being encouraged this year as a special 
feature. 

The following is a list of members of 
the board with the dates of their election, 
beginning with the year following the or- 
ganization, and continuing up to 1872: 

1851 — H. Lang, Homer Everett. 

1852 — Samuel Wilson, Jacob Kridler. 

1853— Dr. L. Q. Rawson, H. E. Clark, 
C. Doncyson. 

1854 — John Younkman, Aaron Love- 
land. 

1855 — Dr. Brainard, H. Lang. 

1856 — L. Q. Rawson, John Bell. 

1857 — James Justice, R. W. B. Mc- 
Clellan. 

1858 — Thomas Stilwell, Thomas Kelley. 

1859 — Isaac Glick, D. L. June. 

i860 — James Justice, R. W. B. Mc- 
Clellan. 

1861— H. Everett, H. E. Clark. 

1862 — Ammi Williams, John Flaugher. 

1863 — Colonel Nat Haynes, James 
Justice. 

1864— H. Everett, J. S. Van Ness. 

1865 — H. R. Shomo, Charles Thomp- 
son. 



1866 — C. Doncyson, H. Lesher. 

1867— H. Lang, J. M. Smith. 

1868— John McArdle, J. S. Van Ness. 

1869 — C. Doncyson, J. P. Elderkin. 

1870— W. W. Stine, J. Elwell. 

187 1 — J. S. Van Ness, H. Lang. 

1872 — C. Doncyson, A. J. Hale. 

From 1872 to 1876 the board was con- 
stituted as follows: J. S. Van Ness, pres- 
dent ; William Stine, treasurer; A. J. 
Hale, secretary; J. Elwell, H. Lang, and 
C. Doncyson. 

The board for 1880-81 were: H. R. 
Finefrock, president; A. J. Hale, secre- 
tary; J. P. Thompson, treasurer: Jesse S. 
Van Ness, E. A. Bristol, J. Stierwalt. 

Hon. Homer Everett was sectetary of 
the first board of education, and has 
served as secretary and president many 
terms since, contributing efficient and ju- 
dicious service to the schools. 

The Rev. H. Lang, to whose research 
we are indebted for many of the facts of 
this review, was a member of the first 
board, and C. Doncyson was elected in 
1853. Both have served from twelve to 
fifteen years, and been active, earnest, 
working members. J. S. Van Ness has 
been a member of the board for ten years, 
and most of the time president, witTiout 
remuneration, giving careful attention to 
the school property and interests of the 
city. Mr. Stine has been an active mem- 
ber and treasurer for six years. Under 
his able management of the finances, the 
board are able to report themselves free 
from debt. 

Mr. Elwell served efficiently for three 
years as secretary. Mr. Hale, the present 
secretary, is in his third term, and has 
proven himself a liberal and efficient 
member of the board. 

Very much of the efficiency of the 
schools is due to the hearty co-operation 
the present board has extended to the 
.eachers, and the liberal and yet judicious 



484 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



manner they have responded to the school 
wants. 

The following gentlemen have served 
as superintendents since the grading of 
the schools in 1853, in the order men- 
tioned: H. E. Clark, one year; J. ^V. 
Hiett, one year; G. A. Starkweather, two 
years; G. C. Woolard, two years; Don A. 
Pease, one year; Rev. E. Bushnell, three 
years; G. C. Woolard, one year; and 
W. W. Ross, who is in the eighteenth year 
of his superintendency. 

The schools completed, with much 
labor and pains on the part of the teachers, 
fourteen volumes of school work for the 
Centennial Exposition. 

THE PRESENT SUPERINTENDENT. 

\V. W. Ross was born at Seville, Medina 
county, Ohio, December 24, 1834. He 
attended the village school until he was 
eleven years old, and then, for a few years, 
enjoyed the advantages of instruction in a 
private or academic school, common in 
those days on the Western Reserve, 
taught by Charles Foster, a graduate of 
Dartmouth college, and a very successful 
teacher, who died during the war of the 
Rebellion. 

At the age of fourteen he had completed 
a very good course of study, including 
algebra and geometry. 

He attended school little after he was 
sixteen years old, and none after lie was 
seventeen, and but nine weeks outside his 
native village. He taught his first school 
at the age of sixteen, at fourteen dollars 
per month. 

He built up a flourishing private or 
academic school, at Spencer, Medina 
county, Ohio. He took charge of this 
school for four or five years, and subse- 
quently, for a like period, had charge of 
the academy in his native village. 

He devoted the summer vacation oi 
these years to the law, pursuing the study 



in the office of Noble & Palmer, Cleve- 
land, Ohio; also in the office of Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Canfield, of the Seventy- 
second Ohio regiment, Medina, Ohio, and 
with the Hon. J. C. Johnson, Seville, 
Ohio. 

He was admitted to the Medina county 
Bar in 1861. In consequence of indif- 
ferent health, he did not commence i)rac- 
tice. 

His first experience in connection with 
graded schools was at Clyde. He was 
superintendent of the schools of that 
place from 1862 to 1864. In the latter 
year he was elected superintendent of the 
public schools at Fremont, a position he 
has filled for seventeen years, and still oc- 
cupies. 

Formerly quite active as a political 
orator, he has always taken a lively interest 
in political matters, and was the candidate 
of his party for State school commissioner 
in the year 187 1. 

He has filled the position of State 
school examiner for two terms; has served 
as president of the Tri-State Teachers' 
Association, and of the Northwestern 
Ohio State Teachers' Association; has 
been an active institute worker, and a fre- 
quent contributor to educational journals^ 

From earliest childhood more or less 
familiar with legal proceedings in the of- 
fice of his father, who served as justice of 
the peace almost uninterruptedly for a 
period of thirty years, he early elected the 
law for his chosen profession, and although 
circumstances have led him into another 
field, he has never, perhaps, entirely 
abandoned the thought of ultimately en- 
tering upon the practice of the law. 

This thought, however has never pre- 
vented his giving his best activities and 
energies to the educational work in which, 
by the judgment of his peers, he has met 
with eminent success. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 



'"'PHE Rev. Joseph Badger was an early 
1. missionary on the Western Reserve. 
After laboring there for a time he con- 
nected himself with the Synod of Pitts- 
burgh, and in 1805 made a tour as far west 
as Michigan. June 14, he crossed the 
Sandusky River, swimming his horse by the 
side of a canoe. Here he speaks of meet- 
ing the Rev. James Hughes, and confer- 
ring with the Indian chief about preaching. 
He found a temporary home with Mrs. 
Whittaker, about three miles below Eower 
Sandusky. On his way back from Michi- 
gan he was at Lower Sandusky July 26, 
and preached to the Indians. 

In 1806, May 13, he ran into Sandusky 
Bay in a boat of three tons burthen, which 
he had himself built. That night, he 
quaintly says, "there being no fuel on 
shore, we had patience for supper.'" Next 
day he arrived at Mrs, VVhittaker's. 

At Lower Sandusky he found the Ind- 
ians gathered together attending to their 
prophet, who was pointing out several of 
their women to be killed as witches. He 
got Crane, the chief, to stop the prophet 
and wait for an interpreter. His diary is not 
very full, but the impression left on the 
reader's mind is that he succeeded in sav- 
ing the women from death. Here an Ind- 
ian named Eunouqu, but called by the 
whites Barnett, was converted. Mr. Badger 
often afterward speaks of him as a stead- 
fast and honest Christian. 

At Lower Sandusky Mr. Badger and 
Mr. Hughes not only preached to the Ind- 
ians, but they used to take their own 

* Rev. Doctor E. Bushnell. 



horses and help them plow and draw logs 
and rails for building. In this work he was 
opposed by some traders and government 
officers, but by persuading the Indians 
to avoid the use of strong drink he broke 
up the traders and they went off. 

In September, 1809, there were rumors 
of a war with England. Mr. Badger ap- 
pointed a meeting for the Indians in 
Lower Sandusky, at which he made an 
address dissuading them from taking any 
part in the war if it should come. 

The labors of this missionary were of 
varied character. He speaks of making 
his own boat, of making a plow for Mrs. 
Whittaker, to replace one that had been 
broken, and the following are character- 
istic extracts from his journal : 

Spent part of the week hoeing in the garden, dig- 
ging for water, writing letters, and administering to 
the sick. 

Friday: rode to the upper (own, and preached a 
short lecture to the black people. Bled three .wo- 
men. 

Monday: returned home and spent most of the 
week in administering to the sick; made a last and a 
pair of shoes. 

Mr. Badger died in 1847, ^^ Perry s- 
burg, in the ninetieth year of his age. A 
few years ago the members of the Presby- 
terian synod made a contribution of 
money to place a stone at his grave. 

Mr. Badger's labors were largely for the 
benefit of the Indians. It was only after 
a long interval that a Presbyterian church 
was organized here. Before this took 
place religious worship had been occasion- 
ally had here after the forms of this 
church. This worship had been conduct- 
ed, and the Lord's Supper administered. 



486 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



by the Rev. James Robinson, a clergyman 
from Southern Ohio. These services 
were held in a log school-house, which 
stood upon or near the site now occupied 
by the high school building. No organi- 
zation was effected until Saturday, Novem- 
ber 30, 1833, when Rev. Messrs. Enoch 
Conger, Xenophon Betts, and Ellery Bas- 
com met with those interested to form a 
church. This meeting was held in the 
court-house, the building which, remod- 
eled, is now the dwelling of the pastor of 
the Lutheran church. 

Twenty-two persons joined in constitu- 
ting the church. All but two had been 
members of churches in other places, and 
most of them had regular letters of dis- 
mission. 

The ministers who formed the church 
were all members of the Presbytery of 
Huron. At the next stated meeting of 
the Presbytery, April 8, 1834, the forma- 
tion of the church was reported, and it 
was received under the care of the body. 

One of these ministers. Rev. E. Bas- 
com, became the first ministerial servant 
of the church. He was graduated at 
Western Reserve College, 1830, a mem- 
ber of its first class. He had studied 
theology at Princeton, and was ordained 
by the Huron Presbycery, October 8, 
1833. At last accounts he was still living 
in Wisconsin. 

David Camp and William C. Otis were 
chosen elders, and were ordained in the 
evening after the organization. Mr. Camp 
was the father of Mrs. Jacob Stahl. 

For some time the Sunday services 
were held in the court-house, or in a stone 
school-house near the present high school 
building. Prayer meetings were held at 
the house of the minister. His house 
has been enlarged, and is now the resi- 
dence of Dr. Failing, on Justice street, 
between the park and State street. After 
leaving the court-house the congregation, 



for some time, used a small building 
which stood on Front street, a few rods 
north of the post ofifice, which has given 
place to business edifices. 

The church was incorporated by act of 
the Legislature of Ohio, under date of 
March 4, 1836. But no meetings of the 
body as thus incorporated are recorded 
until January 7, 1841. From that time 
the annual meeting in January has never 
failed. The annual meeting of January 
I, 1842, is recorded as held "in their 
meeting-house." At this meeting the 
trustees were directed to complete a lease 
with Isaac Prior for his house, as a place 
of public worship. That house was 
erected by Mr. Prior on purpose for the 
use of the church, and the church con- 
tinued to use it rent free, till the comple- 
tion of an edifice. It is still standing, 
used as a dwelling, on the south side of 
State street, next door to the marble shop, 
east of the bridge. 

At a meeting held in April, 1844, it was 
resolved expedient to make an effort to 
build a house of worship. The trustees 
were directed to immediately purchase a 
lot on the northwest corner of Main and 
Garrison streets. This was done, and the 
location has ever since been occupied. In 
May {1844) a building committee was ap- 
pointed. The house was erected, and was 
dedicated January 10, 1847. It was forty- 
five by sixty feet, was the first house built 
by the congregation, and was used until 
the last Sabbath of March, 1869. In Jan- 
uary, 1852, it was resolved to undertake 
the building of a lecture room. Such 
room was built in the rear of the church, 
and was used as long as the church itself. 

In January, 1869, the trustees were in- 
structed to raise, if possible, a subscription 
of twenty-five thousand dollars, and if suc- 
cessful to proceed to the erection of a 
more commodious edifice, having first re- 
moved both the old edifices. The effort 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



487 



succeeded, and the house now occupied 
was built, the congregation meanwhile 
worshiping ten months in Birchard hall. 
The basement rooms were first occupied 
January 30, 1870. The completed edi- 
fice was dedicated on Sunday, the 28th 
day of April, 1870, without debt, having 
cost nearly forty thousand dollars. The 
congregation has occupied this location 
nearly thirty years. 

The church has elected seventeen elders, 
two of whom declined to serve. The first 
two, as already stated, were David Camp 
and William C. Otis. March 31, 1838, 
Ezra Williams and John Tindall were 
elected. The latter appears never to have 
been ordained or to have served. In No- 
vember, 1 84 1, Samuel Hafiford was elected. 
In November, 1833, Samuel Clark, Sam- 
uel Crowell, and Dr. Franklin Williams 
were elected. Mr. Crowell declined to 
serve, and Chauncey J. Pettibone was 
chosen. In January, 1848, George Wall 
was elected. In April, 1849, J- ^- ^• 
Downs; in January, 1852-53 Joseph T. 
Moss and Thomas Oillmon ; and in Feb- 
ruary, 1856, Dr. T. Stillwell and R. W. R. 
McLellan were chosen, and April 30, 1869, 
C. R. McCulloch and I. M. Keeler. 

In regard to the ministers who have 
served the church, the records, whether of 
the church or the session, do not make it 
clear, in all cases, when they came or when 
they went. There have been ten minis, 
ters. Three have been regularly installed 
pastors, viz.: Rev. Ferris Fitch, May 16, 
1839, dismissed May 8, 1844; Rev. Fla- 
vel S. White, installed October 20, 1847, 
dismissed June 29, 1852; and Rev. Eben- 
ezer Bushnell, installed May 12, 1857, 
still in office (October, 1881). The church 
has been in existence for forty-eight years. 
These three pastors have ministered thir- 
ty-four and a half of those years. The 
remaining thirteen and one-half years 
have been divided between vacancies and 



seven stated supplies. Messrs. E. Bas- 
com, E. Conger, H. A. Reed, and John 
McCutchen preceded the pastorate of Mr. 
Fitch. Between Mr. Fitch and Mr. White, 
was Rev. F. T. Backus. After Mr. White 
came Rev. H. A. Rossiter and Rev. F. 
Hendricks. 

The records give no clue to the date of 
the organization of the Sunday-school. 
The most prominent name among the 
earlier superintendents is that of C. J. Pet- 
tibone, though he alternated with J. B. G. 
Downs, Dr. B. F. Williams, and C. R. Mc- 
Culloch. For about twenty-five years C. 
R. McCulloch has been superintendent. 

Many of the members of this church 
have joined it by letter from other churches, 
and many others have come in on profes- 
sion of their faith. There have been 
times of unusual accessions. In July, 
1837, five persons were received by letter, 
and forty on profession. Of these, some 
afterwards became prominent members 
and officers. In April, 1843, eight were 
received on profession. Between January, 
T845, and July 4. of the same year, twen- 
ty-eight were received on profession and 
eight by letter. In May, 1850, sixteen were 
added; in May, 1859, thirty-two; in May, 
1865, seven; in May, 1866, eight; in May, 
1867, seven; and in March, 1872, eleven 
were added. In the first four months of 1873 
twenty-five were received on profession. 
These members are a key to the fact that 
the church has enjoyed not a few seasons 
of special revival, while in the meantime ac- 
cessions have been made more gradually. 

During the first half of the church's his- 
tory statistics were very sparingly put on the 
books. The first gives the number of mem- 
bers in 1846 as 123, but no "funds raised" 
are recorded. Since 1854 the statistics have 
been regularly recorded. In 1852 the num- 
ber of members is given as 103; in 1855, 
109; in 1856, 114. The highest number 
ever reported in the annual report is 199. 



488 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



In April, 1876, it was 193. The neglect 
to record statistics prevents one knowing 
what the church has given for benevolent 
purposes. 

In the ordinary course of things this 
church has caused the preaching of more 
than five thousand sermons, and held two 
thousand five hundred prayer meetings, 
and two thousand two hundred and fifty 
sessions of the Sunday-school. 

Could the town afford to do without 
this and other churches ? 

ST. Paul's church.* 

The parish of St. Paul's, Fremont, does 
not possess a very lengthy history, yet that 
history includes facts of interest which 
should be recorded, and thus preserved 
from oblivion, and handed down fcjr the 
information of future generations. 

It was upon a conviction of the value of 
religious influences to a community, and a 
desire to establish here the services of the 
Protestant Episcopal church, that this 
parish was organized, in the year 1842, 
under the name of St. Paul's church, 
Lower Sandusky. 

The population of the town was then 
below two thousand. Many who were 
then leading spirits of the place have now 
passed away from the stage of action. The 
majority of the men who united in form- 
ing this parochial organization were not 
professors of religion, but they acted, 
no doubt, under a sense of duty to them- 
selves and families and a desire to advance 
the interests of the town. 

The first meeting for the purpose of or- 
ganizing a religious society according to 
the constitution and canons of the Pro- 
testant Episcopal church, was held at the 
court-house on \\'ednesday, the 15th day 
of January, 18 12. The articles of associ- 
ation then and there adopted were signed 
by twenty-eight citizens. At a meeting 

*Rev. R. L. Chiltenden. 



held January 25, 1842, Messrs. D. E. 
Field and William C. Otis were chosen 
wardens, and John P. Haynes, A. Coles, 
John R. Pease, A. B. Taylor and N. P. 
Eddy, vestrymen of the new parish. 

The average attendance at Sunday 
morning services is from eighty to one 
hundred. 

The following occurs in the record of 
the first meeting of the vestry, February 
5, 1842: 

Ordered that the secretary be directed to write to 
Rev. James O'Kill, assuring him that the sum of 
one hundred dollars may be raised for him to officiate 
as pastor of this church once a month for the space 
of one year, or at that rate, the arrangement, how- 
ever, subject to be put an end to by the vestry of this 
church, so soon as a permanent ]-)astor can be se- 
cured. 

Resolved, That the Secretary urite to the Re\-. 
Bishop Mcllvaine, requesting him to furnish this 
church with a pastor so soon as possible. 

In accordance with this resolution, the 
Rev. Mr. O'Kill came from Norwalk and 
held service a few times. It is said that 
a few of the earlier services were held in 
the building then occupied by the Meth- 
odist society, on the southwest corner of 
Arch and Garrison streets. The abilities 
of Mr. O'Kill are highly praised by those 
who knew him. He was a man of bril- 
liant talents. In November, 1842, the 
Rev. William Fagg was invited to the 
charge of the parish at a salary of four 
hundred dollars per annum. This, as we 
are informed, was Mr. F'agg's first parish. 
After serving the congregation one year 
he left on account of ill-health. Mr. Fagg 
died a number of years ago in the South. 
There is a record of one marriage and 
five burials by Mr. Fagg, but no record of 
any baptism or of anyone presented for 
confirmation during his rectorship. WW 
liam C. Otis and D. E. Field held the 
ofifices of warden, and D. E. Field was 
chosen delegate to the diocesan conven- 
tion. 

The meetings at this time were held in 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



489 



the old stone school-house, a small build- 
ing which stood on the present site of the 
high school building. Subsequently the 
meetings of the congregation were held 
in the court house. 

In 1843-44 the members of the congre- 
gation erected a handsome and commodi- 
ous church edifice — of brick with stone 
trimmings — ^on the lot on the northwest 
corner of Main and Court streets. A 
small portion of the subscriptions for the 
work promised labor, teaming and ma- 
terials — the balance money. The build- 
ing was sixty by forty-two feet, with 
Gothic windows and a handsome steeple in 
which hung a sweet-toned bell, from the 
manufactory at Troy, New York. This 
bell, not being of sufficient size and weight 
for the expected new tower, was sold a few 
years ago, and now serves to give fire- 
alarms in case of a threatened conflagra- 
tion. The church was heated with stoves, 
from which long smoke-pipes extended 
through the building, entering the rear 
wall on each side of the chimney. The 
number of slips was fifty-two. A pulpit 
of Gothic design, and a heavy gallery for 
the organ and choir at the east end, com- 
pleted the interior equipment. A small 
room in the rear, lighted by one north 
window, served as a vestry-room, and was 
also used for the instruction of the infant 
class. The interior of the wood-work was 
of an oaken-brown color. The location 
of the church is quite central, and the 
building at the time of its erection was, 
probably, with hardly an exception, the 
best and most tasteful church edifice in 
the county. The building being com- 
pleted, the pews were appraised and 
offered for sale (six being reserved), the 
purchase money to apply on the subscrip- 
tion of the purchaser. Only seventeen 
are marked sold in the record of proceed- 
ings. If no more were disposed of it may 
be conjectured that it was because the 



pews were to be subject to assessment for 
debts of the church, as well as the support 
of the minister. The cost of the new 
building exceeded the amount raised by 
subscription. At the close of the year 
1844 ^ debt of one thousand three hun- 
dred and eighty-three dollars and six cents 
yet remained, being money advanced in 
equal amounts by six gentlemen, over and 
above their subscriptions for the erection 
of the church. 

Some two years afterward an average of 
about sixty-three dollars was paid to each 
of these gentlemen on the above indebted- 
ness, and they afterwards generously gave 
up their claims, still amounting to about 
one thousand two hundred dollars. The 
names of these gentlemen are: R. P. 
Buckland, John R. Pease, N. B. Eddy, 
John M. Smith, A. Coles, and A. W. Cut- 
ter. In 1844 the pews were ordered to 
be sold for the support of a minister. 
Rev. Humphrey Hollis having been elect- 
ed rector, entered upon his duties on the 
15th day of July, 1844, and continued in 
charge until the roth day of August, 1846, 
at a salary of five hundred dollars per an- 
num. The first baptism on record in the 
parish is that of Caroline Elizabeth Eddy, 
at the residence of her parents, on Thurs- 
day, August 29, 1844. Date of birth, 
April 13, 1842. Sponsors, the parents, 
Azariah and Harriet M. Eddy, and Mrs. 
John P. Haynes. Clergyman officiating, 
Rev. H. Hollis. 

On the 14th of November, 1845, fifteen 
persons were confirmed by Bishop Mcll- 
vaine — presented by Mr. Hollis. During 
these two years the baptisms numbered 
eleven. Rev. Mr. Hollis died not long 
since in Ashtabula county, this State. 

We find on record under date of No- 
vember I, 1845, a formal request ad- 
dressed to the bishop of the diocese, ask- 
ing him to consecrate the new church, 
thereby separating it from all unhallowed, 



490 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



worldly and common uses, and solemnly 
dedicating it to the worship and service of 
Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and 
the Holy Ghost, according to the pro- 
visions of the Protestant Episcopal church 
in the United States of America. 

We have also a copy of the sentence of 
consecration signed by Charles P. Mc- 
Ilvaine, bishop of the Diocese of Ohio, 
under date of November 14, 1845. 

The parish now entered upon a new 
era, having the advantage of a new and 
pleasant house of worship. 

On the 15th of August, 1846, the Rev. 
Oliver Taylor entered upon his duties as 
rector, and resigned July i, 1847. Dur- 
ing his ministry the baptisms were six, and 
one confirmed. In the clergy list of 1875 
Mr. Taylor is recorded as a resident of 
Pontiac, Michigan. During these three 
years the wardens of the church were Wil- 
liam C. Otis, senior warden; A. W. Cut- 
ter and A. Coles successively, junior war- 
dens. 

The Rev. H. P. Powers entered upon 
the charge of St. Paul's church in Sep- 
tember, 1848, and remained with some 
interruptions, until August 9, 1851. About 
this time the name of the town was 
changed from Lower Sandusky to Fre- 
mont. The change was desirable from the 
fact that the name Sandusky was attached 
to a number of towns, townships and 
streams in this part of the State. During 
the rectorship of Rev. Mr. Powers there 
were twenty-four baptisms and six persons 
presented for confirmation ; there were four 
marriages and five burials. Wardens, A. 
Coles, A. J. Dickinson and Dr. J. W. 
Wilson ; R. P. Buckland, J. W. Wilson, 
and H. Everett, delegates to the diocesan 
convention. 

Bishop Mcllvaine visited the parish 
during the vacancy that followed and ad- 
ministered baptism to five children. 

The Rev. H, T. Hiester entered upon 



the charge of St. Paul's church in June, 
1852, and resigned on Easter Monday, 
1856. During his stay in Fremont the 
baptisms were 19; presented for confirma- 
tion 7; marriages 4; burials 17. Soon 
after leaving here Mr. Heister took charge 
of St. Andrew's church, Farm Ridge, 
Illinois, where he still remains. Mr. 
Hiester was evidently very much re- 
spected by the people, who regarded him 
as "a true Christian and faithful minister." 

We find that in April, 1853, H. E. 
Clark and M. A. Elder were appointed a 
committee to raise funds to pay the debt 
on the melodeon. In those days the con- 
gregation turned around and faced the 
choir in the gallery during the singing. 
At one time the bass viol and flute were 
played by two gentlemen in the choir as 
an accompaniment to the hymns and 
chants. More than twenty-five years ago 
a pipe organ was purchased in the 
city of New York, having been used for a 
short time by a congregation there. This 
instrument was cleaned and repaired 
several times, and served a useful purpose 
until 1 88 1, when it was replaced by a 
fine, large organ of superior quality. 
After a vacancy of a few months the 
Rev. R. L. Chittenden, of Columbus, 
Ohio, entered upon the charge of the par- 
ish, remaining eight months, when he re- 
signed in consequence of ill health. He 
administered baptism once to six persons, 
all members of one family, and officiated 
at four burials. 

The second service at that time was in 
the afternoon instead of the evening. Du"r- 
ing the vacancy which followed Mr. Chit- 
tenden's stay here three persons were con- 
firmed. The Rev. W. H. Cooper, of Tififin, 
supplied the church with Sunday afternoon 
services for some time. Rev. William 
Fulton assumed charge in August, 1857, 
and held the rectorship until October, 
1859, a period of two years and two 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



491 



months. Mr. Fulton is spoken of as an 
able preacher. During his pastorate the 
baptisms were fifteen, and fourteen persons 
were presented for confirmation. Mar- 
riages, six. Burials twelve. 

During the eight years preceding Oc- 
tober, 1859, the following persons held 
the ofiice of warden: James W. Wilson 
and Dr. Coles, senior wardens; A. J. 
Dickinson, Daniel Cooper, Charles Trow- 
bridge, and John Flaugher were in suc- 
cession junior wardens. The names of 
delegates to conventions during the same 
period are James W. Wilson, Daniel Cap- 
per, and John Flaugher. 

The church building had now been in 
use for fourteen years, and the bare walls 
had, no doubt, become somewhat discol- 
ored by time and smoke. An artist was 
accordingly procured who should adorn 
the walls with fresco painting. After a 
number of days the doors of the church 
were opened, and the members of the con- 
gregation were admitted to view the work. 
For some cause the work fell far below 
ther hopes and expectations. It was lack- 
ing in taste and adaptation, and to say the 
least, the interior of the church was not 
improved. The parish was now vacant 
for more than a year. During the interval 
the Rev. Lyman N. Freeman visited Fre- 
mont and administered baptism to four 
children. 

The Rev. Alanson Phelps, of Faines- 
ville, Ohio, commenced services as rector 
of the church, on the first Sunday in De- 
cember, i860, and remained in charge 
just five years. During his rectorate there 
were : baptisms, thirty-six ; presented for 
confirmation, twenty-four; marriages, nine; 
burials, twenty-three. 

Dr. J. W. Wilson and John Flaugher 
held the office of warden, and Messrs. 
Wilson, Flaugher, William St. Clair and 
E. W. Amsden were delegates to the 
diocesan convention. 



Gas was introduced into the church in 
the year 1861. A donation of prayer-books 
was made to the church by the New York 
Bible and Common Prayer-Book Society. 
The gift was very thankfully received, as 
is -proved by the resolution of the vestry 
regarding it. Special pains were taken to 
attract children to the Sunday-school, and 
it became unusually large. 

During a part of the year 1865, Mr. 
Phelps held only one service on Sunday 
on account of ill health, and in November 
he resigned the charge from the same 
cause. The vestry accepted his resigna- 
tion with expressions of regret and good- 
will. 

During the residence of Mr. Phelps 
here, some preliminary steps were taken 
looking to the enlargement and improve- 
ment of the church edifice. 

The Rev. George H. Jenks now accept- 
ed a call to the rectorship, but resigned 
within a week. This sudden change in 
his plans was caused by the receipt of a 
message from friends in California, re- 
questing him to come to that State. The 
Rev. Charles H. Young, of Tiffin, Ohio, 
assumed charge of the church in January, 
1866, retaining it for over four years, or 
until April i, 1870. Under Mr. Young's 
ministry the baptisms were forty-two, and 
seventeen persons were presented for con- 
firmation. Marriages, sixteen ; burials, 
twenty. Wardens, Dr. Dillon and John 
Flaugher. Delegates, Messrs. Wilson 
Flaugher, George H. Rice, E. S. Thomas, 
and John Weaver. 

Mr. Young's ministry was marked by an 
event which, it is believed, stands alone in 
the whole history of the church in Fre- 
mont. He induced a worthy and intelli- 
gent young man, a communicant of the 
church, to begin his studies at Gambier 
with a view of preparation for the ministry. 
Frank M. Quig might have done good 
work in the cause of Christ, but the Lord 



492 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



of the harvest ordered otherwise. His 
health failed, and he came home to die. 
After languishing for several months, he 
departed this life in October, 1870, in the 
comfort of a reasonable, religious, and holy 
hope. Who among the youth of this 
church will take up and carry forward the 
work which he began. 

The Rev. Mr. Young is now in charge 
of St, John's Church, Worthington, and 
Christ Church, Clinton, in the Diocese of 
Southern Ohio. 

During the brief vacancy which fol- 
lowed Mr. Young's removal, the Rev. C. 
S. Doolitell, of Mansfield, Ohio, held 
Sunday services. In June, 1870, the 
Rev. R. L. Chittenden (the writer) took 
charge of the parish the second time, and 
remained until succeeded by Rev. D. W. 
Coxe, in 1879. In 1872-73 the church 
building was enlarged, and the interior en- 
tirely reconstructed, at a cost, including 
furnace, carpets and other improvements, 
of some eight thousand dollars. The plan 
includes a handsome tower and spire to 
be added at some time in the future. The 
leading features of the improvement are, 
an addition of fourteen feet in the length 
of the building, giving room for fourteen 
additional pews, a handsome recess, 
chancel, vestry and organ room, an ample 
cellar for the furnace and fuel, the removal 
of the gallery, a tasteful pulpit, lecture and 
communion-table, and stained glass win- 
dows. Handsome chandeliers have since 
been added by the young ladies, who are 
now organized as a Church aid society. 
We also have the promise of an appro- 
priate baptismal font. The chancel win- 
dow is the gift of Rev. Mr. Phelps, a 
former rector, and is a memorial of a de- 
ceased daughter. Mr. Phelps now resides 
with his family in a very pleasant home in 
Painesville, the scene of his earlier labors, 
and occasionally looks in upon us. The 
first chancel window having been broken 



by a hail storm, the windows are now all 
protected by wire netting. These improve- 
ments occupied about one year, during 
which time the court-room was used for 
our services and Sunday-school. 

I have said little of the part taken by 
the lady members in the work of the 
church. Their efforts have been constant 
and very helpful. I recall the names of 
four who were valued helpers and have 
been removed by death, viz : Mrs. D. E. 
Capper, Mrs. Susan A. Everett, Mrs. Pris- 
cilla Brown, and Mrs. Josephine A. 
Dougherty. 

LUTHERAN ST. JOHN'S CHURCH. 

In the third and fourth decades of the 
present century (i 820-1 830), Lutherans 
from Pennsylvania and Germany began to 
emigrate to Sandusky county, and to the 
town of Lower Sandusky. They were vis- 
ited at very long intervals by the mission- 
aries Stauch, from Western Pennsylvania, 
J. Krauss and Rev. Charles Henkel, from 
Somerset, Ohio. 

In 1836 a highly esteemed and pious 
pastor by the name of Adolph A. Konrad, 
located at Tiffin, Ohio. The Lutherans of 
this vicinity, hearing of his settlement 
there, applied to him for his services as 
pastor among them. Although he had 
charge of nine preaching places, in Seneca 
and Wyandot counties, he saw the need 
of the Lutherans here, and so consented 
to visit them once every four weeks. But 
the labors and exposures of such a field 
proved to be too much for the good man, 
and being of a frail constitution, he died 
at Tiffin, March 23, 1841. After his 
death. Rev. J. J. Beilharz, from Seneca coun- 
ty, New York, was called to the pastorate, 
and in the autumn of 1841, moved with 
his family to Tiffin, Ohio, from which 
place he served this congregation and also 
that four miles west of this city. The 
sainted Konrad having promised the little 
flocks in this vicinity to send them 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



493 



Henry Lang as their future pastor, as 
soon as he should leave the theolog- 
ical seminary at Columbus, Ohio, his 
promise was complied with by the proper 
authorities of the synod, and in July, 1843, 
he was installed as their future pastor. 
The congregation being very small and 
poor, was glad to obtain permission to 
worship in the school-houses of the town. 
For nearly two years the congregation wor- 
shiped in the Howland street school-house. 

In 1843 the congregation purchased of 
the county commissioners, the old court- 
house and the two lots on which it and the 
old jail stood, for the sum of eight hun- 
dred and ten dollars. Eleven years 
elapsed before this property was paid 
for. None but God knows the anx- 
iety experienced while this debt was 
hanging over the congregation. But then, 
what joy when the last installment was 
paid off ! The membership was small, 
and, as already stated, poor; money was 
scarce, farmers receiving store-pay for their 
produce instead of money. The struggle 
to pay off this debt, small as the sum may 
at present seem to have been, was greater 
than the burden of the erection of the 
new church edifice, that being by no means 
insignificant. 

In 1842 the congregation was incorpo- 
rated by an act of the Legislature, under 
the name of the Evangelical Lutheran 
and German Reformed St. John's Con- 
gregation. By a unanimous vote of the 
congregation this name was changed, 
January i, 1853, to the name Evangelical 
Lutheran St. John's Congregation, only 
two active members being German Re- 
formed, and their families being Lutheran. 
Judge Otis, of the court of common 
pleas, granted this petition for change of 
name in 1856. 

For fifteen years the congregation wor- 
shipped in the old court-house, which had 
become quite a respectable place of wor- 



ship after the necessary changes and re- 
pairs were completed. Here gradually 
the flock grew larger, and it needed a larger 
fold. 

At a meeting of the congregation held 
October 31, 1857 (anniversary of the 
Reformation,) it was resolved "to erect a 
new and more suitable church building." 
A lot was purchased of Miss Jennie Grant, 
corner Court and Clover stieets, for the 
sum of four hundred dollars, November 
10, 1857 (Luther's birthday); the plan for 
the church was adopted (seventy-six by 
forty-six). June i, 1858, work was begun; 
June 25 (anniversary of the presentation 
of the Augsburg Confession), the corner- 
stone was laid; and October 31, 1861, 
the church was dedicated as a house of 
divine worship. April 11, 1870, a bell 
weighing two thousand five hundred 
pounds was hung in the tower. The tower 
having as yet no spire, Mr. A. Foster was 
employed to erect one, after a plan drawn 
by Mr. J. C. Johnson. This spire was 
dedicated on the pastor's fifty-fifth birth- 
day, November. 28, 1873, being Thanks- 
giving Day, and also the pastor's thirtieth 
jubilee as pastor of this congregation. 
On that occasion, among other statements 
the following was made: Baptisms, 
2,300; confirmed, 1,005; communicants, 
15,000; marriages, 680; burials, 810; 
sermons preached, about 5,000. These 
figures include all his congregations, how- 
ever. 

As stated above, the congregation 
consisted, in 1843, "f forty communi- 
cants. It now numbers about six hun- 
dred. The congregation, though numer- 
ous, is not wealthy, as the impression 
seems to be m the community. It pos- 
sesses a number of well-to-do citizens 
and farmers, but the greater number are 
yet struggling for an existence. The 
growth of the congregation has been 
gradual, but healthy. The labors be- 



494 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



slowed upon it have been blessed, and 
not been in vain. But the changes since 
1843 have been great indeed. The pio- 
neers have nearly all passed away. 

But to return. In 1865 the old court- 
house, having become greatly dilapidated, 
the congregation determined to renovate 
the same thoroughly. At an expense of 
one thousand six hundred dollars it 
was changed into a comfortable parsonage. 
Since 1845 the pastor occupied the three 
lower rooms, which were formerly occu- 
pied by the county auditor, clerk of the 
court, and county treasurer, as ofifices. 
The frame of this building is an immense 
one, some of the timbers in it measuring 
fourteen inches square. In 1822 it was 
erected, in the vicinity of the Pease prop- 
erty, when the commissioners determined 
to remove it to the present spot. Judge 
Knapp told the writer of this repeatedly, 
that in the removal of this frame twenty- 
five yoke of oxen were used, all pulling at 
the same time. And this seems likely, 
judging from the ponderous structure, and 
the want of convenient implements, such 
as are now used for the removal of build- 
ings. Since 1845 the pastor of the Luth- 
eran congregation occupied this house as 
a parsonage. Here all his children were 
born, save one. From this house were 
conveyed the remains of his wife, three 
children, a son-in-law, and a little grand- 
daughter, to their resting-place in Oak- 
wood cemetery. Joys and sorrows ex- 
changed places repeatedly within its walls. 

The old county jail stood a few feet 
south of the old court-house, and it was 
used as a stable. It was here where Sperry, 
of Green Spring, who had killed his 
wife, and who had been sentenced to 
be hanged, committed suicide in 1842. 
Our lamented friend Birchard once asked 
the pastor if he was not afraid of spooks, 
coming home late and putting away his 
horse in the old jail. The reply was that 



he did not suffer himself to be scared by 
evil spirits, when Mr. Birchard said : 
"What! not afraid of spooks in the old 
jail, where Sperry killed himself.'' It is a 
capital place for spooks, sir, a capital 
place." This old jail, used as such until 
the prison under the present court-house 
was prepared to receive evil-doers, was 
taken down in 1865, when eight men 
worked industriously for three days to 
level it with the ground, the logs of which 
it was built being two feet square. The 
foundation still remains, but the spot 
where it stood has become an inviting one, 
forming part of the pastor's flower garden. 
It is no longer a "capital place for spooks." 
But if that spot could speak, what a sad 
history it would relate of the persons im- 
prisoned above it. But the flowers that 
grow there annually seem to say: "Cast 
the mantle of charity upon all their sins." 

On festival occasions our church proves 
to be too small for us, and the church 
officers have been seriously talking of an 
enlargement. 

The church council consists of the pas- 
tor (being chairman by virtue of his office), 
three trustees, two deacons, and a treas 
urer. 

Since 1845 ^ Sunday-school has been 
sustained by the congregation, At first 
it numbered twenty — thirty children, now 
upward of two hundred. For a number 
of years Mr. Jacob Tschumy has acted as 
superintendent with efficiency. He is 
assisted by twenty-five teachers, all of 
whom were former scholars of the Sun- 
day-school, and are confirmed members 
of the church. Catechetical instruction 
is given by the pastor each Sunday before 
the close of the Sunday-school, in which 
the children and teachers participate. 

Our history may seem monotonous, but 
to the congregation and the pastor it seems 
varied enough. Every year brought forth 
new labors, trials, and conflicts; every year 



filSTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



495 



brought with it new mercies, rewards and 
victories. 

Both the German and English lan- 
guages are used in conducting the ser- 
vices of the church. This makes the 
labors of the pastor greater than they 
would be if only one language could be 
made to answer the purpose. But the 
greater part of the congregation being 
European Germans, the German lauguage 
is indispensible. The younger members, 
speaking the English better than the Ger- 
man, would prefer to have the English 
language used exclusively. 

May God safely conduct us to that 
land, where but one language is spoken — 
the language of Zion. 

We conclude this sketch with a brief 
mention of the faithful pastor of the church. 
He has all this time been emphatically a 
worker. He came to Fremont young and 
poor in this world's goods, and took charge 
of a congregation as young and poor as 
himself Thirty-eight years spent in in- 
cessant application to self-improvement 
and in discharge of his pastoral duties, 
have at last borne abundant fruit. Often 
laboring against adverse circumstances, 
which would have discouraged other men, 
he was always at his post. In addition to 
his pastoral duties, he has exercised a 
large and beneficial influence in the pub- 
lic schools by the faithful discharge of his 
duty as a member of the city board of ed- 
ucation. He has preached and taught his 
congregation weekly in two languages, and 
his incessant work has evoked, from al- 
most nothing, a large congregation, a com- 
fortable parsonage, and a church edifice 
worth about twenty-five thousand dollars, 
which is an honor and an ornament to the 
city. His influence now, through his con- 
gregation, is wide-spread and efficient for 
good. Without detracting from the mer- 
its of any man, it may be pertinently 
asked, of all citizens, who has labored so 



many years and so faithfully, to uphold 
and extend morality and religion, as the 
subject of this notice ? 

*THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

In 1 819, Rev. J. Montgomery, Indian 
agent at Fort Seneca, and a local preacher 
in the Methodist Episcopal church, came 
to Lower Sandusky and preached the first 
Methodist sermon ever preached in this 
place. He continued to preach here at 
stated intervals until 1820, when, so far as 
he had authority, he organized himself, 
wife, and daughter into a class. This 
organization, though well intended by him, 
was evidently more in assumption than in 
reality. It was, however, the nucleus of a 
church. A letter from Montgomery's 
daughter, Mrs. Sallie Tryham, now living 
in Tififin, Ohio, to the writer, says: "At 
the first communion service the commu- 
nicants were the above mentioned three 
persons with the addition of a local 
preacher from Springfield, Ohio, named 
Moses Hinkle." 

In March, 1822, the Bowlus family em- 
igrated from Maryland and settled in 
Lower Sandusky. Of this family Jacob 
Bowlus, wife and four sisters, and brother- 
in-law, Thomas White, were members of 
the Methodist Episcopal church. These 
were the first members so far as can be 
ascertained, of the Methodist Episcopal 
church, that settled either in Lower San- 
dusky, or what is now included in the 
territory of Sandusky county. 

In the fall of the same year Joel Strahn 
with his family, emigrated from Perry 
county, Ohio, and settled on what is now 
known as the Haff'ord farm, three miles 
up the river from Fremont. Mr. Strahn 
and his wife were members of the church 
before they emigrated to this place. 

Very soon after Mr. Strahn's arrival Rev. 
James Montgomery proceeded regularly to 

*Rev. A. Skinner and H- R- Adams, 



496 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



organize the first class of the Methodist 
Episcopal church ever formed in Lower 
Sandusky, with eleven members, namely : 
Jacob Bowlus, Sarah Bowlus, Margaret 
Bowlus, Susan Bowlus, Elizabeth Bowlus, 
Sophia Bowlus, Thomas L. Hawkins, 
Thomas White, Joel Strahn, Sarah Strahn, 
and Nancy Halloway. Joel Strahn was 
appointed leader. Shortly after the organ- 
ization their number was increased by the 
addition of Rebecca Pryor, Mrs. Wilson, 
and Mrs. Tyler. Of these fourteen none 
are now living but Jacob Bowlus, who still 
lingers among the men of another genera- 
ion, the honored patriarch of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church in Sandusky coun- 
ty. His connection with the church has 
never been broken for a day, and he has 
always enjoyed not only the respect but the 
confidence and love of his brethren and 
the community. Joel Strahn moved to 
Illinois after he had been here some ten 
years, and died in 1864. 

Rev. James Mclntyre, a local preacher 
living in Huron county, visited Lower 
Sandusky occasionally and preached in 
1822. He subsequently joined the Ohio 
conference ; travelled a few years and re- 
tired. The date of his death is not known 
to the writer. 

Rev. James Montgomery was ordained 
by Bishop Asbury, at Lebanon, Ohio. 
He was a local preacher thirty years, and 
died at Fort Seneca in 1830. His funeral 
was preached by Rev. Ezekiel Cooper, at 
that time travelling the Lower Sandusky 
circuit. Methodism and religion, not only 
in Fremont but in the surrounding coun- 
try, owes him a debt of lasting gratitude. 
He preached the gospel to the scattered 
communities in the country where no 
church in its regular organized capacity 
had found its way among the people. By 
him and his early associates in this irregu- 
lar work the word of life was carried to the 
sparsely settled communities, and the way 



for a more regularly organized ministry 
prepared. 

From the best evidence at my disposal, 
it appears that John and Nathan Walker, 
two men of the same name, were ap- 
pointed to the Huron circuit in the fall of 
1822, and that Lower Sandusky was sup- 
plied by them. In the fall of 1823, Wil- 
liam Swazy, presiding elder on Lancaster 
district, employed Benija Boardman, a 
local preacher living in Huron county, as 
a missionary to organize a circuit up and 
down the Sandusky River, and from the 
adjacent settlements, with Lower San- 
dusky for headquarters. Mr. Boardman 
seems to have been a man of fair talents, 
and blessed with a good degree of energy 
and fidelity to his work. The enterprise 
was a success, and the close of that con- 
ference year the Lower Sandusky circuit 
was organized by the Ohio conference, 
placed upon the ministers, and the Rev. 
E. H. Fields, a young man who had re- 
cently been received into the conference, 
appointed, with Rev. James McMahon as 
presiding elder. This is the first recogni- 
tion of Lower Sandusky circuit we have. 
What the extent of the territory or number 
of appointments it embraced I do not 
know. There were ninety-seven members 
m all the circuit. Mr. Fields remained on 
the circuit but one year, it then being 
the practice of the church not to return 
young men the second year unless there 
was something in the circumstances to re- 
quire it. Rev. J. W. Clarke was appointed 
to succeed Mr. Field in the fall of 1825. 
Mr. Clarke remained but one year. What 
his future history was is not known. 

In the fall of 1826 Rev. Arza Brown 
was appointed to the circuit. He re- 
mained two years. The members of the 
church and those that were interestedly 
associated with it who are still living have 
a distinct recollection of Mr. Brown. 
During his pastorate Lower Sandusky was 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



497 



blessed with a powerful and extensive re- 
vival, perhaps, considering the number 
of population, the most remarkable relig- 
ious awakening the place was ever favored 
with. This revival and ingathering mto 
the church was a matter of great encour- 
agement to the little struggling society, 
that had become well nigh discouraged in 
consequence of the hardships and priva- 
tions of a new country. I am informed 
by Mrs. Sallie Ingham, a daughter of Rev. 
James Montgomery, that Mr. Brown died 
in Chicago in 1870. How long he con- 
tinued in the ministry, or what his occu- 
pation was after he left it, is not known. 

The revival gave great strength to the 
circuit, and at the conference held in 
1828, J. Hill and A. Billings were ap- 
pointed. They remained on the work 
but one year, and B. Cooper and William 
Sprague were appointed to succeed them 
at the conference of 1829. Rev. Russell 
Bigelow was presiding elder. Nothing 
special occurred during the year, and in 
1830 they were succeeded by Rev. Eline 
Day and Rev. E. C. Gavitt. At the end 
of the first year Mr. Gavitt was removed^ 
he being a young man. He is still living, 
a member of the Central Ohio conference, 
and doing effective work. 

In 1831 Mr. Day was returned with the 
Rev. E. B. Chase for his colleague. Mr. 
Day remained in the ministry of the 
Methodist Episcopal church for a few 
years, became disaffected and joined the 
United Brethren, remained with them a 
while, and in his old age asked the privi- 
lege of returning to the church of his 
youth. He was received back and recog- 
nized as a local elder. 

In 1832, Mr. Day and Mr. Chase hav- 
ing closed their pastorate, Rev. Elmore 
Yocum and Rev. J. Martin were appoint- 
ed to the circuit. Mr. Yocum continued 
to travel several years in Ohio, and was 
transferred to Wisconsin, where he has 



continued to labor on districts and in the 
best appointments of his conference. He 
has been more than once, I think, hon- 
ored by his brethren with a seat in the 
general conference. No man has a warmer 
heart, or has been more beloved by the 
people with whom he has labored than 
Elmore Yocum. In the year 1833 Rev. 
C. Goddard, with the Rev. J. B. Austin 
as assistant, were appointed. They 
were both removed at the end of 
the first year, and in the fall of 1834 
Rev. William Sullivan and Rev. John T. 
Kellom were appointed. The community 
this fall was greatly afflicted with cholera. 
Mr. Kellom says in a letter to the writer : 

On my way to Lower Sandusky 1 was stopped by 
a kind friend, some three miles above the town, and 
informed that there were but three living persons in 
the place. I staid with him over night, and the next 
morning rode to town and found Mr. Birchard, 
Judge Hulburd, and Dr. Rawson. All the others had 
fled from the cholera." Some were tenting on a camp- 
ground on Father Bowlus' farm, and some had fled 
to other places. After stopping a while, I went over 
to what is now Clyde, and then returned and assisted 
in burying some of the dead. 

In consequence of the prevalence of 
cholera, Mr. Kellom received but fifty 
six dollars for his year's service. 

Rev. J. Kinnear and Rev. J. H. Pitzel 
were appointed to the circuit in 1835. 
They remained one year, and were fol- 
lowed, in 1836, by Rev. Leonard Hill 
and Rev. Wesley J. Wells. Mr. Hill re- 
mained two years and had for his col- 
league the second year Rev. Osborn Men- 
nett. Father Hill continued to travel as 
an itinerant preacher for several years, 
took a superannuated relation to the con- 
ference, returned to Fremont, where he 
spent the evening of his life, and died in 
great peace, April 13, 1869, in the eigh- 
tieth year of his age, honored and beloved 
by all who knew him. Mr. Wells con- 
tinued to travel till 1868. He now holds 
a superannuated relation to the Central 
Ohio conference, and is engaged in busi- 



498 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ness in Toledo, Ohio. In 1838 Rev. 
Peter Sharp was appointed to the circuit, 
with Rev. B. Blanchard as assistant. Mr. 
Sharp's health was poor, and he insisted 
on the work being divided and he allowed 
to remain all the time in town that he 
could attend to the work. The presiding 
elder accordingly consented to the arrange- 
ment, and Lower Sandusky was organized 
into a station. Peter Sharp was eccentric, 
and there are many amusing anecdotes 
told about him, one of which is here re- 
lated : 

At one of the conferences a good 
brother was arraigned for heresy. The 
conference heard the case and pronounced 
him guilty. The bishop said: "Breth- 
ren, you have convicted this brother of 
heresy; what do you propose to do with 
him?" This was a stunner, for the church 
has no law to punish heretics. In the 
midst of embarrassment, Peter gravely 
arose in his place on the conference floor 
and said: "Mr. President, I move we 
proceed at once to burn him." 

Mr. Sharp was succeeded, in 1839, ^Y 
Rev. Wesley Brock. Mr. Brock was the 
homeliest man I ever saw. He remained 
here but one year — continued to hold im- 
portant positions in his conference for a 
number of years. Finally took a super- 
anuated relation and moved on his farm 
in Mercer county, Ohio, where he became 
guilty of a shameful crime, for which he 
was expelled from his conference in 1859. 
He died a few years afterward, dishonored 
and forsaken. I never knew a man for 
whom I felt so deeply as I did for Wesley 
Brock. 

In 1840 Rev. A. Campbell was ap- 
pointed to the station. This was unfortu- 
nate for the charge. Mr. Campbell was 
of a despondent turn of mind, which 
grew upon him, and before the close of 
the year the poor man lost the balance of 
his mind and went crazy. What became 



of him I do not know. With the misfor- 
tune of Mr. Campbell the station became 
discouraged, and failed to sustain itselt. 
It was accordingly again united with the 
outlying appointments, and in 1841 
Thomas Thompson and Rev. Darius 
Dodge were appointed. Father Thomp- 
son is still living, a member of the North 
Ohio conference, and, I believe, in the 
religious world, no man has sustained a 
better character through a long and use- 
ful ministry than he. Darius Dodge be- 
came ambitious to be rich, took a super- 
numerary relation to the conference, went 
to Illinois, and commenced the practice 
of medicine, became guilty of an offence 
that disgraced himself and the church. 
He is no longer a member of the confer- 
ence, and so far as I know is out of the 
church. Thompson and Dodge remained 
on the circuit but one year, and in 1842 
the Rev. Samuel P. Shaw was appointed to 
circuit, with Rev. Mr. Crumley as junior 
preacher. Mr. Shaw remained on the cir- 
cuit for one year, and the Rev. Hibbard 
P. Ward was his colleague the second 
year. Mr. Shaw afterwards held a super- 
annuated relation to the North Ohio con- 
ference, and lived alone on his farm in 
Crawford county, Ohio. He became 
wealthy, and endowed a university in the 
South named after himself 

Hibbard P. Ward died of cholera while 
stationed at Sandusky City. He led his 
prayer meeting in the evening, and before 
morning he was dead. His last words 
were, "Gliding sweetly." He was a young 
man of fine talent, of great goodness of 
heart, and of much promise to the church. 
He and William Cooper, and a young 
Presbyterian minister, all died in Sandusky 
City of cholera, and are buried side by 
side in the cemetery at that place. 

Messrs. Shaw and Ward were succeeded, 
in 1844, by Rev. W. C. Huestis and Rev. 
Joseph F. Kenedy. Mr. Huestis remained 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



499 



two years, and Rev. S. Fairchilds was his 
assistant the second year. Mr. Kenedy 
continued in the work of the ministry 
until 1872, when he took a nominal ap- 
pointment, fell into a state of despond- 
ency, and put an end to his existence by 
a pistol shot. He was a sad illustration 
of the use of opium, and of disappointed 
ambition. 

In 1846 Rev. Joseph Jones and the 
Rev. Jacob T. Caples were appointed to 
the circuit. In 1847 ^r. Caples was re- 
moved and Mr. Jones was returned, and 
a young man by the name of Wait assisted 
him. At the close of Mr. Jones' legal 
term in 1848, Rev. J. Reese and Rev. J. 
Elliott were the preachers. Mr. Reese 
died on the 4th of the following February, 
and Elliott was entrusted with the charge 
of the circuit. He was followed in 1849 
by Rev. S. M. Beatty, with Stillman 
George for a supply. During Mr. Beatty's 
first year on the work Lower Sandusky 
was favored with an extensive revival 
which greatly strengthened the charge, and 
at the close of his first year the circuit was 
again divided, and Fremont was organ- 
ized into a charge by itself, to which Mr. 
Beatty returned m 1850. 

He was followed in 185 i by Rev. Dor- 
cas Dodge, and in 1852-53 Rev. W. J. 
Wells was again appointed to the charge, 
and at the close of his pastorate in 1854, 
Rev. W. H. Seeler succeeded him. He 
remained but one year, and was fol- 
lowed in 1855 by Rev. L. A. Pounds, and 
he in 1856-57 by Rev. Jacob T. Caples. 
One year after, Mr. Caples left Fremont. 
In 1869, at the conference held in PVe- 
mont, he was appointed by Bishop Morris 
presiding elder on the Findlay district. 
He served the district with great accepta- 
bility and usefulness until near the close 
of the first year, when he was suddenly 
stricken down by acute brain trouble, 
and died in Findlay, Ohio. Brother 



Caples was a young man of wonderful 
preaching powers. At the expiration of 
Mr. Caples' term m 1858 Rev. Charles 
G. Ferris was appointed. At the close 
of that conference year the Central Ohio 
conference held its annual session in 
Fremont in 1859. The conference was 
hospitably entertained by the citizens, 
the members of other churches, and 
those who were not connected with any 
church, generously assisting. The confer- 
ence adjourned with grateful feelings to- 
ward the people for their kind and hos- 
pitable entertainment. At this conference 
Mr. Ferris was removed and Rev. W. S. 
Lunt was appointed. He remained for 
the two conference years. No pastor ever 
enjoyed more fully the confidence and 
affection of the charge than did Mr. Lunt. 
He has been for some time broken down 
in health, and sustains a superannuated 
relation to the Central Ohio conference. 
He resides in Fostoria, and enjoys the 
confidence and affection of the people. 
He closed his legal term of service on the 
charge in 1861, and Rev. Simeon Alder- 
man was appointed to succeed him. He 
remained but one year, and in 1862 Rev. 
E. R. Morrison was appointed. Mr. Mor- 
rison was of an unfortunate mental organ- 
ism. During his ministry here there were 
marked indications of mental aberration. 
He afterwards became entirely incapaci- 
tated, from this difificulty, for work. At 
present he holds a superannuated relation 
to the North Ohio conference, and re- 
sides with his helpless family among his 
friends, somewhere in the West, an object 
of profound sympathy. In many respects 
he was a man of fine intellect. At the 
end of his first year in Fremont it was 
thought best to remove him, and in 1863 
Rev. Amos Wilson was appointed to suc- 
ceed him. The general conference of 
[860 had changed the rule relating to the 
term of pastorate to three instead of two 



500 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



years, and Mr. Wilson remained the full 
legal term. He was followed in 1866 by 
Rev. Joseph Wykes, who remained two 
years. He was followed in 1869 by Rev. 
G. W. Collier. Mr. Collier resigned his 
charge during the year to accept the 
agency of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, 
and Rev. A. Wheeler, of the North Ohio 
conference, was employed by the presid- 
ing elder to fill the balance of the con- 
ference year. In 1869 Rev. F. Merriott 
was appointed to the work. He remained 
two years, and was succeeded in 187 1 by 
Rev. W. W. Winter. At the close of his 
first year he was appointed presiding elder 
in the Findlay district, and Rev. Gershom 
Lease was appointed to the charge. He 
was reappointed in 1873 and also in 1874. 
Rev. Mr. Wilson became pastor of the 
church in 1878, and retired in October, 
1881. 

EVANGELICAL ASSOCL^TION. 

This church is one which seems to have 
been formed to carry the gospel to the 
poor. It has been doing good work in 
this county for many years, and many 
souls have been saved through the earnest, 
self-sacrificing labors of its missionaries. 
All through the county the church build- 
ings of this denomination are found, there 
being one in almost every township. Re- 
vivals are of frequent occurrence, and 
though the preachers are usually itiner- 
ants, the church keeps about its work 
of doing good, and receives the support 
of a large portion of the intelligent 
farmers of the county. The present num- 
ber of church edifices in the county is 
fifteen; the entire membership seven hun- 
dred and seventy. 

The first organization of the church in 
this county was effected in 1830. Since 
that date the progress of the association 
has been highly gratifying to those who 
have its interests at heart. 

The society in Fremont was organized 



in i860 or about that date. In 1862 
Revs. Shireman and D. Strohman pur- 
chased a lot, and an unpretentious but 
comfortable church building was erected. 
During the first ten years the congregation 
was composed almost exclusively of Ger- 
mans, and the services conducted in their 
language. But in 1870 Rev. A. Vandersoll 
commenced holding services, in which 
English alone was used. Since that time 
the church has been quite prosperous. 
Its present membership is seventy. 

In the formation of the societies of the 
Evangelical church in Sandusky county, the 
itinerant preachers were men who hesi- 
tated at no hardship which they met in the 
discharge of duty. They travelled chiefly 
on horseback; and with hymn-book and 
Bible and wardrobe packed in a valise or 
saddle-bags met their engagements, and 
fulfilled their appointments, through snow 
and rain and mud. Often their services 
were at first held in private houses, log 
cabins and even barns along the circuit. 
Rank and style and wealth were all 
ignored, while there was an enthusiasm in 
the service of "The Master" that never 
fainted or flagged. In diff"using the relig- 
ion of Jesus throiigh the early settlements 
and carrying the gospel into remote places, 
in the woods and over the prairies, the 
Evangelical church has done a great and 
noble work for religion and civilization, 
and is still prosecuting its work with zeal 
and success. 

THE REFORMED CHURCH.* 

The earliest record we find relating to 
the Reformed church of Fremont is dated 
November 5, 1857, at a meeting of the 
male members at the house of the Rev. J. 
Heller, where the following resolutions 
were pa.ssed: 

I. Resolved, That we organize ourselves into a 
German Reformed congregation, and place ourselves 
under the care of Tiffin classes of the synod of the 

* Robert Lucas, clerk. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



501 



German Reformed church of Ohio and adjacent 
States, to be known as the First German Reformed 
church of Fremont, Sandusky county, Ohio. 

2. Resolved, That we elect a consistory to consist 
of three elders and three deacons who, together with 
the pastor in charge, shall be the directors of the or- 
ganization. 

The following persons were then appointed : E. B. 
Buchman, Michael Binkley, N. Naanian, elders; 
Frederick Tschumy, John Melhaupt, H. Zweler, 
deacons, who were regularly inducted into office on 
the Qth day of November, 1857, in the Union church 
at a regular meeting of the congregation. 

Recorded above May 31, 1858'. 

Jacob Snyder, Recorder, 

Per Charles Atkinson, Deputy. 

On the I St of February, 1862, a joint 
meeting of the Salem (or Four-mile house) 
congregation and the Fremont congrega- 
tion was held at the Reformed church in 
Fremont, and the two congregations 
united under name of one charge. The 
following persons were elected as trustees 
to serve a term of three years: Fremont 
church, Daniel Karshner, D. Koons, Peter 
Bauman; Salem, or Four-mile church, A. 
Hensel, Peter King, William Rearick; J. 
J. Siebert was elected treasurer, George 
B. Heller clerk. Up to this time Rev. J. 
Heller was the regular pastor. In 1863 
Rev. J. B. Thompson accepted a call and 
became the pastor, with the following per- 
sons in the consistory: John Dull, Peter 
Bauman, and John Younkman, elders: D. 
Karshner, William Shrader, and Daniel 
Koons, deacons of the Fremont church. 
In 1865 we find the congistory made up 
of the following members: David Brohm 
and J. Younkman, elders; Robert Lucas 
and Wilham Shrader, deacons. The 
church membership at this time numbered 
about eighty. Upon the resignation of 
Rev. J. B. Thompson a call was extended 
to Rev. James Seibert, which was accepted 
by him, he entering upon his duties as 
pastor April 9, 1868. Upon his entering 
the charge he found several impediments 
in the way which were quite embarrassing, 
the greatest one the burden of debt that 



the charge was carrying on the church 
property in Fremont, no money having 
been paid on the debt for some years, and 
interest accumulating. He set to work to 
pay the debt by having the members give 
their notes, payable in five years, with in- 
terest, providing enough could be raised to 
cancel the debt; if not, none was to be 
collected. But by hard, untiring labor, he 
at last had enough to cancel the debt. He 
was universally liked by his people — plain, 
unassuming, conscientious, and upright; 
not a brilliant orator, but one whose whole 
mission seemed to be to be about his Mas- 
ter's work. By his industry and systematic 
course of life he not only relieved the 
church of the burden of debt it was under, 
but awaktjned a spiritual interest also, that 
was manifest in the Sunday school, prayer 
meeting and church. Being naturally 
fond of music he did much to encourage 
the younger members in that branch, often 
meeting with them during the week for 
practice. In the fall of 1870, while as- 
sisting a brother minister in Henry county, 
he returned feeling quite unwell, and was 
soon confined to his bed with typhoid 
fever, from which he never recovered. He 
died November 13, 1870. His remains 
were taken to Gallon, his former home, 
for burial, a large number of his members 
attending the funeral. Some weeks after 
a funeral sermon was preached by Rev. 
Dr. Williard, of Tififin, Ohio, in the church 
at Fremont. 

In 1869, at a meeting of the geneial 
synod held in Philadelphia, the name ot 
the society, or church, was changed from 
the German Reformed to the Reformed 
Church in the United States. After the 
death of Rev. James Seibert, the charge 
was supplied by ministers and students 
from the theological seminary at Tiffin 
for over a year. The names of those ofifi- 
ciating during 187 1 are: Rev. R. Good, 
C. G. A. Hulhorst, J. M. Kendig, A. Zort- 



502 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



man, and others. In 1872 S. J. Bacher, 
a theological student, of Tiffin, took 
charge of the congregation, and, upon 
completing his course of studies, was or- 
dained as regular pastor, serving very ac- 
ceptably till 1875, when failing health 
obliged him to resign, much to the regret 
of his people. Rev. Jesse Richards served 
the charge till 1880, when his resignation 
was accepted, to take place June i, 1881. 
At a special meetmg of the Tiffin classes, 
held at theFour-mile church, September 13, 
1 88 1, the Fremont charge, which consisted 
of the Fremont congregation and the con- 
gregation at the Four-mile church, was di- 
vided into two separate charges; the 
Four-mile church and Lindsay congrega- 
tions to constitute a charge, to be»known as 
the Lindsay charge, and the Fremont con- 
gregation and the congregation southeast 
of the city (known as the Mourey church) 
to form a distinct charge, to be known as 
the Fremont charge. A call has been ex- 
tended to Rev. J. I. Swander, of Tiffin, 
Ohio, who is expected to become the reg- 
ular pastor as soon as the way is clear. 

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHF:S.* 

Within the earliest period of Fremont's 
existence, Canadian Catholics had settled 
in and around Fremont, but years passed 
by ere their earnest desire for a Catholic 
priest was gratified; until, shortly after the 
arrival of the Beaugrand f^jaiily from De- 
troit, Mr. Gabriel Richard, a French mis- 
sionary and an old acquaintance of the 
Beaugrand family, and who had married 
Mr. Beaugrand and Miss Chabert, made 
his appearance in Fremont. This priest 
came to America on the 26th of June, 
1792, where, in the far West, his apostolic 
services covered a territory of fifty-five 
thousand four hundred and nine square 
miles, until in 1832 he died in Detroit, at 

• Written by Helen Furst ; translated from the 
Courier. 



the age of sixty-eight years. He it was, 
who, in the Northwest, published the first 
Catholic extracts out of the Holy Bible, 
and distributed them among the people. 
In the year 1809 he published a paper 
called, "Essay du Michigan," for which 
publication, however, on account of its 
altogether too strong Catholic tenden- 
cies, he was imprisoned for some time. 
Rev. Richard, who had come here on 
a visit, soon left, and the settlers again 
were left without a priest. Irish Catholics 
began to arrive, and also a young German 
Catholic by the name of John Christian, a 
joiner by trade, and during the years 1835, 
1836, 1837, and 1838 our settlement was 
strongly enlarged by families coming from 
Buffalo. Among the first was the family 
of Jacob Andres, and in the fall of the 
same year came Joseph Baumgartner. 
The next year, 1836, brought Mr. Jacob 
Gabel and his sons, John and Michael. 
In the following year came Mr. Joseph 
Huntzinger and several other families. 
About the year 1839 came Father Tscheu- 
hens, from Tiffin, on a visit, and services 
were held in Bcaugrand's house, which 
was on the side of and near the river. 
From that time on our settlers were visited 
alternately by Catholic priests from Tiffin 
and other neighboring places. Also, Mr. 
Gabel, who lived four miles out of Fre- 
mont, in Jackson township, and Mr. Hunt- 
zinger, willingly gave the use of their 
houses for the purpose of holding services. 
Among those priests who from time to 
time visited our town we only mention 
two, namely: Amadeus Rappe and Jo- 
sephus Projectus Macheboeuf The for- 
mer became bishop of the Cleveland dio 
cese in October, 1847, resigned in August, 
1870, and died in September, 1877. The 
latter became bishop in part, infid. of 
Epijjhamia for the apostolic vicariat of 
Colorado, in August, 1868, which position 
he still holds. As the congregation be- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



503 



came larger they were obliged to look for 
a suitable place wherein to hold their ser- 
vices, and gladly accepted the kind offer 
of Mr. Pease, to use his smith-shop on the 
east side of the river. In this building 
Mr. Balthasar Keefer was married by 
Father Macheboeuf, in 1840. 

Here also was held the first high mass 
in Fremont, by B'ather Martin Henni, who, 
in 1844, become bishop of Milwaukee, 
and in 1875 archbishop of the same place, 
where he died last year. Soon after Arch- 
bishop Purcell, from Cincinnati, ofificiated 
here in the holy sacrament of confirma- 
tion, and on the same evening lectured in 
the court-house. In the year 1842 Mr. 
Rodolphus Dickinson donated to the Cath- 
olic congregation a lot, where now stands 
the present St. Ann's church, on State 
street, which was built at that time. The 
first stationed priest was Father Nightin- 
gale; his successors wereCarobaine, Welsh, 
Rose and Mullen. From 1842 to 1857, 
Canadians, Irish and Germans formed 
one congregation. In 1857 Father Franz 
Xavier Wenninger, a Jesuit missionary, 
came to Fremont, and seeing that the Ger- 
man element was the predominant factor, 
induced them to build a church of their 
own. Thereupon they bought a lot of 
General Buckland for eight hundred dol- 
lars, situated on the corner of Croghan 
and Clover streets, and upon it erected 
the present St. Joseph's church. Among 
the members, at that time, we are able 
only to mention the following: Michael 
and Jacob Gebel, Ambrose Ochs, Joseph 
and John Stuber, George Greiner, Philip 
Gottron, George Rimmelobacher, John 
Gompert, L. Haberstroh, Charles Oltine, 
Casper Rust, J. Swartz, John Buchmann, 
Anthon and John Reineck, Franz Geibel, 
sr., John Haaser, jr., Anthon Hochenedel, 
Paul Gaurus, x\nton Young, Adam Mul- 
ler, William Horn, etc. 

Father Mullen's successor was Father 



Moos, who at present is in Sandusky. 
On the 2 1 St day of September, 1862, 
Father Bauer took charge of the congre- 
gation, and has been here ever since. 
Soon another lot near the church was 
bought from Mrs. Moore for nine hun- 
dred and fifty dollars, whereupon the old 
school-house was erected, and in 1865 
was built the present residence of Father 
Bauer. 

In 1870 it became necessary to enlarge 
the Catholic schools. The sisters, who 
soon became teachers in place of hitherto 
employed teachers, had to give up part of 
their dwelling for school purposes, until 
in 1878 it became absolutely necessary to 
build a new school-house. The lot, where 
at present the new school-house stands, 
was bought from Mrs. James Wilson, for 
four thousand dollars, and upon it was 
built the present elegant school-house. 
The schools are in a flourishing condition, 
and aside from the common elementary 
branches, some higher sciences are taught; 
also drawing is taught, and the girls are 
instructed in fancy needlework. The 
number of scholars at present is two hun- 
dred and fifty, while the entire congrega- 
tion embraces about one hundred and 
eighty families. 

ST. Joseph's society. 

This society was first introduced by 
Father Mullen, who himself acted as pres- 
ident, and Jacob Gabel, sr., acted as vice- 
president. This society was reorganized 
in 1866 and 1867 by Father Bauer, 
who at first became president, but after 
his resignation Mr. Joseph Stuber took 
his place. At present Mr. Franz Giebel, 
sr., is president; Mr. John Horn, vice- 
president; Mr. Fred Buchmann, treasurer; 
and Mr. John Rectenwald, secretary. The 
beautiful Munich flag is carried by John 
Weber at extraordinary occasions, 



504 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



A GREAT SUNDAY-SCHOOL GATHERING. 

August i8, 1867, was a memorable 
Sunday-school day in Fremont. The 
county Sunday-school society at a meet- 
ing held in May, resolved upon a gen- 
eral meeting and picnic of all Sunday- 
school workers and scholars in the county. 
Circulars were addressed to every school 
in the county. How well they responded 
a report of the meeting will show. 

There were in procession, by actual count, 
more than four thousand people, besides 
the crowds who came in from the different 
townships, and interested spectators from 
town who filled the grove. The proces- 
sion was under the direction of C. R. Mc- 
CuUoch and several assistants. It was 
five miles long and contained four hun- 
dred and nineteen wagons packed with 
happy children and drawn by four, six, 
eight, and ten horse teams, many of them 
handsomely decorated. Several of the 
wagons were filled with girls beautifully 
dressed in white. It was a refreshing 
spectacle to see these passing wagons bear- 
ing their beautiful and precious burdens 
to a day's meeting of enjoyment and en- 
couragement. Many of the wagons con- 
tained fifty or sixty children, and in one 
there were as many as eighty-six. 

Every school had made an elaborate 
effort to excel in beauty and tastefulness 
of emblem and decoration. The day 
was pleasant, and when eight thousand 
voices joined in chorus, the grove rang 
with swelling melody. Rev. J. B. Thomp- 
son made the opening prayer, and Dr. 
Stilwell interested the children with a 
speech. Other speeches were made by 
Professors J. Tuckerman and W. ^^^ Ross, 
and Rev. Mr. Inglf 

A feature of the meeting was the dis- 
play of banners borne in the ])rocession. 
The Green Spring school carried a banner 
painted by. General McPherson at the age 
of seventeen, when he was a teacher in 



the first school organized in that place. 
This much-prized banner was used in a 
wide-awake procession and afterwards 
laid aside and forgotten until found a few 
days before this convention. Another 
banner was carried by a Clyde school, 
for which it was painted in 1851, by 
McPherson while home from West Point 
on a vacation. The device is a child 
leading a lion, and has under it the fol- 
lowing text: "They shall not hurt nor de- 
stroy in all my holy mountain, saith the 
Lord." 

A third banner possessing historic 
interest was borne by one of the Clyde 
schools. It was presented to Captain 
Chapman, on entering the Mexican war, by 
the ladies of Tiffin, and brought home by 
him after victorious peace. The interest- 
. ing horse which General McPherson rode 
on the fatal 2 2d of July, 1864, was an 
object of interest in the procession. 

The following schools were represented 
by delegations: Fremont Presbyterian, 
Reformed, Episcopal, Methodist Mission, 
Clyde Methodist and Baptist; Butternut 
Union, South Ridge Baptist, Townsend 
Centre, Green Spring Union, North Riley 
Union, Galestown Union, Mt. Lebanon 
United Brethren, Ballville Union, Ma- 
ple Union, Centre Union, Wolf Creek 
Chapel, Tawa United Brethren, Shiloh 
Union, Eden Chapel Union, Rollers- 
ville Union, Hessville Reformed, Mad- 
ison Union, Jackson Sunday-school, Mus- 
kallonge Union, West Fremont Union, 
Rice Union, Fostoria, Mill Grove. The 
whole number present connected with the 
membership of these schools was four 
thousand seven hundred and fifty-four. 

COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY. 

It is a striking fact in the history of 
Sandusky county that old institutions, 
both business establishments and chari- 
table societies, were seriously retarded in 
their operations by^financial embarrass- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



505 



merit. The Sandusky county Bible So- 
ciety was no exception to the rule, yet 
general poverty throughout the count) 
made its labor especially valuable. There 
are rigid necessities of life which must be 
supplied, but books, even the Bible, do 
not belong to that catalogue. People 
must eat and have the wherewithal to be 
clothed first of all things, and, as was seen 
in a previous chapter, Sandusky county 
pioneers were scantily supplied even in 
those necessities. But an association of 
good people, esteeming the Bible, if not a 
vital at least a moral necessity, at an early 
period of our history engaged with spirit 
and earnestness in the praiseworthy enter- 
prise of supplying to the needy and desti- 
tute a copy of the Holy Scriptures. 

The Sandusky county auxiliary of the 
American Bible Society was organized 
May 24, 1830, at Lower Sandusky, and 
was officially recognized by the Continen- 
tal Association on the 2d of the following 
December. An installment of books, con- 
sisting of two hundred and fifty Bibles, and 
six hundred Testaments, besides a number 
of Bibles and Testaments sent as speci- 
mens, was ordered from the American 
Bible Society the following spring. The 
work was then formally inaugurated. 

By January i, 1832, every township, 
and probably every family in the county, 
had been visited and supplied. The good 
work, however, was not kept up with that 
constant and watchful zeal which should at- 
tend every educational and reformatory 
movement. Nothing worthy of mention 
was effected from January 1832, till July 
1835. During this period a flood of im- 
migrants had been pouring into the coun- 
ty, most of them poor, and some of them 
wholly destitute. Duty made vigorous 
work imperative, and the society resolved 
upon the utmost exertion. A debt, how- 
ever, to the general society remained un- 
paid, and nothing effective could be ac- 
64 



complished without assistance. A dona- 
tion of fifty German Bibles and one hun- 
dred and fifty Testaments was received 
and a credit purchase made of one hundred 
and fifty English Bibles and thirteen hun- 
dred and fifty Testaments. The finances 
of the society prevented general free dis- 
tribution of books and the poverty of new- 
comers and pioneers prevented their sale. 
This attempt to resupply the county was 
practically a failure. In the language of 
the record, "from this time until February 
15, 1840, the society languished." 

At this latter date a reorganization was 
effected and a better feeling seemed to 
exist among the members, and more de- 
termination to carry out the objects of 
the association. Forty new members were 
added. There were received at this time 
from the parent society donations in Bibles 
and Testaments to the amount of two 
hundred and forty-three dollars, and by 
purchase books to the amount of two 
hundred and eighty-eight dollars. The 
society was yet embarrassed by debt and 
sought voluntarv contributions. The so- 
ciety was active and efficient from this 
time on. The county was thoroughly 
canvassed, the poor sought out and sup- 
plied, and those in better circumstances 
induced to become members and contrib- 
ute funds. It was emphatically a home 
missionary organization, and many homes 
have not yet forgotten timely favor and 
assistance. Meetings have been held an- 
nually for the last forty years. On account 
of changes in population it is necessary to 
be constantly watchful in order to carry 
out the design of the society. In 1862, 
two thousand six hundred and nine fami- 
lies were visited. Two hundred and nine 
were found without any part of the Scrip- 
tures in their dwellings — one family out of 
every twelve visited. One hundred and 
seventy-five of the destitute were supplied. 
Most of the recipients of the society's 



So6 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



charity "seemed to receive the gift of God 
with heartfelt gratitude. Among the des- 
titute families some had lived ten years 
without a Bible, having been overlooked, 
probably, in the previous supply." A few 
instances are on record which go to show 
the spirit in which the society's charity was 
received. One said: "I have been want- 
ing to get a Bible for a long time. I am 
poor and have to live by hard labor. I 
give you a thousand thanks." Another 
said- "I thank you kindly for this Bible. 
I will read it myself, and will also read it 
to my family." With tears in her eyes a 
poor wife said: "I have often wanted a 
Bible, but my husband would never buy 
one. I have kept house ten years. Oh, 
how I prize this Bible!" It is more diffi- 
cult to receive with disinterested thankful- 
ness than it is to give out of the fullness 
of the heart. It is certainly a subject of 
congratulation that the society's efforts of 
charity were received with gratitude and 
brightened and gladdened spirits depressed 
by penury. The secretary's report of 1863 
says: "There has been something to en- 
courage the society in giving the Word of 
Life to the destitute in the liberality with 
which many have responded to the solici- 
tations of the agent. A poor widow being 
called upon said: 'I rejoice to have the 
good work go on. I have but two cents; 
I give them freely, and would rejoice to 
give more if I had it."' 

A complete canvass of the county was 
made in 1874, and another in 1879. N. 
J. Jones was appointed to make the last 
canvass, his compensation being rated at 
one dollar a day. Mr. Jones canvassed 
the entire county except York, Green 
Creek and Townsend townships, which 
haye been included in the territory of 
the Clyde and Bellevue societies for a 
number of years. In the course of one 
hundred and fifty days occupied in the can- 
vass, and twelve hundred and eighty-four 



miles' travel on foot, Mr. Jones visited 
thirty-one hundred and ninety-nine fami- 
lies. He found two hundred and fifty-two 
families wholly, destitute of any part of the 
Scriptures; of these, two hundred and thirty- 
five were supplied, leaving in 1880 less 
than twenty-five families without the Bible. 
This was a fitting consummation of the 
labor of fifty years. The present officers 
of the society are: Dr. James W. Wilson, 
president; pastors of the various churches 
co-operating with the society, vice-presi- 
dents; C. R. McCulloch, depositary; 
John G. Nuhfer, treasurer; John Ellston, 
auditor; Isaac M. Keeler, secretary. 

BURIAL PLACES. 

The military cemetery during the War 
of 181 2 was on the hill south of the city. 
The English soldiers who fell in the trench 
before Fort Stephenson were buried in the 
bottom east of the fort and near the river. 

The first settlers set apart a lot for cem- 
etery purposes on the hill sloping toward 
the south, just south of the present track of 
the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Rail- 
road. This was the common burial place 
until Oakwood Cemetery was laid out. 

Oakwood Association was formed in 
1858, and was composed of the following 
individuals: S. Birchard, James Justice, 
Israel Smith, O. L. Nims, David Betts, 
James W. Wilson, John P. Price, James 
Valletti, L. Q. Rawson, James Moore, 
Thowas Stilwell, and Piatt Bush. A tract 
of land containing twenty-three acres was 
purchased and laid out in lots. Since 
1858 Oakwood has been the common 
burying place of this community. Within 
the last five years the trustees have been 
especially diligent in making improve- 
ments. Walks and roads have been con- 
structed, lots graded and otherwise beauti- 
fied. In the year 1878 a residence for 
the superintendent was erected, at an ex- 
pense of one thousand dollars, and in 
1869 a stone vault was constructed at a 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



507 



cost of eight hundred and fifty dollars. 
The present official board are: Stephen 
Buckland, C. R. McCulloch, F. S. White, 
William E. Haynes, and R. B. Hayes, 
directors; Stephen Buckland president; 
E. Loudensleger, secretary; C. R. Mc- 
Culloch, treasurer; and C. Cramer, super- 
intendent. 

The Catholics in this part of the county 
buried their dead near the river below this 



city until 1853, when a lot of two and 
one-half acres was i)urchased in Jackson 
township. This lot is yet used by the 
Catholics of that part of the county. In 
1863 St. Joseph's church, of Fremont, 
purchased eight acres for cemetery pur- 
poses, located in the southwest part of che 
town. St. James' church purchased, at 
the same time, eight acres lying east and 
adjoining St. Joseph's cemetery. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

SOCIAL SOCIETIES. 

Sandusky County Pioneer and Historical S )ciety — Secret and Benevolent Societies. 



QOMETIME in February, 1874, ex- 
O Governor Hayes suggested the forma- 
tion of a historical society to his friend. 
General Buckland, and others. The result 
was a conference of several persons, who 
favored such an organization. At this 
first conference were present General 
Hayes, , General Buckland, L. Q. Raw- 
son, James W.Wilson, and Homer Everett. 
These gentlemen, after exchanging views, 
concluded to make a start in the forma- 
tion of a society, to the end that the 
pioneers of the county might be brought 
together and more intimately know each 
other and at times enjoy themselves in 
social intercourse. There was the further 
intent to so organize that as much as pos- 
sible the events and the names of persons 
who were pioneers might be rescued 
from the oblivion of forgetfulness and 
kept on record. Accordingly the follow- 
ing call was published in the papers of 
the county : 



SANDUSKY COUNTY PIONEERS. 

The old settlers and all other citizens of Sandusky 
county favorable to the formation of a County Pioneer 
and Historical Society are invited to meet at Birchard 
Hall on Saturday, June 6, 1874, at 2 o'clock p. M. 

A meeting was held accordingly, at 
which a constitution was adopted, provid- 
ing for the name, officers, etc., and 
also that any resident of the county 
might become a member by paying one 
dollar, and that any person who re- 
sided in the county on or before the 
I St day of January, A. D. 1830, shall be 
exempt from the payment of any member- 
ship fees or dues. 

At this first meeting the following per- 
sons, having complied with the constitu- 
tion, became members, and signed it, to-wit ; 
Homer Everett, Thomas Holcomb, George 
Bixler, Edward Tindall, Robert S. Rice, 
L. Q. Rawson, Piatt Brush, O. A. Roberts, 
Henry Bowlus, Samuel Skinner, John B. 
Rice, J. L. Green, R. P. Buckland, James 
W. Wilson, C. R. McCulloch, H. Lang, 
F. S. White, and R. B. Hayes. 



5o8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



On motion the following officers were 
then elected to serve until the regular an- 
nual election, to be held August 3, 1874, 
to-wit: Homer Everett, president; L. Q. 
Rawson, vice-president; R. B. Hayes, sec- 
retary; James W. Wilson, treasurer; H. 
Everett, R. B. Hayes, H. Lang, Piatt 
Brush, R. P. Buckland, and J. L. Green, 
executive committee. 

On the 3d day of August, 1874, the so- 
ciety met and elected the same officers to 
serve the ensuing year. The constitution 
was amended so that, in addition to the 
members of the executive committee, there 
should be one person from each township, 
and the following-named persons were 
added, namely: Edward Tindall, Ball- 
ville; William E. Lay, Green Creek; David 
Overmyre, Jackson; Martin Klutz, Madi- 
son; Grant Forgerson, Rice; Thomas 
Holcomb, Riley; Charles H. Bell, San- 
dusky; David Fuller, Townsend; John F. 
Bowman,Washmgton; Rev. C. Cronenwett, 
Woodville; John B. Mugg, York. 

The meeting then, on motion, appointed 
a basket picnic, to be held on the county 
fair grounds, in September, 1874. The 
executive committee designated the 3d day 
of September as the time for holding the 
picnic. The meeting was held according- 
ly, and was eminently successful in the 
number of attendants from the country, as 
well as from the city. This first gathering 
of the pioneers was novel and interesting 
in many respects. The old settlers were 
there in goodly number, and the care-worn 
countenances, silvery locks, and, in many 
cases, the tottering steps of the venerable 
participants in the reunion, afforded un- 
mistakable evidence as to whom the county 
is indebted, at that day, so largely for 

Fields of waving, golden grain; 
Each flowery field, mead, and verdant plain 
Decreed to those who toil. 

At this meeting the names of Samuel 
HoUingshead and Augustus W. Luckey 



were added as honorary members of the 
society. 

The society has maintained its organi- 
zation ever since, re-electing, annually, the 
same officers, with the exception of the 
secretary, Mr. Hayes being called, in the 
fall of 1875, to the Governorship of Ohio, 
for the third time, and, in 1876, to the 
Presidency of the United States. In his 
stead the society elected Isadore H. Bur- 
goon, who has faithfully discharged the 
duties of his office to the present time. 

This society has done much good in 
several directions. It has annually held 
its basket picnic, and brought the old 
settlers of the county into each other's 
presence and acquaintance in pleasant, 
social intercourse, and thus increased their 
happiness. It has promoted reverence 
and respect towards the early settlers, and 
made them realize that their toils and 
hardships are appreciated by the succeed- 
ing generations. By the numerous dis- 
courses and addresses at these meetings a 
very good photo, so to speak, of early 
pioneer life has been placed on the rec- 
ords of the society for preservation. It 
has preserved the likeness and biography 
of many of the early settlers in its archives, 
which will increase in interest as years 
pass by, and it has been instrumental in 
furnishing facts for this history. 

MASONIC. 

Masonry was instituted in Lower San- 
dusky during the early years of the history 
of the village. Daniel Brainard, Harvey 
J. Harman, David Gallagher, and others 
of that jolly coterie of village wits and 
friends held meetings in a three-story build- 
ing which stood on the present site of 
June's foundry. They paraded the streets 
on several occasions, and gave the lodge 
considerable prestige. But the anti-Ma- 
sonic frenzy, which spread over the coun- 
try like wildfire in consequence of the re- 
puted murder of Morgan in New York, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



509 



compelled the suspension of meetings here 
as well as at many other places. After the 
bitterness of feeling had died away, a few 
of the old members who survived, and 
several other Masons who had in the mean- 
time located here, desired that the lodge 
should be reinstituted and work resumed. 

FORT STEPHENSON LODGE. 

The grand master, W. B. Hubbard, was 
appealed to, and a dispensation received 
May 12, 1852, directed to J. F. Simpkins, 
Daniel Bramard, and J. W. Smith, author- 
izing them to organize a lodge of Free 
and Accepted Masons, to be known by 
the above title. A regular meeting for or- 
ganization was held May 27, 1852, at 
which officers were chosen as follows: J. 
F. Simpkins, W. M.; Washington B. Smith, 
S. W.; Daniel Brainard, J. W.; J. S. Olm- 
sted, secretary; D. Gallagher, treasurer; L. 
Caul, S. D.; A. Gusdorf, J. D.; H. B. 
Burdick, tyler. Besides these there were 
present at this meeting J. VV. Main, P. 
Brown, and O. True. 

At a session of the Grand Lodge, held 
in Chillicothe October 19, 1852, a charter 
was issued to Fort Stephenson lodge, its 
number being 225. The charter is signed 
by W. B. Hubbard, grand master, and B. 
F. Smith, grand secretary, and others. 
The lodge prospered and grew so rapidly 
that in less than ten years it was thought 
expedient to divide. Such a measure was 
made almost miperative by the fact that a 
large proportion (more than half) of the 
membership was German, and desired to 
work in the German language. In 1861 
seven members withdrew for the purpose 
of establishing a new lodge, and in Decem- 
ber of the following year a resolution was 
unanimously adopted making German the 
language in which all the proceedings of 
the lodge should be conducted. This 
rule has been adhered to ever since. 

Fort Stephenson lodge has been presid- 
ed over by the following masters: J. F. 



Simpkins, till November, 1852; Daniel 
Brainard, till December, 1855; F. Wilmer, 
till November, 1858; C. Doncyson, till 
November, 1859; F. Wilmer, till July 19, 
1877; C. Doncyson, till December, 1878; 
Lorenz Dick, since December, 1878. 

BRAINARD LODGE. 

A charter was issued to Brainard Lodge 
dated February 11, 1861, which bears the 
following names: John F. Simpkins, 
Lewis Canfield, Samuel M, EUenwood, 
Homer Everett, E. F. Hafford, Oscar 
Ball, John H. McGee, George W. Steele. 
The dispensation which was read at the 
first meeting, held February 11, 1861, 
designated John F. Simpkins to act as 
master, L. Canfield, senior warden, and 
S. M. EUenwood, junior warden. Masters 
since organization have been elected as 
follows: December, 1862, Homer Ever- 
ett; 1863, L. Canfield; 1864 and 1865, 
Oscar Ball; 1866, H. W. Bristol; 1866 
to 187 1 inclusive, Robert H. Rice; 1872, 
W. I. Norton; 1873, J. P. Elderkin; 1874- 
76, W. W. Ross; 1877-79, S. P. Meng; 
1S80, E. Stanley Thomas. The lodge 
occupies a handsomely furnished room in 
the third story of the block corner Front 
and Croghan streets. The membership is 
active and energetic. 

FREMONT CHAPTER. 

A charter was issued February 2, 1855, 
to Fremont Chapter, No. 54, Royal and 
Accepted Masters. The charter members 
were: Francis B. Bell, George R. Brown, 
William Hamer, William S. Russell, James 
VV. Foster, J. S. Olmsted, Ferdinand Wil- 
mer, L. Canfield, I. M. Keeler, E. F. 
Hafford, B. J. Bartlett. 

FREMONT COUNCIL, 

No. 64, Royal and Select Masons, was 
chartered February 7, 1856, with the fol- 
lowing officers: E. F. Hafford, T. I. M.; 
J. V. B. Ames, D. Q. M.; S. P. Meng, 
R. C. W. 



510 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



DRUIDS. 

The first society entirely German in 
its membership was established in Fre- 
mont in 1859, as a lodge of the United 
Order of Druids. It was chartered as 
Schiller Grove, x\ugust 15, 1859, with the 
following members: Charles Billinger, 
George Homan, Jacob Zorn, Charles H. 
Shade, C. G. Rumoff, James Unkrich, 
Jacob Fowler, Jacob Fretzel, Christoph 
Rosbach, Christian Michael, Joseph Ma- 
grum, and William Schrader. 

The Druids have a hall on State street, 
painted in the Oriental style of Christian 
art. 

KNIGHTS OF HONOR. 

Fremont Lodge, No. 95, was chartered 
in March, 1875, with the following mem- 
bers: H. R. Shomo, P. F. Heffner, James 
Kridler, Byron Schoville, A. F. Price, 
C. Strausmyer, J. K. Heffner, Perry Close, 
E. B. Belding, C. M. Dillon, D. H. 
Brinkerhoff, E. F. Hafford. This lodge 
meets in Odd Fellows' Hall. 

Humboldt Lodge, No. 852, Knights of 
Honor, is a German society, and was 
chartered January i, 1878. The following 
were charter members: P. Knerr, Charles 
Schade, Joseph Zimmerman, John G. Weis- 
becker, L. Dick, Charles Klegin, F. Rich- 
ards, J. Baumann, Christian Neeb, L. 
Younkman, Dr. M. Stamm, John Buchler, 
John Renchler, Charles F. Geisin, and 
C. W. Tschumy. This lodge has a mem- 
bership of forty-two. Its hall is one of 
the finest in town. 

AMERICAN LEGION OF HONOR. 

A lodge of the American Legion of 
Honor was organized in Fremont in 1879, 
and is now one of the most prosperous 
societies of its class in the city. 

CROGHAN LODGE, NO. 77, I. O. O. F.* 

Like all other institutions devised for 
the benefit of mankind, Odd Fellowship is 

* By W. V. Marsh, secretary. 



the fruit of progressive civilization. By 
this power it has been wonderfully ad- 
vanced and developed in the expansion of 
its capabilities, and the enlargement of its 
field of labor. It has grown, as many 
other orders of kindred character, formed 
in a good degree upon its example, out of 
the demand for auxiliaries, by the physical 
as well as the moral needs of men. 

Progress and civilization, which are 
practically correlative terms, are always 
moving under the light of accumulating 
experience, never losing sight of the grand 
object of their exalted mission— the amel- 
ioration of humanity. All our institu- 
tions, whether social, political, religious, or 
moral, are the creatures of this mystic 
force, and have been controlled, modified, 
reformed, and perfected under its pro- 
cesses, so that their present excellence has 
been graduated from rude and simple 
originals. Lender this law of the social or- 
ganization, united co-operation against the 
trials of life has been introduced, as alike 
the instinct of common humanity and the 
suggestion of a wise Providence. It has 
enabled men to uplift and succor each 
other in adversity, free from public de- 
pendence, and to promote a spirit of fra- 
ternity which knits them together in spite 
of the partition walls set up to estrange 
and separate them. Although but feebly 
supported in its inception, it has con- 
quered its way by persistent effort, and to- 
day it stands on a foundation as firm as 
the "eternal hills." 

Who can calculate the value of such in- 
stitutions, not only to their immediate 
membership, but as substantial supports? 
Their withdrawal would be seriously felt, 
not only as a loss of an immense moral' 
power in society, but also from the fact 
that their absence would necessarily trans- 
fer the burdens which they bear to the 
public. Among the many tributaries to 
the general welfare of this character which 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



511 



are noiselessly, yet most effectively diffus- 
ing blessing upon humanity, Croghan 
Lodge, No. 77, Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows, the pioneer of Odd Fellow- 
ship in Sandusky county, has made a rec- 
ord fully verifying the scriptural quotation 
that "By their works ye shall know thern." 

A brief statement from the records of 
the lodge will abundantly verify this fact : 

Croghan lodge was instituted P'riday 
evening, February 5, 1847, by the Right 
Worthy District Deputy Grand Master 
Henry G. W. Crouse at, then, Low-er 
Sandusky, Sandusky county, Ohio, in an 
upper room of John R. Pease's building, 
situated on Front street, on the site of the 
present block of Roberts & Sheldon. 

The petitioners who applied for a char- 
ter in May, 1846, and at the installation of 
the lodge became charter members, were: 
N. S. Cook, D. H. Hershey, W. M. Stark, 
B. W. Lewis, and A. E. Wood, five in 
number, of whom Past Grand B. W. Lewis 
is the only surviving meinber. 

The district deputy grand master was 
assisted at the installation by Past Grands 
T. H. Sheldon, George Rumpp, and Rich- 
ard Williams; John E. McCormic, Cas- 
per Parsons, Chester R. Johnson, and R. 
W. Ruthman, all of Seneca Lodge, No. 
35, Tiffin, Ohio, and Mr. Conner, of 
Apollo Lodge, No. 61, Middlebury, Sum- 
mit county, Ohio. After the formal insti- 
tution and presentation of charter, the first 
election was held to provide officers for 
the current term, which resulted as follow: 
H. S. Cook, M. G.; D. H. Hershey, N. 
G.; W. M. Stark, secretary; B. W. Lewis, 
treasurer. Their installation followed in 
due and regular form. For the purpose 
of giving the new officers instruction in the 
initiatory work, the district deputy grand 
master held an initiation, Mr. John Smith 
being the candidate. 

The Pease building was occupied about 
one year, when the lodge was removed to 



the Morehouse building, owned by Theo- 
dore Clapp, on the southeast corner of 
Front and Garrison streets. Here they 
remained about two years, when they 
again removed to a room in the third 
story of Buckland's " old block," on Front 
street. This room they occupied from 
1850 to March, 1870, when another 
change was made to the present large, com- 
modious, and beautifully appointed rooms 
in the Foster block, Front street. 

The lodge continued to increase in 
membership until 1876, when, numbering 
one hundred and sixty-two contributing 
members and thirty-five past grands, some 
of the brotherhood evidenced a desire to 
withdraw and form a new lodge. In June 
of the same year the matter took tangible 
form in the institution of McPherson 
Lodge, No. 637, with twenty-nine charter 
members, a history of which will appear 
elsewhere in this work. Since that time 
both lodges have worked harmoniously to- 
gether, as brothers of one great family, in 
cherishing the sentiments and diffusing 
the divine principles of friendship, love, 
and truth. 

The following summary has been care- 
fully compiled from records and annual 
grand lodge reports, from February 5, 
1847, to July I, i88r, and is approxi- 
mately correct : 

SUMMARY. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

Contributing members January, 1850 37 

Admitted by initiation from January, 1850, to 

July, 1881 270 

Admitted by card from January, 1850 to July, 

1881 73 

Admitted by reinstation 20 

Total membership to July, 1881 400 

Withdrawn by card 104 

Dropped 114 

Died 26 

244 

Present membership 156 



512 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



RELIEF. 

Number of brothers relieved to July, 1881 344 

Number of widows relieved to July, 1881 9 

Number of brothers buried by the lodge 24 

Total 377 

Amount paid for relief of brothers from Jan- 
uary, 1847 to July, 1881 $4731 10 

Amount paid for relief of widows : . 89 93 

Amount paid for burial of deceased broth- 
ers 639 40 

Amount paid to charitable purposes 73 5° 

Total $5533 93 

FINANCE. 

Minimum receipts from 1847 to 1881 $23192 66 

Expenses from 1847 to 1881 18866 03 

Balance • $4326 88 

List of Past Grands to July, 1881, in 
nearly the regular order: N. S. Cook, 
D. H. Hershey, W. M. Stark, John Bell, 
R. P. Buckland, sr., John L. Greene, sr., 
C. R. McCuUoch,* James S. Fouke, O. 
A. Roberts, J. F. R. Seibring, VV. H. Mor- 
gan, James H. Huflord, G. W. Steele, G. 
C. Canfield, S. Buckland, D. L. June, C. 
M. Fouke, I. M. Keeler, T. Clapp, 1). W. 
Krebs, S. Buckland,* John McKee, N. 
Haynes, John Flaugher, J. R. Bartlett, L. 
Gelpin, E. H. Underbill, Joseph Rum- 
baugh, George Reymond, John Bell,* 
John P. Moore, Aaron Bennett, L. M. 
Jackson, Charles H. Krebs, H. L. Pen- 
nell, H. R. Shomo, S. P. Meng, A. D. 
Wiles, C. K. Phelps, B. W. Lewis, James 
Kridler, D. L. Cam field, Henry Lesher, 
James H. Fowler, F. K. Tetter, David 
Otto, George Beck, Henry Stacy, S. E. 
Anderson, H. R. Tucker, G. M. Tyler, 
John T. Beck, J. C. Rosebaugh, T. F. 
Seigfried, R. Hermon, William Foresythe, 
John Treat, John L. Greene, jr., D. S. 
June, T. M. Hobart, H. R. Finefrock, M. 
A. June, C. E. Reiff, E. H. Morgan, L 
Walborn, Samuel Brinkerhoff, Henry VV. 
Kent. 

Following is the present list of Past 
Grands of Croghan Lodge, July 1, 1881: 

* Passed the chair twice. 



R. P. Buckland, sr., C. R. McCulloch, 
James H. Hafford, S. Buckland, D. L. 
June, L M. Keeler, E. H. Underbill, Jos. 
Rumbaugh, John P. Moore, George J. 
Krebs, H. R. Shomo, B. W. Lewis, David 
Otto, George Beck, Henry Stacy, S. E. 
Anderson, H. L. Pennell, M. R. Tucker, 
John T. Beck, T. F. Seigfried, R. Her- 
mon, William F'oresythe, John Treat, John 
L. Greene, jr., D. S. June, T. M. Hobart, 
H. R. Finefrock, M. A. June, C. F. Reiff, 
E. H. Morgan, L Walborn, Samuel 
Brinkerhoff, Henry W. Kent. 

m'pherson lodge I. o. o. F. 
In 1876 the lodge had grown so large 
that it was thought better results could be 
secured by division. The Grand Lodge 
was applied to, and on May 11, 1876, a 
charter was issued to McPherson Lodge 
No. 637. The lodge was formally insti- 
tuted June 29, 1876, with the following 
members: George J. Krebs, John W. 
Greene, John Pero, C. B. Tyler, John P. 
Thompson, S. P. Meng, A. Alfred, George 
Maycomber, W. B. Kridler, jr., Charles B. 
Greene, James West, Henry Coonrod, 
James Park, S. J. Ludwig, H. R. Bowlus, 
G. W. Heberling, Charles Thompson, 
Benjamin F. Evans, J. H. Robinson, 
James Kridler, Charles Moore, Henry 
Lesher, Frank Q. Ickes, S. A. Wilson, P. 
Knerr, Samuel Ridley, J. C. Rosebach, 
W. S. Witmer, and James S. Fowler. 

FREMONT ENCAMPMENT 

was chartered in May, 1855, with the fol- 
lowing members: D. W. Armstrong, T. 
G. Amsden, A. J. Knapp, Samuel Z. Cul- 
ver, David Moore, A. D. Wiles, Theodore 
Clapp, J. F. R. Sebring, W. W. Seely. 

Lincoln Lodge, Daughters of Rebecca, 
was chartered May 21, 1880. 

In concluding this brief and abstract re- 
port, it affords great pleasure to be able to 
say that both lodges are, at the present, 
in a most healthful, progressive, and thriv- 




Ktii-ptiu. Kii^riuiii^ \' Printiitfi. 




'^^Q.i 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



51 



ing condition, both in membership and 
finance. 



Biographical Sketches. 



RUTHERFORD BIRCHx\RD 
HAYES. 

An able historian has observed that na- 
tive talent is about equally distributed in all 
nations, but it goes to waste wherever the 
surroundings are not propitious. Intel- 
lectual strength, to be useful, must have 
cultivation, and be associated with good 
moral qualities; great occasions are neces- 
sary to make it prominent in an individual. 
This is a somewhat abstract theory, but it 
is a legitimate deduction from the career 
of that one citizen of Sandusky county 
who has filled the highest office provided 
for by the Constitution of the Nation. 

It is our purpose to give only a bare 
outline of the life of the ex-President 
whose home is within the limits of this 
city. His biography is beyond our scope, 
it is a part of the history of the country. 
But so much of his time, when not en- 
gaged in the performance of public trusts, 
has been spent here that a sketch of his 
career falls within the legitimate sphere of 
local history. 

Rutherford B. Hayes is a descendant of 
George Hayes, a native of Scotland, who, 
after living for a time in Derbyshire, Eng- 
land, came to America in the latter part 
of the seventeenth century and located at 
Windsor, Connecticut. Rutherford Hayes, 
of the fifth generation from George Hayes, 
was born in West Brattleboro, Vermont, 
in 1787. He is spoken of as a man of 
florid countenance and sandy hair, as 
having a great fondness for athletic sports 
and of popular manners. He married, 
in 1813, Sophia Birchard, of Wilmington, 
65 



Vermont, a lady of fine intellect and 
lovely character. In 181 7 Mr. Hayes, 
with his family, came to Ohio, the trip be- 
ing made in a covered wagon and con- 
suming forty-seven days. They settled at 
Delaware, where, in July, 1822, Mr. Hayes 
died, leaving a wife and one daughter. 
Rutherford Birchard Hayes was born on 
the 4th of October following. The es- 
tate and management of family affairs 
was entrusted to Sardis Birchard, Mrs. 
Hayes's brother, who was then a young 
man, and took a loving interest in his 
sister's welfare. Mr. Birchard became 
very fond of his nephew, and at the" age 
of twelve years took him under his im- 
mediate charge, sending him to school 
and afterwards to Kenyon college. During 
this school period Mr. Hayes spent a large 
part of his vacation time at the residence 
of his uncle in Fremont. His sister had 
married William A. Piatt, of Columbus, 
and his mother made her home in that 
city. Mr. Hayes graduated from Kenyon 
with the first honors of his class. During 
the course he kept a diary in which is 
recorded not only casual events of college 
life, but his estimates of persons with whom 
he come in contact, and occasionally lets 
drop a remark about himself and his as- 
pirations. Mr. William D. Howells, in his 
biography, observes concerning this jour- 
nal: 

There are few instances and none of importance 
set down in these early journals. What distinguishes 
them from other collegian diaries and gives them 
peculiar value in any study of the man, is the evidence 
they unfold of his life-long habit of rigid self-account- 
ability and of close, shrewd study of character in 
others. At the end of the third year he puts in writing 
his estimate of the traits, talents and prospects of his 
fellow-students; and in a diary opened at the same 
time he begins those searching examinations of his 
own motives, purposes, ideas, and aspirations, with- 
out which no man can know other men. These in- 
quiries are not made by the young fellow of nineteen 
any spirit of dreamy or fond introspection. Himself 
interests himself, of course, but he is not going to 
give himself any quarter on that account. He has 



5f4 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



got to stand up before his own conscience, and be 
judged for his suspected self-conceit, for his pro- 
crastinations, for his neglect of several respectable 
but disagreeable branches of learning; for his ten- 
dency to make game of a certain young college poet, 
who supposes himself to look like Byron, for his fond- 
ness, in fine, of trying the edge of his wit on all the peo- 
ple about him. Upon consideration he concludes that 
he is not a person of genius, and if he is to succeed, 
he must work hard and make the very most of the 
fair abilities with which he accredits himself. He has 
already chosen his profession and is troubled about 
his slipshod style and his unreadiness of speech, 
which will never do for an orator. He is going to 
look carefully to his literature, and takes an active 
interest in the college literary societies. . . . He 
has to accuse himself, at the age of nineteen, of be- 
ing a boy in many things. Even after he is legally a 
man, he shrewdly suspects that the law will have 
deceived itself with regard to him. He also finds 
that he is painfully bashful in society, but that great 
relief may be found by making fun of his own em- 
barrassments. It[isafrank, simple, generous record, 
unconscious even in its consciousness, and full of the 
most charming qualities both of heart and mind. 

While at college, Mr. Hayes, with all his 
introspection, did not foresee the course of 
his life. He resolved to devote to law his 
exclusive attention. "But a little later," 
runs the biography from which we have 
already quoted, "we find that he has as- 
pirations which he would not conceal from 
himself, and of which one may readily in- 
fer the political nature from what follows. 
But what follows is more important for the 
relation it bears to his whole career than 
the light it throws on any part of it. 'The 
reputation I desire is not that momentary 
eminence which is gained without merit 
and lost without regret,' he says, with a 
collegian's swelling antithesis; and then 
solidly places himself in the attitude from 
which he has never since faltered: 'Give 
me the popularity which runst after, not 
that which is sought for. ' So early was 
the principle of his political life fixed and 
formulated. Every office he has had has 
sought him; at every step of his advance- 
ment, popularity, the only sort he has 
cared to have, has followed him. He is 
and has always been a leader of the peo- 



ple's unprompted choice." 

Mr. Hayes graduated in the class of 
1842, and began reading law the same year 
in the ofifice of Thomas Sparrow, of Co- 
lumbus, a contemporary of Thomas Ewmg, 
Thomas Corwin, and William Allen. He 
afterwards attended the law school of Har- 
vard college, from which he graduated in 
1845, and was admitted to the bar at Ma- 
rietta. Returning to the home of his 
uncle in Fremont, he formed a partner- 
ship with R. P. Buckland for the practice 
of law. This partnership continued two 
years. Mr. Hayes then accompanied his 
uncle Birchard to the South, the trip hav- 
ing for its object the recovery of the lat- 
ter's health. In 1849 the young lawyer 
opened an office in Cincinnati, and for 
some time had the experience of most 
young professional men in a city. He 
was all the while, however, by diligent 
reading, preparing for future emergencies. 
He had, in fact, always been a close stu- 
dent, going through book after book, seek- 
ing to know the facts and ideas contained 
in them rather than paying attention to 
the author's art and style of composition. 
He read pretty much everything of im- 
portance in current general literature. He 
has carried this habit of reading through 
life, except during those periods too fully 
occupied by public duties. 

It was through a circumstance of ex- 
ceptional good fortune that Mr. Hayes 
was given an opportunity to show his 
powers as a lawyer, and to earn standing as 
a practitioner. His first case in Cincinnati 
was his defence of an idiot girl, who had 
been arraigned for murder. The half-daft 
creature was brought into court to answer to 
the charge, and, being without money or 
friends, had made no provision for an at- 
torney to defend her. Judge Warden was 
then common pleas judge, and was on the 
bench when the case was called. The 
case was such an undesirable one, and the 



t^ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



515 



accused such an unprepossessing client 
that none of the attorneys present were 
anxious to undertake the defence. The 
judge, finding the poor girl had no coun- 
sel, asked the bar who should be appointed 
to defend her. Mr. Hayes, then almost 
a stranger in the court room, was singled 
out as a proper person to undertake the 
undesirable case. After making some in- 
quiry concerning the character and fitness 
of the young barrister, the appointment 
was made, and after a short preparation 
on the part of the defence, the trial pro- 
ceeded. The case was tried with vigor on 
both sides. Mr. Hayes' argument was 
particularly strong, and at once gave him 
a reputation as a lawyer. From that time 
he enjoyed a renmnerative practice. In 
1856 he declined a nomination for judge 
of the Hamilton county Court of Common 
Pleas. Two years later he became a can- 
didate, and was elected to the office of 
city solicitor of Cincinnati, to which, on 
the expiration of his term, he was re- 
elected. 

■ In 1 86 1, when the first call for troops 
was made, Mr. Hayes offered his services, 
which were at once accepted by the Gov- 
ernor, and when the Twenty-third Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry was organized, in 
June, he was commissioned major. He 
served under Rosecrans in West Virginia, 
during the summer and fall, part of the 
time being judge advocate on the Gen- 
eral's staff. He was appointed lieuten- 
ant colonel November 4, 1861, and took 
formal command of the regiment at the 
opening of the campaign of 1862. The 
first great battle in which the Twenty- 
third participated was South Mountain, 
culminating in the. battle of Antietam, 
September 17, 1862. The summer had 
been occupied in skirmishes and forced 
marches until August, when the regiment 
was transferred to McClellan's command. 
The enemy was driven from Frederick 



City, Maryland, and on September 13 
Middletown was reached. Here began 
the battle of South Mountain, in which 
Lieutenant-Colonel Hayes, in command of 
the Twenty-third, led the advance. It was 
ordered at an early hour to advance by an 
unfrequented road, leading up the moun- 
tain, and to attack the enemy. The 
enemy, posted behind stone walls, poured 
a destructive fire of musketry and grape 
into the advancing column. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Hayes, Captain Skiles, and Lieu- 
tenants Hood, Ritter, and Smith were 
each badly wounded. Colonel Hayes' 
arm was broken. Out of the three hundred 
and fifty who engaged in the action, more 
than one hundred lay dead and wounded 
upon the field. The command now de- 
volved upon Major Comly, and remained 
with him from that time forward. The 
enemy charged from the left and the 
regiment changed front on the first com- 
pany. Colonel Hayes, with his wound 
half dressed and against the remonstrances 
of his whole command, again came on to 
the field and tbught until carried off". 
Soon after the remainder of the brigade 
came up, a gallant charge was made up 
the hill, and the enemy was dislodged and 
driven into the woods beyond. Three 
bayonet charges were made during the 
day, in each of which the enemy were 
driven with heavy loss. The Twenty- 
third participated actively in the battle of 
Antietam, which followed, being under 
command of Major Comly. In October 
the Twenty-third was ordered back to 
West Virginia, and on the 15th of that 
month Lieutenant Colonel Hayes was ap- 
pointed colonel, in place of Scammon, 
promoted to a brigadier generalship. 
In December of that year Colonel Hayes 
was placed in command of the First 
brigade of the Kanawha division. Dur- 
ing all that toilsome West Virginia service 
of more than a year, Colonel Hayes won. 



Si6 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



not only the respect, but hearty friendship 
of his command. He exerted himself to 
make camp life agreeable and to '^•elieve 
laborious marches, so far as possible, of 
hardships. The affection of members of 
the Twenty-third for their colonel is mani- 
fested yet at regimental reunions. In the 
battle of Winchester Colonel Hayes, com- 
manding a brigade, took a conspicuous 
and important part. In this battle he ex- 
hibited rare personal bravery, which is a 
characteristic of the man and an import- 
ant element of his success. He never 
hesitated, either on the field or in politics, 
to do what occasion seemed to require. 
At North Mountain, Colonel Hayes took 
command of the whole Kanawha division, 
and at Cedar Creek, where a horse was 
shot under him, his conduct was highly 
meritorious. Immediately after this bat- 
tle Colonel Hayes, "for gallant and mer- 
itorious services in the battles of Winches- 
ter, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek," was 
appointed brigadier-general, to take rank 
from October 19, the date of the last 
named battle. General Hayes was given 
command, in the spring of 1865, of an 
expedition against Lynchburg, and was 
making active preparations when the 
war closed. He was breveted major- 
general at the close of the war to date 
from March 13, 1865, for gallantry and 
distinguished services in West \'irginia 
in 1864, and at the battles of Fisher's 
Hill and Cedar Creek. He was engaged 
in much severe service and participated in 
many battles. He had three horses shot 
under him, and was four times wounded. 

In the spring of 1865 there was a lull in 
the campaign in West Virginia, and many 
of the leading officers sought retirement 
from the service, which to them was be- 
coming wearisome. Several of the mili- 
tary friends of General Hayes desired that 
he should have a furlough or be advanced 
to a civil position of honor. A meeting was 



called at Winchester in May, 1865, over 
which Colonel Devol, of the Thirty-sixth 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, presided. A 
resolution was unanimously and enthusi- 
astically passed, declaring that: "Gen- 
Hayes, in addition to possessing the 
ability and statesmanship necessary to 
qualify him in an eminent degree for 
chief magistrate of the State of Ohio, is a 
soldier unsurpassed in patriotism and 
bravery, he having served four years in 
the army, earning his promotion from 
major in one of the Ohio regiments to his 
present position."' 

This was the first suggestion of his 
name for Governor, and while the propo- 
sition was received with enthusiasm by the 
army, it met with earnest protest from him. 
General Hayes had previously, in Octo- 
ber, 1864, been elected to Congress from 
the Cincinnati district. He had also pro- 
tested against this nomination, and when 
informed of the unsolicited honor, he re- 
plied in a letter, since several times repro- 
duced in political campaigns, in which he 
said: "I have other business just now. 
Any man who would leave the army at 
this time to electioneer for Congress 
ought to be scalped." Despite this protest, 
however. General Hayes was triumph- 
antly elected by twenty-five hundred 
majority over Joseph C. Butler, a popu- 
lar business man of the city. In 1866 
he was re-elected by about the same 
majority over Theodore Cook. General 
Hayes was prominent in Congress rather 
for his usefulness then for the display ot 
brilliancy. He was unobtrusive, and sel- 
dom took up the time of the House, even 
with a short speech. He was not ambi- 
tious to display oratorical ability, but his 
congressional career is worthy of great re- 
spect for the interest he took in the ques- 
tions which at that time agitated Congress. 

The Republican State Convention of 
1867 mot in Columbus in June. The 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



517 



importance of having a strong candidate 
was deeply felt throughout the State, and 
the country looked upon the approaching 
contest with interest. The Republican 
party proposed a suffrage measure, which, 
owing to race prejudice, accrued wholly 
to the benefit of the Democrats. Further 
than this, Mr. Pendleton had announced 
plausible and popular currency theories, 
then new to the people and well calcu- 
lated to attract votes. The Republican 
convention made General Hayes its spon- 
taneous choice for the head of the ticket, 
wholly without his solicitation. The 
Democrats further increased their strength 
which the popular side of two great issues 
gave them, by selecting for their candi- 
date Allen G. Thurman. The canvass 
was vigorous on both sides. The Demo- 
crats were on the offensive and pushed 
prominently the proposition to pay the 
bonded debt in non-interest bearing green- 
backs. Mr. Hayes resigned his seat in Con- 
gress, and early in August entered zeal- 
ously into the canvass. He spoke in nearly 
every one of the eighty-eight counties of 
the State, opposing with all his force the 
position of his opponents with regard to 
the currency, and supporting with the same 
fervor the stand taken by his own party for 
equal suffrage. General Hayes is a cam- 
paign speaker of peculiar force and in- 
fluence. He is not what is generally 
known as an eloquent speaker, yet he has 
canvassed this State several times, and 
drawn large audiences in the same towns 
at each campaign. His power lies in 
clear, bold, pungent statement, and he 
inspires an audience with confidence in 
the sincerity of his convictions. As a 
campaigner he belonged to that class who 
appeal to the reason of the wavering and 
doubtful. He fought a political battle on 
the issues rather than by working upon 
prejudice or inspiring faithful partisans 
with confidence of victory. In a cam- 



paign without an issue General Hayes 
would have been out of place. The con- 
test in Ohio in 1867 was a pivotal one_ 
with reference to the disposition of the 
National debt and the question of negro 
suffrage. The Republicans lost the Legis- 
lature, but General Hayes and the rest of 
his ticket were elected. The suffrage 
amendment was defeated, owing to its 
unnecessary disfranchising clause, but the 
principle had developed popular strength 
and subsequent triumph was assured. 

Governor Hayes' administration com- 
manded the respect of the people of the 
State, and a second nomination was con- 
ceded long before the convention met in 
1869. The Democrats adopted an ultra 
platform and nominated General Rose- 
crans for Governor. General Rosecrans, 
who was in California at the time, de- 
clined the position, and Hon. George H. 
Pendleton was selected as the opposing 
standard-bearer. The campaign was 
fought on issues growing out of the re- 
construction measures of the Republican 
Congress, and attracted National atten- 
tion. Governor Hayes was re-elected by 
a largely increased majority. His second 
administration was liberal and popular, as 
the first had been. As Governor he was 
eulogized by the leaders ot both political 
parties. 

General Hayes met his first political 
defeat in 1872, but it was a party and not 
a personal defeat. On the 31st of July 
a large number of Cincinnati Republicans 
united in the following letter: 

Ho/i.'R. B. Hayes: 

Believing that it is the desire of the Republicans 
generally of the Second Congressional District, that 
you be a candidate for the nomination, and feeling 
that you would receive a larger vote from the dis- 
trict than any other person that could be agreed up- 
on, we unite in respectfully asking that you accept a 
nomination for Congress. 

General Hayes positively and unequivo- 
cally declined allowing his name to be 



Si8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



used in connection with the candidacy, 
but in the face ot protestation he was 
nominated, and to prevent dissension in 
the party accepted. He foresaw defeat 
from the start, belt made a good canvass, 
and carried a much larger vote in his dis- 
trict than General Grant's vote for Presi- 
dent a month later. Hamilton county 
was carried for the Democrats that year 
by five thousand majority. 

In 1873 (ieneral Hayes was unexpect- 
edly nominated by the President for As- 
sistant Treasurer at Cincinnati, but de- 
clined the office, being desirous to re- 
turn to his home at Fremont. He 
resumed his residence here in the summer 
of that year, and naturally enjoyed relief 
from more than twelve years of official 
care. The two sebsequent years of his 
life were passed quietly and contentedly. 
But his party in Ohio was approaching an 
important political crisis. The October 
campaign in Ohio in 1875 was looked up- 
on as the preliminary battle of the Na- 
tional contest of 1876. Far more import- 
ant interests than mere partisan advantage 
were at stake. Upon the issue of the con- 
test depended, in an important measure, 
the character of legislation on the currency 
question. The question was similar to 
the one which General Hayes, eight years 
before, had been called from his seat in 
Congress to champion. Republicans of 
the State felt the weight of great respon- 
sibility, and discussed, with solicitude, the 
choice of a standard-bearer. The Demo- 
crats, two years before, had elected their 
candidate for Governor, and the year be- 
fore carried the State by seventeen thou- 
sand majority. Business failures and gen- 
eral industrial depression made the theory 
of expanding the paper currency of the 
country extremely pc-pular. In addition to 
this, discontent with the National Admin- 
istration made Republicans indifferent. 
Seventeen thousand majority, the unpopu'- 



lar side of an all-absorbing issue, and an 
Administration at Washington generally 
unpopular, all these obstacles in the way 
of victory had to be overcome, and who 
should be chosen to lead in the unequal 
contest? General Hayes, as in 1864 he 
had been sought out of the army to be 
chosen to Congress; as in 1867 he had 
been recalled from Congress to lead in a 
doubtful State campaign, against his 
will and solemn protest, was in 1875 
forced from his pleasant and quiet home 
to lead in a campaign which was to de- 
cide, not only the immediate destiny of 
parties, but to formulate important Na- 
tional legislation. General Hayes was the 
spontaneous choice- of the rank and file 
of the Republican party in that great 
political emergency. There were grave 
doubts, however, as to whether he would 
accept the nomination, and they were not 
without reason. To all who had ap- 
proached him on the subject he had ex- 
pressed extreme disinclination, and he 
discouraged, at every opportunity, the use 
of his name. Nevertheless Republican 
sentiment- asserted itself, and grew in 
volume until, by the time the State Conven- 
tion met. It was simply overwhelming. The 
only other name proposed was that of Judge 
Taft, of Cincinnati, whose high standing 
and ability were beyond question. When 
the convention assembled Judge Taft was 
presented as a candidate. There was also 
placed before the convention a dispatch 
from General Hayes positively declining 
to be a candidate. He sincerely desired 
relief from public life, and on convention 
day confidently supposed that he had set 
at rest the movement toward his own 
nomination. While the convention was 
assembling at Columbus, General Hayes, 
at Fremont, was quietly directing some 
farm work. The feeling of the conven- 
tion was unmistakable, and its demands 
irresistible. Mr. Hayes did not realize 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



519 



the situation on that day until a bundle 
of sixteen dispatches was delivered to him 
imploring a withdrawal of his positive 
declination, and another dispatch, re- 
ceived soon after, notified him of his 
nomination by a vote of more than three- 
fourths of the delegates. Judge Taft, by 
his representative, moved to make the 
nomination unanimous, and General 
Hayes, after consultation with his friends 
here, telegraphed: "In obedience to the 
wishes of the convention I yield my pref- 
erences and accept the nomination." 

General Hayes entered that campaign 
with all his force, fighting not Allen and 
Gary but the theory of finance which their 
party advanced, and which he believed to 
be pernicious. Few Ohio campaigns have 
been so free from personality. The candi- 
dates of both parties were men of the 
highest integrity, and with honorable rec- 
ords. The contest was not for the 
Governorship but for the triumph of a 
principle which had an intimate relation to 
the Nation's most vital interests. General 
Hayes was master of the campaign which 
he led, having at the outset, in a speech 
before the central committee, conspicuous 
for clearness, defined the issues which he 
desired to have placed before the people. 
That speech, occupying less than five 
minutes in its delivery, was the Republican 
key-note, on which the campaign was 
fought, the result of which brought its 
author prominently into the circle of 
Presidential candidates. The Ohio elec- 
tion of 1875 W'^s the turning point in the 
cousse of party destiny. The political 
revolution of the previous two years was 
brought to a stand-still, and restored to 
Republicans' all over the country confi- 
dence in their ability to maintain ascend- 
ency in the affairs of the Nation. Penn- 
sylvania, largely influenced by Ohio, was 
a month later carried by the Republicans. 
The results in these two powerful and 



pivotal States gave assurance of success in 
the approaching Presidential contest, and 
it was about this time that Governor Hayes' 
nomination for the Presidency became a 
subject of serious discussion. The Gov- 
ernor himself, though plainly seeing the 
possibility of his nomination, was free 
from that intense ambition which led some 
other candidates to push themselves to the 
front. Therein was a secret of his suc- 
cess. If he was to be the standard-bearer 
of his party, the nomination had to be 
offered to him. He did not seek the 
high honor, and by not seeking, antago- 
nized the ardent partisans of none of those 
who were candidates in the full sense of 
the term. 

When the National Republican conven- 
tion assembled in Cincinnati, Governor 
Hayes' eligibility as a candidate was uni- 
versally recognized, although his delegate 
support outside of his own State was 
small. But six ineffectual ballots ex- 
hausted personal enthusiasm, and on the 
seventh the man whose fitness was uni- 
versally recognized, was nominated. 

The result of the convention was most 
gratifying to the people of this county, ir- 
respective of party differences. This was 
shown by the brilliant reception tendered 
Governor Hayes on the occasion of his 
visit home, June 24. For three days the 
city was alive with the excitement of prep- 
aration. Dwellings, business houses, and 
public buildings were tastefully decorated 
and brilliantly illuminated. The recep- 
tion was held in the evening, and partici- 
pated in by fifteen thousand people. The 
event was a most fitting tribute of respect 
to a fellow-citizen who had been desig- 
nated by the dominant party for the first 
place in the Government. 

General Hayes' letter accepting the 
nomination for the Presidency, was char- 
acteristically strong and clear. If there had 
been any doubt in the public mind as to his 



520 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



courage, it was dispelled by the bold and 
advanced ground upon which the candi- 
date placed himself at the opening of the 
campaign. His position on the then great 
questions then occupying the attention of 
the whole country — reform in the civil ser- 
vice, resumption of specie payments and 
restoration of fraternity throughout the 
Union — was especially pronounced and 
emphatic. With respect to the system of 
making official appointments, he an- 
nounced that the "reform should be thor- 
ough, radical, and complete." On the 
currency question then uppermost among 
business men, he said: 

I regard all the laws of the United States relat- 
ing to the payment of the public indebtedness, the 
legal tender notes included, as constituting a pledge 
and moral obligation of the Government, which 
must in good faith be kept. 

His attitude toward the South was 
equally assuring: "What the South needs 
is peace, and peace depends upon the 
supremacy of law." In the last paragraph 
of the letter is summed up the Republican 
candidate's pledge to the country. 

Let me assure my countrymen of the Southern 
States that if I shall be charged with the duty of or- 
ganizing an administration, it will be one which will 
regard and cherish their truest interests — the interests 
of the white and the colored people both and equally, 
which will put forth its best efforts in behalf of a civil 
policy which will wipe out forever the distinction be- 
tween North and South in our common country. 
With a civil service organized upon a system which 
will secure purity, experience, efficiency, and econo- 
my, a strict regard for the public welfare solely in 
appointments, and the speedy, tiiorough, and un- 
sparing prosecution and punishment of all public 
officers who betray official trusts; with a sound cur- 
rency; with education unsectarian and free to all; 
with simplicity and frugality in public and private 
affairs, and with a fraternal spirit of harmony per- 
vading the people of all sections and classes, we may 
reasonably hope that the second century of our ex- 
istence as a Nation will, by the blessing of God, be 
pre-eminent as an era of good feeling and a period 
of progress, prosperity, and happiness. 

We have been endeavoring, so far as a 
brief sketch will permit, to point out the 
successive steps by which General Hayes 



rose in popular favor and official station. 
The letter of acceptance was undoubtedly 
the most influential document in the cam- 
paign which terminated in his election to 
the Presidency. It was the expression of 
a man of decided convictions and with 
courage to maintain them. Further than 
this, it was a clear, concise definition of 
Republican doctrines, which Republican 
papers and orators amplified, but to which 
little was added. Like the brief speech 
to the State central committee one year 
before, this letter determmed the issues 
of the campaign. 

The election was closely contested on 
both sides. The doubtful result in three 
Southern States threw the whole country 
into a state of anxiety which continued 
until inauguration day. The events of that 
memorable winter are beyond our present 
scope. General Hayes was declared 
elected by the highest authority in the 
Government, and his title has never since 
been vitiated by the strongest tests which 
partizan enthusiasm could institute. 

It is too soon to write the history of the 
administration from 1877 to 1881. That 
it gave satisfaction to the people is shown 
by the renewed growth of the Republican 
party from inauguration day, and the deci- 
sive result of the National election^ of 
1880. Its crowning accomplishment was 
the resumption of specie payment, and 
the consequent re-establishment of finan- 
cial security and promotion of business 
prosperity. The attitude of the adminis- 
tration toward the South went far toward 
allaying public prejudices. The immedi- 
ate result of this measure has been re- 
newed life and activity in that long neg- 
lected section of the country. We can 
only enumerate a few other important 
measures of administration. An Indian 
policy was permanently established, secur- 
ing the red man undisturbed possession of 
the soil he occupies, and encouraging him 




^^^ 



,-5C<--V_C<y /IaS (^Pi^CL^AjQJ) 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY, 



521 



in civilized pursuits. The Mexican border 
difficulties were settled by radical nieas 
ures affording greater security to our border 
citizens than have they enjoyed since the 
annexation of Texas. Foreign commerce 
has been aided by recjuiring from consular 
posts detailed monthly reports. The most 
difficult question with which the Hayes 
admmistration had to deal was reform in 
the civil service. A system of political pat- 
ronage, quietly acquiesced in for forty years 
could not be displaced in four years. 
Bold measures were adopted and the re- 
sults have already received the indorse- 
ment of the country. 

President Hayes was fortunate in sur- 
rounding himself with a Cabinet of able 
and distinguished men, and holding them, 
with two exceptions, till the close of his 
term. The administration devoted itself 
assiduously to work, and grew more popu- 
lar as the results of its labors became 
known. General Hayes retired from the 
Presidency with the full confidence of the 
people of all parties. He had traveled in 
all sections of the country, and was every- 
where received with the respect due the 
Chief Magistrate of the Republic. When 
he again became a private citizen, and re- 
turned to his home in this city, he was 
tendered a hearty reception as a mark of 
personal friendship and local pride. 

In this sketch of his public services we 
have deferred mentioning the social and 
private life of General Hayes and of Mrs. 
Hayes, who has occupied a conspicuous 
place in the State and Nation. 

LUCY WEBB HAYES. 

The personal appearance of Mrs. Hayes 
and her qualities as a woman are too 
well known to justify any comment here. 
She has been before the public many 
years, and has always been the recipient 
of the highest favor and praise. 

Lucy Webb was the daughter of Dr. 
James Webb and Maria Cook Webb, and 

66 



was born at Chillicothe, Ohio. Her an- 
cestors on both sides were Revolutionary 
soldiers, on her father's side being Virgin- 
ians, who came from Kentucky to Ohio, and 
on her mother's side being from Connecti- 
cut and Pennsylvania. Dr. James Webb 
was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was 
one of Ball's squadron, which engaged 
with a party of Indians just south of this 
city a few days before the battle of Fort 
Stephenson. He died of cholera in Lex- 
ington, Kentucky, in 1833. Maria Cook 
Webb, the mother of Mrs. Hayes, was a 
lady of unusual strength of character and 
deep religious convictions. After the 
death of Dr. Webb she removed to Dela- 
ware, where her sons were being educated 
at the Ohio Wesleyan University. Miss 
Webb was instructed at Delaware by the 
University professors, preparatory to enter- 
ing the Wesleyan Female College at Cin- 
cinnati. It was while attending college at 
Cincinnati that Mr. Hayes made her ac- 
quaintance. Both were spending a short 
time at Delaware — Miss Webb visiting her 
mother, Mr. Hayes his old home and birth- 
place. It is said that the first meeting 
was at the sulphur spring on the college 
grounds. Her natural gaiety and attract- 
iveness made a strong impression on Mr. 
Hayes, who was thenceforth a frequent 
visitor.. 

While at school Miss Webb became a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal 
church. She has ever since been ardently 
attached to the duties and requirerhents of 
a Christian life. At college she bore the 
reputation of being a diligent student, and 
graduated with good standing. 

Her marriage to Mr. Hayes took place 
December 30, 1852. The ceremony was 
performed by Dr. L. D. McCabe, of the 
Wesleyan University, who was also present 
at the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, 
celebrated at the White House. 

Mrs, Hayes first became known to the 



522 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



outside world during the war. A distin- 
guishing characteristic is the great pleasure 
she takes in making people happy. In 
the army, among volunteer soldiers, she 
found ample opportunity for the exercise 
of her rare faculties in that direction. 
Upon learning of the severe wound re- 
ceived by her husband in the battle of 
South Mountain, she hastened East and 
joined him at Middletown, Maryland. As 
soon as he was able to walk, she spent a 
portion of each day in the hospitals, 
cheering the wounded of both armies with 
delicate attentions and tokens of sym- 
pathy. The members of the Twenty- 
third Ohio Vokmteer Infantry remember 
Mrs. Hayes with the kindest affection. 

Mrs. Hayes is eminently social and do- 
mestic. Her residence has seldom been 
without visitors, and she has always been, 
in every station, mistress of her own house- 
hold. One feature of White House life, 
during the Hayes administration, has been 
a subject of much newspaper comment. 
The use of wines was wholly abandoned. 
Wine had never been brought upon the 
table in their own private residence, and 
il was the desire of both the President and 
Mrs. Hayes that their private custom 
should be maintained, and respected 
while at the head of the Government. 

Spiegel Grove is the name given the 
home of the ex-President in Fremont. 
The grounds are located on Buckland 
avenue, and consist of thirty acres, a 
large part of which is shaded by forest 
trees. The house, a substantial two-story 
brick, stands near the centre. It was built 
in i860 by Sardis Birchard, and was his 
residence until his death in 1874. Genera! 
Hayes has since made additions to the 
house. The well-filled library on the first 
floor indicates the character of the student 
whose collection it is. Few private libra- 
ries in the State will furnish more informa- 
tion on topics relating to our own country 



than that of General Hayes. His knowl- 
edge of Ohio and Ohio history is espec- 
ially accurate and extended. 

General and Mrs. Hayes have again 
settled down to the rest and quiet of 
private life, which, for people of their age, 
they have indeed had little opportunity to 
enjoy. Fremont has been for years their 
home, though for the most of the time not 
their residence. It is expected that they 
are now here to remain. 



GENERAL R. R BUCKLAND. 

Ralph Pomeroy Buckland was born 
at Leyden, Massachusetts, on the 20th 
day of January, 18 12. His grand- 
father and father died from the im- 
mediate effects of military service in the 
cause of our country; the former, Stephen 
Buckland, who was a captain of artillery 
in the Revolutionary war, from East Hart- 
ford, Connecticut, dying in the Jersey 
prison-ship near New York ; the latter, 
Ralph Buckland, a volunteer in Hull's 
army during the War of 181 2, dying at 
Ravenna, Ohio, from disease contracted 
while a prisoner of war.* The subject of 

*The following is a copy of a letter written by 
General Buckland's father about one year before his 
death: 

Ravenna, September 12, 1812. 

Dear Sister: — These lines will inform you that 
I am well. I have just arrived from Fort Maiden in 
Upper Canada, a prisoner on parole. I belonged to 
General Hull's army, and was sold with the rest of 
my brother volunteers to the British and Indians by 
that traitor and coward, Hull. The distress the in- 
habitants have undergone by letting the Indians in 
upon the frontiers is beyond description. Plundered 
of every article of property and clothing; and hun- 
dred of families massacred adds to the scene of dis- 
tress. But they will have to share the same fate or 
worse if possible. We have a fine army of ten thou- 
sand men within a two days' march of here, which 
will show them that a Hull does not command at 
this time. Governor Harrison has the command of 
this armv, and will do honor to his country and him- 
self. He commanded at the Wabash last fall at the 




'^l,i^C^- 



^/iJ: 



.y 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



523 



this biography completes the family's mili- 
tary record by his service in the Great 
Rebellion. 

His father, acting in the capacity of 
land-agent and surveyor, came to Portage 
county, Ohio, in 1811. About the close 
of the following year, during the severe 
winter, while an unbroken waste of snow 
stretched from the New England States 
westward, the father removed his family 
in a one-horse sleigh, from their Massachu- 
setts home to Ravenna in this State, 
where, as above stated, he died only a few 
months after. His mother's maiden name 
was Anna Kent. Her father died at 
Mantua, Ohio, where he had moved from 
Leyden, Massachusetts. Some few years 
after the death of Ralph's father, his 
mother married Dr. Luther Hanchett, who 
then had four children by a former mar- 
riage. Six more children were born to 
them. The family were always in moder- 
ate circumstances. 

During his earlier years Ralph lived with 
his stepfather and family on a farm, but 
the greater part of the time, until he at- 
tained the age of eighteen, he lived with 
and labored for a farmer uncle in Mantua, 
excepting two years when he worked in a 
woollen factory at Kendall, Ohio, and one 
year spent as a clerk in a store. In the 
winters he attended country schools, and 
the last summer, that of 1830, he attended 
an academy at Tallmadge, Ohio, where he 
made a commencement in Latin. In the 
following fall he embarked at Akron, 
Ohio, on board a flat boat loaded with a 
cargo of cheese to be transported through 

battle of Tippecanoe, and the Indians have not for- 
gotten it. I have enjoyed very good health since I 
saw you last. Give my love to my mother and all 
our friends. I am in great haste, and can write no 
more at present. Yours, 

Ralph Buckland. 
P. S. You will write me an answer soon. I ex- 
pect to go to Cincinnati in a few days, on public busi- 
ness. 



the Ohio canal, down the Muskingum, 
Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Natchez, 
Mississippi. At Louisville he secured a 
deck passage on the Daniel Boone, and 
worked his way by canying wood on 
board. When he arrived at Natchez he 
had less than one dollar in his pocket, but 
he immediately found employment in a 
warehouse on the landing, where he re- 
mained for a few months, but long enough 
to so thoroughly secure the confidence of 
his employers that at the end of that time 
they put him in charge of two flat boats,' 
lashed together, and loaded with twelve 
hundred barrels of flour for the New 
Orleans market. On this trip he served 
his turn with the rest of his crew, as a 
cook. The voyage was successfully com- 
pleted, and soon after landing, at the 
earnest solicitation of his Natchez em- 
ployers, who had opened a commission 
house in New Orleans, he remained in 
their employ in the latter city. 

At that time drinking and gambling 
were quite common with young clerks 
like himself ; but, besides a natural disin- 
clination to indulge in things of this na- 
ture, he was further strengthened in his 
resolution to wholly abstain from these 
evils, by the untimely death of the book- 
keeper of the house in which he was em- 
ployed, who was killed in a duel arising 
from dissipation. These resolutions have 
ever since been strictly kept. In his spare 
moments, of which he had many during 
the summer months, while at New 
Orleans, he pursued the study of the 
Latin and French languages, and several 
of the common school branches. 

In June, 1834, he started for Ohio on a 
visit to his mother, leaving New Orleans 
with the fixed idea of returning and mak- 
ing that city his future home. He had 
been offered several first-rate situations, 
but on arriving home, through his mother's 
solicitations, he was induced to remain in 



524 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



the North. After spending one year at 
Kenyon College he began the study of 
law in the office of Gregory Powers, at 
Middlebury, and completed it with 
Whittlesey & Newton, at Canfield, being 
admitted to practice in the spring of 

1837- 

During the winter of the previous year 
he spent several months pursuing his 
studies in the office of George B. Way, 
who was then editor of the Toledo Blade. 
While the editor-in-chief was temporarily 
■absent at this time, he acted, for a few 
weeks, as editor pro tern. 

Immediately after admission to the 
Bar, with about fifty dollars in his pocket, 
loaned him by his uncle, Alson Kent,'he 
started in quest of a favorable location for 
an attorney. The failure of the wild-cat 
banks was what settled Ralph P. Buck- 
land in Fremont. On arriving here, at 
what was then known as Lower Sandusky, 
he found that he had not enough good 
money wherewith to pay a week's board. 
The surroundings could not have appeared 
very favorable to the young lawyer, but 
under the circumstances he was compelled 
to slop. He was trusted, by Thomas L. 
Hawkins, for a sign, opened a law office, 
and soon secured enough business to pay 
his expenses, which were kept down to 
the lowest possible point. At this date 
he was not only without means, but, even 
worse, he owed three hundred dollars for 
his expenses while a student, and for a 
few necessary law books. This, it would 
seem, to him was but a trifle. He was 
confident of ultimate success, for, eight 
months after opening up his law office in 
Lower Sandusky, while still worth nothing 
in a pecuniary point of view, he went to 
Canfield, Ohio, and there married Char- 
lotte Boughton. With his wife he re- 
turned here in the following spring. Al- 
though, as just spoken of, he was without 
means, his credit was good. He was 



strictly economical, temperate in all 
things, and diligent in business. His ex- 
penses during the first year of married 
life did not exceed three hundred dollars, 
and his business steadily increased, so 
that at the end of three or four years he 
had all he could attend to. In these early 
days of his life he was very slender in 
build, and troubled, to some extent, with 
dyspepsia, but outdoor exercise, gained in 
travelling on horseback to the courts of 
adjoining counties during term time, cured 
him of that complaint, and gradually in- 
creased his weight and physical strength. 

Mr. Buckland first entered into pol- 
itics prominently as a delegate to the 
Philadelphia convention in 1843, which 
placed General Taylor in nomination for 
the Presidency. In the fall of 1855 he 
was elected to the State Senate as a repre- 
sentative of the Republican party, in that, 
the first Legislature after its organization. 
He was re-elected in 1857, serving four 
years. He was the author of the law for 
the adoption of children, which was 
passed during his service in the Senate. 

In October, 1861, he began to organize 
the Seventy-second regiment, Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, he having, on the 2d of that 
month, been appointed lieutenant-colonel 
by William Dennison, Governor of Ohio, 
and given the authority to raise a regi- 
ment for three years service in conformity 
to general orders from the War Depart- 
ment at Washington. The particulars of 
the organization of this, the Seventy- 
second regiment, are given in full in the 
history of that body. In three months it 
was fully equipped and ready for the 
field. 

On the loth of January, 1862, he was 
mustered and sworn into the United 
States service as colonel of the Seventy- 
second regiment, and two weeks later with 
the regiment, in accordance with or- 
ders, he arrived, by rail, at Columbus, 




(J) /l^^:^c^< 



c^<z^^ /^ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



525 



Ohio, and marched at once for Camp 
Chase, near the city. At Camp Chase 
he assumed command, and remained in 
that position until on the 19th of Febru- 
ary he was ordered, with the regiment, to 
report to General W. T. Sherman at Padu- 
cah, Kentucky. 

General Sherman placed him in com- 
mand of the Fourth brigade. First division 
of the Army of the Tennessee. On March 
7, 1862, General Buckland embarked his 
brigade on steamers on the Tennessee 
River, under orders to report to Major 
General C. F. Smith at Fort Henry. This 
order complied with, he proceeded, with 
the rest of Sherman's division, up the Ten- 
nessee to Savannah and Pittsburg Land- 
ing, and from there he went some fifteen 
or twenty miles further above, for the pur- 
pose of cutting the Memphis & Charleston 
Railroad, but in consequence of the ex- 
treme high water, the latter expedition was 
a failure, and he returned to the Landing. 
The battle of Shiloh, which took place in 
the first week in the following April, and in 
which General Buckland, with the Fourth 
brigade, took a prominent part, is given, in 
all the details, in General Buckland's his- 
tory of the fight, to be found in another 
part of this volume. 

The general opinion entertained by 
those opposing enlistments was that the 
subject of this sketch was a man of no 
courage, and that he would never venture 
into the field of battle. This opinion had 
been diffused to a considerable extent 
among the soldiers and ofificers under 
his command; but after the first fight on 
that terrible Friday before Shiloh, all 
doubts as to his courage or disposition to 
go into danger were scattered. He there 
had the opportunity of showing, under 
fire, that valor and determination were 
some of the strong points of his character. 
On one occasion, during the battle of 
Shiloh, being ordered to advance • his 



l)rigade under a very severe fire from the 
artillery and musketry of the enemy, there 
seemed, at the moment, to be some hesita- 
tion in the lines. General Buckland im- 
mediately rode up to one of the color- 
bearers, took hold of the staff, and con- 
ducted the bearer and colors to the de- 
sired point, followed by the cheers of the 
soldiers as they swept forward. 

General Sherman, in his report of that 
battle, written on the loth of April, 1862, 
uses the following language: "Colonel 
Buckland managed his brigade well. I 
commend him to your notice as a cool, 
intelligent, and judicious gentleman, need- 
ing only confidence and experience to 
make him a good commander.'' 

This opinion of General Sherman's 
never changed during the time of the war, 
but, on the contrary, was strengthened by 
a more intimate and longer acquaintance, 
which has continued up to the time of 
this writing. 

In the advance on Corinth, begun on 
the 29th of April, sickness to a great ex- 
tent prevailed in the ranks, and it required 
the utmost courage and attention to pre- 
vent the men from becoming demoralized. 
Being in close proximity to the enemy, it 
was necessary to form line of battle before 
daylight every morning. The men had be- 
come so weak and dispirited that few 
turned out. This condition was alarming, 
and foreboded fatal results in case of at- 
tack. To remedy this increasing evil. 
General Buckland took upon himself to 
arise before daylight, and, with Surgeon 
J, B. Rice and a lantern, went from tent 
to tent of the ofificers and soldiers, causing 
all complaints to be examined by the sur- 
geon, and compelling all those whom the 
surgeon advised it would not injure to turn 
out. This proceeding made him very un- 
popular, and many bitter letters were writ- 
ten home concerning him. But the sol- 
diers soon discovered that it was done for 



526 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



their good ; their feelings changed, and by 
open thanks they showed him their appre- 
ciation. From thenceforward he became 
universally beloved by his soldiers. 

General Buckland remained in com- 
mand of the Fourth brigade until the 
army reached camp No. 6, on the 13th of 
May, where he was assigned command of 
the Third brigade; but on the following 
day General J. W. Denver, having re- 
ported to Sherman, by order of General 
Halleck, was put in charge of the Third 
brigade, and General Buckland returned 
to the command of his regiment. In the 
fight before Corinth, his regiment was con- 
stantly under the fire of the heavy guns on 
the rebel battlements, and, on the 30th of 
May, entered the city, finding it deserted. 

On the 12th of November, 1862, while 
at Memphis, he assumed command of the 
Fifth brigade of troops in General Lau- 
man's division, and formed part of the 
Tallahatchee expedition. Under orders 
from General Grant, who had learned of 
the capture of Holly Springs by General 
Van Dorn, he marched to retake the place, 
which was successfully accomplished. 
Soon after, the brigade was assigned to 
the division commanded by Brigadier 
General Ross, who, three days later, was 
placed under arrest, and General Buck- 
land, as the ranking colonel, assumed 
command of the division until December 
26, On the following day he began a 
march towards Dresden, Tennessee, for 
the purpose of attacking and driving For- 
rest from that place ; but, on arriving there 
on the morning of the 29th of December, 
he found that the enemy had evacuated it 
the same day. 

On the 20th of March he joined Gen- 
eral Sherman's corps in front of Vicksburg, 
and participated in a series of battles and 
skirmishes which occurred in the move- 
ments to the rear of that city. During the 
siege he was always active and vigilant, 



and at times much exposed. On the 19th 
of May, on foot, at the head of his 
brigade, he mached down the grave-yard 
road, under a terrific fire of musketry and 
artillery from the enemy's works, and, 
taking a position along the first parallel 
ridge, to support an assault on the rebel 
works, he maintained his place until after 
the assault on the 22d of the month. Al- 
though he was constantly exposed, and 
his men were shot down around him in 
great numbers, he escaped uninjured. 

While on duty, on the 24th of Septem- 
ber, by the fall of his horse his right wrist 
was broken. By this injury he was in- 
capacitated for active service, but con- 
tinued to command his brigade, except 
for a short time, until on the 26th of Jan- 
uary, 1864, General Sherman placed him 
in command of the district of Memphis, 
where his administrative abilities were ex- 
emplified and his integrity of character was 
clearly manifested. 

The incidents connected with General 
Forrest's night raid on Memphis shed the 
strongest light on General Buckland's 
sterling traits of character. But for his 
courage, decision and promptness of 
action, the rebel forges would have taken 
possession of the city, and have captured 
large stores of Government property. 
General C. C. Washburne was at that 
time in command of the department, and 
had his headquarters in the city. General 
Buckland commanded the district. Most 
of the troops, under command of General 
A. J. Smith, had been sent in pursuit of 
Forrest, but, by a piece of strategy, the 
lattter had eluded his pursuers near Ox- 
ford, Mississippi, and made a rapid march 
to Memphis. He captured the cavalry 
patrol, rushed over the infantry pickets, 
and, under cover of the darkness preced- 
ing the dawn of Sunday, the 21st of 
August, entered the slumbering city. 
General Washburne was surprised at his 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



527 



headquarters, his staff and orderlies cap- 
tured, and he narrowly escaped the enemy's 
clutches. He was in a building near that 
occupied by his officers, and, being op- 
portunely awakened, with only his pants 
on, he made good his escape to the fort 
below the city. General Buckland was 
aroused by the pounding on his door by 
the sentinel. The rebels were then in 
possession of a considerable portion of the 
city. At once realizing the full extent of the 
danger, and detern'iined not to be captured 
without a struggle, but still without the 
least idea of the number of the enemy 
surrounding him, General Buckland ral- 
lied about one hundred and fifty men ; at 
the same time ordering the rapid firing of 
an alarm gun, which served to awaken his 
own troops and alarm the enemy; and, 
in the gray mist of the early dawn, placing 
himself at their head, he instantly attacked 
the body of rebels collected near General 
Washburne's headquarters. He was out- 
numbered by four to one. He swept the 
enemy before him down the darkling 
streets; his numbers increased, and in 
such spirit was the attack conducted, and so 
rapidly was it carried on, that in less than an 
hour every rebel was driven from the city. 
A sharp battle immediately ensued in the 
morning, on the Hernando road, in the 
outskirts of the city, between the Union 
troops under General Buckland and Gen- 
eral Forrest's entire forces, in which the 
latter were defeated and turned in full re- 
treat. 

A few weeks after these last occurrences, 
in answer to a letter of General Buckland's 
concerning events at Memphis, the pres- 
ent situation and his prospect of being 
elected to Congress, General Sherman 
wrote him a private letter, from which we 
make the following extract: 

I know on all occasions you will do your best. 
I attach little importance to Forrest's dash at Mem- 
phis. He is a devil of a fellow, and I wish I had 



a few such, but they don't make permanent results 
like such men as you do. I entertain for you not 
only a measure of respect but also of affection. 
I think you are right now in going to Congress. 
That is National. I did not want to see you return 
to private life on account of the labor of war. We 
must have the assistance of the best men in the Na- 
tion to remvigorate it. In Congress you take a Na- 
tional position, strengthened by a practical knowl- 
edge of the labor, responsibility, sleepless anxiety 
and personal danger of war. Your mind can skip 
the personal and selfish for the patriotic and real. 
You know also that words now must be mistrusted 
and men judged by acts. Opinions may be soft, 
pleasant and flowing, but the real man must act and 
not talk. Indeed I do value your friendship. Poor 
McFherson was dear to us both; and well do I 
remember in our first Shiloh days how he always 
hunted out your camp. Whatever may befall us, 
believe me that I feel for you more than usual esteem 
and personal friendship, and feel gratified in know- 
ing it is reciprocated. 

General Buckland retnained in com- 
mand of the district of Memphis until the 
2 2d of December, 1864, and on January 
6, following, he tendered his resignation 
at Washington, to the Secretary of War, 
and was duly mustered out of the service. 
August 3, 1866, he was commissioned 
brevet major-general United States Volun- 
teers, to rank from March 13, 1865, for 
meritorious service in the army. 

Without having sought or expected 
political favor, and while still serving in the 
army, he had been nominated for Repre- 
sentative in the Thirty-ninth Congress, 
Without having gone home to further his 
interests, he had been elected by the peo- 
ple of the Ninth district of Ohio. In 
obedience to their wishes, he left the mili- 
tary for the civil service of his country. 
In 1866 he was re-elected to Congress. 
During the whole of the four years in 
Congress he served on the committee on 
banking and currency, and on the military. 

/\.t the close of his Congressional 
career General Buckland resumed his law 
practice, a field of labor in which, before 
the war, he had attained distinction, and 
at this date he is still actively engaged in 
the labors of his profession. 



528 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



To his example and influence the city 
of Fremont is indebted to a great extent 
lor its many public improvements, and 
not the least among them are the beauti- 
ful shade trees, which adorn almost every 
part of the city. He erected the first 
substantial brick block in Fremont, a 
three-story building of four store-rooms, 
with a public hall in the third story, con- 
sidered at the time a great and hazardous 
enterprise. In 1853 he erected the finest 
dwelling then in Northern Ohio, and sub- 
sequently the three-story brick block at 
the corner of Front and State streets. In 
every public enterprise for the interest of 
the town, he was one of the first to pro- 
pose and one of the foremost to act, re- 
laxing no effort, and withholding no help 
until the thing had been pushed to a com- 
plete success. 

In 1870 he was elected president of the 
board of managers of the Ohio Soldiers' 
and Sailors' Orphans Home, located at 
Xenia, which position he filled for four 
years. 

On the 30th of January, 1875, General 
Buckland, Hon. R. P. Ranney, Dr. \Y. S. 
Streeter, as the guests of Henry A Kent, 
of New York, sailed from that city in the 
sailing yacht Tarolinta, for the West In- 
dies. They visited Martinique, Barbadoes, 
Trinidad, Grenada, Santa Cruz, St. Thom- 
as, Porto Rico, San Domingo, Jamaica, 
and Cuba, returning to New York April 
19, after having sailed about seven thous- 
and miles. 

General Buckland was a delegate to the 
Cincinnati convention that nominated 
General Hayes. It is well known that his 
labors and influence contributed largely to 
the success of the nomination. 

For three years, from 1878 he held 
the position of Government director of the 
Union Pacific Railroad. 

General Buckland's career has been 
measured by a success that adds one more 



example of what may be attained by a boy 
born outside of the pale which is presumed 
to enclose the advantages and the means 
necessary to success, viz : — influential 
triends and parental wealth. Left an infant 
at the death of his father, whose letter, 
embodied in this sketch, shows him to 
have been a man, the impress of whose 
character was worth more than an estate 
to his son, he made his own way in the 
world, and will leave as an inheritance to 
his children the record of a successful 
life, judged by what it has accomplished, 
and of a character for integrity, honor, 
and noble impulses, worthy of all imitation. 
In his family General Buckland has al- 
ways been kind and considerate of the 
best interests of each. With the wife of 
his youth, who still lives, he came to his 
Lower Sandusky home, and together, with 
marked mutual esteem, they, each in their 
sphere, worked to prosper, sharing alike 
with cheerfulness and hope the privations 
of the beginning. Suited to each other, 
as no man and wife could be better, they 
have lived happily in each other's confi- 
dence and love, to enjoy together in an 
unusual degree the comfortable surround- 
ings their industry has enabled them to 
secure; and have always shared the 
pleasures of travel and social enjoyment, 
for which the later public and official life 
of General Buckland afforded unusual op- 
portunity. 



SARDIS BIRCHARD.* 

A detailed biography of Sardis Birchard 
would be an important contribution to the 
history of Sandusky county. Although 
not one of the first settlers, he, at an early 
day, became a man of Influence and prom- 
inence. He was born at Wilmington, 
Windham county, Vermont, January 15, 

•Information derived mainly from Knapp's History 
of the Maumee V'alley. 





JE.T. ^0 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



529 



1801. Both his parents died while he 
was yet a child. Both of his grandfathers 
were Revolutionary soldiers. His grand- 
father, Ellas Birchard, died of disease con- 
tracted near the close of the war. His 
grandfather, Captain Daniel, served as an 
ofificer under Washington during the war, 
and survived many years. ' The Birchards 
were among the first settlers of Norwich, 
Connecticut. Sardis wac the youngest 0/ 
five children. He was placed in charge of 
his sister Sophia, who married Rutherford 
Hayes; became one of the family, and lived 
with them at Dummerston, Vermont, until 
1817, when he accompanied them in their 
emigration to Ohio. 

In Vermont young Birchard acquired 
the rudiments of an English education, 
by irregular attendance at such schools as 
were in existence at that day in the coun- 
try districts of Vermont. He became, for 
a boy of his age, an expert hunter and 
horseman, and gained some knowlege of 
business in the store of his brother-in-law, 
Mr. Hayes. 

In Ohio he worked with his brother-in- 
law in building, farming; driving and tak- 
ing care of stock, and employing all his 
spare hours in hunting. He was able with 
his rifle to supply his and other families 
with turkeys and venison. 

In 1822 his brother-in-law, Mr. Hayes, 
died, leaving a widow and two young 
children and a large, unsettled business. 
Mr. Birchard, who was then only twenty- 
one years old, at once assumed the^duties 
of head of the family, and applied him- 
self diligently to the management of the 
unsettled affairs of his brother-in-law's es- 
tate, and to the care of the household. 

Inheriting from his father what was con- 
sidered a handsome start for a young man, 
with a jovial and friendly disposition, fond 
of wild sports and wild company, with no 
one to look to as entitled to control or ad- 
vise him, his future might well be regarded 
67 



with apprehension. He was then a slen- 
der, delicate, handsome youth, with en- 
gaging and popular manners, and a favor- 
ite among the young people of the new 
country. Warmly attached to his sister 
and her children, he devoted himself to 
them and their interests, and was the main- 
stay of the family. 

While yet a boy he was hired to help 
drive hogs to supply the first settlers of Fort 
Ball, now Tiffin, in 181 7. The men in 
charge were hard drinkers, and soon after 
leaving Delaware the whole management 
depended upon Mr. Birchard. It was in 
the bitterly cold weather of early winter. 
The streams were bridgeless, and the roads 
all but impassable, but with praiseworthy 
energy and zeal he pushed forward to the 
Tyamochtee, where he delivered the drove 
to a party of Fort Ball settlers. This was 
Mr. Birchard's first visit to the Sandusky. 
He saw Lower Sandusky for the first time 
in September, 1824. His companion was 
Benjamin Powers, afterwards for many 
years a successful merchant and banker at 
Delaware. The outfit of the young men 
was a little extra clothing and a jug of fine 
brandy. They travelled in a one-horse 
spring wagon. The custom which univer- 
sally prevailed, of acquaintances drinking 
to each other's health whenever they met, 
made the brandy an important part of the 
outfit. At Fort Ball they met Erastus 
Rowe, and had a jolly time, to which the 
brandy contributed freely. At Fremont 
they stopped at Leason's tavern, a log 
house which stood where Shomo's block 
now stands. The village population at 
that time numbered about two hundred. 
While stopping here they made the ac- 
quaintance of George Olmstead and Judge 
Howland. Mr. Birchard and his travelling 
companion went to Portland the following 
day, and oh their return Mr. Birchard 
bought a drove of fat hogs, which, as soon 
as the weather was cold enough, he drove 



53° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



to Baltimore. Mr. Birchard has narrated 
two incidents of the trip: At Wheeling it 
was necessary to swim the hogs across, and 
they came near losing them all by the 
swift current of the river. By great exer- 
tions, and at considerable risk, they got 
all but half a dozen safely over. They 
were overtaken by a tall, fine looking gen- 
tleman on horseback, who had also a car- 
riage drawn by four horses, and two at- 
tendants on saddle-horses. The gentleman 
helped Mr. Birchard get his hogs out of 
the way, chatted with him about the state 
of the market, and advised him as to the 
best way to dispose of his drove when he 
got them to Baltimore. He learned that 
the gentleman was General Jackson, on 
his way to Washington after the Presiden- 
tial election of 1824, in which he received 
the highest vote, but was not finally the 
successful candidate. 

In the summer of 1825, while mowing 
in the hay-field, he was seriously injured in 
health by over-exertion. He never entirely 
recovered, but remained in poor health dur- 
ing the remainder of his life. In the win- 
ter of 1825-26 he had an attack pro- 
nounced consumption, and it was sup- 
posed he would not live till spring. He 
however thought hopefully of his condi- 
tion, and spoke of a horseback trip to Ver- 
mont. One day he heard two men at 
work in the room below him, discussing 
his case. One of them said: "It is strange 
how Birchard is deceived; he thinks he 
will make a long journey soon; but the 
only journey he will make is when he leaves 
his house, feet foremost, for the graveyard." 
But the cheerful disposition of Mr. Birch- 
ard, assisted by the elasticity of his consti- 
tution, carried him through. In May he 
made a horseback trip to ^^ermont, where 
he remained till the a[)proach of cold 
weather, and then travelled South to 
Georgia, where he remained till the spring 
of 1827. Having recovered his health he 



went to New York for the purpose of lay- 
ing in his first stock of dry goods. He was 
without money, and had no acquaintances. 
Passing about the streets he fell into con- 
versation with a young merchant named 
William P. Dixon, a stranger to him, con- 
nected with the firm of Amos Palmer & 
Co., to whom he developed his plans and 
explained his condition. Dixon told him 
he would sell him all the goods he wanted 
in his line and would recommend him to 
others. His stock was made up and 
shipped to Cleveland, he accompanying 
the goods. Mr. Birchard's plan was to 
sell to laborers on the Ohio Canal, then 
being built from Cleveland southward. 
He followed the canal into the Tuscarawas 
Valley, but became dissatisfied and sold 
part of his goods to another trader, and 
with the remainder opened a store at Fort 
Ball (now Tiffin). Here he remained, 
trading successfully till December, when 
he decided to remove to Lower Sandusky. 
He purchased the stock of Richard Sears, 
who had made his fortune trading with 
the Indians. 

Merchants, at that time, paid very little 
cash for produce, and consequently re- 
ceived very little cash for goods, except 
from the Indians. For clothing, broad- 
cloth, Kentucky jeans, and linsey cloth 
was generally in use. The Indians bought 
fine blue cloth, Mackinaw blankets, beads, 
powder and lead. A great deal of corn 
was received m payment for goods. This 
was traded to the distilleries for whiskey, 
and the whiskey was shipped to Buffalo 
and sold. 

Mr. Birchard received the Indian trade 
to a large extent by refusing to sell them 
whiskey. At the end of about four years 
he had accumulated about ten thousand 
dollars, which at that time was considered 
a large amount of money. He was mak- 
ing arrangements to retire, but in 183 1 
was induced into a larger business than 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



531 



ever. In partnership with Esbon Husted 
and Rodolphus Dickinson, under the firm 
name of R. Dickinson & Co., the largest 
store in Ohio, west of Cleveland and north 
of Columbus, was opened. The yearly 
sales amounted to fifty thousand dollars. 

Senecas, Ottawas, Wyandots, and afew 
Delawares, traded in Lower Sandusky at 
this time, and the store was often full of 
customers from the reservations. Mr. 
Birchard found the Indians in his busi- 
ness transactions generally very honest. 
They would not steal as much as the same 
number of whites with the same opportu- 
nities. He often had his store-room full 
of Indians sleeping at night, with no 
watch or guard. 

In 1835 Esbon Husted died, and his 
place in Mr. Birchard's firm was taken by 
George Grant, who had been a clerk in 
the establishment since the organization 
of the firm. In 1841 Mr. Grant died and 
the firm was dissolved, the business being 
settled by Mr. Birchard. 

Mr. Grant was one of the most promis- 
ing business men in the place. He was 
tall, slender, of fine address, and full of 
life and ambition. He died young, aged 
only thirty-two years. 

Mr. Birchard's connection with banking 
is mentioned under the proper head. He 
made large investments in wild land which, 
as the county improved, rapidly multiplied 
his wealth. 

Mr Birchard was one of the few men 
who, with increasing wealth, became more 
generous and public spirited. His good 
works are conspicuous. He advanced by 
means of his wealth and influence every 
public enterprise, and so many were his 
munificent gifts that he fully deserves the 
title often given him — "the city's bene- 
factor." His business operations stimu- 
lated commerce between this point and 
Buffalo. He worked unceasingly to se- 
cure the necessary legislation for the mac- 



adamizing of the Western Reserve and 
Maumee road. The Toledo, Norwalk 
and Cleveland railroad enterprise received 
his strongest efforts. 

In politics Mr. Birchard was an enthu- 
siastic Whig, and after the formation of 
the Republican party became an earnest 
supporter of its principles. During the 
war he used his influence to encourage 
enlistments, and when money was wanted 
he was never appealed to in vain. He 
was the first Ohio purchaser of Govern- 
ment bonds, in 1862. 

Mr. Birchard's private charities were 
large, and his public gifts are a monument 
to his memory. He had a deep sympa- 
thy for the poor, and could not bear to 
know suffering without offering relief. 
During the last years of his life, when 
poor health required confinement at home, 
he left with Mr. Miller, cashier of the 
bank, standing instructions to contribute 
liberally to worthy charities. His tender- 
ness and solicitude for the unfortunate is 
illustrated by a letter which Mr. Miller 
still preserves. It was written on a cold, 
stormy day in early winter, and reads as 
follows: 

Mr Miller: 

What a storm! I fear many poor people are suf- 
fering. If you hear of any such, give liberally for 

me. 

S. Birchard. 

The Fremont Messenger, in an obituary 
sketch, sums up Mr. Birchard's benefac- 
tions, as follows: 

About three years since Mr. Birchard presented to 
the city of Fremont the large park lying between 
Birchard avenue and Croghan street, and the small 
triangular park at the junction of Birchard and Buck- 
land avenues. 

In 1873 he set apart property amounting to fifty 
thousand dollars, for the purpose of establishing a 
public library in Fremont. He contributed from 
this fund, for the purchase of a library, about one 
third of the amount required to obtain for the public 
the square on which old Fort Stephenson formerly 
stood, and was thus mainly instrumental in securing 
that famous historical locality to the people of Fre- 



532 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



mont forever. His gifts to the city are estimated at 
seventy thousand dollars, or about one-fifth of his 
estate. 

In addition to the above gifts made during his 
lifetime, we understand he made in his will the fol- 
lowing bequests : Five thousand dollars to Oberlin 
college, five thousand dollars to Home Missions, one 
thousand dollars to the Fremont Ladies' Relief So- 
ciety, and one thousand dollars to the Conger Fund. 
Mr. Birchard was benevolent to a degree and in a 
manner known only to his most intimate friends. 
Aid in necessity was extended to many when none 
knew it except the recipients, and perhaps a friend 
whom he consulted. Mr. Birchard was especially 
devoted to the fine arts, and during his eventful life 
made a fine collection of oil paintings, which will 
eventually form one of the attractions of the "Birch- 
ard Library." 

In May, 1857, Mr. Birchard became a member of 
the Presbyterian church of Fremont, and remained 
in its communion all his life. He contributed con- 
stantly to its incidental and benevolent funds. He 
also contributed seven thousand dollars to the erec- 
tion of the new edifice occupied by the congregation. 
In this he took especial satisfaction. Though a 
member of this church, he frequently aided other 
congregations without distinction of denomination. 
He gave most satisfactory evidence of sincerity in 
his religious experience, and died in perfect compos- 
ure of mind. He had talked much with his friends 
concerning death, and seemed to be altogether ready. 

Mr. Birchard was characteristically hos- 
pitable, warm-hearted, and friendly. He 
was one of the marked characters in the 
history of the county. His life was fortu- 
nately spared to ripe old age. He died 
at 12 o'clock M., January 21, 1874, aged 
seventy-three years and six days. 



GENERAL JOHN BELL. 

General John Bell was a native of Penns- 
borough, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, 
and was born on the 19th of June, 1796. 
When he was but fourteen years old his 
father emigrated to Ohio, and located, in 
1810, in Greene county, near Xenia. 
While here he laid out a village, which, 
in honor of him as a proprietor, was called 
Bellbrook. 

On the 28th of March, 1816, the subject 
of this sketch was married to Miss Mar- 
garet Masten, of Greene county. 



In 1823 he visited Lower Sandusky, and 
after having made arrangements for a resi- 
dence, moved his family here in the year 
following. He was a millwright by trade, 
and upon his arrival he immediately en- 
gaged in the milling business, which he 
followed for some seven years. The first 
wool-carding machine in this vicinity was 
brought here and put into operation by 
Mr. Bell, in the year 1827. Referring to 
this fact, the Hon. Homer Everett, in a 
historical lecture delivered at Birchard's 
Hall, in February, i860, facetiously re- 
marks : 

The judge (at that time probate judge) used to 
pull wool over the cards, and learned the science so 
well that he has since somehow succeeded in pulling 
wool over the eyes of the people, till they sent him 
to Congress and to many other good places; and he 
Still seems to hold on. He sticks the wool on by an 
adhesive plaster, called doing about right, in a very 
kind manner. 

Leaving the mill, he entered into exten- 
sive speculations in wheat and flour, ship- 
ing large quantities to Venice and Buffalo. 
After a number of years spent in this busi- 
ness, he turned his attention to merchan- 
dising, which he followed for some eight 
years. He had quite extensive dealings with 
the Indians, vvitl\ whom he was a special 
favorite. Time and again his house was 
literally filled and surrounded by the red 
men, in each of whom he and his family 
recognized a friendly guard, — not an ene- 
my. These and similar scenes are, to-day, 
yet vivid in the memory of his descendants. 

By a course of fair and honorable deal- 
ing from the time he first visited the place 
until he ceased to move among us, he ac- 
quired a high degree of regard and con- 
sideration on the part of all the citizens. 
This feeling of respect and esteem went 
on increasing in volume and intensity 
while he lived, and only culminated when 
the portals of the tomb shut him out for- 
ever from mortal sight. 

For a considerable length of time he 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



533 



was the Government land agent at Lower 
Sandusky, and also superintendent of the 
Western Reserve and Maumee road, be- 
tween Lower Sandusky and Perrysburg; 
and it was through him, as agent, that the 
Government lands along this road were 
disposed of to settlers for the construction 
of the same. 

Mr. Bell was deeply interested in devel- 
oping the resources of the country, and 
on all occasions manifested a strong desire 
to build up the town and to advance its 
material prosperity; and, disregardful of 
his own interests, this cardinal purpose was 
kept steadily in view during his whole life. 
In the meetings of the people for the ad- 
vancement of public improvements and 
the promotion of the public welfare, he 
was always a conspicuous and leading 
actor. 

He was the first mayor of Lower San- 
dusky, and also the first in the same office 
of the city of Fremont, to which position 
he was repeatedly re elected. For three 
or four terms he served the people as pro- 
bate judge; also for a number of years he 
was a justice of the peace. In 1838 he 
was appointed postmaster, which position 
he held till 1844. Subsequently he was a 
member of the House of Representatives 
in the Ohio Legislature, to which he was 
several times re-elected; and afterwards, 
in 185 1, elected to Congress. During the 
Toledo war of 1835, M^- ^^^^ ^^^ the 
commander of the Ohio forces, being at 
that time a major-general of the State 
militia, having received his commission 
March i, 1834. 

He was one of the most popular men in 
the county, as evinced by the fact that, 
whenever a candidate for an office, he ran 
ahead of his ticket in almost every in- 
stance. 

There was one striking trait in his char- 
acter that deserves special mention in this 
connection. In all of his public service. 



as well as in his private life, he was pre- 
eminently a peace-maker. He was always 
in for a compromise if it could possibly be 
effected, rather than to press a matter to 
litigation. His great aim seemed to be to 
aid people to keep out of the clutches of 
the law, and his advice in legal matters 
was always given to promote this end. 
So implicit was the confidence of the peo- 
ple in his judgment and honesty, that his 
counsel was almost invariably followed, 
and many a wrangling lawsuit was lost to 
unprincipled pettifoggers through the sen- 
sible, manly advice, " Settle your difficulty 
between yourselves by yielding each a lit- 
tle, and be brethren." 

General Bell was among the earliest set- 
tlers in Fremont, and, along with others, 
could tell of those deprivations, hardships, 
and dangers which constitute the life of 
the pioneer. The actual history of any 
of these worthy veterans would far surpass 
in interest and grandeur even the recitals 
of a modern romance. 

And has the West no story 

Of deathless deeds sublime? 
Go ask yon shining river! 

Up to the day of his fatal illness the 
General was remarkably healthy, and, al- 
though he had outlived the number of 
years allotted to the human race, he had 
the appearance of being much younger. 
He passed away from the scenes of 
earth on the 4th day of May, 1869, at the 
advanced age of seventy-four years. He 
was a Mason and an Odd Fellow. 

The companion of his life had preceded 
him by about ten years. She died on the 
29th of May, 1859. 

The family comprised four children, — 
three sons and one daughter. The daugh- 
ter||is] now Mr. John M. Smith, of Fre- 
mont. The only surviving son is Charles 
H. Bell, also of Fremont. 

Both Mr. Bell and his wife united with the 
Protestant Methodist church at an early 



534 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



age, and both were members of the same 
at the time of their death. 

Mrs. Bell possessed an affable, noble 
nature: and he, a man of generous, genial 
heart, was a universal favorite with the 
people, and at the time of his decease 
probably had not a real enemy living. He 
was always the same unassuming, cheerful, 
obliging neighbor and gentleman, and in 
his death the city of Fremont and county 
of Sandusky lost a valuable and much- 
esteemed citizen. 



EBENEZER BUSHNELL, U. D. 

Rev. E. Bushnell has been pastor of 
the Presbyterian church of Fremont since 
1857. He was born near Granville, 
Ohio, November 18, 1822. His parents, 
Thomas H. and Charlotte Bailey Bush- 
nell, came from Norwich, Connecticut, 
in 18 1 6, and settled on a farm in Licking 
county. His father was a surveyor and 
civil engineer. Mathematical ability is a 
characteristic of the family. When our 
subject was eleven years old his parents 
removed to Newark. There the son 
was placed under the instruction of tutors 
preparatory to attending college, but the 
death of his father necessitated a change 
in the plans made for him, and he learned 
the trade of carpenter and joiner as an ex- 
pedient for earning money to pursue his 
course in college. Not only the desired 
end was attained, but a business and me- 
chanical experience was acquired, which 
has been valuable to him since entering 
professional life. 

Mr. Bushnell became a student at West- 
ern Reserve College, in 1842. He grad- 
uated in 1846, with the third honors of 
his class, although weak eyes had seriously 
interfered with his study. After graduat- 
ing he entered the theological seminary 
then connected with the college. During 



the first two years of the course in theology 
he acted as instructor in the preparatory 
school, and the third year was principal of 
the preparatory department. After grad- 
uating in theology, Mr. Bushnell, on ac- 
count of an affection of the throat, was 
unable to enter the ministry. He accepted 
the tutorship of mathematics for a period 
of one year, and then entered upon his first 
charge, at Burton, Geauga county. He 
was pastor of the Burton Presbyterian 
church seven years. Ex-Governor Sebra 
Ford was a member of his church, as was 
also Chief Justice Hitchcock and Peter 
Hichcock, since well known as a member 
of the Ohio Legislature. 

Mr. Bushnell became pastor of the 
Presbyterian congregation of this city in 
1857, since which time his clerical work 
is set forth in the history of the church 
elsewhere in this volume. 

Mr. Bushnell married, in 1850, Julia 
E. Baldwin, daughter of Sylvester Baldwin, 
of Hudson. She died in 1856, leaving 
four children, all of whom are living, viz. : 
Mrs. Dr. Byal, of Beardtown, Wood county; 
George W., Cleveland; Albert B., Wash- 
ington; and Thomas H. 

Mr. Bushnell married for his second 
wife, in 1858, Cornelia K. Woodruff, 
daughter of Rev. Simeon Woodruff, a 
pioneer preacher of the Reserve. She is 
a graduate of Mount Holyoke seminary, 
and at the time of her marriage was en- 
gaged in educational work. Three chil- 
dren are the fruit of this marriage — Annie, 
Charlotte, and Edward. 

Mr. Bushnell, in addition to his pastoral 
work, superintended the city public schools 
from i860 to 1863. He has been active in 
the ecclesiastical affairs of his denomination. 
He has been secretary of the Synod vf 
Toledo for more than a decade, and a mem- 
ber of the board of trustees of Western 
Reserve College for more than twice that 
length of time. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



535 



During the war Dr. Bushnell was active 
in encouraging enlistments and otherwise 
laboring in the cause of the Union. He 
was a member of the Christian Commission 
and was during the year 1865 stationed 
at Petersburg. 

Mr. Bushnell is the most scholarly cler- 
gyman in the city. In addition to general 
and professional studies, he has been con- 
stantly adding to his early attainments in 
mathematics, tor which he has a special 
aptitude, and the languages, particularly 
Latin, Greek, and German. In 187 1 
Marietta College conferred upon him the 
degree of Doctor of Divinity. He has not 
entirely laid aside his mechanical training. 
Several buildings in Fremont have been 
erected under his supervision. 



FAULKNER I. NORTON. 
The subject of this sketch was promi- 
nently identified with the business inter- 
ests of Fremont. He was born in Cam- 
bridge, Washington county, New York, 
March 2, 1811. He left home at the 
age of thirteen years and began clerking 
in Keysville, New York, and afterwards 
learned the saddle and harness making 
trade in Saratoga county. He came to 
Ohio and settled in Lower Sandusky in 
1833. Here he worked at his trade until 
1835, and then returned to Claremont, 
New Hampshire, where he married Harri- 
etta M. Willard. After returning to Low- 
er Sandusky Mr. Norton engaged in mer- 
cantile business. His next enterprise was 
to build a foundry, which after operating a 
few years he sold to Mr. June. He next 
engaged in the manufacture of spokes and 
hubs. The large brick building on Arch 
street was erected by him for that purpose. 
Mr. Norton died November 4, 1878. Mrs. 
Norton is still living in this city. Mr. 
Norton pushed his enterprises with com- 
mendable zeal and enthusisam, and con- 



tributed largely to the growth of the town. 



JOHN S. TYLER, 

the subject of this sketch, was a native of 
the State of New York, born in Cayuga 
county, on the 25th day of December, 
1806. In 1 8 16 he came to Lower San- 
dusky with his father's family, from De- 
troit, Michigan. His advantages for edu- 
cation were limited by the meagre facilities 
of the day. He was, therefore, a self, 
made man. For a number of years he 
was clerk in the store of George G. Olm- 
sted, from whom he gathered much valua- 
ble information in business matters, and 
whom he made his model for deportment 
and social habits, which were those of the 
true gentleman. He became a man of 
remarkably quick discernment, and was 
acknowledged one of the best business 
managers in the community. He was 
probably one of the best judges of invest- 
ments that the city of Fremont ever had. 

From his arrival here till his retirement 
from active life he was intimately con- 
nected with the business interests of this 
place. He contributed to the growth of 
the city in the erection of a substantial 
brick block on the corner of Front and 
Croghan streets, and subsequently a two- 
story brick on Croghan street. The mer- 
cantile business was his chief employment. 
His first trade was largely with the Ind- 
ians, with whom he was a special favorite. 

About the year 1832 he married Miss 
Phebe Ann VanDoren, of Lower San- 
dusky. By this marriage he had three 
sons and three daughters. Charleston, 
his eldest son, served in the Twenty-first 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was wounded at 
Chickamauga, and died September 28, 
1863. Mrs. Tyler having deceased, Mr. 
Tyler maried Eliza Kridler in 1850. Death 
again removed his companion in 1861. 



536 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



He married for his third wife Helen S 
Norton, of Wood county. Mr. Tyler died 
after a brief illness, January 12, 1873, at 
the age of sixty-seven years. 



liott, by whom he has two children, a son, 
S. M., and a daughter. Mrs. Keeler is a 
h^'hly educated and literary woman. 



ISAAC MARVIN KEELER. 

The man whose name is most intimate- 
ly connected with the history of the Fre- 
mont Journal is the subject of this sketch. 
He is of Puritan parentage, on both sides, 
both his father and mother having been 
born in Fairfield county, Connecticut, in 
1799. His grandfather, Luke Keeler, and 
his grandmother, and Isaac Marvin, with 
their families, emigrated to Ohio in wagons 
in the year 18 17. The former settled 
in Huron county, and, in partnership with 
Piatt Benedict, built the first house in 
Norwalk. The latter settled in Richmond 
county. Isaac M. Keeler was born in 
Sharon township, Richland county, Sep- 
tember 8, 1823. He lived at Norwalk 
until September, 1840, when he came to 
Lower Sandusky and entered the office 
of the Lower Sandusky Whig, as an 
apprentice. Between 1843 ^"d ^^49 
Mr. Keeler was temporarily located in 
Milan, Norwalk, Sharon, and New York. 
He was commissioned postmaster at Fre- 
mont in October, 1850, and served in that 
capacity two years. In 1854 he purchased 
the Fremont Journal, which he edited and 
published until 1865, when he sold the 
office on account of poor health, and en- 
tered the insurance and real estate busi- 
ness, in which he continued until 1877. 
In December of that year he repurchased 
the Journal, and, in association with his 
son, continues to edit the paper. 

Mr. Keeler was married to Anna F. 
Hulburd, of Lower Sandusky, June 23, 
1847. She died October 26, 1850, 
leaving one child. He married for his 
second wife. May 12, 1859, Jeannette El- 



REV. SERAPHINE BAUER. 

Rev. Seraphine Bauer was born in 
France on the 17th day of October, 1835. 
His father came from Baden, Germany, 
but he lived in France for a period of 
twenty-three years. His mother came 
from Southern France. In the year 1848, 
after the death of the mother, which oc- 
curred in 1846, the father went back to 
Germany with his son (the only child), 
whose life up to that time had been quite 
an agitated one. Within the earliest 
period of his life this son began to show 
remarkable talent, and his father was 
bound to use all his available means to 
give his son a thorough education. He 
soon became familiar with the German 
language and literature. Like most of the 
students he took an active part in the 
revolutionary period at that time. From 
youth up he began to show a great desire 
to become a priest, and in order to reach 
this aim he subjected himself to many a 
sacrifice. The first disharmonious con- 
flict, which took place in 185 1, between 
the Government and the Archbishop of 
Freiburg, suddenly put an obstacle in the 
way of this young man's most ardent wish. 
After several attempts, first to study medi- 
cine, then to enter the army, then to be- 
come a merchant, he finally came back to 
the profession of his first desire, and, 
after first consulting with Bishop Rappe, 
of Cleveland, Ohio, he came to America 
in the year 1854, having lived six years in 
Germany. 

In Cleveland he finished his studies, 
and on the 13th day of June, 1858, he 
was ordained a priest. Soon after he took 
charge of the church in Maumee City, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



537 



the present South Toledo, where he found 
a large field for his priestly work. Aside 
from his own church he had offered and 
given his services to eight different mis- 
sion places. At that time a Catholic 
priest had to battle with''' the difficulties 
of pioneer life, especially so in the en- 
tire district from Toledo to Fort Wayne, 
hence in all Northwestern Ohio only 
two priests were to be found. In this 
place Rev. Seraphine Bauer remained 
for four years and three months. The 
old pioneers of Perrysburg* to-day will tell 
you of their everlasting love for the Rev. 
Seraphine Bauer, remembering the time 
when this young priest frequently rode 
his twenty and thirty miles to come up to 
their place in cases of sickness or death 
among their own members. Finally the 
bishop was pleased to give this meritor- 
ious priest a position less burdensome, 
and put him in charge of the St. Joseph's 
congregation, of Fremont, on the 21st day 
of September, 1862, which position he has 
since held, now nineteen years. 

In order to regain his strength and gen- 
eral health he went back to the Old World 
m February, 1872. His longing to see 
the Holy Land was gratified. He spent 
Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter 
in Jerusalem, at the grave of our Savior. 
On Easter Monday he was favored 
with a rather unexpected honor. For 
centuries past there has existed in the 
Catholic church different orders of 
knights, especially instituted for benevo- 
lent purposes. Among these the most 
principal ones are the order of the Knights 
of the Holy Sepulchre, and Knight Tem- 
plar. The first-named still exists in the 
church, but the Knights Templar was dis- 
solved and cancelled at the Concilium of 
Vienna in 131 1, by Pope Clement V. The 
Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, who, with 
few exceptions, are only of nobility and 
rank, are designated to be the custodians 



of the Holy Sepulchre. But since it is 
impossible for the members to be con- 
stantly in attendance, the church has 
created the order of the Franciscaner to 
represent the same. On Easter Monday, 
1872, as before stated, three new mem- 
bers of the order were created by the 
Patriarch Valerga from Jerusalem, and 
these three were Rev. Father Bauer, of 
Fremont ; General Vicar, from the Island 
Burboun, and a gentleman from Lima, 
Peru. 

In two years Father Bauer will cele- 
brate his twenty-fifth anniversary, and one 
year later he expects to see the new church 
completed. 

Father Bauer is a man of extraordinary 
talent. He is gifted with a wonderful 
memory, and with a sharp and penetrat- 
ing mind. His character and his socia- 
bility in general has made him friends, 
not only among his own church members, 
but also all other denominations. 



WILLIAM CALDWELL 

was born near Chillicothe, Ross county, 
Ohio, December 23, 1808. His parents 
were William and Mary Park Caldwell, 
with whom he came to Port Clinton, 
Ottawa county, in 1828, and four years 
later, came to Fremont. Mr. Caldwell 
married in Fremont in 1836, Jane A., 
daughter of Thomas and Eliza Davis. 
She was a native of New York city, and 
was born December 17, 1808. 

William Caldwell, sr., was a native of 
Pennsylvania, and was one of a family of 
six sons and one daughter, who emigrated 
to Kentucky in 1787. He removed to 
Ross county in 1806, and in 1812 enlisted 
in the army, being in the Northwestern di- 
vision under Hull at Detroit. Through 
that commander's cowardice the whole 
army became British captives. After 



538 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



peace Mr. Caldwell located at Columbus, 
then just made the State capital. He did 
the blacksmith work on the Ohio peniten- 
tiary. He came to Lower Sandusky in 
1832, and subse<]uently removed to 1^1- 
more, where he died in 186 1. 

William Caldwell, jr., has been justice 
of the peace at Elmore for eighteen con- 
secutive years. He was in earlier years 
deputy sheriff of this county, and well 
known among the early men of this city. 

Dr. William Caldwell, son of William 
Caldwell, jr., is a practicing physician at 
Fremont. 

William and Jane Caldwell have had 
four children: William, born May 27, 1837; 
Charles, born February 5, 1839, died in 
1852; Robert H., born June 14, 1841, 
died February 8, 1863, and Juliet, born 
January 8, 1844. 

William Caldwell, jr., was elected i)ro- 
bate judge of Ottawa county at the Octo- 
ber election of 1881. 



JOHN FABIN(;. 

John Fabing was born in Loraine, 
France (now (jcrmany), in 1797. In 1824 
he married Miss Mary Greiner, who still 
survives. They emigrated to this country 
in 1834, and located near Syracuse, New 
York, where they lived ten years. Decem- 
ber 24, 1844, they came to Sandusky 
county from Buffalo, New York. Mr.^ 
Fabing died July 25, 1845. He was the 
father of six children, four of whom are 
living, viz: Catharine, John, Frederick, 
and Barbara. John and Frederick both 
reside in this county, Catharine and Bar- 
bara in California. 

Frederick Fabing, the son of John Fa- 
bing, was born June 14, 1832, in France, 
and came with his parents to this country. 
In 1858 he married Miss Mary J. Webber, 
of Fremont. She was born in France, 
January 3, 1833. They have no children. 



Mr. Fabing has been a member of the 
city council two terms. He is at present 
superintendent of the Fremont gas works. 



JOHN NEWMAN. 

John Newman, son of John and Eve 
Newman, was born in York county, Penn- 
sylvania, in 1809, and came by wagon to 
Ohio in company with his brother, Mi- 
chael B., in the fall of 1835. He located 
at Tiffin, and with his brother engaged in 
the grocery business for a short time. In 
the spring of 1836 they came to Fremont 
and engaged in the same business and 
continued together until the death of 
Michael B., in the spring of 1839. John 
then sold out and returned to Pennsylva- 
nia. In 1 84 1 he came back to Fremont, 
and in the spring of the same year was 
married to Miss Margaretta Livingston, 
who was born in Canton, Stark county, in 
1821. They have had five children, three 
of whom are now living, vi/. : Charles, 
Catharine, wife of Charles Boyer, of Lind- 
say, and Mary S., wife of William FL. For- 
sythe, of Fremont. 

Mr. Newman made his first purchase of 
land in 1853, buying a farm of eighty 
acres of General Buckland. 



ISAAC B. SHARP. 

Isaac B. Sharp, an old resident, was born 
in Delaware in 1809. In 1834 he came 
to Ohio and settled in Fremont. He is 
the son of ^Abraham and Catharine (Gray) 
Sharp. They were the parents of five 
children, two of whom are living, Isaac 
B. and Abraham Sharp, both residents of 
Fremont. 

In 1835 Mr. Sharp was married to Eliz- 
abeth L. Davis. She was born in Utica, 
New York, in 18 12. Her father, Thomas 
Davis, came to that i)lace from Ireland in 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



539 



1805. Her mother was Mary Avery, of 
English descent, born in Tarrytown, Wes- 
chester county, New York, in 1776. Thom- 
as Davis was born in 1 771, died in 1861. 
They were the parents of eight children, 
four of whom survive, Jane Ann, Elizabeth 
L., Mary G., and Thomas Robert. 

To Isaac and Elizabeth Sharp have been 
born five children: Isaac B., born January 
3, 1836, resides in AVyandotte, Kansas; 
Angelica, born September 29, 1837, lives 
in Bellevue, Kansas; Athenia, born Octo- 
ber 28, 1841, resides in Seneca county, 
Ohio; Emma, born August 21, 1845, lives 
at Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania; Estella, 
the youngest, and the only unmarried 
daughter, resides at home. 

The first work Mr. Sharp engaged in, 
after coming to Fremont, was to assist in 
building the second bridge across the 
Sandusky river, where the iron bridge 
now stands. In 1834 he built the first 
Methodist church in I'Vemont. He also 
built the first Catholic church in the city. 
Mr. Sharp worked at carpentry eighteen 
years, and then took a trip to California. 
On his return he engaged in the lumber 
business for fourteen years, retiring from 
active business at the expiration of that 
time. 

Mr. Sharp has not seen a sick day for 
more than forty years, nor has his family 
required the attendance of a physician 
during all that time. 

Mrs. Sharp is a descendant from a wor- 
thy family, and bears an excellent reputa- 
tion as a wife and mother. 



FRANK CREACIER. 

Frank Creager was born in Bellevue, 
Ohio, July 25, 1849, ^^^^ is of German 
descent. He studied dentistry with Dr. 
B..S. Boswell, of Rochester, New York, 
and S. M. Cunimings, of Elkhart, Indiana, 



and has practiced that profession twelve 
years, four years in Indiana and the re- 
mainder of the time in Fremont. 

In 1875 Mr. Creager married Miss Clara 
Moore, oldest daughter of John and Eliza 
Moore, of Ballville, this county. Mrs. 
Creager was born November 9, 1851. 
They have had three children, only one of 
whom is living. Edna died February 19, 
1880, aged three years, six months, and 
twenty-seven days. Volta died February 
29, 1880, aged one year, nine months, and 
six days. Both of these deaths resulted 
from membranous croup. Grace was born 
December 7, 1879. 



W. B. KRIDLER. 

William B. Kiidlerwas born in Fremont 
July 12, 1848. He was educated in the 
public schools ot this city, and at Cornell 
University, New York, graduating from the 
scientific department of that institution in 
1872 with the first class that graduated 
after the university was founded. 

Mr. Kridler was engaged in the banking 
business in Fremont from 1872 until 1878. 
In the spring of that year he was elected 
city clerk, which office he holds at pres- 
ent. In politics he is a Republican. 

Mr. Kridler was married in 1878 to 
Miss Mattie L. Smith, of Hadley, Massa- 
chusetts. They have two children, Helen 
Lyman and James Huntington. 



AUSTIN B. TAYLOR 

was born at New Fayne, Vermont, No- 
vember 14, 1813. His father was Simon 
Taylor, M. D. His mother's maiden 
name was Cynthia Birchard, a sister of 
Sardis Birchard. Left an orphan he was 
bound out as a saddler's apprentice ; 
learned the trade, but did not work at it 
after attaining his majority. On that day 



54° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



he started for Lower Sandusky to enter 
the store of his uncle, Sardis Birchard, 
arriving in Fremont in the fall of 1834. 
His whole capital at that time consisted 
of six dollars and an old jack-knife. But 
he had pluck and business energy, and in 
course of time became the successor of 
the firm of Birchard, Dickinson & Grant 
in the dry goods business, which he car- 
ried on until 1850, when he sold out to 
Eisenhour & Coles. In 1851 he was 
elected justice of the peace and served 
one term. April 4, 1853 he was elected 
mayor, defeating Brice J. Bartlett by four 
votes. The vote stood: A. B. Taylor, 
137 j B. J. Bartlett, 134 ; total vote, 271. 
He was married to Delia Pettibone, 
daughter of Hon. Hiram Pettibone, a 
former lawyer of this city, April 27, 1840. 
He died October 28, 1859, and was buried 
by the Masonic fraternity, of which he 
was a prominent member, holding the 
office of treasurer for many years. He 
left a family of seven children — Mary, 
died the following spring ; Sardis B., the 
doctor; Charles, George, Oscar, Austin B., 
and Delia. He left a large estate, and 
his whole life was a marvel of business 
energy. 



JEREMIAH EVERETT AND 
FAMILY. 

Jeremiah Everett was a son of John 
Everett, and was born in the State of Mas- 
sachusetts in the year 1783. His father 
moved from Massachusetts to the State of 
New York, and settled at Schenectady, 
where he raised his family and died. 
Jeremiah married Elizabeth Emery, and 
eft home soon after attaining his majority, 
and worked at an early day at the Onan- 
daga salt works. When the war of 181 2 
broke out he volunteered, and served at 
Fort Erie for a time. The musket he 



carried in that service was preserved in 
the family, and kept after his death by his 
oldest son, Lorenzo, and all traces of it 
are now lost, Lorenzo's family being long 
since dispersed in various parts of the 
country, but the writer remembers well 
using the old musket in boyhood to shoot 
blackbirds away from the oat and corn 
fields in and about Lower Sandusky. 

In the fall of the year 181 2, mtending 
to settle on the Connecticut Western Re- 
serve, which was then attracting pioneers 
in search of land, he settled on the 
Huron River, in Huron county, at the old 
county seat, sometimes called the Abbott 
Place, where Mr. Abbott, afterwards known 
as Judge Abbott, then resided. There was 
a settlement of several families in the 
vicinity, and the fear of Indian attacks 
caused them to construct a block-house of 
heavy logs, with port-holes, in which the 
families lodged at night, or fled to in case 
of alarm in the day time. The settlement 
planted corn and potatoes, and such 
vegetables as they could, along the river. 
But the frequent alarms of Indians, arising 
from the capture of Mrs. Snow and the 
Putnam family, on Pipe Creek, not far 
away, put them in great fear, and during 
the summer the settlers tended their crops 
with loaded guns standing near, to fire in 
defence of an attack, and give warning of 
the approach of danger. Here, after the 
arrival of Jeremiah Everett, and on the 
30th of January, 181 3, his son Homer was 
born. 

Through the summer of 18 13 the in- 
habitants tended their crops and managed 
to live without any serious demonstration 
from the lurking savages. On the 2d of 
August, 181 3, Croghan's victory at Fort 
Stephenson rather diminished the danger 
from the savages, and yet the settlers at 
the old county seat did not slack their 
vigilance. 

On the loth of September, 1813, when 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



541 



the writer of this sketch was probably on 
a blanket, laid upon an earthen floor in 
a log cabin by the banks of the Huron 
River, and perhaps trying to put his big 
toe in his mouth, his anxious parents 
were listening to the distant roar of the 
battle on Lake Erie in which the gallant 
Perry gained such a signal victory 
over the British fleet. Jeremiah after- 
wards visited the fleet and saw the evi- 
dences of the fight in the shattered hulls, 
broken spars and rigging, and bloody decks 
of the vessels which had been engaged. 
This signal victory lifted a load from the 
hearts of those pioneers. If the British 
conquered they must flee, or be scalped; if 
the Americans should win the battle they 
could stay. There is no doubt some 
very earnest praying was done by that 
handful of settlers while the fight was pro- 
gressing. But the news of the victory 
soon brought joy of deliverance from peril, 
and from that time the little band of 
pioneers felt safer. 

In the spring of the year 1815 Jeremiah 
Everett, with the help of one Aden Breed, 
started for the new El Dorado, Lower San- 
dusky. They moved family and goods 
by team from the old county seat to 
Ogontz place, afterwards called Portland 
and now Sandusky City, on the shore of 
the Sandusky Bay. The household goods 
and provisions and the family were there 
transferred to a pirogue or very large 
canoe, worked by hand with paddles after 
the aboriginal fashion. When the wind 
was fair, they hoisted a common blanket 
on a pole for a sail and thus made the 
voyage up the Sandusky Bay and the river 
to Lower Sandusky, arriving about the 
middle of April in the year 18 15. He 
found shelter with some hospitable pio- 
neers until he, with the help of generous 
neighbors and settlers, erected a log house 
on the ground where the present residence 
of Isaac E. Amsden stands, then in Lower 



Sandusky, now in the city of Fremont. 
While living int his house, he farmed 
from the land near the residence to the 
mill-race, and there raised fine crops of 
corn. A little north of and near this 
house stood a mortar for pounding corn 
into Indian meal, which was used by him 
and his neighbors, before any grist-mill 
had been built in the vicinity. While 
living in this house Jeremiah was, in the 
year 181 8, engaged by the Government to 
carry the mail from Lower Sandusky to Fort 
Meigs. This mail was carried both ways 
once a week, when it was possible to get 
through, but was often omitted on account 
of the high streams and impassable swamps. 
In performing this duty Jeremiah Everett 
often encountered difficulties and dan- 
gers. There were streams to cross and 
swamps to go through, which were enough 
to discourage any traveller. Often it was 
impossible for a horse to go through on 
account of ice, which, while it would bear 
a man, would break under the weight of 
the horse, rider and mail, and the only 
way to perform the service in such case 
was to put the mail in saddle-bags and 
strap that on the back of the man and go 
on foot. Mr. Everett was often compelled 
to take this course, especially in the spring 
and fall of the year. Sometimes he would 
reach Portage River at night, when he 
would lodge at the house of Mr. Harris. 
At other times on his return trip he would 
be unable to reach their hospitable cabin, 
and would be compelled to stay in the 
woods between the Maumee and Portage 
Rivers. On the narrow blazed way through 
the woods between these two rivers, he 
found a large, fallen, hollow, sycamore tree, 
which had been blown down by the winds 
which swept over the lonely forest. When 
he, on the trip, admonished by the ap- 
proach of darkness, found he could not 
reach the cabin of Harris on the Portage 
River, he would make his home in the 



54-^ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



hollow of this upturned monarch of the 
forest for the night. Besides the mail he 
carried a large knife, a tomahawk, his pro- 
visions for the day and a steel, Hint and 
|)unk with which to strike and kindle fire- - 
and a blanket. Reaching his tree he would 
strike a fire and gather logs and sticks un- 
til a good strong fire was blazing in front 
of his hollow log. Then, after taking a 
lunch of corn-bread and dried vension or 
fried pork, he would crawl into the log, wra[) 
himself in his blanket for a rest and sleep 
until the morning would break and reveal 
his way through the woods. Several time.s, 
while lodging in his lonely retreat, he 
heard the tramp of some wild beasts mak- 
ing a circuit about his resting place. In 
such case he kept his fire burning brightly 
to frighten them away, and it did keep 
them off One night while thus camping 
out, the wolves beat a path on the ground 
around him, but fled at the approach of 
day and on seeing the fire blaze up. At 
another time he heard a soft, steady tread 
of some animal around his lodging i)lace, 
when there was a light fall of snow, and 
on looking around, found what was evi- 
dently the track of a panther, which had 
been reconnoitering around his jjremises 
during the night, but was kept at a respect- 
ful distance by the fire. 

About the year 1825 Jeremiah Everett 
removed from the log cabin, and settled 
on the tarm now owned by I'imothy H. 
Bush, within the cor[)orate limits of the 
present city of Fremont. This tract 
was then owned by David Harrold, of 
Philadeli)hia, a wealthy Quaker. Har- 
rold attended the land sale at W'ooster, 
Ohio, and bought this tract. He was 
wealthy and invested his money with a 
view of settling on this land for a home. 

KVERKIT AND H.\KKOI.l). 

After Harrold purchased the tract of land 
mentioned, which is now known as out-lot 



number thirty-one, in Fremont, he order- 
ed pine lumber from Buffalo for a house, 
which he built entirely of that wood, ex- 
cepting the frame, which was mostly of 
native oak. While Everett was living in 
the log house mentioned, Harrold was out 
in the woods, on the premises now owned 
by ex-President R. B. Hayes, looking 
for suitable timber for his building. While 
waiting for his workmen, and having an 
axe with him, he chopped and felled a 
choice tree while alone. When the tree 
fell in a direction contrary to his expecta- 
tions, he endeavored to escape being in- 
jured,- and started away but was tripped 
down in some way and fell, and the tree 
fell on one of his legs crushing into the 
ground and holding him fast, without any 
means of extrication. It so Jiappened 
that on the same morning Judge Everett 
was hunting his oxen which had strayed 
into the woods. The judge was on horse- 
back and stopped to look around and 
listen for the cattle, when he heard a faint 
groan at some distance off, and presently 
a loud call for help. He hastened to the 
spot, chopped off the tree with Harrold's 
axe and released liini, when lie found that 
the stranger's leg was broken. He put 
the man on his horse and took him home, 
sent for Dr. ikainard, who set his leg, and 
Harrold was nursed at Everett's house 
until he recovered and was able to walk. 
The men of course became acquainted, 
and were ever after warm friends. Har- 
rold was quite wealthy and his wife refused 
to emigrate from Philadelphia to the wil- 
derness in the West. Harrold, after finish- 
ing his house, offered the use of the house 
and farm for a nominal rent, and the 
judge occupied it for about eight years, 
and until he moved his family down the 
river on tract number two of the original 
survey of the reservation. Here, on tract 
two, Judge Everett, having purchased it, 
made a home and kept his family until his 



HISTORY OK SANDUSKY COUNI-Y 



543 



wife died in December, 1832. About two 
years after, Judge Everett, to help his 
sons Joel and Lorenzo, sold this tract and 
married Mrs. Eunice ^Vo]ley, widow of 
Daniel Wolley, who owned a farm on the 
Sandusky River about six miles north of 
Eremont. He settled there and both 
husband and wife having minor children, 
devoted their time and care to the ("arm 
and the welfare of the children. He lived 
on this farm until his death, on the 29th 
day of December, 1842. 

The children of Judge Jeremiah Everett 
were Eorenzo, Joel, Homer, Adelaide, 
Lodoiska. Zachariah, and Charles by the 
first wife ; by the second, Elizabeth, 
Helen, Cyrus, and two others, who died 
young and were buried on the \Volley 
farm. 

Lorenzo Everett, the oldest son, mar- 
ried Catharine Kline, the daughter of 
a neighboring farmer, and died in the 
year 1847, IC'^iving one daughter, Har- 
riet, who married a Mr. l-'ulkinson, 
and removed to near White Pigeon, 
Michigan, and died. He also left three 
sons, Charles Henry Everett, now of 
Wood county, Ohio: Thomas Hubert 
Everett, now married and living in (ireen 
Creek township, in Sandusky county, a 
farmer; and Jeremiah I'Lverett, who mar- 
ried a Miss Hutchins, and had one son, 
who died in infancy. Jeremiah volun- 
teered in the cavalry service in the war for 
the suppression of the Southern Rebellion, 
and was shot from his horse and killed in 
battle. The second son, Joel Everett, 
married Mariah (irimes, an adopted 
daughter of Dr. Daniel Brainard, and 
died of cholera in September, 1834, leav- 
ing one child, a daughter, who married 
Arthur Ellsworth, of York townshi]), and 
has since died, leaving one child, a son, 
named Everett Pvllsworth, who is still liv- 
ing. Judge Everett's third son, Homer 
Everett, was married, in 1837, to Hannah 



Bates, in Sandusky county. His wife 
died in June, 1840, leaving an infant 
daughter, named Hannah Bates Everett. 
This daughter was married to Henry 
Hatfield, in the year 1856, and is still liv- 
ing, having two sons, one now in Osborne, 
Kansas, and one in Denver, Colorado. 

Homer Everett married again, Susan 
Albina Brush, widow of John T. Brush, 
in December, 1842. By this wife he had 
two sons and two daughters, (jcorge 
Homer, his first child, born at Ere- 
mont, November 4, 1844, was an exjjert as 
a telegrapher, and in the war of the Re- 
bellion was employed by Cieneral Thomas 
as telegra])h operator about Nashville, 
while that city was threatened by the 
rebels, and there in his labors and ex 
exposures as field operator contracted the 
disease of consumption. After working 
successfully after the war, at Cincinnati, 
he came home to his father's house, and 
as he entered the door said, " I have 
come home to die, father." This was- in 
September, 1873. After living through 
autumn and winter, he died on the 26th 
day of March, 1874, at his father's house, 
the home of his childhood, and i)eacefully 
passed out of this mortal life without a mur- 
mur. The second child of this marriage 
was Charles Egbert, born on the 17th day 
of June, 1846, on his father's farm, about 
six miles below Fremont. Charles served 
in the naval service during the Rebellion. 
On his return from the service he married 
Miss Hattic Tindall, daughter of Ed- 
ward Tindall, of Ballville township. 
He learned the trade of cabinet-making, 
is a natural mechanic and expert in his 
business, and is now engaged as foreman 
in the manufacturing establishment of H. 
Bowlus & Co. He has two children, Ed- 
die and Nellie, all living together in Fre- 
mont, at the homestead of Homer 
Everett's family. 

Homer Everett's next and third child 



544 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



of this second marriage was Albina Eliza- 
beth, born at Fremont April 27, 1850, 
who went to Kansas as a school-teacher 
and afterwards married at Osborne City, 
in that State, Frederick Yoxall, a native of 
England, with whom she is now happily 
living there, the mother of two beau- 
tiful daughters. The fourth child by 
Homer's second marriage was Lillie Ever- 
ett, born at Fremont January 10, 1853, 
who followed her sister to Osborne, Kan- 
sas, about a year after her sister's depart- 
ure, and after carrying on the millinery 
business for a time was married to James 
A. Wilson, then doing a large business as 
a drug and hardware merchant in Osborne, 
where she is now living and has one child, 
a daughter. Susan Albina, wife of Homer 
Everett, died at Fremont, December 21, 
1855, at the age of thirty-four years. In 
November, 1873, Mr. Homer Everett, hav- 
ing educated and settled his children, was 
again married and took for his third wife 
Minerva E. Justice, daughter of James 
Justice, whose biography will be found in 
this history. With his third wife he is 
now comfortably living in the old home- 
stead of the Justice family, at the foot of 
the hill on the north side of State street 
in the pleasant city of Fremont. 

Few men were ever endowed with bet- 
ter intellectual and conversational powers 
than those possessed by Judge Jere- 
miah Everett. Few men possessed the 
faculty of keeping the respect and con- 
fidence and even the love of all his ac- 
quaintances in so high a degree. He was 
too unselfish to get rich, and too indus- 
trious to come to want. He was fond of 
social converse and philosophic thought. 
Sardis Birchard used to say that he never 
met a man whom he took as much 
pleasure in conversing with and listening 
to as he did with Judge Everett. Jere- 
miah Everett was appreciated by the early 
citizens of the county. He early held the 



ofifice of justice of the peace, and kept the 
ofifice as long as he could afford to do so, 
and until he positively declined to serve 
longer at the dictates of his own necessi- 
ties. The firs: suits about the riparian 
ownership en the Sandusky River be- 
tween David Moore and David Chambers, 
the results of which were given by the lately 
afifirmed decision of the Supreme Court 
of Ohio and may be found in the 
Twelfth Ohio Reports, were tried before 
him; and Judge Lane in deciding the 
case of Chambers vs. Gavit announced 
the same principles as the law which 
Judge Everett as justice of the peace had 
declared in his decisions. He was elected 
Representative to the General Assembly 
in 1825, and was the first resident of San- 
dusky county chosen for that place. He 
was again elected in 1835 ^"^ served to the 
satisfaction of the people, but declined to 
accept the position again. During his 
first term of service in the Assembly he 
was largely influential in passing measures 
favorable to the construction of the Mau- 
mee and Western Reserve turnpike. His 
remains are buried in the old cemetery in 
a lot surrounded by a hedge of arbor- 
vitae, and a plain marble slab marks the 
resting place of an honest and honorable 
man who died a Christian. 



HOMER EVERETT, 

a son of Jeremiah Everett and Elizabeth 
(Emery) Everett, was born at the old 
county seat of Huron county, on the 
Huron River, below where the village of 
Milan now stands, now, however, with- 
in the bounds of Erie county, on the 30th 
of January, 1813. The education of 
Homer Everett was such as he could ac- 
quire by attending the schools in Lower 
Sandusky two summer and four winter 
terms, and what he afterwards acquired by 




^€^<^<^e'i^ 0-^^^?^-^ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



545 



his own study out of school. His teach- 
ers were Justus and Ezia Williams, Edson 
Goit, and Samuel Crowell at different 
periods, who are gratefully remembered 
by their pupil for their efforts to stimulate 
a desire for study. In December, 1830, 
his father gave him liberty to leave home 
if he thought best, and he accordingly 
procured from Rodolphus Dickinson, 
then examiner of teachers, a certificate of 
qualification to teach, and he immediately 
started on foot for York township, where 
he had heard a teacher was wanted. The 
day brought on a terrible snow storm, but 
he plodded on. When about half way to 
Hamar's Corners, on the Western Reserve 
and Maumee road, he met a man with a 
yoke of oxen and a sled going to mill, of 
whom he enquired the road to the district 
where a teacher was wanted. This man 
turned out to be Oliver Comstock, one of 
the directors of the very district young 
Everett was seeking. Mr. Comstock was 
well acquainted with Judge Everett, the 
young man's father, and on learning that 
the applicant was his son, and on seeing 
Mr. Dickinson's certificate, told young 
Everett that he could have the school, 
and might come and begin the following 
Monday. He then gave him leave to ride 
back to Lower Sandusky and make ready. 
Meantime Judge Everett had seen Jesse 
S. Olmsted and made arrangements for 
Homer to enter his employ as clerk 
in his store. On returning home the 
young man chose to do what his father 
and mother thought best. Mr. Comstock 
was seen and the engagement to teach 
school cancelled. The following Monday 
young Everett went into the store as 
clerk. When he left home he took with 
him two plain cotton shirts, made by his 
mother, two pairs of woollen socks, knit 
by her kind hands, one suit, coat, vest, 
and pants, of linsey cloth, made by her, 
one pair of shoes, and one wool hat 
69 



which cost fifty cents, and nothing more 
of worldly goods or apparel, but took what 
was better than gold, a father's and 
mother's blessing, with an exhortation to 
be honest and true under all circum- 
stances. 

He was boarded in Judge Olmsted's 
family, and his wages for the first year 
was, cost price for cloth to make a more 
stylish suit of clothes, and thirty dollars. 
His wages was, however, increased the 
next year to a salary of fifty dollars and a 
suit of clothes, and afterwards still further 
increased, until on the close of his engage- 
ment, after six years' service, he was board- 
ed and drew a salary of one hundred and 
fifty dollars. Judge Olmsted held the of- 
fice of postmaster for several of the latter 
years of young Everett's service, and Ev- 
erett, as deputy postmaster, performed the 
duties of that office in addition to those of 
salesman and bookkeeper in the store. In 
1837 Judge Olmsted resigned the office, 
and kindly recommended his boy Homer, 
as he called him, to be appointed in his 
stead, an appointment which seemed to 
please the people. He was accordingly 
appointed and commissioned by President 
Van Buren in that year. While engaged 
in this office he was elected sheriff of the 
county, and then resigned the office of 
postmaster. He was re-elected sheriff. 
He commenced reading law in 1834, im- 
proving his leisure time in so doing 
until 1841, when, on the solicitation 
of Nathaniel B. Eddy, he was admitted to 
the Bar at Columbus, Ohio, and resigned 
the sheriff's office to form a law partner- 
ship with him. He practiced several years 
successfully with Mr. Eddy, when the latter 
abandoned practice and engaged in mer- 
cantile business. Mr. Everett soon after 
formed a partnership in the practice of his 
profession with Hon. Lucius B. Otis, now 
of Chicago. After several years' practice in 
association with Judge Otis, Mr. Everett 



546 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



retired from practice and removed to his 
farm on the river, about srx miles below 
Fremont, intending to lead a quiet farmer's 
life from that time. In 1847, however, he 
accepted the ofifice of county auditor, to 
which he was elected by the people of the 
county. This position he held for nearly 
four years, when, in 1852, he resigned the 
remainder of the last term of that office 
to return to the practice of the law with 
Ralph P. Buckland. This partnership 
continued until 1866, when General Buck- 
land retired from practice, and Everett 
continued the business about one year 
alone, when he formed a partnership with 
James H. Fowler, who had studied law 
under his instruction. This still continues, 
and Mr. Everett is still in the active prac- 
tice of his profession. 

During his life Mr. Homer Everett has 
held, at various times, the following 
official positions : Deputy postmaster under 
Jesse S. Olmsted; postmaster under the 
appointment of Mnrtiti X'.mBuren; town- 
ship clerk; member of the board of edu- 
cation many years, in which position he 
was active in bringing about the adoption 
of the Akron school law; deputy county 
clerk under James A. Scranton; mayor of 
the city of Fremont. Two scenes while 
mayor, Mr. Everett says he can never for- 
get. The first was the death of Michael 
Wegstein at the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 
1862. Wegstein had been a member of 
the band of music then organized in Fre- 
mont. On receipt of the news of his 
death while bravely fighting for his coun- 
try, the whole community of Fremont was 
deeply affected. The band of which he 
had been a member was perhaps affected 
most of all. When the news of his death 
was made certain, his brother musicians, 
numbering among them some of our best 
citizens, met, draped their instruments in 
mourning crape, and went along the side- 
walks of the principal streets, playing a 



solemn dirge for their lost friend. The 
band and a large procession of sympathiz- 
ers stopped under the window of the 
mayor, and nft^r closing the solemn dirge 
were silent, as if L.xp^cinig some remarks. 

Mayor Everett advanced to an open 
window and delivered them a short ad- 
dress, alluding in touching terms to the 
bravery of their lost friend, and urging all 
to support the cause in which he had so 
gloriously died. All present were affected 
and departed in a significant and touching 
silence. The members of the band were 
too deeply affected to even play another 
dirge then for Michael Wegstein. 

The other incident Mr. Everett says was 
that which occurred at the news of the 
death of Abraham Lincoln, in 1865. On 
coming to his office about 7 o'clock in the 
morning, he found the telegraphic dis- 
patches announced the assassination of 
the President by Booth, and that he was 
dead. Mayor Everett threw the black sig- 
nal of public mourning from his ofifice win- 
dow and repaired to the printing ofifice 
with a notice of the great National bereave- 
ment. 

Mr. Everett was sheriff of the county 
two terms, county auditor two terms, and, 
to finish up his public services, was elected 
to represent the Thirtieth Ohio Senatorial 
District, compos d v( Huron, Erie, San- 
dusky, and Ottawa counties, at the fall 
election of 1867, and re-elected in 1869, 
being nominated by acclamation. During 
his service in the Ohio Senate he was a mem- 
ber of the judiciary committee, committee 
on finance, and other committees. But 
his chief labor was on a select commit- 
tee with Charles Scribner and D. B. 
Lynn, to certify the laws relating to mu- 
nicipal corporations, which was the first 
municipal code enacted in the State of 
Ohio. 

Of Hon. Homer Everett's family noth- 
ing need be said, as they are set forth in 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



547 



the history of Jeremiah Everett and fam- 
ily, to which reference is made for the 
particulars. 



JOHN P. MOORE AND FAMILY. 

This enterprising and esteemed citizen 
of Fremont was born on the ist day of 
December, 1S29, at Hampton, Adams 
county, State of Pennsylvania. His 
father was John Moore, who was born 
July 10, 1795. His mother, Mary Picking, 
was born February 19, 1794. Their fam- 
ily consisted of twelve children, of whom 
John P. was the ninth. Ten of the chil- 
dren are now living, the oldest sixty-six 
and the youngest fifty years of age. 

In May, 1834, Mr. Moore moved his 
family from Hampton, Pennsylvania, to 
Woodville township, in Sandusky county, 
about eleven and a half miles west of 
Lower Sandusky, on the Maumee and 
Western Reserve road. Here young John 
P. spent his boyhood in hard work, with 
little schooling and little amusement, ex- 
cepting hunting raccoon at night. He 
helped to clear and improve his father's 
farm, burn lime and haul stone for the 
improvement and macadamizing of the 
road. The great subject of anxious cal- 
culation during the summer was to raise 
provisions to keep the family supplied 
through the winter and until another crop 
could be produced, and hurry the fall work 
and be ready for two or three months at- 
tendance at school during the winter. 

On the 3d of April, 1848, John P. 
Moore came to Fremont and apprenticed 
himself to the blacksmithing trade, in a 
shop established by Ira Camfield, who had 
died and left the shop to be managed by 
his widow. That good and capable lady is 
now living and keeping a boarding-house 
in Fremont. In the fall of 1850 young 
Moore, having learned his trade, returned 
to his former home in Woodville, and 



built a small shop on the corner of his 
father's farm, adjoining the Maumee and 
Western Reserve road, Snd engaged in 
general blacksmithing. But in that day 
there were stage coaches, and the young 
smith made a specialty of shoeing horses 
there for the Ohio Stage Company, for 
whom Mr. John T. Simpkins, now an aged 
and esteemed citizen of Fremont, was 
agent at the time. 

Mr. Moore worked in this shop about a 
year, and then bought a lot on the corner 
of Water and Garrison streets, in Fremont, 
where he built a sho]), and where he has 
since added a large carriage factory, which 
he is still carrying on with marked success. 



DAVID GALLAGHER. 

This very worthy man and early settler 
in I,ower Sandusky was born at Pitts- 
burgh, Pennsylvania, November 12, 1790. 
He came from Chillicothe to Lower San- 
dusky in the year 18 10. He performed 
picket duty in the army at Fort Meigs at 
the time of the fight there. He was also 
commissary at Fort Stephenson in the 
year 18 14. In 181 8 he was in business 
with George G. Olmsted in the dry goods 
trade, most of which was with the Ind- 
ians. Their store was located a little 
below the present gas works in P'remont, 
and was subsequently moved to the cor- 
ner now on the east end of Front street, 
and opposite to Buckland's old block. 
This store is said to be the second t'rame 
structure in the town. In 1830 he was a 
very large property owner, chiefly in real 
estate. For some years he carried on a 
woollen-mill. 

In 1823, March 10, he married Miss 
M. Claghorn, by whom he had four chil- 
dren. 

Mr. David Gallagher died on the 21st 
day of February, i860, and as a mark of 



548 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



respect, the Court of Common Pleas, then 
holding a session in Fremont, adjourned 
upon the day of*his funeral. The Meth- 
odist Episcopal church, of which he was a 
member, the order to which he had been 
attached for nearly half a century, and the 
citizens, almost unanimously attended and 
participated in the impressive burial ser- 
vices, thus testifying how much he was 
respected and beloved as a citizen, a man, 
a Mason, and a Christian. He was one 
of the fathers and faithful members of the 
Masonic order in Lower Sandusky, and 
few there were who better practiced the 
precepts of the order in daily life than did 
David Gallagher. 

His aged widow and four sons are still 
living, and are residing in Fremont, where 
the husband passed so large a portion of 
his life. 

In the historical lecture referred to Hon. 
Homer Everett thus alludes to the sub- 
ject of this sketch: 

He came here a young man, and, as my informa- 
tion goes, hi.s first employment here was as assistant 
commissary at Fort Stephenson in the year 1814, 
and ever since that time he has been a resident of 
our town. It need scarcely be said that one who 
settled here at that early day, married, and reared a 
worthy family, had many trials and experienced vari- 
ous turns of fortune. He had seen this country a wil- 
derness, inhabited by wild beasts, and still wilder 
men, transformed into what it now is, and could look 
upon its progress for more than fifty years, as we can 
upon a passing panorama. He has left this earthly 
stage ! How busy is death ! Let us be admonished. 
With Holy Bible, square and compass near his heart, 
David Gallagher has gone up to the mercy-seat of 
Christ. Let us rejoice in the belief that it is well 
with him. 



FRANCIS JOSEPH GIEBEL, JR. 
was born in Fremont, Ohio, March 14, 
1 85 1. His parents were Francis J. Giebel, 
and Maria S. (Duerr) Giebel. The father 
was a native of Hesse Cassel, and the 
mother of Bavaria, Germany. Mr. Giebel 
sr., emigrated in 1847; Mrs. Giebel, in 
1839. 



The subject of this sketch was educated 
in Fremont, having attended both the paro- 
chial and common schools of the city. 
He married Miss Clara Ochs, at Fremont, 
on the 27th of January, 1874. He learned 
the shoemaker's trade with his father. In 
December, 1868, at the age of seventeen 
years and a half, he, with several other 
citizens of Fremont, caught the gold fever, 
and started from home to seek gold in 
Montana. In the month of October, 
1869, he left Montana on his return, and 
reached home in the month of November 
following. He immediately went into the 
treasurer's office as clerk, under J. P. 
Elderkin, then county treasurer. Here 
he continued working through the collec- 
tion of the December instalment of taxes 
for 1869. He was then employed as clerk 
in the county auditor's office, under George 
VV. Gurst. In this employment Mr. 
Giebel continued until his election to that 
office in the fall of 1874. At this time 
Mr. Giebel was found to be the youngest 
county auditor in the State of Ohio, being 
then only twenty-three years old. He was 
re-elected in 1876, and served until 1878, 
when Adam Hodes, present incumbent, 
was elected to succeed him. But for the 
custom of his party to let no county of- 
ficer remain more than two terms, Mr. 
Giebel would no doubt have been retained 
in that office. Upon the election of Mr. 
Hodes, he retained Mr. Giebel as his 
clerk and deputy, on account of his thor- 
ough knowledge of the office and its 
duties, which position he still holds, and 
is by all acknowledged to be a man fit for 
the place. Meantime, Mr. Giebel has 
been clerk of the city of Fremont, a mem- 
ber of the city council, in which he is now 
sitting a second term, and was for one 
year president of that body. He is also a 
member and stockholder in the Fremont 
Brick and Tile Company, As a business 
man in general, and as a county auditor. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



549 



he stands high in the estimation of the 
people of the county. As a citizen of 
correct walk and deportment, he is highly 
esteemed. His career thus far promises 
well for the future, and demonstrates what 
German emigrants may gain for their 
children by emigrating to free America. 



JESSE S. OLMSTED. 

In writing the biographies of pioneers 
and prominent men of Sandusky county, 
a link would be missing and the chain in- 
complete should we omit a sketch of the 
life and services of the gentleman whose 
family and personal history we give in the 
following narrative: Jesse S. Olmsted was 
born in Ridgefield, Connecticut, Decem- 
ber 24, 1792. When he was quite young 
his father removed to Albany, New York, 
where young Olmsted was placed for 
awhile under the instruction of Dr. Knott. 
When quite a young man he was 
employed as bookkeeper in a large 
mercantile establishment. Here he be- 
came a thorough accountant, and took his 
first lessons in mercantile transactions. In 
the fall of 1817 Mr. Olmsted, in company 
with his brother George G., brought from 
Albany, New York, to Lower Sandusky, 
the first stock of goods that rose to the 
dignity of a mercantile transaction. It 
consisted of a general assortment of dry 
goods, groceries, hardware, crockery, 
liquors, and wines, and amounted, upon 
the invoices at Albany, to the handsome 
sum of twenty-seven thousand dollars. 
This firm of brothers also brought with 
them carpenters to build a store, and 
coopers to make barrels to be used at the 
fisheries here, which trade was then, and 
has since been, very considerable. The 
workmen, eleven in all, together with the 
nails, glass, and the hardware necessary 
for their intended building, were trans- 



ported from Albany to Bufialo by land, 
thence by water to this place. The pine 
lumber was brought from Buffalo by water. 
The amount paid for transportation on this 
stock of merchandise was four thousand 
four hundred dollars. Immediately upon 
their arrival they commenced the erection 
of their store. It was the second frame 
structure built here. It was located near 
Doncyson's brewery. Its dimensions were 
sixty by thirty feet, two stories high, with 
dormer-windows and projecting beams, 
with pulley blocks attached in front for 
raising goods. It presented a front of 
sixty feet towards the river, and the lower 
story was divided into two apartments — ■ 
one a salesroom or store, and the other a 
warehouse. 

This was considered a mammoth build- 
ing, and for many years it was a kind of 
commercial emporium, the stock of goodj 
in it being greater than in any other be- 
tween Detroit and Cleveland, and Urbana 
and the lake. Mr. Olmsted's first trade was 
chiefly with the Indians of the Wyandot, 
Seneca, and Ottawa tribes. Soon after 
Mr. Olmsted and his brother opened busi- 
ness, they received in trade and shipped in 
one season twenty thousand muskrat skins, 
worth twenty-five cents each; eight thou- 
sand coon skins, worth fifty cents each • 
two thousand deer skins, at fifty cents; 
one hundred and fifty otter skins, at five 
dollars each; and two hundred bear skins, 
at five dollars each. In 1820 the Olmsted 
Brothers sent the first pork from this place 
eastward. It consisted of one hundred 
and fifty barrels, and was marketed at 
Montreal. The cost here was two thou- 
sand dollars for the lot, but it was sold for 
considerable less. 

About the year 1825 the firm dissolved, 
and Mr. Jesse S. Olmsted went into busi- 
ness at Tymochtee ; but in two or three 
years he returned to Lower Sandusky, 
where he remained the rest of his life. 



55° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



The first wheat shipped East from this 
point — a lot of six hundred bushels — was 
sent by Mr. Olmsted in the year 1830. 
It cost him forty cents per bushel in Lower 
Sandusky, and sold in Buffalo for sixty 
cents. Transportation was then so high 
that this advance of twenty cents per 
bushel was consumed in expenses. He 
made nothing, therefore, by the operation. 
On the ist of January, 1821, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Azuba Forgerson, of Lower 
Sandusky, though a native ot Orange 
county, New York. The marriage license 
on this occasion was the second issued 
after the organization of the county. The 
family comprised three children — Dorcas 
Ann, the first daughter, born September 
12, 1824, died August 25, 1826; Ann M., 
now Mrs. Charles Foster, of Fostoria, 
Ohio, and Charles, now partner in the 
large mercantile firm of Foster, Olmsted 
& Co., of the same place. Mr. Olmsted 
died in Fremont on the 9th of November, 
i860, at the age of sixty-eight. He was 
always held in high esteem for his integrity 
and discernment, and he held for a time 
the position of county treasurer; also that 
of associate judge of the court of common 
pleas; all the duties of which offices, as 
well as those of other official stations, he 
performed to the entire satisfaction of the 
people. Humbug found no \ictim, hol- 
low, heartless formality no advocate in 
him. For the unfortunate he always had 
an open and helping hand, and in early 
times here many in distress were relieved 
by his generous donations. As an officer, 
he was prompt and reliable; as a business 
man, he was ever strictly honest. His 
goods had only one price, and his book 
entries told the truth. Fair profits and 
unflinching frankness and honesty in all 
transactions were the cardinal principles of 
his life, and when newly-arrived merchants 
came into the place and adopted the usual 
tactics of cheapening some leading articles 



of merchandise, with the price of which 
the people were familiar, to attract custom, 
and then make up the loss on articles of 
which the customer was ignorant of the 
value. Judge Olmsted's indignation knew 
no bounds. He denounced such a system 
of merchandising as knavery and robbery. 

The fact that Judge Olmsted was the 
pioneer merchant of the place, that he 
came to Lower Sandusky when the whole 
country was a sickly wilderness, that he 
was an eye-witness to the birth of the 
town and of every step of progress in its 
early history — that he had seen the coun- 
try a wilderness inhabited by wild beasts 
and still wilder men transformed into a 
peaceful garden of civilization and beauty, 
— all conspire to rank him as the leading 
pioneer man and merchant of Lower San- 
dusky, alias Fremont. 

In a lecture at Birchard Hall delivered 
in F'ebruary, i860. Homer Everett, esq., 
who had been many years a clerk for Judgi? 
Olmsted, and a member of his family, the 
judge being then alive and present at the 
meeting, thus alluded to his marriage: 

Forty years a faithful, lovin.sr, married pair! For 
forty years the same familiar step upon the threshold 
of a happy home to meet warm comforts and a 
loving welcome ; forty years' hand in hand along 
life's road, eye to eye reading the inmost thoughts, 
and loving more and more; faithful, true, confiding, 
with heart to heart through all the trials and changes 
of mortal life from youth to age. I have been an 
inmate of that home, and claim the right to say 
there is not in our town a more interesting and 
beautiful social spectacle than the every day life of 
this aged pair! Surely such are blest. 

Judge Olmsted dejjarted this life on 
the 9th of November, i860. Mrs. Olm- 
sted still survives, and is now in her eighty- 
seventh year, is still vigorous, and retains 
her mental faculties in a remarkable de- 
gree. 

Azuba Olmsted was born in Orange 
county, State of New York, March, 1795. 
Her parents were Richard Forgerson and 
Julia (Davis) Forgerson. They came to 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



551 



Lower Sandusky with Aaron Forgerson in 
the year 181 7. 



ELISHA W. HOWLANI). 

Elisha W. Howland has been dead 
. many years. He was never married and left 
no relative in this State, and it is now im- 
practicable to obtain facts concerning his 
early life. It is known that he came to 
Lower Sandusky as early as 182 1. He 
resided there continually from that date 
until the time of his death, about the year 
1854. He worked at the carpenter busi- 
ness and framed and finished most of the 
frame houses in the place built previous 
to that time. At the time of his death 
he owned considerable property, including 
the hotel on the northeast corner of Front 
and State streets. He was for a term one 
of the associate judges of the county, and 
was afterwards called Judge Howland. 
In the early days of Lower Sandusky he 
opened a cabinet-making shop, and for 
many years his shop furnished all the cof- 
fins used in Lower Sandusky and vicinity. 
He also made bureaus, bedsteads, chests, 
and tables for the settlers, and his work 
was both tasteful and substantial. 

In a lecture delivered by Homer P^ver- 
ett at Birchard Hall in i860, in tracing 
characteristics of the early settlers at 
Lower Sandusky, he gave the following 
sketch of Judge Howland: 

He was a man uf good sense, sound judgment, 
independent, skeptical, of strong intellect and pithy 
expression. Many of his center-shot witticisms and 
eccentric speeches are well remembered, one or two 
of which will give an idea of the man. 

About the year 1838 our town contained two young 
and aspiring politicians by the names of Bishop Eddy 
^nd Homer Everett. They were Democrats, and 
for some time had been very active in every canvass, 
organizing the party, controlling the nominations, 
and advocating the necessity of voting the regular 
unscratched ticket. Their efforts were attended with 
some success, and they became quite conspicuous, 
and got some offices filled by men who were not fit 



for the place. "Judge" Howland, as he was called, 
hated the Democratic party and all belonging to it. 
About this time a young man named Harmon, also 
a Democrat, purchased and brought to our town one 
of those long-eared animals known as cousin of the 
horse and father of the mules— -such an animal as 
Frank Leslie would have us believe is the high priest 
of the Sons of Malta. Harmon considered this ani- 
mal a speculation, and being the first in our town, it 
attracted considerable attention. One mornmg he 
went to the stable. The halter was in the stall, but 
the jack had stepped out. The door was open, and 
Harmon supposed his favorite was stolen. The news 
of the loss soon spread over the town; scouts were 
sent out in every direction, and everybody was in- 
quiring and narrating these events, and speculation 
was rife as to where the chattel had gone. 

About II o'clock A. M. a loud braying in the loft 
of the stable announced that the missmg properly 
had been raised to an elevation above that commonly 
assigned to it. Harmon heard the musical note and 
hastened with eagerness to assure himself that the 
sound had not deceived him. Upon approaching 
the stable the head and ears projecting from an upper 
opening of the stable assured him that all was safe. 
But how did he get there? That was the question. 
There was no stairs nor ladder, and how could such 
a creature climb on pegs driven into the wall? He 
must have been elevated to the haymow by human 
aid, and who had done it became the great question. 
"Whoever had perpetrated this sell on Harmon might 
e.xpect to suffer. Just then Howland and some others 
had been discu.ssing politics in a bar-room, and Eddy 
and Everett had undergone some of the Judge's hand- 
ling, especially in regard to the bad officers they had 
been instrumental in hoisting into place, when in 
came Harmon saying, e.\citedly, that he would give 
twenty dollars to know who put his jack up into the 
loft and left hjs stable door open. Howland quietly 
replied, " I can tell who it was. " 
" Well, who was it ?" 
"Homer Everett and Bish. Eddy." 
"Why, Judge, what makes you think so?" 
" Because it's their trade, and has been since they 
took hold of the Democratic party. They have 
been engaged in elevating jackasses for the past three 
years! " 

During his sickness and while confined to his room 
he sent his landlord, Ira Smith, esq., one evening 
about 7 o'clock, for a bottle of medicine, with 
directions to hurry. Smith was detained until about 
10 o'clock, when he arrivedat the door of the Judge's 
room and found it fastened. He had been a little 
alarmed for fear the Judge might die suddenly and 
alone. He rapped and no reply came; rapped 
again, louder and longer; waited a moment or so, 
and no sound. He was troubled, and he began to 
think the Judge had locked himself in and become 
speechless, perhaps dead. He took hold of the 



552 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



door handle and rapped and shook it as if he would 
tear it down. As quick as the rattle of the door 
subsided, a well-known powerful voice, hot with 
anger, roared out: "I've been dead these two hours; 
go way and don't bother me ! " 

There was some contention about the location of 
the Cleveland and Toledo Railroad through our 
town. Judge Rowland's opinion was that it should 
cross the river north of town; others contended that it 
should go through on the south side, and the latter was 
finally chosen as the route. This line through Bellevue 
ran near a distillery, and at this place, excepting the 
curve at the west side of the river, ran pretty direct 
towards the old cemetery. After the location and 
line had been fi.xed the Judge was asked if he did 
not think it was the best, after all. His reply was: 
"Well, may be 'tis; they have made two points in the 
road which will ensure a lasting business. It runs 
from .... distillery to our 
grave-yard. I suppose the road can carry off the 
dead as fast as he can kill." 

One Anderson, by cunning management, was ap- 
pointed collector of customs in our town, by the 
proper authorities at Washington city, and the ap- 
pointment was not satisfactory to the faithful. How- 
land disliked Anderson. In course of time, at the 
solicitation of the people, John R. Pease obtained 
the removal of .Anderson, and secured the office in 
his stead. On hearing of this change, Howland 
would say to his friends: "It is a fine sight to see a 
wicked man repent and do penance for his sins. • 
Anderson is going about with a face as long as your 
arm, and has peas (Pease) in his shoes." 



JACOB MILLIOUS. 

This pioneer of the county was born in 
Rensselaer county, New York, in 1794. 
At an early age he learned the trade of 
painting, and in 1818 started westward. 
After living in various places in Ohio, 
painting and doing odd jobs, in 1821, with 
a load of whiskey and flour, drawn by two 
yoke of oxen, he started from Cincinnati 
for Lower Sandusky, where he opened a 
grocery store and bakery. He suffered for 
several months after arriving from malarial 
fever, which greatly discouraged him. As 
soon as he had sufficiently recovered 
strength he packed his gripsack and 
started for Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and 
did not return until 1822. He was for 
many years employed in trade, and be- 



longed to that coterie of friends who did 
so much to enliven village life. 

Jacob Millious, a small, wiry man in 
stature, was three times married, and left 
a number of children to perpetuate his 
honorable name, several of whom, and his 
worthy widow, reside at Fremont, Ohio. 

Mr. Millious died at Fremont in 1880, at 
the age of nearly eighty-seven years. As 
a citizen he was enterprising, and in busi- 
ness no man questioned the integrity of 
Jacob Millious. 



JAMES JUSTICE AND FAMILY. 

Among the pioneers of Fremont who 
deserve a notice in this history, few are 
more deserving a place than the subject 
of this sketch and his family. James Jus- 
tice was born in Bedford county, Penn- 
sylvania, on the 1 8th day of August, 
1794. His father was William Justice 
and his mother was Eleanor Umsted. 
The father of Mr. Justice was of English 
and his mother of German ancestry. 
At about the age of nine years he re- 
moved with his parents from Bedford 
county to Ross county, Ohio, about six 
miles from the old State capital, Chilli- 
cothe. There he received a rudimentary 
education, such as that early date in the 
history of Ohio afforded, which was in- 
deed limited compared with the grand 
system of education now to be found in 
every part of the State. In early life he 
manifested an uncommon inclination to 
activity, a good share of which was wasted 
in the prosecution of innocent mischief 
and resistance to authority. However, 
as he grew to manhood, business activity 
took the place of mischief, and he en- 
gaged at about the date of 181 7 or r8i8 
in the flat-boat trade with New Orleans. 
The early settlers along the Ohio river 
and navigable tributaries all looked to this 
trade as a market for the bacon, flour and 




JESSE S. 

This popular citizen of Fremont was a descend- 
ant of the Van Ness family once so noted for wealth 
and influence in the State of New York. He was a 
son of Simon and Julia Van Ness, and was bom in 
Orange county, State of New York, on the 25th day 
of October, 1819. There he learned with his father 
the trade of tanning and currying. He was married 
to Miss )ane A. Blakeslee, in Orange county, on the 
29th day of August, 1850, and emigrated from there 
to Fremont, Ohio, in the month of April, 1852. 
After locating in Fremont Mr. Van Ness worked 
about two years in what was known as the old Van 
Doren tannery. He then bought a lot not far away 
and built a new tannery for himself, not far from the 
Van Doren tannery, on the side hill, on the east side 
of the river. 

In the year 1862 or thereabouts, finding the busi- 
ness not remunerative, he sold out, and spent several 
years in putting up and supplying the city with ice. 
His ice house was on the premises of Isaac Sharp, 
next above the river bridge of the Lake Shore Rail- 
road. 

While thus engaged he was elected Mayor of the 
city of Fremont, and although a Republican, the 
people liked him so well, and had so much confi- 
dence in his integrity, ability and good judgment 



VAN NESS. 

] that although the city was really a Democratic city, 
I Mr. Van Ness drew largely from the Democratic 
I party, and was elected by a handsome majority at 
the spring election of 1873, and again elected in the 
spring of 1877, and again for a third term in the 
spring of 1881, and engaged in discharging the du- 
ties of the office in a very satisfactory manner, and to 
the great approval of the people of the city until a 
short time before his death, when his last sickness 
disabled him, and his death occurred on the 14th day 
of June, 1881. Mr. Van Ness was a warm and faith- 
ful friend of the public schools of Fremont, and was 
a valued member of the Board of Education for fif- 
teen years, and held that office also at the time of 
his death. He was also for a number of years one 
of the township trustees of Sandusky county. 

He was a member of long and good standing of 
the order of Free and Accepted Masons, having 
been a member of Brainard Lodge of Fremont, 
Ohio, many years. 

He was also a member of the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows, perhaps older in Odd Fellowship 
than any person in Fremont, he having joined Goshen 
Lodge in Orange county, New York, before he came 
to Fremont. 

Though not a member of any church, his wife had 



joined the Methodist Episcopal church when twelve 
years old, and has all her life been a consistent mem- 
ber and regular attendant on divine service accord- 
ing to the forms of that church, and Mr. Van Ness, 
out of regard for religion generally, and especially 
out of regard for his wife's deep and settled piety, 
did much for the cause of religion according to the 
forms of the church which she adopted and revered. 

Although Mr. and Mrs. Van Ness were not blest 
with children of their own, they adopted and edu- 
cated two daughters, whose education and culture 
became their chief desire. The first adopted child 
was Elsie Jane Karshner, a relative by blood, whom 
they reared with the must affectionate and tender 
regard, and who was ready to graduate in the Fremont 
high school in the class of 1866, when she died 
shortlv before the commencement-day, to which she 
and her parents by adoption looked forward with 
such pleasing anticipations, at the age of sixteen. 

On the death of Elsie there was dark loneliness in 
the home of Mr. Van Ness, and they soon brought a 
light to supply the place of the beautiful and loved 
one which death had e.xtinguished. This light for 



their home Mr. and Mrs. Van Ness found in the 
Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home at Xenia, 
Ohio. Her name is May Bell. The parentage of this 
child her foster mother, Mrs. Van Ness, is not now 
ready to disclose, and the secret remains with her 
for disclosure when circumstances may require. She 
is a bright young woman now, engaged in teaching 
one of the primary schools of Fremont, and is at 
once the companion and comfort of Mrs. Van Ness 
in her widowhood. 

At the funeral of Mr. Van Ness an impressive 
sermon was delivered by the Rev. T. H. Wilson, of 
the Methodist Episcopal church. The Odd Fellows 
then took charge of the remains, and the closing of 
business houses, the large attendance of citizens, 
the attendance in a body of all the remaining 
city officials, the long line of carriages which fol- 
lowed the remains to the cemetery, and the impres- 
sive burial services by the large attendance of Odd 
Fellows, all testified that Mr. Van Ness was held in 
high esteem as a citizen, an officer, and a man. He 
rests now in Oak wood cemetery among the honored 
ones who sleep there. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



553 



whiskey, so easily and abundantly pro- 
duced in Southern Ohio at that time, and 
from thence drew supplies by exchange, of 
sugars and all those goods which we now 
term groceries. Often, however, the flat- 
boatman would sell his cargo and boat at 
New Orleans for cash and work his way 
up the river to his home the best way he 
could. In this trade young Justice dis- 
played first-class financial talents and ac- 
cumulated considerable cash. He main- 
tained regular correspondence with the 
merchants of New Orleans, and was at all 
times well informed of the prices of goods 
there as well as the price of the products 
which were designed for sale or exchange 
in the South. 

Before engaging in the New Orleans 
trade he had taken some interest in and 
understanding of the business of tanning 
at Chillicothe, but discontinued this to vol- 
unteer under General William H. Harrison 
in the War of 1812. He was with Harri- 
son at Fort Seneca at the time of the bat- 
tle of Fort Stephenson, August 2, 181 3. 
After the war he resided at Chillicothe, 
and for a time gave attention to the tan- 
ning business. On the 12th of October, 
1820, he married Miss Eliza Moore, daugh- 
ter of David Moore and sister to John 
and James, deceased, two well-known citi- 
zens of Ballville, and both millers and 
manufacturers, and both wealthy and en- 
terprising men. 

In the month of September, 1822, Mr. 
Justice removed from Ross to Sandusky 
county, and first located in Ballville town- 
ship, and in what is now known as Ballville 
village. The manner of his moving from 
Ross county is quite in contrast with the 
mode of travel at the present day. He 
placed his wife and child on horseback, 
while he started with them on foot. For 
a time after his arrival at Ballville, Mr. 
Justice assisted his father-in-law, David 
Moore, in running his grist- and saw-mill 



at that place. After spending probably 
two years in this manner, he removed to 
Lower Sandusky and erected a tannery on 
the north side of State street, at the foot 
of the hill, on the west side of the river. 
With the tannery he connected the busi- 
ness of harness and shoemaking. Here, 
again, his financial talent was displayed, 
and he accumulated money in his business 
quite rapidly, and made large savings after 
supporting a family. In this business Mr. 
Justice simply managed the financial de- 
partment, leaving the manual labor to ex- 
pert workmen, whom he employed in the 
different shops. About 1847 he turned 
the business over to his son, Milton J. 
Justice, and gave his attention to investing 
and managing his capital. He made large 
gains by buying and selling lands, some- 
times on his own account, and sometimes 
in partnership with Rodolphus Dickinson 
and Sardis Birchard. Mr. Justice was 
prominent in the part he took in construct- 
ing the Tiffin and Fostoria plank roads, 
which for a time contributed so much to 
the trade and prosperity of Fremont. 
When the Wyandot Reservation at Upper 
Sandusky was sold, and the Indians re- 
moved to the Far West, Mr. Justice was 
selected by the Government as appraiser 
of the land on account of his soundness 
of judgment in matters of value. 

Shortly after coming to Lower Sandusky 
Mr. Justice was chosen by the Legislature 
of Ohio one of the associate judges of 
the court of common pleas of Sandusky 
county, which ofifice he filled with singular 
promptness and fidelity for a numbei of 
years, under the first Constitution of the 
State. 

For a period of perhaps ten years Judge 
Justice discharged gratuitously and effi- 
ciently the duties of a member of the 
board of education of the city of Fre- 
mont, acting most of the time as treasurer 
of the board, a position for which he was 



554 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



peculiarly and well qualified. He was 
also mayor of the village for a term. 

When the First National Bank of Fre- 
mont was organized, Judge Justice placed 
some capital in the stock of that institu- 
tion, and on account of his well-known 
financial ability and integrity, was one of 
the first board of directors, and he held 
this position by successive re elections 
until the time of his death, which oc- 
curred on the 28th day of May, 1873, 
at the ripe age of seventy-eight years, 
leaving a large estate for the support of 
his wife and to descend to his four adult 
children. 

In person Judge Justice was a man of 
impressive presence and strong magnetic 
power, ot large size, weighing over two 
hundred pounds, light hair and complex- 
ion, blue eyes, and full round head and 
face. In business promptness and integ- 
rity no citizen surpassed him. His punc- 
tuality in the performance of all contracts 
and promises w.is a marked feature in his 
character, and his wonderful industry and 
activity in all business affairs continued 
until the disability caused by his last sick- 
ness compelled him to reluctantly cease 
his labors. Those who enter the First 
National Bank of Fremont may see an 
admirable portrait of Judge Justice on 
the south wall of the office, which was 
presented by his children. The picture 
is the work of his only living son, Milton 
J. Justice, who is a natural artist and has 
set forth his father's features with wonder- 
ful accuracy. 

The wife of the subject of the foregoing 
sketch was not only one of the pioneers 
of this county but possessed virtues in a 
remarkable degree. She was born in 
Huntingdon county, State of Pennsylva- 
nia, on the 13th day of October, 1800. 
the daughter of David Moore and sister of 
Mrs. William Fields, now a widow residing 
in this county, and also sister of the late 



worthy citizens James and John Moore, 
of Ballville township, so well remembered 
and esteemed by the people of the county 
as men of high merit nni success in busi- 
ness and in usctulnebs to the community. 

At the age of fourteen years Miss 
Eliza Moore emigrated with her parents 
from Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, to 
Ross county, Ohio. Her father, David 
Moore, was of full Scotch blood, and her 
mother was born in Pennsylvania. In 
1820 she was married to James Justice, 
near Chillicothe, and in 1822 emigrated 
thence to Sandusky county, with her hus- 
band and only child and settled in Ball- 
ville township. Her father had p'-eceded 
her in coming into the county and was 
then engaged in the erection of a grist- 
and saw-mill on the Sandusky River, in 
what is now known as Ballville village. 
But Mr. Moore had n-^t then brought his 
family into the county. The journey from 
Chillicothe to Ballville was made by Mrs. 
Justice on horseback. The child, Nancy, 
she brought with her, is now the wife of 
Dr. James W. Wilson, president of the 
First National Bank of Fremont. The 
way was through an almost unbroken wil- 
derness. 

The inhabitants of this northwestern 
portion of the State were very few and very 
poor in the goods of this world, but they 
were rich in that trust in God, irrepressible 
cheerfulness, and indomitable courage 
which distinguished the hardy pioneers of 
that period in this portion of the State. 
After arriving at Ballville, Mr.s. Justice 
passed a short time in a fisherman's shanty, 
until a log cabin was finished, in the per- 
formance of her domestic duties, with 
scanty means, and for nine months she 
never saw the face of a white woman. In 
this shanty the only fire-place was a heap 
of stones in one corner to prevent the fire 
from burning the wall. Above the fire- 
place was an opening in the roof for the 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



555 



escape of the smoke. If the rain put out 
the fire, Mrs. Justice would be compelled 
to go a mile and a quarter to the nearest 
neighbor's to obtain coals to rekindle her 
fire. Among her cooking utensils she had 
what was called a Dutch oven, an iron 
shallow kettle, with an iron lid or cover, in 
which all her baking was done, by setting 
the kettle over coals and piling coals on 
the cover. She often preserved fire in 
a stormy time by placing brands and coals 
in this oven, and placing it out of the 
reach of the rain in the back part of the 
shanty, and thus saved the time and 
trouble of going to the neighbor's for fire. 
Mrs. Justice survived her husband until 
the 17th day of October, 1876, when she 
died at the advanced age of seventy-six 
years and four days. Her remains now 
rest by the side of those of her husband, 
marked by a beautiful granite monument, 
in that beautiful resting place, Oakland 
cemetery. 

This venerable and respected pair reared 
a family whose standing in society testify 
to the merits of their parents. The family 
consisted of three daughters and one son, 
all surviving them. Another son was born 
to them, named Granville Moore, who 
died at Lower Sandusky at the age of six- 
teen years. The names of the surviving 
children are: Mrs. Nancy E. Wilson, wife 
of Dr. James W. Wilson (this daughter 
was born in Chillicothe, and was the child 
^Mrs. Justice brought on horseback from 
that place); Minerva E., wife of Hon. Ho- 
mer Everett ; Mrs. S. Eliza Failing, wife 
of Dr. John W. Failing, all now residing in 
Fremont, and Milton J. Justice, now a res- 
ident of Lucas county, Ohio. 

On the 1 2th of October, 1870, this 
then venerable husband and wife cele- 
brated their golden wedding. The oc- 
casion was of peculiar interest to a large 
assemblage of friends there present 
to witness the ceremonies and festiv- 



ities. Among the other pleasant events 
of that evening was one of peculiar interest' 
and pleasure to all present, but especially to 
Mrs. Justice. This was the presentation 
from the children by Rev. R. L. Chitten- 
den of a beautiful gold ring, on the in- 
side of which neatly engraved was the 
sacred word, "Mother." This was surely 
a most fitting and significant expression of 
enduring love and filial affection of the 
children. Surely this pair of pioneers 
were honorable, and honored by society 
for their virtues while living, and honored 
in and by their posterity, who live to revere 
their memories and imitate their virtues. 

It is worthy of note, that Mrs. Justice 
had received from her father as part of her 
outfit, a set of Windsor chairs, painted yel- 
low, a bureau, a table, stand, and bed- 
stead, all of solid black walnut and orna- 
mented with brass knobs or handles, 
which she preserved to the close of her 
life and which are still kept by her daugh- 
ter, in the family, at her old homstead, now 
occupied by Mrs. Homer Everett. The 
chairs were used by the aged couple at 
their golden wedding above spoken of, 
and illustrates that care and economy of 
Mrs. Justice which contributed so much 
to the accumulation of wealth and the 
comfort of her descendants. 



JACOB BURGNER 

was born in Thompson township, Seneca 
county, Ohio, November 5, 1833. His 
parents were of Swiss descent. His father, 
Peter Burgner, came from Lancaster coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania, in 181 2, at the age of 
nine years, to Stark county, Ohio. Here 
he twice helped clear up a home and 
worked several years in the construction 
of the Ohio and Erie canal. In 1830 he 
married Miss Catharine Hollinger, and 
moved to Seneca county, where he en- 



556 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



tered a quarter-section of heavily timbered 
land two miles west of Flat Rock. This 
he cleared up and improved with unremit- 
ting toil, making it a comfortable home 
for himself and family for thirty-three 
years. 

Jacob was the eldest of seven children, 
five sons and two daughters. His first 
teacher was John Grimes. Being assisted 
at home, and stimulated by rewards from 
teachers and parents, he made rapid pro- 
gress in his studies, and committed to 
memory many pages of his text-books, 
but his mind was often overtasked and 
his health injured by close confinement 
in the crowded, unventilated log school- 
house where he spent the first twelve 
years of his school life. He attended 
several Sunday-schools, read and re-read 
every library book and newspaper that 
came in his way, and recited from mem- 
ory about one-half of the New Testament. 
When he was eleven years old his mother 
died, and this event led him to look too 
much on the dark side of life. At the 
age of sixteen he became a member of the 
United Brethren church, under the minis- 
try of Rev. J. C. Bright, and he was soon 
after elected class-leader and Sunday- 
school superintendent, offices which he 
held at intervals for many years afterwards. 
At the age of seventeen he taught a com- 
mon school in his father's district, and 
during the next five winters he taught in 
the neighboring schools of Thompson town- 
ship. His wages meanwhile rose from 
ten to thirty-two dollars per month. He 
was a careful reader of the Ohio Journal 
of Education. The summer seasons were 
spent at hard work on his father's farm. 
From 1852 till 1856 he attended school 
at Otterbein University, and at the Seneca 
County Academy, Republic, Ohio. 

In the fall of 1856 he returned to Otter 
bein University, where he remained' three 
full years and completed his course of study. 



On the 8th of September, 1859, he was 
married to Miss Rebecca M. Miller, and 
soon after came to Fremont and taught the 
East grammar school under Don A. Pease 
superintendent. The next year he taught 
the Maumee grammar school. In the fall of 
1 861 he returned to Fremont and taught 
the high school in a small brick building 
in the rear of the old Presbyterian church. 
Rev. E. Bushnell being superintendent. 
In the fall of 1862 he was elected super- 
intendent of the Port Clinton schools, 
and in 1864 of the Green Spring union 
schools. Finding that his health was in- 
jured by confinement to the school-room, 
he began farming in the spring of 1863. 
Here he has followed farming during the 
summer season and teaching country 
schools during the winter for the past 
eighteen years. In the summer of 1864 
Mr. Burgner served as clerk of company 
H, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth regi- 
ment, Ohio National Guards, about four 
months at Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia. In 
April, 1865, he was elected justice of the 
peace of Ballville township, which office 
he held six years. Of Mr. Burgner's 
brothers, one died in infancy, David and 
Joseph in early manhood, and Dr. Samuel 
H. Burgner, of Bellevue, at the age of 
twenty-eight, leaving an only daughter, 
Orie, an orphan. His sister Mary mar- 
ried Henry Biechler, and lives at York 
Center; his sister Lizzie married Joseph 
B. Maurer and lives near Monticello, In- 
diana. His father, Peter Burgner, was 
three times married, and died at the age 
of seventy-four. 

Jacob Burgner's family consists of his 
wife and three children — Kittie, Linneus 
and Louis. His first daughter, Alice, 
died in infancy. He took in her place his 
brother's child, Orie, at the same early age, 
maintained and educated her, and she is 
now about completing a course of study 
at Oberlin college. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



557 



In the fall of 1853 Jacob Burgner took 
his first lessons in phonography, of Charles 
S. Royce, at a teacher's institute, held at 
Republic, Ohio. The novelty, simplicity, 
and brevity of phonetic shorthand com- 
pletely captivated him, and he at once be- 
came wedded to it for life. He bought 
The American Manual of Phonography, 
by Elias Longley, (Ben Pitman's system, 
Cincinnati, Ohio), and mastered its con- 
tents. He then wrote a shorthand letter 
to Mr. Royce, and received a similar one 
in return. While a student at Republic, 
Ohio, he taught several classes in pho- 
nography, and began the study of Ben 
Pitman's Reporter's Companion. This 
he mastered, column after column, until 
he could read at a glance, or write in- 
stantly, the briefest outline for more than 
four thousand of the most frequently re- 
curring words and phrases in the English 
language. But it was not until after he 
had taught several classes in phonography 
at Otterbein University, and had made many 
repeated efforts and failures at reporting 
sermons and lectures, that, in 1857, he 
acquired the ability to write legibly with 
the rapidity of speech. Mr. Burgner's 
first verbatim report was one of Bishop 
Davis' sermons, and it was soon after hon- 
ored with the dignity of print by the Rev. 
Alexander Campbell, who solicited and 
published it in the Millenial Harbinger, 
Volume I., No. 12. 

On coming to Fremont, m 1859, Mr. 
Burgner gave a short course of lessons in 
phonography to the teachers of the Union 
Schools, and in the spring of 1861 fur- 
nished the Fremont papers with a verbatim 
report of the speeches of Hon. Homer 
Everett, Colonel R. P. Buckland, and 
Rev. H. Lang, at a flag presentation to 
the Seventy-second Regiment, Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry. This was the first sten- 
ographic reporting done in Sandusky 
county. 



At the May term, 187 1, of the court 
of common pleas for Sandusky county, 
Mr. Burgner made the first stenographic 
report of a law suit, in the case of Mrs. 
Harriet Seager vs. J. S. Lutz, at request 
of the plaintiff. 

In June, 1876, he reported verbatim 
for the Cincinnati Enquirer and the Fre- 
mont papers the first speech of General 
R. B. Hayes, after his nomination for the 
Presidency, and, in 1877, the speeches of 
many distinguished generals of the army, 
at the grand reunion of Hayes' regiment, 
the Twenty-third, at Fremont, Ohio. 

At the March term, 1880, Jacob Burg- 
ner and L. E. Stetler were appointed 
official stenographers for Sandusky county 
court of common pleas, for three years, by 
Judge J. H. Doyle, of Toledo, and they 
then jointly reported the proceedings in 
the Pelter Welch murder trial. 



STEPHEN BUCKLAND AND 
FAMILY. 

This highly esteemed citizen of Fremont 
was born at Hudson, Portage county (since 
included in Summit county) on the i6th 
day of January, 18 14. He is the son of 
Ralph Buckland and Ann (Kent) Buck- 
land, of Connecticut, and of English an- 
cestry. His father died before he was 
born, and was buried at Ravenna, Portage 
county, Ohio. Stephen left home at about 
six years of age and became a member of 
the family of Charles King, whose wife 
was sister to Mr. Buckland's mother. Mr. 
King moved to Brooklyn while Stephen 
was still quite young, and engaged in the 
manufacture of castor oil, and there man- 
ufactured the first castor oil made in the 
West. In this business young Buckland 
assisted as he could, and became quite 
an efficient help for Mr. King. At the 
age of about fifteen years young Buckland 



558 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



went home to live with his mother, who, 
meantime, had married Dr. Luther Han- 
chet, at Middlebury, Portage county, Ohio. 
While at Mr. King's young Buckland often 
visited his mother at Middlebury, and in 
doing so passed over the site of the pres- 
ent flourishing city of Akron. The coun- 
try where Akron now stands was then a 
wilderness without inhabitants or improve- 
ment, unless a hunter's cabin situated 
there can be called an improvement. 
This was about the year 182 1 or 1822, and 
before the Ohio canal was located. Ste- 
phen was in the vicinity, and afterwards 
witnessed the construction of the canal 
and subsequent growth of the city. He 
determined, as all young men should, to 
learn a trade, and according to this deter- 
mination he learned the cabinet and chair- 
making business in the establishment of 
Mr. Harry Purdy, in Middlebury. From 
there he went to Akron, and after working 
at his trade for a time rented the factory 
at lock number four, on the canal, which 
furnished water-power for the establish- 
ment. After remaining in this business 
a few years he went to Canfield and en- 
gaged as clerk in the mercantile house of 
Kent & Lockwood. While so engaged he 
made the acquaintance of Miss Lucy 
Whittlesey, daughter of the late Hon. 
Elisha Whittlesey, so well known and es- 
teemed in the State of Ohio. He was 
married to this lady on the nth day of 
October, A. D. 1838. Soon after the 
marriage the husband and wife removed 
to Edinburg, in Portage county, where Mr. 
Buckland engaged in merchandising, in 
which pursuit he continued until 1850. 
Mrs. Lucy (Whittlesey) Buckland, the 
wife of Stephen Buckland, was born at Can- 
field on the 2 2d day of December, A. D. 
1817. The children of this worthy hus- 
band and wife were all born while they 
were residing at Edinburg, In the year 
1850 the family came to Fremont and set- 



tled here. Soon after his arrival Mr. Buck- 
land formed a partnership in the drug 
and book business with C. R. McCuUoch, 
and for some time the firm did a prosper- 
ous business. In 1855 this partnership 
was amicably dissolved and Mr. Buckland 
opened a drug and book store on his own 
account, in which business he has contin- 
ued to the present time, either alone or in 
company with his sons. To those who 
know Stephen Buckland no praise is nec- 
essary. His name with them is a synonym 
of all that is sincere, truthful, honest, and 
patriotic. Mr. Buckland now conducts 
the business he has so long been engaged 
m at Fremont, in company with his wor- 
thy son, Ralph Pomeroy Buckland, named 
after General R. P. Buckland. 



DAVID DEAL. 
The only survivor of the War of 181 2, 
who continues to reside in Fremont is 
David Deal. He was born near Harris- 
burg, Pennsylvania, in October, 1793. In 
his younger years he took considerable in- 
terest in hunting and sporting. In 1813 
he was drafted and placed in Colonel Ste- 
phenson's regiment, under General Har- 
rison's command. He was with the army 
at Fort Meigs and Upper Sandusky, and 
was at the fortner place during the siege. 
He was discharged at Fort Seneca shortly 
after the unsuccessful attack on Fort 
Meigs. He married, in 1814, Magdaline 
Overmyer, daughter of Peter Overmyer. 
In 1829 they came to this county and 
settled in Jackson township. Mr. Deal is 
now feeble, but retains correct impressions 
of military operations in the Northwest 
during the period of the second war with 
England. 



Townships of Sandusky County, 



SANDUSKY. 



THIS township originally included all 
that part of the county west of the 
Sandusky River, together with parts of 
Seneca and Ottawa counties. Its organi- 
zation as a township of Huron county in 
1815 has already been given in connection 
with the history of Fremont, which, until 
recently, was included within its limits. 
The territory was reduced to its present 
boundaries in 1878, when Fremont town- 
ship was established. 

The sand ridges along the Sandusky 
River, and extending through the central 
part of the township, were the chosen lo- 
cations of the first settlers, although the 
soil on these sand-bars is mferior to the 
vegetable mould on Muskallonge or on Lit- 
tle Mud Creek. During the early period of 
settlement, the western part being a con- 
tinuous swamp, the first pioneers had no 
choice in the matter of location. Besides, 
numerous small Indian clearings along 
the river prepared the way for white occu- 
pation. The narrative of the two first 
white families — the Whittaker and Wil- 
liams families — is fully given in connec- 
tion with the Indian history and discussion 
of land titles. 

Along Muskallonge a road was opened 
out and clearings commenced about 1827, 
and the first improvement on Little Mud 
Creek, so far as can be learned, was made 
about 1829. 

On the dry lands along the east side of 
the Sandusky is an extensive chain of 



earthworks. One of the mounds on the 
river bank was excavated some years ago 
and a skeleton found between plates 
of mica. These sepulchres of the dis- 
tinguished dead of a civilized and proba- 
bly aesthetic race, which has perished, not 
only from the earth, but from history, fur- 
nish interesting data for speculation. The 
chain of enclosures has almost been ob- 
literated by the gradual change of the 
river channel. Here we have an illustra- 
tion of the effect of progressive civiliza- 
tion. The Mound Builders, as is shown 
by the location of these earth-works, and 
the Indians who followed them, chose the 
dry sand-bars for places of rtsidence. 
The early white settlers followed the ex- 
ample of the races which had vacated. 
But times have changed; axes, plows, and 
tiles have converted the marshy forest, 
worthless years ago, into fields far more 
productive than the sand acres along the 
river ridges. 

Sandusky township is bounded on the 
north by Rice, on the east by Riley, on 
the south by Ballville and Fremont, and 
on the west by Washington. 

The principal streams on the west side 
of the river are Muskallonge and Little 
Mud 'Creek, and on the east side. Bark 
Creek, none of which afford available 
water-power for mills. This, however, was 
no great inconvenience, as the mills on 
the Sandusky River at Ballville and Fre- 
mont were easily reached. The celebrated 

559 



56o 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



"Black Swamp" region begins at Muskal- 
longe and takes in that part of the town- 
ship lying west of this stream. 

SETTLEMENT. 

The settlement of Sandusky township 
was not as rapid as its location would lead 
us to expect. Ballville was improved be- 
fore Sandusky, and the east part of the 
county was filling up rapidly before any- 
thing more than scattering settlements 
were made in this township. Why this 
was the case is an easy problem when the 
miasmatic, sickly state of the country west 
of the river is taken into account. Mus- 
kallonge was dammed up by fallen timber, 
and in consequence a wide tract of coun- 
try was wet and uninviting. No roads 
were opened up in the western part. On 
the whole there was little encouragement 
to settle. 

Except the Whittaker and Williams 
families, Reuben Patterson was the first 
settler of Sandusky township who re- 
mained to make a permanent improve- 
ment and home. There were more squat- 
ters down along the river than perhaps 
any other place in the county, but most of 
them, being unable to enter land, deserted 
their squatter openings and pushed on 
farther west. Mr. Patterson's family con- 
sisted of a wife and si.v children — Alvord, 
Eveline, Danforth, Julius, Harriet, and 
Caroline. The family left New York in a 
wagon in the fall of 1816, and came to 
Huron, then the stopping-place of so 
many Western emigrants. At the open- 
ing of the following spring they removed 
to the peninsula, but sickness so afflicted 
them that the new home with its improve- 
ments was deserted. Mr. Patterson made 
a trip to the Maumee in search of a* home 
and there made the acquaintance of Cap- 
tain Rumery, who persuaded him to come 
to Lower Sandusky. When the family ar- 
rived from the peninsula no room in which 
to put their goods could be found, except 



a log house in the fort, which had been 
used during the war by the officers. 
Esquire Morrison occupied one end and 
Mr. Baker the other; the Patterson family 
were crowded into the middle room, the 
floor of which was made of clay. A bed- 
stead was placed in a corner, and on this, 
during the day, all the clothing w-as piled, 
and at night beds were made on the 
ground. One of the gates thrown down 
before the fire-place furnished one small 
piece of floor, which contributed to the 
comfort of this large family in a small 
room in wet weather. Mr. Patterson and 
his sons set to work and cleared a piece of 
land on the west side of the river, near the 
forks of the road, and in the spring of 
1819 the family moved into an unfinished 
cabin on this place. The cracks were 
filled afterwards with mortar made of clay 
and straw, and a chimney made of logs 
heavily interlaid with clay mortar was 
erected on the outside of the house. The 
location of the cabin was on the Whittaker 
Reserve, a part of which Mr. Patterson 
rented. When the Government sale of 
lands was advertised at Delaware, Mrs. 
Patterson took her little bag of silver coin, 
mounted her horse, and in company with 
Lysander C. Ball and James Whittaker, 
went to Delaware. She purchased what 
was for years known as the Patterson 
farm, on the east side of the river. Here 
Mr. Patterson lived until his death in 
1 84 1, having survived his wife one year. 
The living representatives of the family 
are: Eveline, widow of L. C. Ball; Julius, 
and Harriet, widow of James Moore. 

L. C. Ball was a settler in Sandusky 
township in 1823. He left his home in 
New York in 1818, with a view to locating 
in the West, Detroit being his objective 
point. Being without means, he em- 
ployed the natural method of travelling. 
High water intercepted his progress at 
Lower Sandusky, where he found ern- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



561 



ployment at general work. He soon en- 
gaged at the then profitable trade of black- 
smithing in James Kirk's shop, and after- 
wards built a shop of his own. In 1823 
Mr. Ball married Eveline Patterson, and 
settled on a farm just below the corpora- 
tion, where he lived, raised a family, and 
died. Mrs. Ball remains on the home- 
stead. The children are: Eveline, Al- 
vira, Thaddeus, Oscar, Lysander C, and 
Sarah (Emerson). • 

George Shannon, a son-in-law of James 
Whittaker, is mentioned in connection 
with Indian events of the War of 18 12, in 
the general history, but that event gives 
us an interest in the personal history of 
the family. Mr. Shannon was a native of 
Schenectady, Schoharie county, New 
York, and was born in 1787. He came 
to Lower Sandusky in 1809, and married 
Mary, a daughter of James and Elizabeth 
Whittaker, by whom he had eight chil- 
dren, three of whom are living — -James, 
residing in Oregon; John, in this township: 
and William, inAVood county. Mr. Shan- 
non lived in a cabin on the Whittaker Re- 
serve when James, the oldest son, was 
born. In 1812, when the Indian troubles 
began, he sought safety for his family on 
the Scioto, having refused to accompany 
the Whittakers in Fort Stephenson, be- 
lieving that that post would eventually be 
captured. His return to harvest the corn 
crop, and adventure with the savages while 
thus engaged, is narrated elsewhere. 
When the war had closed, Mr. Shannon 
returned from the Scioto, and settled on a 
piece of land given him by Mrs. Whitta- 
ker. He built a cabin near the river, in 
which he moved the entire family, now 
consisting of several children. Posterity 
must forgive us for stating that, on ac- 
count of an old prejudice, Mr. Shannon 
frequently incurred the wrath of his moth- 
er-in-law, and the relation between the two 
families was not always lovely. The Ind- 



ians usually camped on the river bank 
near the Shannon cabin. Mrs. Shannon's 
"life in the woods" had familiarized her 
with their language and habits, and ena- 
bled her to detect signs of danger. One 
day, while her husband was at work, an 
Indian yell startled the family. She called 
to Mr. Shannon, who did not hear at first, 
and, before she could repeat the warning, 
an angry savage had almost approached 
the house. There was no time for evad- 
ing. Shannon was now facing the Indian, 
who drew forth a concealed tomahawk, 
and, with a double oath, said, in good Eng- 
lish: "Now I going to kill you!" Shan- 
non sprang forward, caught the handle of 
the drawn tomahawk in one hand and the 
strong arm of his savage antagonist in the 
other. A vigorous but brief struggle fol- 
lowed, in which the redskin was prostrated. 
Shannon was now master of the situation. 
He wrenched the hatchet from his antag- 
onist's hand, raised the weapon, and was 
already directing a deadly blow, when the 
savage cried: "Friendship." By a quick 
movement. Shannon changed his fatal 
aim, and the tomahawk, just clearing his 
enemy's head, was buried in the ground. 
Again seizing the weapon. Shannon or- 
dered the Indian into the house, and then 
gave him a chair. Shannon also sat down, 
laying the tomahawk on the table at his 
side. He then asked the Indian why he 
came to kill him. 

"Is your name Joe Williams?" asked 
the conquered savage. 

"No; my name is Shannon," was the 
reply. 

"I was told," said the Indian, "Joe 
Williams lived here. I came to kill Joe 
Williams. He sold me a barrel of stink- 
ing pork." 

The Indian took his tomahawk and left 
the cabin, a warm friend of Shannon. 

John, the third son of George Shannon, 
was born in the Scioto Valley in 1813, 



562 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



and was brought to Sandusky, with his 
parents, after the close of the war. In 
1840 he married Eveline Patterson, dau^h 
ter of Alvord and Julia Patterson, who re- 
moved from New York to Ohio in 1833. 
The fruit of this union was nine children, 
four of whom are Hving. Mr. Shannon 
has always had a fondness for the woods, 
and had a reputation, in early times, as an 
expert and successful hunter. Even inhis 
old age he mourns the loss of hunting 
grounds. 

Casper Remsburg was a native of Mary- 
land, who came to the county in 1822, 
and settled on the Muskallonge, where he 
lived as a farmer until 1849, when he died 
in the sixty-third year of his age. He 
married Mary Bowlus, also of Maryland, 
who is still living, being now in her eighty- 
ninth year. She is the mother of ten 
children, nine of whom arrived at ma- 
turity. Four sons and two daughters are 
yet living. The names of the children 
in the order of their ages were: Matilda, 
deceased; Hezekiah, attorney at law, Fre- 
mont; William, a Protestant Methodist 
preacher, residing in Des Moines, Iowa : 
Mary Ann, the wife of James Rosen 
barger, Sandusky township; Susan, mar 
ried and residing in Rock Island county, 
Illinois; Rebecca, deceased, was the wife 
of Adam Crowell, of Sandusky township; 
Perry F., farmer, Bureau county, Illinois; 
John, died in Sandusky townshii), in 1849; 
Lewis E., farmer. Bureau county,. Illinois. 
Mr. Remsburg was a member of the 
Protestant Methodist church, to which his 
widow still belongs. 

The first settlement in that part of the 
township lying west of the Muskallonge 
and north of the Perrysburg road, was 
made by three families from Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1S17. They were the families 
of George Overmyer, Michael Overmyer, 
and Daniel Hensel. 

Daniel Hensel was born in Northum- 



berland county, Pennsylvania, m 1797. 
He married, in Northumberland county, 
Christina Reed, and in 1819 removed to 
Perry county, Ohio. In 1827 the fertile 
farms then being o[;cned ui this part of the 
State attracted his attention, and having 
made an entry he removed his family to 
the Black Swamp. It has been said that 
many of the pionesrs have become wealthy 
as an incidental result of the developing 
force of progressive civilization. That is 
true of those who purchased extensive 
tracts and then depended upon the labor 
of self sacrificing neighbors to develop 
the country around their estates. But 
those whose memory it is our desire to 
perpetuate, those whose busy hands built 
homes and reduced the fertile soil to a 
state of cultivation, have been indeed 
poorly paid for leaving well organized and 
cultured communities and submitting to 
the conditions of life in the woods. 
Daniel Hensel actually cut his way to the 
one hundred and sixty acres of swampy 
forest he had purchased, and by the time 
of his death, in 1S42, had cleared and 
brought under cultivation filty acres. He 
also carried on an extensive carpentering 
business. His family consisted of six 
children, all of whom are living. Adam 
resides in Sandusky township; Sarah, wife 
of N. Kessler, in I'r.nv nt; Eva, wife of 
J. Waitman, in Sandusky tow-nship; Daniel, 
in Sandusky township; Christina, wife of 
y. Binkly; and George, in Sandusky town- 
ship. Adam, the oldest son, was born in 
Perry county, Ohio, in 1825. He married 
in 1847, Mary J. Benner, whose father 
Matthias Benner, removed to the county, 
from Union county, Ohio, in 1840. Their 
family consisted of six children — James 
D., Ellen (deceased), Sarah, Harriet (Stine- 
walt), Alice (Waters), and Emma, all re- 
siding in this township, except Sarah. 
James D., the oldest son, was born in 
1849, and in 1873 married Villa M. Wolf, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



563 



by whom he has two children — Nora O. 
and Mabel M. Daniel, jr., second son 
and fourth child of Daniel Hensel, was 
born in 1835. He married, in 1862, 
Sarah Hetrich, daughter of George and 
Catharine Hettrich. His family consists 
of five children, four of whom are living, 
William W., Charles H., Hatlie D., and 
Emma M. 

George Reed was born in Northumber- 
land county, Pennsylvania, in the year 
1806. In the year 1829 the family, 
consisting of the mother, three boys and 
four gills, started -for the one hundred 
acres lying in the northwest part ot this 
township, which George had entered pre- 
viously. Three days were occupied in 
the trip from Fremont to the farm, a dis- 
tance of seven miles. Their slow progress 
indicates the condition of the road, or 
rather the trail through the woods, for the 
State road at that time was no more. Mr. 
Reed in a memorandum says : "We came 
out as far as Moses Wilson's. There we 
staid all night. Next day we came down 
to where David Engler lived. Daniel 
Hensel was our nearest neighbor, and John 
Wagoner lived on Little Mud Creek. The 
country was then nothing but a wilder- 
ness, and the pike a mud-hole. It was 
almost impossible to get along with the 
empty wagon part of the time." Mr. 
Reed adds in the spirit of the good old 
days gone by: "And it seems people en- 
joyed themselves better then than now. 
They were not so selfish; had their log- 
rollings, and corn-huskings, and old-fash- 
ioned country dance, and all hands en- 
gaged in it." 

A description of a corn-husking and 
quilting winding up with a dance, accord- 
ing to the fashion of the period, will be 
found in this volume. 

Rev. Jacob Bowlus entered land, and 
at an early day made an improvement 
south of the pike on Muskallonge. His 



connection with religious organizations at 
Fremont is fully noticed in that connec- 
tion. His son, Jacob Bowlus, was for 
nearly sixty years a staid and honored citi- 
zen, and a staunch Methodist. He once 
stated that he never went further than 
Muskallonge after his f:\ther's settlement 
in Lower Sandusky. 

Samuel Crowell, an early settler of this 
township and an early school-teacher, was 
born in Pennsylvania in 1793. In 1815 
he married Mary Link, of Virginia, and 
about 1S26 came to this county. He en- 
tered a farm on the Muskallonge, in this 
townshio, and was a school-teacher of 
prominence and more than ordinary sever- 
ity. He was elected sheriff in 1829 and 
held the office two terms. He had five 
sons and three daughters. One of the 
sons is living — Alexander — in Peru, Indi- 
ana. Samuel A., who resides in this 
township, was born in Jefferson county, 
Virginia, and came to Ohio with his father. 
He was married three times and had a 
family of twelve children, viz: George 
W., Samuel, Mary C, Clarissa, Eugene 
B., Moses H., Sardis S., Reuben A., 
Martha L., William E., John W., and 
Sarah R. Mr. Crowell died October 10, 
1 88 1, aged sixty-three years. Eugene 
Crowell was born in 185 1. He married, 
in 1873, Sarah Stine, daughter of William 
Stine, and has four children, Clara, Wil- 
liam, Ella, and Ida. The old Crowell 
improvement was on Muskallonge. 

Henry Bowlus settled in this township 
in 1828. He came from Maryland with a 
family of eight children, four of whom are 
living. He died in 1832; his wife sur- 
vived him nine years. 

Aaron Forgerson wms one of the first 
settlers of Fremont, having emigrated 
from New York in 181 6. The family 
consisted of eight children, six boys and 
two girls. Sidney, the seventh child, was 
one of the early settlers of this township. 



564 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



He married, in 1853, Hannah White, 
whose father, Ebenezer White, came to 
the county in 183 1. 

' Basil Coe, a native of Maryland, mar- 
ried Rachel Burgoon, and settled in this 
county in 1833. He died soon afterwards 
leaving a family of eight children, the old- 
est of whom, Jessie Coe, was born in 
Perry county, Ohio, in 1815. He mar- 
ried Mary Bazar, a daughter of Henry 
Bazar, a native of Pennsylvania, in 1832. 
Mr. Coe died in 1867, leaving ten chil- 
dren living : Rebecca L., Richard A., 
Martha J., Francis M., Sarah L, Cliarles 
J., Josephine A., James M., Ellen A., and 
William S. Mrs. Basil Coe died in 1881. 
Mrs. Jessie Coe is still living. . Seven of 
her children survive. Richard A. Coe 
was born in 1 844, and has always resided 
in the county. He was married, in 1870, 
to Harriet B. Shank, born in Cincinnati 
in 1 84 1. Four children are living — Wil- 
liam Edward, Carrie A., John F., and 
James W. Lloyd N. is dead. 

George Michael was born in France in 
1816. He came to America, and settled 
in New York in 1831. In 1834 he re- 
moved to Sandusky township, where he 
has lived ever since. The family consists 
of eight children, all of whom are living, 
viz: Caroline (Parker), Sandusky town- 
ship; Philip, Henry county; George, 
John H., and Christian, Wood county; 
Mary (Swartz), EHzabeth Thompson and 
Charles reside m this county. Mr. Michael 
followed coopering for forty years. He 
has also improved an excellent farm. 

George Engler, a native of Germany, 
settled in this township in 1835, and lived 
here until his death in i860. The family 
consisted of twelve children, all of whom 
are living. Henry, the sixth child, was 
born in Germany in 1831; he married 
Christina Will, a native of Germany, by 
whom he had a family of eight children, 
seven of whom are living, viz: Caroline, 



Frank, John, Elizabeth, Ella, Herman and 
Edward. 

John Kuns (spelled Koons by some 
representatives of the family), a native of 
Pennsylvania, came to this county in 1836, 
from Perry county, Ohio. He married 
Catharine Overmyer, by whom he had five 
children: Siloma and Catharine, deceased, 
and Samuel, John and Elizabeth, living. 
Mr. Kuns died October 25, 1845, ^S^^ 
fifty-two years. He had been an invalid 
for many years, and was so afflicted with 
rheumatism that he was helpless during 
the last fifteen years of his life. Mrs. 
Kuns died November 5, 1874, aged 
seventy-five years and six months. Samuel, 
the oldest son, is living on the old home- 
stead, where his grandfather, John Over- 
myer, settled four years before John Kuns, 
sr., came to the place. Samuel Kuns was 
born in Perry county in 1823. He married 
Mary M. Swarm in 1845. They had five 
children: John, Riley township; Catharine 
(Shively), Sandusky township; Mary E. 
(Scibert), Samuel, Sandusky township, and 
Emma A. (Reed), Ottawa county. Mrs. 
Kuns died March 16, 1866, aged thirty- 
nine. Mr. Kuns was again married Feb- 
ruary 4, 1879, to Mrs. Rosanna Bruner, 
daughter of Christian Auxter, of Washing- 
ton township. They have one child, Or- 
phie R. John, brother to Samuel, was born 
in Perry county in 1827. He married in 
1850, Hannah M. Sebring, and has four 
children living: Maria E., John E., Clara 
E., and Wilbur C. Mr. Kuns was in the 
grocery business in Fremont for several 
years. 

The Sebring family came from Butler 
county, Ohio, and settled in this county in 
1836.' 

Charles Lay and his parents, John and 
Sarah La\', came to Sandusky township 
about 1840. Charles Lay married in this 
county, Anna Unsbauch, a native of Perry 
county. Three of their children are liv- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



56s 



ing: Alfred and Albanus in Sandusky 
township, and Rosanna (Fought), Wash- 
ington township. 

Jacob Hufford, a native of Frederick 
county, Maryland, was born in 1773. He 
married Catharine Creager, and emigrated 
first to Kentucky, and from there to 
Greene county, Ohio. In 1836 they came 
to this county and settled on the farm 
where she died in 1842 and he in 1851. 
Mr. Hufford was a blacksmith by trade, 
but after coming to this county gave his 
exclusive attention to farming and improv- 
ing his land. James, the third child of 
Jacob Hufford, was born in Greene county, 
in i8i2. He married, in 1838, Susan 
Arnold, who died in 1847, leaving three 
children, viz : George W., died of disease 
contracted in the army, at Memphis, Ten- 
nessee; Harriet A., wife of William Slates, 
lives in this township; and Joseph N., de- 
ceased. Mr. Hufford married, in 1849, 
for his second wife, Elizabeth Fisher, by 
whom one child was born, William T., a 
resident of this township. He was born in 
1851, and married, in 1873, Sarah, daugh- 
ter of William Rhidout, of Ballville town- 
ship. They have two children, Eugene L. 
and James F. Mr. Hufford has been a 
teacher in the public schools. 

Michael Wolfe crossed the mountains 
in 1837, for the first time, coming and 
going on foot. He had been married at 
the age of twenty-two to Margaret Engle- 
man, and, in 184 1, with his family, he 
came to Ohio and settled in this township, 
where he lived until his death, in 1879. 
He was one of the first settlers in the 
Muskallonge bottom, where he lived until 
1865, when he removed to the pike. It 
is said of Mr. Wolfe that he never had an 
enemy. Of a family of twelve children 
seven are still living, viz: Levi, Sandusky 
township; Solomon, Seneca county; Josiah 
and A. J., Sandusky township; Ella J. 
(Hook), Tiffin; Anna C. (Baker), Fre- 



mont; and Savilla (Hensel), Sandusky 
township. Levi, the oldest son, was born 
in Union county, Pennsylvania, in 1836. 
In 1857 he married Christina Lantz. Nine 
children are living — Robert A., Dilla C, 
Emma R., Ellen H., James H., Chester 
E., Michael J., Margaret E., and AddieC. 
A. J., the fourth child of Michael Wolfe, 
was born in 1842, and married, in 1865, 
Jemima Stultz. They have two children — 
William E. and Nannie A. Mr. Wolfe 
purchased the Alexander Paden farm, 
which was one of the first improved in the 
township. 

Jacob Faller emigrated from Germany 
and afterwards settled in this township in 

1846. He married, in 1850, Christina 
Wegstein, also a native of Germany. Her 
parents came to America in 1840. Four 
children blessed this union, viz: Sarah E., 
William, Emma, and George. Mr. Faller 
served in the Mexican war. He has en- 
gaged in the manufacture of chairs, and 
also in the grocery business, but for nine 
years he has been farming. 

William Webster, son of Joseph and 
Sarah Webster, was born in Derbyshire, 
England, in 1820, and came to America 
and settled in Sandusky township in 185 1. 
He lived in this township nine years, and 
then moved to Washington township, his 
present residence. He married, first, in 

1847, Salina Wood, who died in 1858, 
having borne two children, George, and 
John Joseph, both deceased. He married 
again in 1859, Mary A. Newcomer, whose 
father, Jacob Newcomer, settled in San- 
dusky county in 1830. Mary J. and 
Joseph W. are the children by this mar- 
riage. Only Mary is living. Mr. Web- 
ster followed butchering in Fremont dur- 
ing his residence there. 

Peter Gilbert was another of the indus- 
trious Germans who settled in this town- 
ship, and have contributed so much to its 
wealth. He was born in Germany in 



S66 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



1804. He married Margaret E. Tickel, 
and emigrated to America in 1852. He 
died in 1859, on the farm wliere he set- 
tled. Mrs. Gilbert survived him three 
years. The family consisted of three boys 
and three girls: Henry, Louis, Adam, 
Julia, Catharine and Mary. Henry, the 
oldest child, was born in 1823, and came 
to this country with his father in 1852. 
The following year he married Catharine 
Graft, daughter of George Tickel, who 
came to America in 1S44. Two of their 
four children are living — Louisa, the wife 
of William H. Greene, and Ellen H., wife 
of Lewis Conicom, both residents of San- 
dusky township. Mr. Gilbert is a mason 
by trade. He has served as township 
trustee, clerk, assessor, etc. 

William D. Stine, the second child of 
Philip and Sarah Stinc, was born in Penn- 
sylvania in 1827. He married, in Picka- 
way county, Ohio, in 1852, Rebecca 
Stout, a native of that county, and re- 
moved to this county the following year. 
Three children are living: Sarah C. (Crow- 
ell), Isaac Franklin, and Lavina E. Mr. 
Stine followed the carpenter and joiner 
trade for ten years. 

John Shook, a native of Jefferson 
county, Pennsylvania, came to Ohio and 
settled in Pickaway county about 181 2. 
In 1825 he removed to the present terri- 
tory of Ottawa county, where he died in 
1863. Flis wife, whose maiden name was 
Susannah Hum, died in 1856, leaving 
seven children. Daniel, the sixth child, 
was born in Pickaway county in 1822. 
He married, in 1850, Rosanna Bowlus 
and in 1854 settled in Sandusky township. 
In 1880 he removed to his present resi- 
dence in Washington. The family con- 
sists of three children, two of them living, 
viz: Franklin P., William D. (deceased), 
and James D. Mrs. Shook is a daughter 
of David Bowlus, of Sandusky township. 

W. L. Greene was among the later set- 



tlers of this township. He was born in 
Pennsylvania, in 1832, and came to this 
county in 1855. In 1859 he married Ab- 
igail Ramsel, daughter of Jacob Ramsel, 
of Ottawa county. They had two chil- 
dren, one of whom is living, James L.; 
Cora J. is dead. Mrs. Greene died in 
1873. I" iS-j6 he married for his second 
wife Malinda Bowlus. He was in mercan- 
tile business eight years. By her first 
husband Mrs. Greene had four children: 
Orville, Rolla, Ada, and Charles. Mr, 
Greene's father resided in this county 
until the time of his death in 1875. He 
was a soldier in the War of 1812. John 
Stayer, Mrs. Greene's fiither, was also a 
soldier in the War of 1812, and is yet 
living (1S81). 

Jacob J. Seibert was born in Pennsyl- 
vania in 1820. He married Mary A. 
Walborn in 1843, and in 1856 they came 
to this county. Four of their six children 
are living: Monroe, Fremont, Emma 
(Loose), Michigan; Henry, and William. 
Mr. Seibert has been an elder in the Re- 
formed church about fifteen years. 

Eben Root was born in Erie county, 
in 1843. !•'' 1868 he married Jemima 
Fell, and settled in this county. Three 
children are living — Isabella, Carrie, and 
Walter. The youngest child, David P., 
died at the age of thirteen months. Mr. 
Root has a fine farm of two hundred and 
thirty acres. 

SHOOTING ON BARK CREEK. 

The small stream which winds through 
Baliville and Sandusky townships, almost 
parallel witii the river, derives its name 
from the methods employed by the early 
hunters for shooting deer along its course. 
The stream flows through a fiat country, 
and at places spreads out into little jjonds 
of considerable area and depth. In these 
deer were accustomed to gather in large 
groups or herds, to avoid flies and other 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



567 



annoyances. The professional hunters of 
the day had canoes in which they em- 
barked for game. In one end they placed 
a candle or torch, surrounded, except in 
front, by a piece of bark stripped from an 
elm tree. Behind this dark lantern he 
could sit in entire obscurity, while in front 
the water and shores were well lighted. 
Deer seem to be charmed with a torch in 
the night. They would stand up to their 
bodies in the water and watch the approach 
of the destroyer with evident pleasure, 
little suspecting that a charge of buckshot 
was being aimed at them by a man con- 
cealed in the dark end of the boat. When 
the boat had reached a sure shooting dis- 
tance the hunter fired, bringing down 
sometimes two victims at one shot. An 
old hunter informs the writer that he has 
brought in as many as twelve deer as the 
fruit of one night's hunting. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The religious history of Sandusky town- 
ship is so intimately connected with the 
church history of Fremont that little re- 
mains to be said here. Within this terri- 
tory Rev. Joseph Badger, with his assist- 
ants, established their missionary post 
while laboring among the Wyandot Indians. 
There are in the township at present two 
churches. 

METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH. 

The only congregation of this denom- 
ination in the county, worship in a com- 
modious frame house on the Rollersville 
road, near Muskallonge Creek. The 
Methodist Protestants established their 
form of worship in this county in 1840. 
Dr. William Reeves, accompanied by his 
wife, Hannah Reeves, held a meeting in 



Fremont in 1840, which resulted in gath- 
ering together a small class, which a split 
in the United Brethren class, a couple of 
months later, strengthened. The meeting 
conducted by Hannah Reeves was very 
satisfactory in its good results, but the 
church never prospered in town. A class 
was organized the following summer in the 
country, composed of Alexander Paden and 
wife, William Rice and wife, William Rems- 
burg and wife, Sophia Flick, Mary Rems- 
berg, and Polly Remsberg. 

Two years after the class was formed, a 
meetinghouse was built on Henry Bowlus' 
farm, where services were held until 1873 
when the present house was built. The 
present membership of this class is about 
fifty. Ministers worthy of special men- 
tion have been William Turner, William 
Ross, Robert Andrews, Alexander Brown, 
and Robert Rice. William Hastings is 
the present pastor in charge. 

OTHER CHURCHES. 

Lutheran service has been held in the 
township since 1843, very closely connect- 
ed, however, with the church at Fremont. 
The meetinghouse at the four-mile stone 
on the pike was built in 1845, or about 
that time. The congregation is composed 
largely of Germans or people of German 
descent. 

The Methodist Episcopal church or- 
ganized a class during the early settlement 
of the township, and about 1845 built a 
house of worship on the pike at Muskal- 
longe. The maintenance of service at 
this point was, however, entirely unneces- 
sary, and when the building yielded to the 
dilapidations of time, it was abandoned 
and most of the members transferred their 
connection to the church at Fremont. 



RICE. 



RiCE is territorially the smallest town- 
sh ip in the county, and its boundaries 
the most irregular. The fertile farms of the 
• eastern end are cut by numerous dead 
water courses; the central part is marshy; 
the western sections will compare favorably 
for agricultural purposes with any part of 
the county. In going the length of this 
territory from east to west, along the Ot- 
tawa county line, the traveller is given a 
glimpse of pioneer times. Although few 
of the outward appendages of the historic 
log cabin days are there to be seen, enough 
points are visible to enable the imagination 
to fill up the picture. Here are the cordu- 
roy roads passing through a forest of mas- 
sive elms, growing from a marshy surface 
made invisible by decaying trees and thick 
underbrush. Flies, mosquitoes, and other 
tortursome enemies of human happiness 
give the mischance traveller painful con- 
sciousness of their half-starved condition. 
Occasionally we come to a log cabin, re- 
sembling in most respects the ideal resi- 
dence of the olden time. 

The water courses in the lower part of 
the township are currentless, rising and 
falling with the tides in the bay. Further 
up the current is perceptible but not rapid. 
The only valley is that of Mud Creek, 
which affords excellent drainage to the 
country on both sides. Near its mouth 
the name river would be more appropriate 
than creek; it is navigable for a distance 
of two miles from the mouth, and at places 
spreads out into little lakes. Fishing 
Creek courses the center of the township, 
Little Mud Creek being the principal trib- 
568 



utary. The Sandusky River skirts the 
southeastern border. 

The head of the bay was, years ago, a 
favorite nesting place for ducks and geese. 
An old settler says that, fifty years ago, 
while riding north of Mud Creek, the 
geese were so plenty that he was able to 
kill dozens of them, striking with his whip 
from the back of the horse. Fur-bearing 
animals were also plenty about the mouth 
of the creek. Otters were the trapper's 
pride, while muskrats, and, further back 
from the bay, minks, were so plenty that, 
although cheap, they were the source of 
much needed ready cash in the pioneer 
days of poverty. 

Sluggish streams with shallow channels 
have left Rice entirely without water-power. 
Until a recent period there was neither 
grist- nor saw-mill. There has never been 
a grist-mill, but two steam saw-mills have 
been operated. The first was moved from 
Ottawa county, and was owned by Mr. 
Crosby; the other was built in 1871 by 
Guilson & Seigroff, near the centre of the 
township. 

The soil is of vegetable composition, 
and if surface declination permitted drain- 
ing, would be very productive. Corn and 
wheat are raised with profit as it is. Cul- 
tivation becomes easier as clearing pro- 
gresses. There was a time when farmers, 
in dry springs, might be seen using axes in 
place of hoes for planting corn. A deep 
gash was cut in the gummy muck, in which 
corn was dropped and imperfectly covered. 
A good crop was generally harvested, even 
in spite of such unpromising planting. In 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



569 



the western part of the township the drain- 
age system is more perfect, and the soil in 
consequence much looser and more easily 
worked. 

Before the days of bridging Mud Creek 
was a serious obstruction to travel. Peo- 
ple living north of this stream especially 
were inconvenienced in going to and 
coming from market and mill at Lower 
Sandusk}^ Mr. Boggs, an old settler in 
the soutii part of Ottawa county, says: 

One time Mud Creek was very high, and I wished 
to cross with seven bags of corn. Trees had been 
cut across and large poles laid on them to walk on. 
I knew that my corn would be wet, if I drove through 
the stream with it in the wagon; so I took one bag 
at a time and carried it on my shoulders thirty or 
forty rods through the bottom. I then swam my 
horses through the main part of the creek, sitting 
waist-deep in my wagon. This was only one case of 
a great many similar experiences. 

FRENCH OCCUPATION. 

After peace had been restored in 18 15, 
this township became the h(5me of many 
of the French families of the colon}', 
which left the Maumee and came to 
Lower Sandusky three years earlier. The 
original settlement of these people, after 
coming to America, was at Monroe, Mich- 
igan. They afterwards established them- 
selves on the Maumee, where they settled 
down to habits of industry. But the 
opening of the British and Indian hostili- 
ties, in 1812, compelled another removal 
and doomed them to four years of migra- 
tion and unsettled life. 

In January, 18 13, by direction of the 
Government, about twenty families packed 
their possessions and started for Lower 
Sandusky. It was a fortunate circumstance 
that heavy ice well covered with snow 
gave them an easy course of travel and 
at the same time made it possible to avoid 
the savage enemies of the forest. All be- 
ing in readiness, a French train was formed. 
This consisted of a procession of one horse 
sleighs, the runners of which were made of 
boards. The train was placed under di- 



rection of a F^renchman named Peter Mal- 
tosh, who had been an Indian trader. He 
knew the country thoroughly and proved 
himself a faithful and valuable guide. 

The journey to Locust Point was made 
over the ice with ease, in one day. On 
the following day Port Clinton or Port- 
age,""' as it was then called, was reached. 
This day's travel was hard on the horses, 
as the snow was very deep. The train was 
held close together and the order of the 
sleighs frequently changed, so that the 
horses having become weary, breaking the 
way, were rested in the beaten track in the 
rear. Upon arrival at Portage the horses 
were almost exhausted. Maltosh, the guide, 
anticipated the failure of the horses from 
exhaustion and on the following morning 
directed the train to follow his tracks. He 
assured them that he would be at Lower 
Sandusky far in advance of the train and 
would have, at the mouth of Muskallonge, 
teams to assist them to the end of the 
journey. The horses stiffened by two 
days' travel through the deep snow, entered 
upon tlie third day's trial of endurance 
with reluctance. With frequent changes 
in the order of travel, the train moved 
slowly across the head of the bay, and 
entered the river. The delight of our 
band of weary travellers, on reaching the 
mouth of Muskallonge Creek, can be im- 
agined. There a number of fresh teams 
were in wailing. The effect of finding the 
welcoming hand of friendship thus ex- 
tended far out to them, can only be ap- 
preciated, when we remember that these 
people were strangers in a strange country. 
They or their ancestors had left European 
homes made miserable by feudal despot- 
ism and unsafe by revolution and invasion. 
They found habitations in America even 

'■•This place was given the name Tortage, because 
it was a custom to land canoes and lift craft there 
and thence transport them overland a distance of a 
miie and a half to Sandusky bay. 



\1° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



less secure, and were now fleeing from a 
savoge foe under command and direction 
of the hereditary enemy of their mother 
country. AVith what dehght, tlierefore, 
did these discouraged and exhausted ref- 
ugees receive this token of friendship 
and piomise of protection. 

These teams from the fort took most of 
the load and broke the way. Low'er San- 
dusky was easily reached. 

The colony was given quarters in Gov- 
ernment barracks durmg the remainder of 
the winter. In the spring cabins about 
the fort were occupied, but the forest was 
full of hostile Indians, and at a signal all 
were ready to flee into the enclosure. On 
the ist of August, 1813^ the French fami- 
lies, by order of the Government, were re- 
moved to Upper Sandusky. While on 
the way the sound of Proctor's cannon 
was heard at Fort Stephenson. The fam- 
ilies remained at Upper Sandusky until 
the conclusion of the war, and were then 
moved back to I/wei Sandusky in Gov- 
ernment wagons. During these four years 
this company of refugees remained to. 
gether and became warmly attached. 
They had been wards of the Governmeni 
during the war, and the able-bodied an-.onL' 
them bore their part bravely in the line.'^ 
of soldiery. The war having closed, it 
now became necessary for them to seek 
homes and earn their own livelihood. We 
can give further information of but a few 
individuals and families of the comi)any. 

Joseph Cavalier and wife both died at 
Fort Stephenson before the removal of the 
company to Upper Sandusky. Their son 
Albert, who is yet living, and one of the 
(qw survivors of the company, was left in 
chaige of his aunt, Mrs. Jaco. Gabriel 
O'Dett de Lc Point and Thomas De Mars 
made squatter imi)rovements on the river 
bank eight miles below Fremont, on the 
tract since known as the Tucker farm. 
Mrs. Jaco married Le Point, and Mr. 



Cavalier was received by Mr. De Mars. 
Mr. Jaco had died during the progress of 
the war. Le Point served as a soldier 
during the war. The sales of 1821 caused 
serious conuisiuu among all these French 
squatters. Few of them were prepared to 
purchase land, and those who had the 
means did not understand how to jKofit 
by the o):)portunities offered. The land 
on which Le Point and De Mars had lo- 
cated was purchased by Samuel Cochran 
and the inhabitants comi)elled to seek other 
homes. De Mars purchased a tract on 
Mud Creek. Three of his sons are living 
— George in Bay township, Joseph in 
Rice, and Thomas in Hardin county. 

The Bisnette family permanently settled 
on the farm at the bend of the river, now 
owned by Mr. Enoch. This farm was the 
death and burial-place of the parents. 
The Catholic cemetery is located near the 
site of their cabin. 

Three brothers, Joseph, John, and Peter 
Mominne, made squatter improvements 
on the river bank. Peter finally settled 
in Bay townshi[). Joseph purchased land 
in Sandusky township, and John, after 
living within the present limits of Rice for 
a time, sold his property and removed to 
Canada. 

A member of the company named 
Minor squatted c-n Negro Point, and re- 
mained there about two years. He re- 
turned to the Maumec. 

Charles Fountaine, after remaining at 
Fremont for a time, located on Peach 
Island. 

Christopher Columbo was a migrating 
carj^cnter. His services were not in great 
demand, as not only houses, but furniture, 
were constructed in the sim[)lest possible 
wa)-, mostly of puncheons. 

The Devoir family, consisting of five 
brothers— Peter, Robert, Francis, Jacob, 
and Alexander — returned to the Maumee. 
They had been raised among the Indians 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



571 



and were thoroughly familiar with their 
habits. Peter and Alexander have several 
times visited their friends about the b.iy. 

Thomas Do Mars had been associated 
with the Indians all his life, and was, 
therefore, able to interi)ret their conduct. 
He was brave, active and trusty, qualities 
which made him a valuable man for the 
times. During the war he was selected to 
carry the mails between Upper Sandusky 
and Fort Findlay — a dangerous route. 
He has related rather a stirring incident 
of one of his trips, which gives an idea of 
his character. He says: 

I saw an Indian crossing tlie trail some distance in 
front of me, who seemed to have discovered me 
about tlie s.inie time I saw him. I was in doubt 
whether it was one of our few friends among the 
.savages or a "British Indian," as those friendly to 
England were called. After some sly manoeuvering 
on part of both of us, I saw the Indian had lost my 
whereabouts, while I knew where he was all the 
time. At length I saw him caiefujly examine the 
trail for my tracks, with his eyes close to the ground, 
as I supposed, to determine wiiether I had gone 
past. After watching these movements I became 
convinced that he was not to be trusted. Being 
armed with a good rifle and reliable side arms, I 
knelt low behind a large tree, and liaving taken c.ire- 
ful aim fired. The Indian fell. When I passed him 
he was dying. If I ever ran in my life it was then, 
for I feared other Indians had heard the gun. Finally 
settling down to a rapid walk Upper Sandusky was 
reached in good time. A detachment of horsemen 
brought the dead body to tiie fort. Our friendly 
Indians identified him as a "bad Britisher," and were 
delighted at what I had done. 

The French settlers of Rice were all 
Catholics, but it was several years after 
the close of the war before their wild set- 
tlement was visited by a priest. 

The first mass was held by a Detroit 
priest named Gabriel Re Shoir. He 
bore on his face the marks of two heavy 
blows received in Fiance during the revo- 
luiion, at the hands of a mob maddened 
by the cry of "down with the clergy." 
The reverend father, after administering 
absolution, promised that a member of 
the clergy should visit their settlement at 
least once a year. This arrangement was 



not effected until a few years later. A 
regular congregation was not formed until 
about the year 1S30. 

The French settlement did not estab- 
lish any schools. Their children, how- 
ever, attended the English schools, one of 
which was taught by Mr. Forgerson in 
Sandusky township. 

GERM.\N POPUL.A.TION. 

German is an important element in the 
population of Rice. During the period 
of early settlement the inhabitants were, 
with a few exceptions, all French. About 
1835 the first German families moved into 
the woods in the western portion, and by 
that untiring industry which is character- 
istic of their race, soon had fertile fields 
in a state of profitable cultivation. Here 
a large tract of "'wild land" offered an 
opening to the emigrants who were seek- 
ing Western homes. From 1840 to 1850 
the work of clearing and improving was 
pushed with the greatest rapidity. We 
have space to mention only a few of the 
more prominent of these German families. 

John Smith, one of the earliest Ger- 
man settlers of this township, came to 
America and settled here in 1833. He 
was born in Germany in 17S3, and mar- 
ried there Catharine Ernst, also a native 
of Baden. They reared a family of seven 
children, viz.: Catharine, Mary, Eliza- 
beth, John, Christina, Frederick, and 
Rosannah. Both of the parents died in 
1870. Frederick was born in Baden in 
1829. In 1852 he married Elizabeth 
Kiser, a native of France, and in 1877 
settled in Sandusky township, where he 
has a family of eight children — Christina 
(deceased), Frederick, Caroline, Elizabeth, 
William, Clara, Amelia, and Edward. 

Christian Kline, who was born in Ger- 
many in 1790, emigrated to Anierica with 
his wife in 1837, and settled in this county. 
After remaining eigiit months they re- 
moved to Lucas county and lived there 



572 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



about three years, after which they re- 
turned to this county, and made perma- 
nent settlement in Rice. Mr. KUne died 
in 185^, having survived his wife ten years. 
Four of their eight children are yet living 
^Christian lives in Washington township; 
Louis lives in Monroe county, Michigan; 
Susan (MuUencup), Lucas county; An- 
drew, the third son, was born in 1824, and 
lives in Rice. He married Sarah Ann 
Krcilick, in 1S48. She was born in 
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 
1832. The fruit of this union was thirteen 
children, nine of whom are living. Mr. 
Kline served both in the Mexican war 
and the war of the Rebellion. His chil- 
dren are, Christina (Cillias), Rice town- 
ship; Louisa (Wolf), Michigan; Susan 
(Smith), Rice township; Adam, Michigan; 
John, Rice townshi[); Sarah E. (Greas- 
man), Rice township; Macida C, Mary 
M., and Andrew W., Rice township. 

Henry and Catharine Swint, natives of 
Germany, had a family of eleven children, 
three of whom came to this country. 
Henry, their fourth child, was born in 
1 8 14. He married, in 1S48, Rosena 
Reinick, who was born in 1831, in Baden, 
Germany. Fifteen children have blessed 
this union, viz: Anthony, Sandusky 
township; John, Ballville township ; Cath- 
arine, wife of Frank Zimmer, Fremont; 
Jacob, Fremont; Joseph, Fremont; Am- 
brose, Rice township; Mary, wife of Frank 
Freek, Fremont; Edward, Lizzie, Sarah, 
Ella, Josephine, Henry, Anna, and Rosa, 
in Rice township. Mr. Swint is a weaver, 
and worked at the trade in Germany. He 
served twelve years in the German army. 
He came to America and settled in Riley 
township in 1845, but at the opening of 
the war with Mexico he joined the army 
and continued in the service until July, 
1848, when he returned to ihis county, 
married, and settled down to farming in 
Riee. 



William Seigenthraller was one of the 
first German settlers of the township. He 
accumulated a large tract of land. 

Gotlieb and Margaret Gnepper had a 
family of eight children, two of whom, 
Francis and Ernst, came to this coun- 
try. Ernst was born in Germany in 
1824. In 1853 he married Mary Friar, 
whose father, Frederick Friar, emigrated 
from Germany and settled in Woodville 
township in 1S36. Their family consists 
of five children, viz: Henry, Angeline, 
Frances, Freddie, and John, all of whom 
are at home, except Angeline, who is the 
wife of Philip Seigenthraller, of Washing- 
ton township. Mr. Gnepper has served 
in various local offices. 

PENNSYLVANIANS. 

A portion of the population in the 
western part of the township belongs to 
what is commonly known as "Pennsyl- 
vania Dutch." Peter Hettrick settled 
near the present location of the Lutheran 
church in 1832. He had a family of eight 
sons, whose labors have been considerable 
in reducing the forest. The previous em- 
igrants from Pennsylvania settled further 
south, but an opening once made, fine 
farms were soon cleared up. We can 
mention but a few families. 

Michael Smith, a native of France, 
came to America and settled in Pennsyl- 
vania in 1826, at the age of twenty years. 
After remaining several years he married 
Margaret Powell, who was also a native of 
France, having been born there in 1815. 
They came to S.indusky county and made 
permanent settlement in Rice. Fifteen 
children blessed this union, seven of whom 
are living, viz.: Elizabeth (Kesser), San- 
dusky township; Jacob, Rice township; 
Mary (Seigenthraller), Sandusky town- 
ship; Micliael, Rice township; John, 
Margaret (Wagner), and Kate Gahn, Rice 
township. John, the fifth child, was born 
in 1852. In 187 s he married Susan Kline, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



573 



by whom he has three cliildren — David A., 
Michael I., and Sarah A. 

Hui^h B. Hineline was born in Easton, 
Pennsylvania, in 1802, where he married, in 
1825, Rebecca Lettig, who was born in 
1808. They emigrated to Ohio in 1854, 
and settled in Rice, where he died in 
187 1. The family consisted of fourteen 
children, two of whom lost their lives in the 
war of the Rebellion. Ten are living, viz.: 
Anna (Ruth), Ballville; Cyrus M.,Freeport, 
Illinois; Elizabeth (Richards), Fremont; 
Sarah (Cole), Sandusky township; Wil- 
liam H., Rice; Alinda (Furry), Woodville; 
Hugh E., Rice; Thaddeus, Michigan; R. 
Emma (Speller), Ballville; and John 
Franklin, Freeport, Illinois. Abel T. was 
killed at Kenesaw Mountain in 1864. 
Simon R, who was in the naval service, 
fell from a ship mast off the coast of 
North Carolina in 1861. Jacob died in 
1870, at the age of thirty-nine years. 
Frances died in childhood. William H. 
and Hugh E. reside on the homestead. 
William H. served three years in the army, 
during which time he was confined six 
months in Libby prison. 

OTHER SETTLERS. 

Peleg Cooley was one of the earliest pi- 
oneers of the county. He emigrated with 
his wife, Martha Bassett, from New York 
to Canada in 1807. In 181 5 they came 
to Fremont, Ohio. Their family consisted 
of eight children, but one of whom is liv- 
ing — Edmond O. — who was one of the 
earliest settlers of Rice. In 1835 he mar- 
ried Catherine Ash, who was born in 
Pennsylvania in 1S15. She died in Rice 
in 1880. Four of their eight children are 
living: James W., in Kansas; Maggie, in 
Rice; Rebecca (Irwin), in Ottawa county; 
and Jeremiah in Rice. Isaac B., Anna, 
Isaiah, and Frances J. are dead. Mr. 
Cooley was one of the first members of 
the Fremont Methodist church. 

Eleazer Willey emigrated from New York 



to Huron county in 1830 and remained 
there about three years. He then perma- 
nently settled in Rice township, where he 
died in 1852. His wife died in 1866. 
Of their family of eight children three are 
still living — Sarah Ann, wife of O. C. 
Brunner, in Kansas; Jane, wife of Joseph 
Fry, in Scott township; and Richard, the 
oldest son, who was born in New York in 
181 7. He came to Ohio with his parents, 
and in 1847 married Harriet Walker, who 
was born in New York in 1825. They 
have three childien — Eliza, at home; 
George W., in Michigan; and Mary E., 
wife of Wallace Scringer, in Rice. 

Thomas Tuckerman, fourth child of 
Thomas Tuckerman, sr., was born in Vir- 
ginia in 1809. The following year his pa- 
rents removed to Maryland, where Thomas 
lived till 1 82 1, when he came to Seneca 
county. In 1836 he married Elizabeth 
Brown, of Melmore, Seneca county, and 
in 1842 became a resident of this county, 
his first settlement being in Sandusky 
township. From there he removed to 
Rice. His family consisted of fourteen 
children, seven of whom are living, viz.: 
John, Orrin, Ann, Charlie, Claridon, Arza 
B., and Clara Belle, all living in this town- 
ship, except Ann (Swank), who resides in 
Fremont. Mr. Tuckerman held the office 
of county auditor one term. 

T. T. Harrison came to Fremont in 
1857 from Michigan. He afterwards re- 
moved to Hancock county, Ohio, where 
he married, in 1865, Sarah E. LePoit, an 
granddaughter of Gabriel LePoint, one of 
the French colony previously spoken of. 
He has been a resident of Rice since 1867. 

John Cochran was born in Pennsylvania 
in 1 80 1. He married Margaret Patter- 
son, also a native of Pennsylvania, and 
moved to Perry county, Ohio, afterwards 
coming to this county. The family con- 
sisted of seven children, four of whom are 
living, viz: Hannah (Williams), Ball 



574 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ville; Isabella (Jackson), Fremont; Ellen 
(Mudge), Fort Wayne, Indiana, and 
Thomas W. Cochran, who was born in 
Perry county in 1827. In 1869 he mar- 
ried Jane Wright and has a family of three 
children — John T., Edmund F., and Net- 
tic. Mr. Cochran was engaged in mer- 
chandising three years and in the manu- 
facture of woollen goods three years in 
Erie county. He is now farming in Rice. 
Nathaniel B. Tucker, a native of Mas- 
sachusetts, was born in 1796. He mar- 
ried in New York, in 182 1, Mary A. Bal- 
lard. They came to this county in 1S39 
and settled in Rice, where they still re- 
side in the fullness of their age. Three 
children are living — N. R. ; Mary (Sny- 
der), Ottawa county; Henry H., Rice 
township. Mr. Tucker is a tanner and 
shoemaker. Even at the advanced age of 
eighty-five he continues to work on the 
bench mending shoes. He was a soldier 
in the War of 18 12. Nelson R., the old- 
est son, was born in New York in 1823. 
He came to this county with his parents 
and married Miranda Burgoon, by whom 
he Jias a family of nine children living, 
viz.: Martha Ann Margaret; Mary E. 
(Palish), Sandusky township; Rachel T. 
(Kleinhans), Ottawa county; Harriet I., 
Nellie I, (Strouble), Juliet J., Charles G., 
Lilla v., and John P., Sandusky town- 
ship. Adeline M., Barrett E., and Mor- 
rison M. are deceased. Mr. Tucker fol- 
lowed tanning and shoemaking a number 
of years, then purchased the farm in San- 
dusky township where he now resides. 

■ C.\THOLIC CHURCH. 

"Public worship according to the Catho- 
lic ritual was instituted in this township at 
an early period of the settlement. A 
meeting-house was built about 1830 on 
the bank of the Sandusky River, and a lot 
of ground set apart for burying purposes. 
Most of the settlers being French the ser- 
vice of the French church was followed. 



This congregation was known as "Phile- 
mon Church," but in 1870, when a new 
house was built nearer the centre of the 
township, the name was changed and a 
general reorganization effected. The pres- 
ent membership is about fifteen families 
Two of them are German, the others of 
French descent. A cemetery beautifully 
located on the bank of the river marks the 
site of the old church. This continues to 
be the public burying-ground. 

ZOAR METHODIST CHURCH (gERMAN). 

Methodist worship was instituted among 
the German families of the southern and 
central part of the township about 1844. 
A mission church was built, and a grave- 
yard set apart about that time. The heads 
of families who formed the class, were 
Michael Schmidt, Nicholas Younker, John 
Schmidt, Michael Hulderman, Mr. Paul, 
Giles Sigroff and Jacob Switzgi'toer. In 
1873 increasing congregations, and the 
dilapidating effects of time made a new 
house of worship necessary. The congre- 
gation, which numbers about sixty mem- 
bers, is connected with Woodville circuit. 

EVANGELICAL CHURCHES. 

Two societies of this denomination have 
churches within the limits of the township. 
Fishing Creek class was organized about 
1850. Meetings were held in school- 
houses until about i860, when a church 
was built in the southern part of the 
township. The only two surviving mem- 
bers of the first class are Joseph Lambert 
and Michael Stull. Fishing Creek is the 
name of this class. 

A class has been organized in the north 
part of the township, which erected a 
chur-ch near the Ottawa county line in 
1 88 1. It is known as "Mud Creek Class.' » 
Both societies are connected with Lindsay 
circuit. 

Solomon's Lutheran church. 

About 1832 the western part of the 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



575 



township began to fill up with Pennsyl- 
vanians and Germans, who had been con- 
nected wiih the Evangelical Lutheran 
church. Peter Hettrich and Adam Krei- 
lich were the leading members, and meet- 
ings were held at their residences. Rev. 
Henry Lang, of Fremont, formally or. 
ganized a society in 1843, ^"^ ^'og church 
was built in 1844, which accommodated 
the congregation until 1867, when the 
present substantial brick house was erected. 
Rev. Mr. Lang was preacher for more 
than forty years, until in 1879 Rev. Mr. Alt- 
hoff was given charge. During Mr. Lang's 
pastorate Mr. Thornberry supplied the 
puli)it one year. The services of the 
church are wholly in German, and are 
well attended by a large membership. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Rice was formerly included in Bay 
township, but the organization of Ottawa 
county in 1840 cut off from this county 
the larger part of Bay, and made the es- 
tablishment of a new township in San- 
dusky necessary. The name "Rice" was 
conferred in honor of Judge Ezekiel Rice, 
who had been an associate judge of the 
court of common pleas. He was one of 
the pioneers on the Portage River, and a 
man universally respected. His residence 
was north of the new county line. 

The early records of the township have 
been lost. We are, therefore, unable to 
give any list of officers. 

Public schools under the present law 
were oiganized in the township in 1851. 
Six districts were laid out. This number 
was, in 1880, increased to seven by cut- 
ting off a part of districts two and three, 
and erecting it into a separate district. 

THE OTTAWA HUNTING AND FISHING CLUB. 

In connection with Riley township we 
have spoken at some length on the sub- 
ject of sporting. The marsh and adjoin- 
ing lands in which game abound, and the 



waters best adapted to fishing, are mainly 
owned by two sporting clubs, the Winous 
Point Club and the Ottawa Hunting and 
Fishing Club. The buildings and chattels 
of the latter are listed in Rice township. 

The founder of this corporation was 
Louis Smithnight, of Cleveland. He camp- 
ed on a portion of the ground now owned 
by the club, during the hunting season of 
1869, and at that time conceived the plan 
of forming an association for the purpose 
of buying lands, erecting houses, and pur- 
chasing equipments. Captain Smiihnight's 
efforts in this direction proved successful 
in 187 1, when an association consisting 
of seventy-one members was formed. 
Hone's Point Fishing and Hunting Club, 
of Cleveland, was the name adopted, and 
the following officers were chosen: L. 
Smithnight, president; G. M. Barber, 
vice-president, O. B. Perdue, secretary; 
D. H. Keys, treasurer; J. Laisy, surgeon; 
D. Price, quartermaster; L. Smithnight, 
T. Stackpole, C. D. Bishop, J. Hunting- 
ton, and Ciiarles Pease, executive com- 
mittee. 

In 1879 the association was incorpo- 
rated under the name of Ottawa Hunting 
and Fishing Club. The by-laws of the 
association limit the number of members 
to one hundred. No member is permit- 
ted more than once in a year to invite a 
guest to accompany him to the club 
grounds, nor can the same guest enjoy 
the privilege of visiting the grounds more 
than once. A permit in each case must 
first be obtained from the president and 
executive committee. 

Large tracts of land have been pur- 
chased at different times in Rice and 
Riley townships and in Ottawa county, the 
whole amounting now to about six thou- 
sand acres. More than thirty-five hundred 
acres more have been leased on long time 
so that the club has under its authority 
about ten thousand acres, a part of which 



576 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



is under cultivation. This land was pur- 
chased at prices ranging from five to fif- 
teen dollars per acre. Shares are worth 
about one thousand dollars each. The 
old members have paid into the treasury 
more than eight hundred dollars each. 
The current expenses for keeper of the 
club house, patrol, coal, boats, insurance, 
taxes, etc., amount to about two thousand 
dollars a year. The expenses are princi- 
pally incurred, however, by continued im- 
provements and purchases of land. Many 
of these improvements are of a substan- 
tial character — reducing the land to a 
state of cultivation, planting orchards, 
etc. There are on the property more 
than four thousand fruit trees, some of 
which are bearing. 

A vigilant patrol guards the property 
against any infringement of the State laws 
or the rules of the club. The privilege of 
trapping fur is rented. Any person is allow- 
ed to fish in the waters belonging to the 
club with a hook and line, but seining or 
netting is rigorously prohibited. No one, 
not even members of the club, are permit- 
ted to engage in shooting of any kind be- 
tween June I and September 15, except 
on a portion of woodland, where woodcock 
shooting is permitted to members. 

Ever since the organization of the clubs 
their right to the exclusive privilege of 
shooting on the waters included within the 
limits of their several purchases has been 
a subject of dispute. A decision was 
finally reached by the supreme court in 
188 1, which disposes of the question of 
riparian rights against sportsman's rights, 
and is a decision of general interest, not 
only to the sporting clubs but to owners of 
property along all the water courses of the 
county. ■ Under the Legislative act of 
May 5, 1877, it is provided that: 

Whoever, having received verbal or written notice 
from the owner of enclosed or improved lands, or 
any lands the boundaries of which are defined by 
stakes, posts, ditches, or marked trees, his agent or 



person in charge thereof, not to hunt thereon, shoots 
at, kills, or pursues with such intent, on such lands, 
any of the birds or game mentioned in sections twen- 
ty-seven, twenty-eight, or thirty of this chapter; and 
whoever shoots, kills, or pursueswith such intent any 
of such birds or game on the lands of another on 
which there is set up in some conspicuous place a 
board, inscribed in legible English characters, thus: 
"No shooting or hunting allowed on these premises," 
or pulls down or defaces any such board, shall be 
fined, etc. 

Among the birds or game mentioned are 
wild ducks. 

John Shannon, on October 29, 1877, as 
it appears from the pleadings in the case, 
was duck shooting on the Sandusky River; 
between the centre of the stream and the 
shore owned by George G. Tindall. He 
shot and killed wild ducks swimming in 
and flying over the river, between the mid- 
dle and the shore owned by Tindall, on 
whose complaint Shannon was arrested. 
Having been bound to appear and answer 
the charge in probate court, he was there 
tried, convicted, and sentenced. On the 
trial a bill of exceptions, containing all the 
testimony, was taken, and upon proceed- 
ings in error the common pleas court re- 
versed the decision of the probate court. 
To this decision of the common pleas 
court the prosecuting attorney took excep- 
tions, and sought the decision of the su- 
preme court. The defence did not deny 
the shooting of ducks at the place charged 
in the complaint, but rested his case on 
the ground that the river at that place was 
a navigable stream, and therefore the ri- 
parian owner was not protected by this 
statute against shooting or killing game on 
land covered by water. 

At the same term of the supreme court, 
in the case of June vs. Purcell, it was de- 
cided that the title of the riparian owner 
extended to the middle or thread of the 
stream. It followed, therefore, in Shan- 
non's case, that the offence had been com- 
mitted within the limits of Tindall's land, 
and was embraced within the liteial mean- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



577 



ing of the notice, "No hunting or shooting 
allowed on these premises." 

The court held that while Shannon was 
not guilty of trespass, a navigable stream 
being a public highway, he was guilty of a 
violation of the statute, insomuch as he 
had shot game on the property of another, 
contrary to notice. The purpose df the 
legislature in enacting this statute was to 
confer upon the owner of lands in this 
State the exclusive right to hunt and kill 
the designated game upon his own prem- 
ises, and to protect him in such right, pro- 
vided he complies with the prescribed 
conditions in regard to notice. 

And in regard to notice, if the lands be 
"enclosed and improved," or if the boun- 
daries be "defined by stakes, posts, water 
courses, ditches, or marked trees," verbal 
or written notice not to hunt thereon will 
bring the offender within the operation of 
the statute. 

It was the decision of the court that 
where a water-course, for instance a nav- 
igable stream, constitutes the boundary, if 
the conditions of the statute with regard to 
notice have been complied with by the 
owner, all persons are bound to take notice 
that his lands extend to the middle of the 
water-course. 



In regard to the claim that the statute 
was not intended to protect lands covered 
by the water of navigable streams, a ma- 
jority of the court held that there was no 
ground upon which such lands should be 
excluded. They are as much the subject 
of private ownership as unnavigable 
streams. There is no distinction made 
between them by the terms of the statute. 
True, navigable streams in this State are de- 
clared public highways, but the right tousea 
public highway is not abridged by protecting 
the owner in the exclusive right of killing 
game therein. Travel and commerce are 
not thereby hindered. Since the power 
of the legislature to protect game, or the 
exclusive right of the owner of the land to 
kill the same on his own premises, is as 
ample over land covered by water, whether 
navigable or innavigable, as it is over dry 
land, and as there is no attempt to distin- 
guish between them in the statute, all alike 
come within the protection of the stat- 
ute. 

The clubs took a special interest in this 
case, for upon its decision depended in an 
important measure the extent of their au- 
thority over a large hunting area, to secure 
which heavy purchases had been made. 



BALLVILLE. 



BALLVILLE embraces all of township 
four, range fifteen, in ""the original 
survey, except so much of sections two, 
three and four as are included in the two 
mile square reservation now constituting 
the town of Fremont. The boundaries 
are : Sandusky and Fremont on the north, 
Jackson on the west, Seneca county on the 
south, and Green Creek township on the 
east. 

The surface is generally level, but has a 
steep, general slope in a northerly direc- 
tion, thus giving the streams a rapid cur- 
rent. The Sandusky River, the mair. 
drain of the central part of the county, 
enters from Scnc. a c )'.inr; , about two miles 
from the corner of Jackson, and flows al- 
most due north until within about a mile 
of the Sandusky township line, where ii 
takes an easterly direction for a distance 
of two miles, and then again bows to the 
north, leaving the township. Nearly the 
entire length of its course through this ter- 
ritory the water rushes over a bed of solid 
limestone, having a well marked dip toward 
the north, making the stream shallow but 
rapid, affording excellent mill sites ; and, 
on that account, as well as the natural 
drainage furnished by its deep channel, 
this river has been an im])ortant agent in 
developing the township. 

The main tributaries to the Sandusky 
River are: Wolf Creek, a stream enter- 
ing from Seneca county, near the line of 
Jackson township, and having a course of 
about two utiles in this county; Sugar 
Creek, a small stream, flowing in a north- 
westerly direction, and draining the west- 
578 



ern part of the old Seneca reservat on 
Bark Creek flows from south to north 
through the entire length of the township, 
and is the most important natural drain of 
rhe eastern portion of the area. Green 
Creek crosses the southeast corner. 

The soil of the eastern part of this area 
is black muck, and when properly drained 
is very productive. The work of tiling 
began more than a decade since, and at 
l)resent nearly the entire surface is capable 
of a high state of cultivation. The soil 
along the river on the west side is of a 
sandy character, and conseiiuently dry. 
This condition led the Indians to locate 
their clearings and cornfields here, and at 
a later period invited the first white settle- 
ment. 

Except these few Indian fields, the 
white emigrants found the whole township 
heavily timbered ^with oak, sugar, ash, and 
other trees common to this climate. 

A MILITARY EPISODE. 

The first maJ tliro igh the township 
was opened along the river from Lower 
Sandusky (Fort Stephenson) to the upper 
military posts. Along this road, on the 
present site of Oakwood cemetery, oc- 
curred an encounter between a squadron 
under command of Colonel Ball and a 
band of Indians, which is immortalized in 
the name of the township. Two days be- 
fore Croghan's victory at Fort Stephenson, 
Colonel Ball's squadron was despatched to 
guard the mail and military communica- 
tions between Fort Seneca and Fort 
Stephenson. At the place above indicated 
an unexpected fire was opened upon the 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



579 



squadron by the Indians, who were con- 
cealed on the west side of the road. 
()uick action was required, and the Colo- 
nel ordered a charge without stopping to 
form his men. Ball himself led the ad- 
vance and struck the first blow. The 
savage braves stood their ground, and 
fought to des])eration. Two strong war- 
riors opposed Ball's advance. He cut 
down the one on the right; as he passed 
the other made a blow with a tomahawk 
at his back, but a sudden spring 
of the horse caused it to fall short, and 
left it buried in the pad of the sad- 
dle. Corporal Ryan's prompt rifle pre- 
vented a repetition of the blow. Lieu- 
tenant Hedges (afterwards General Hedges 
of Mansfield), made a narrow escape in 
this skirmish. Mounted on a small horse 
he pursued a large Indian and just as he 
was about to strike, his stirrup broke, 
throwing him from his horse against his 
victim, knocking him down. Both sprang 
to their feet and engaged in a hand to 
hand combat. Hedges finally got the 
better of the Indian and struck him a 
blow on the head, and as he was falling 
buried the full length of the sword in the 
Indian's body. On another part of the 
ground Captain Hopkins was in full pur- 
suit of a powerful savage, when the latter 
suddenly turned and made a blow at the 
Captain with a tomahawk, but his horse 
suddenly sprang to one side, thus saving 
his life. The Indian then struck at Cornet 
Hayes, who followed in the pursuit, but 
his horse saved him in like manner. This 
determined savage met his third combat- 
ant, Sergeant Anderson, by whose hand 
he lost his life. It is said the Indians 
numbered twelve, but one of whom es- 
caped.* Colonel Ball reformed his men 

* A published account of this affair says the In- 
dians numbered twenty, seventeen of wliom were 
killed. The statement in the text is on authority of 
general tradition. 



ready for a charge, expecting to meet a 
formidable force of Indians at any point, 
but the squadron reached the fort without 
further molestation. A large elm tree on 
the site of the skirmish for many years 
marked the spot, and eleven hacks through 
the bark recorded the number of Indians 
killed. The place has ever since been 
known as "Ball's battle ground," and the 
town was not inappropriately named in 
honor of the heroic Colonel. 

THE SENEGAS. 

Indian history and tradition clusters 
along the east bank of the Sandusky 
River for a considerable distance below 
the Seneca county line. The various 
treaties with these original owners of the 
soil have already been fully detailed, but 
it is proper that a few of the scenes and 
incidents with which the early settlers of 
our soil were familiar should be repro- 
duced for the entertainment and instruc- 
tion of the present and future generations. 

The Senecas of Sandusky were a mixed 
tribe, composed of the remnants of the 
tribes of Northern and Western New York 
— the Wyandots, Tuscarawas, and others. 
At the time they became known to our 
early permanent settlers they were, in 
some instances, indolent and dissolute in 
their habits. They were rather depraved 
than otherwise by intercourse and trade 
with the whites. They had cleared some 
of the dry land along the river and raised 
corn, which was mostly traded for whiskey 
at the backwoods distilleries, the art of 
distilling being unknown to them. In 
their intercourse with the settlers they 
were always friendly, but drunken quarrels 
and fatal jealousies not infrequently dis- 
turbed the peace of their own state. 
Witchcraft was an unpardonable sin, and 
punishable by death. Here, as in the 
more bigoted ages of the world among so- 
called civilized people, many cold-blooded 
murders were committed, in the name of 



58o 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



punishment for this felony. Both the witch 
and the bewitched were held guilty. Im- 
portant trials were held at 'the council 
house, which stood near the bank of the 
river, on the farm lately owned by Mrs. 
Harriet Seager, now owned by Mr. Myers. 
This was also the place of their tribal 
meetings and religious ceremonies. 

There was among them a tall, noble- 
looking man, whose full head of pure 
white hair gave him the name of " White- 
head George." He was, in his younger 
years, a man of good habits and industri- 
ous, but his squaw, whose hair was also 
whitened by age, became excessively in- 
temperate. Old White-head for a few 
years contemplated the ruin of his happi- 
ness with sadness, but finally lost spirit 
and joined his consort in a life of dissipa- 
tion. To see one of their most worthy 
and venerable men habitually in the depths 
of drunkenness grieved the great men of 
the tribe, who knew enough of the tradi- 
tion of Adam's fall to adjudge White- 
head's squaw the cause of his ruin. A 
council was called and the scjuaw declared 
to be possessed of a witch. A sentence 
of death was executed with a tomahawk 
in presence of her husband, who was 
deeply grieved. The short remaining 
period of his life was spent in licentious- 
ness and drunkenness. 

Virtue was at a very low stage among 
the Senecas. They maintained in name 
only the marriage relation, and their free 
practices led to many quarrels and diffi- 
culties of a serious character. 

The burying-ground was nearly oppo- 
site the mouth of Wolf Creek. Gieat 
numbers were probably buried here. .\n 
old citizen of the township relates that 
after the removal of the tribe to their 
Western reservation, he, in company with 
George Moore, was riding over the spot, 
and the feet of their horses, at places, sank 
into cavities caused by the decay of bodies. 



Among the Indians was one named 
Seneca John, who bore a good reputation 
in the white settlements. He was the 
youngest brother of Comstock, a principal 
chief of the tribe. John maintained his 
credit at the trading posts, and often went 
security for the more improvident mem- 
bers of his tribe. He was a gentle, peace- 
loving man, but was the victim of brotherly 
jealousy. The cold-blooded, unprovoked 
murder of this worthy red-skin is told by 
Henry C. Brish, the sub-agent of the (Gov- 
ernment at this station. The cabin of the 
chief. Hard Hickory, where the deed was 
executed, stood north of (xreen Spring, 
in Green Creek township. 

About the year 1825, Coonstick, Steel, 
and Cracked Hoof left the reservation for 
the double purpose of a hunting and trap- 
ping excursion, and to seek a location for 
a new home for their tribe in the far West. 
At the time of their starting Comstock, the 
brother of tlie two first, was the principal 
chief of the tribe. On their return, in 
1828, richly laden with furs, and having 
many horses, they found Seneca John, 
their fourth brother, chief, in place of 
Comstock, who had died during their 
absence. Comstock was the favorite 
brother of the two, and they at once 
charged Seneca John with causing his 
death by witchcraft. John denied the 
charge in a stream of eloquence rarely 
equalled. Said he: "1 loved my brother 
Comstock more than I love the green 
earth I stand upon. I would give up my- 
self limb by liml), i)iecemeal by piecemeal 
— I would shed my blood drop by drop to 
restore him to life." But all his ])rotesta- 
tions of innocence and affection for his 
brother Comstock were of no avail. His 
two other brothers pronounced him guilty, 
and declared their determination to be his 
executioners. 

John replied tliat he was willing to die, 
and only wished "to see the sun rise once 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



581 



more." This request was granted, and 
John told them thai he would sleep that 
night on Hard Hickory's porch, which 
fronted the east, where they would find 
him at sunrise. He chose that place be- 
cause he did not wish to be killed in the 
presence of his wife and children, and be- 
cause he desired that the chief, Hard 
Hickory, should witness that he died like 
a brave man. 

Coonslick and Steel returned for the 
night to an old cabin near by. In the 
morning, in company with Shane, another 
Indian, they proceeded to the house of 
Hard Hickory, who informed Mr. Brish 
of what there happened. 

He said a little after sunrise he heard 
their footsteps upon the porch, and opened 
the door just enough to peep out. He 
saw John asleep upon his blanket, and 
Coonstick, Steel, and Shane, standing 
around him. x\l length one of them 
awoke him. He arose to his feet and 
took off a large handkerchief which was 
around his head, letting his unusually 
long hair fall upon his shoulders. This 
being done he looked around upon the 
landscape, and at the rising sun, to take a 
farewell look of the familiar scene which 
he was never again to behold, and then 
told them he was ready to die. Shane 
and Coonstick each took him by the arm, 
and Steel walked behind. In this way 
they led him about ten steps from the 
porch, when Steel raised his malicious 
tomahawk and struck him a heavy blow on 
the back of the head. John fell to the 
ground, bleeding freely. Supposing the 
blow fatal they dragged him under a peach 
tree near by. In a short time, however, 
he recovered, the heavy matting of hair 
having arrested the tomahawk. Knowing 
that it was St^el who had struck him, 
John, as he lay on the ground, turned his 
face toward Coonstick and said: "Now, 
my brother, take your revenge." Coonstick 



was already repentent, and the composed 
face and forgiving remark of John so 
greatly affected him that he interposed to 
save his brother; but so enraged was the 
envious Steel that he drew his knife and 
cut John's throat from ear to ear. Seneca 
John was buried with the usual Indian 
ceremonies on the following day, not more 
than twenty feet from where he fell. His 
grave was surrounded by a small picket 
enclosure. "Three years after," says Mr. 
Erish, "when I was preparing to move 
them (the Senecas) to the far West, I saw 
Coonstick and Steel remove the picket 
fence and level the grcfund, so that no 
vestige of the grave remained.'' There 
could be no better evidence that both the 
brothers were ashamed of their crime. 

Coonstick was arrested on charge of 
murder and brought before the supreme 
court at Lower Sandusky. Judge Higgins 
decided that the act came completely 
within the jurisdiction of the tribe, and 
that Coonstick, as chief, was justified in 
the execution of a judicial sentence, and 
was the proj^er person to carry it into 
effect. The case was dismissed and the 
accused discharged. 

- Sardis Birchard, in Knapp's History, 
says : 

I remember well the death of Seneca John. He 
was a tall, noble looking man, and is said to have 
looked much like Henry Clay. He was always 
pleasant and cheerful. He was called the most elo- 
quent speaker on the reserve. He could always re- 
store harmony in their council when there was any 
ill feeling. In the evening before the morning of his 
death he was at my store. The whole tribe seemed 
to be in town. Steel and Coonstick were jealous of 
John, on account of his influence and power. John 
was a great favorite among the squaws. John bade 
me ",good-bye," and stood by me on the porch as 
the other Indians rode away. He looked at them 
with so much sadness in his face that it attracted my 
attention, and I wondered at John's letting them go 
away without him. John inquired the amount of in- 
debtedness at my store. We then went behind the 
counter to the desk. The amount was figured up 
and stated to John, who said something about pay- 
ing it, and then went away without relating any of 
the trouble. 



582 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



An old settler of Seneca county, in giv- 
ing his recollections of these Indians, says: 

The Indian tribes here at the time of the first set- 
tlement of the whites were the Senecas, Cayugas, 
Oneidas, and Mohawks. The Senecas — the most 
numerous — and Cayugas occupied the lower part; 
the Mohawks and Oneidas the upper part of the res- 
ervation, which was nine miles north and south and 
six miles east and west, on the east side of the San- 
dusky River. The land was held in joint stock, and 
each had the privilege of making improvements as 
he wished. They numbered seven hundred, and 
were not bad in general character, but friendly and 
kind when not maddened by whiskey and well treat- 
ed. They had a strong passion for whiskey. I have 
known them to offer two or three dollars' worth of 
goods for a quart of whiskey, and when into.xicated 
would give anything they possessed for it. 

They depended largely upon hunting for subsist- 
ence, in which they began, when children, by shoot- 
ing fish and small game with the bow. Most of the 
Indians and squaws cultivated each a small piece of 
land varying from a half to two acres, which thev 
formerly did with a hoe, but seeing us use the plow 
and the amount of labor saved thereby, concluded 
to change their custom. Seeing two Indians plow- 
ing on the other side of the river one day, I crossed 
over, and discovered them going the wrong way over 
the land, throwing the furrow in, and ne.xt time 
running inside of it, and then another which they 
thought very well, until I turned them the other wav, 
and gave them a little instruction which they thank- 
fully received. They raised a soft corn which they 
pounded into meal, and used to thicken soup. 

They had much idle time which they liked, the 
children spending it in shooting, the old people in 
smoking from pipes made in the heads of tomahawks 
with an adjustable stem. They smoked the sumac 
leaves dried and pounded, which gave a pleasant 
odor. 

The young Indians had a love for sports. Their 
chief game was ball — a game in which ten or 
twelve on aside engaged. The ground was marked 
off in a space of about sixty rods, the centre of 
which was the starting point. Each player had a 
staff about five feet long, with a bow made of 
raw hide on one end, with which to handle the ball, 
as no one was allowed to touch it with his hands. 
At the commencement the ball was taken to the 
center between two of the staffs, each pulling toward 
his outpost. The strife was to get the ball beyond 
the outpost which counted one for the successful side. 
Once out, the ball was taken back to the centre, 
and the contest repeated. The squaws and older 
Indians were the witnesses of these sports, and 
added zest by their cheers. 

A favorite winter sport was running upon skates. 
Thev would spread a blanket U]5on the ice, and jump 



over It with skates on, trying to excel in the distance 
made beyond. 

The Mohawks and Oneidas had some very well- 
educated people, and most of their tribe could read 
and write. They had religious services every Sun- 
day in the form of the Church of England, con- 
ducted by a minister of their own tribe. They were 
excellent singers, and were always pleased to see the 
whites at their meetings. The Senecas and Cayugas 
were more inclined to adhere to the worship of their 
forefathers. They held in reverence many gatherings. 
The green corn dance was prominent among them, 
but that most worthy of note was the dog dance. 
This was the great dance which took place about 
midwinter, and lasted three days, at the end of which 
they burned dogs. 

The annual feasts and dances of the 
Senecas took place at their council house, 
which stood on the river bank in this 
township during the early settlement of 
our county, but was afterwards abandoned 
and a new council house built near Green 
Spring. Only particular friends were re- 
ceived on these occasions of hilarity, but 
the Indians being on good terms with 
their neighbors, respectable white people 
found little difficulty in gaining admis- 
sion. These occasions year after year 
were much the same, and a description of 
one will suffice for all. The religious 
ceremony consisted mainly in the sacrifice 
of two dogs to the Great Spirit. The fol- 
lowing description of the sacrifice and 
feast will be es|)ecially interesting in view 
of the fact that these people, of whom no 
trace is left, were, less than fifty years ago, 
an important element both in the trade 
and amusement of the white settlements. 
The following was first published in the 
Sidney Aurora: 

W'e rose early and proceeded directly to the coun- 
cil house, and though we supposed we were early 
the Indians were already in advance of us. The 
first object which arrested our attention was a pair of 
the canine species, one of each gender, suspended on 
a cross, one on either side thereof. These animals 
had been recently strangled; not a bone was broken 
nor could a distorted hair be seen. They were of a 
beautiful cream color, except a few dark spots on 
one naturally, which same spots were put on the 
other artificialh- bv the devotees. The liulians are 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



583 



very partial in their selection of dogs, entirely white 
for this occasion, and for which they will give almost 
any price. 

Now for the decoiations to which I have already 
alluded, and a description of one will suffice for both. 
A scarlet ribbon was tastefully tied just above the 
nose, and near the eyes another; next, around the 
neck was a white ribbon to which was attached some 
bulbous substance concealed by another white ribbon 
This was placed directly under the^right ear, and I 
suppose was intended as an amulet or charm. These 
ribbons were bound around the forelegs at the knees, 
and near the feet. These were red and white alter- 
nately. Round the body was a profuse decoration, 
and the hind legs were decorated as the fore ones. 
Thus were the victims prepared and thus ornamented 
for the burnt offering. 

While minutely making this examination, I was 
almost unconscious of the collection of a large num- 
ber of Indians who were assembled for the purpose 
of offering their sacrifices. 

Adjacent to the cross was a large fire built on a 
few logs, and though the snow was several inches 
deep, they had prepared a suflficient quantity of 
combustible material, removed the snow from the 
logs and placed thereon their fire. I have often re- 
gretted that I did not see them light this pile. My 
own opinion is they did not use the fire from their 
council house, because they would have considered 
that as common, and as this was intended to be a 
holy service, they no doubt struck fire from a flint, 
this being deemed sacred.* 

It was a clear, beautiful morning, and just as the 
first rays of the sun were seen in the tops of the 
towering forest and its reflection from the snowy 
surface, the Indians sumultaneously formed a semi- 
circle enclosing the cross, each flank resting on the 
aforesaid pile of logs. Good Hunter, who officiated, 
now appeared and approached the cross; arrayed in 
his pontifical robes, he looked quite respectable. 
The Indians being all assembled — I say, Indians, 
for there was not a squaw present during all this 
ceremony — at a private signal given by the High 
Priest, two young chiefs sprang upon the cross, each 
taking off one of the victims, brought it down and 
presented it on his arms to the High Priest, who, 
receiving it in like manner, advanced to the fire and 
with a very grave and solemn air laid it thereon — 
this he did with the other, but to which, whether 
male or jtemale he gave the preference, I did not 
learn. This done he retired to the cross. 

In a devout manner he now commenced an ora- 
tion. The tone of his voice was audible and some- 
what chanting. At every pause in his discourse he 
took from a white cloth which he held in his left 
hand a portion of dried odoriferous herbs, which he 
threw on the fire. This was intended as incense. 

* Some tribes are in the habit of kindling their fire for 
sacrifices by the friction of two dry sticks. 



In the meantime his auditory, their eyes on the 
ground, with grave aspect, in solemn silence, stood 
motionless, listening attentively to every word he 
uttered. 

Thus he proceeded until the victims were entirely 
consumed and the incense exhausted, when he con- 
cluded the service; the oblation now made, and the 
wrath of the Great Spirit appeased, as they believed, 
they again assembled in the council house for the 
purpose of performing a part in the festival different 
from any I had yet witnessed. Each Indian as he 
entered, seated himself on the floor, thus forming a 
large circle, when one old chief rose with that native 
dignity, which some of the Indians possess in a great 
degree, recounted his exploits as a warrior; told in 
how many fights he had been the victor; the number 
of scalps he had taken from his enemies; and what, at 
the head of his braves, he intended to do at the 
"Rocky Mountains," accompaning his remarks with 
energy, warmth and strong gesticulation, and at the 
conclusion received the unanimous applause of the 
assembled tribe. 

This meed of praise was awarded by the chief by 
"three times three" articulations, which were pro- 
perly neither nasal, oral, guttural but ratherabomin- 
able. Thus many others in the circle, old and 
young, rose in order and delivered a speech. Among 
these was Good Hunter, but he 

Had laid his robes away, 

His mitre and his vest. 

His remarks were not filled with such bombast as 
some of the others, but brief, modest, and appropri- 
ate; in fine, they were such as become a priest of one 
of the ten lost tribes of Israel.* 

After all had spoken who wished to speak, the 
floor was cleared, and the dance commenced, in 
which Indian and squaw united with their wonted hi- 
larity and 7,eal. Just as this dance was ended, an Ind- 
ian boy ran to me, with fear strongly depicted in 
his countenance, caught me by the. arm, and drew 
me to the door, pointing with his other hand toward 
something he wished me to observe. I looked in 
that direction and saw the appearance of an Indian, 
running at full speed toward the council-house. In 
an instant he was in the house, and literally in the 
fire, which he took in his hands, and threw fire-coals 
and hot ashes in various directions through the 
house, and apparently all over himself At his en- 
trance, the young Indians, much alarmed, had fled 
to the other end of the house, where they remained 
crowded, in great dread of this personification of the 
Evil Spirit. After diverting himself with the fire a 
few moments, at the expense of the young ones pres- 
ent, he, to their no small joy, disappeared. This 
was an Indian disguised with a hideous false face, 
having horns on his head, and his hands and feet pro- 

'' The writer probably held to the theory no longer gen 
erally entertained that the Indians are descendants from 
" the ten lost tribes." 



S84 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



tected from the effects of the fire, and, though not a 
professed " fire king," he certainly performed his part 
to admiration 

During the continuance of the festival the hospi- 
tality of the Senecas was unbounded. At the coun- 
cil-house and at the residence of Tall Chief were a 
number of bucks and fat hogs hanging up and neat- 
ly dressed. ']"here was bread also of both corn and 
wheat in abundance. Large kettles of soup already 
prepared, in which maple sugar profusely added 
made a prominent ingredient, thus forming a very 
agreeable saccharine coalescence. All were invited, 
and all were made welcome; indeed, a refusal to par- 
take of their bounty was deemed disrespectful, if not 
unfriendly. I left them in the afternoon enjoying 
themselves to the fullest extent, and, so far as I could 
perceive, their pleasure was without allqy. They 
were eating and drinking, (but on this occasion no 
ardent spirits were permitted,) dancing, and rejoic- 
ing, not caring, and probably not thinking, of to- 
morrow. 

The departure of the Senecas marks an 
epoch in the history of the south part of 
the county. They had become an ele- 
ment in the trade and hfe of the com- 
munity. A large tract of land was thrown 
on the market, and llie white man's in- 
dustrious a.xe echoed in the forest which 
had previously -known only the red-skin's 
rifle and hilarious shout. But the settlers 
on the other side of the river had, by as- 
sociation, become somewhat attached to 
their forest neighbors. While for many 
reasons they hailed with pleasure the pros- 
pect of a more advanced civilization, on 
the other side, there were yet demonstra- 
tions of profound sorrow when the day of 
parting came. 

THE WHITK SETTLEMENT. 

The land came into market in 1820, 
the first general sale being at Delaware. 
J)Ut the Indians here, as elsewhere, were 
disturbed by white intruders on the soil 
which for centuries had been the rightful 
possession of their race. They had learned 
by the experience of their neighbors on 
all sides, that the white man's axe and plow 
were the destroyers of their home and 
emi)loyment. It is not strange, therefore, 
that an attempt was made by them to en- 



courage squatter settlers to leave. It 
would not have been strange under the 
circumstances had acts of actual violence 
been resorted to. 

The first settlement was, however, in 
that part of the township adjacent to the 
two mile square reservation. Squatters 
in this part of the territory were quite 
numerous and changed residences with 
such frequency tliat only the names of a 
few of them c'an be given. There were, 
however, two classes of squatters, — a reck- 
less and indifferent class, who sought only 
temporary places to live and hunt, and 
those who came with a view to making 
this their permanent place of residence, 
and as soon as the lands came into the 
market, made permanent improvements. 

Samuel and Margaret Cochran, natives 
of Massachusetts, after their marriage, re- 
moved to Vermont and from Vermont to 
Buffiilo, New York, where Mr. Cochran 
built a half-deck vessel and transported 
his family, in 181 6, to the mouth of the 
Huron, where the family remained about 
three years, during which time, in 18 18, 
Mrs. Cochran died. In 1819 General 
Cass, then Indian agent, employed Mr. 
Cochran to assist the mail-carriers at the 
mouth of Wolf Creek when the water was 
high. This necessitated the removal of 
the family to the heart of the forest. The 
Indians, who at that time held title to the 
soil, tried to persuade him to leave, but 
resorted to no acts of violence. He 
cleared a small tract and built a cabin. 
This was the first white man's cabin in the 
upper part of the township. By the time 
the land came into market, after the Indian 
title became extinguished, lie had cleared 
twenty acres, part of which had been 
planted in corn. But like many other 
squatter settlers, he lost his improvements 
in consequence of bemg overbid at the 
Government sales. A Ml Henninger 
purchased the property, but did not move 




(y^y^j^^^^^^^/l^,^^_ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



585 



to the county for several years after. Mr. 
Cochran afterwards purchased land on the 
river about seven miles below Lower San- 
dusky, where he lived from 1822 until his 
death, in 1825. He left surviving him 
nine children, viz: Elizabeth (Johnson), 
Minerva (Smith), Cynthia (Sherman), 
David, Samuel, Henry, Fannie (Court- 
right), Harriet (Seager), and Nancy (Frary). 
Phineas Frary (husband of Nancy Coch- 
ran) was one of the early settlers at the 
mouth of Wolf Creek. Their daughter, 
Margaret, was probably the first white 
child born in the township. Harriet first 
marriedThomas Miller, October 23, 1826. 
After her father died and until the time of 
her marriage she lived with her sister, Mrs. 
Frary, and assisted in clearing the farm. 
Mr. Miller settled on Portage River, where 
Woodville has since been laid out. Here 
he died in 1828. His widow remained 
and kept tavern, which is noticed more 
fully in the chapter on that township. She 
purchased land after the Seneca Reserve 
came into market, where the council-house 
of the Senecas had stood. In 1835 she 
married Charles Seager and removed to 
her farm. Mrs. Seager is one of the oldest 
persons in the county and the only sur- 
vivor of the original settlers of Ballville. 
By her first husband she had two children, 
both of whom died young. Charles L. 
Seager, her second husband, was a native 
of New York. He came to Ohio and 
settled in this township in 1835. He 
cleared a large tract of land, and was an 
extensive farmer until his death, in 1843. 
Charles D. Seager, the only son, was born 
in 1843. He married, in 1858, Caroline 
Hoover. 

Among the settlers of 18 18 in the north 
part of the township were David Moore, 
Asa B. Gavit, John Wolcutt, Mr. Rexford, 
Mr. Chaffee, and perhaps a (ew others. 
In 18 19, the first family, Samuel Coch- 
ran's, located above the bend of the river. 



This year added to the inhabitants of 
township number four several families, 
among them being John Fitch, John Cus- 
tard, and the Prior family. In 1820 per- 
manent settlement began. The squatters, 
most of them, made purchases at the 
sales at Delaware, and the country rapidly 
filled up with emigrants from New York, 
Pennsylvania, and Southern Ohio. Many 
had made purchases before visiting the 
county, and their first realization of the 
swamps and forest to be contended with 
was upon their arrival in covered wagons 
with household goods, farming utensils 
and families. In another chapter is given 
a general idea of the log-cabin life of the 
period. The surroundings and homes in 
one locality were much similar to those of 
another. This fact is a clear illustration of 
the important influence of natural sur- 
roundings and conditions upon the habits 
and character of a people. 

The Prior family came from Virginia to 
Ohio in T 8 1 6. There were at that time but 
few white families in this county. The fam- 
ily consisted of three sons and two daugh- 
ters. The second son had his eyes picked 
out in a most shocking manner. Before 
coming to Ohio he was engaged in a fight 
with a ruffian who got the better of him, 
and endeavored to force him "to give up." 
Prior's father arrived on the scene of ac- 
tion and charged the son not to yield. 
The ruffian's threat that he would pick his 
eyes out called from the father another 
charge not to give up, with the assurance 
that if he lost his eyesight he would take 
care of him all his Ufe. The boy lost both 
his eyes, thus paying the penalty of his 
father's foolish vanity. When the first 
sale of land occurred the blind boy ap- 
peared as a bidder, and his condition 
commanded so much symathy that no one 
appeared to bid against him. He thus be- 
came the possessor of a good farm. This 
family suffered another shocking accident 



c86 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



while living in Ballville. Foxes were 
plenty at t'.jat time and frequently made 
raids on chickens, and even sometimes on 
young pigs. Their fre(]uent visits at the 
Prior homestead caused the gun to be 
always standing ready for the shy thieves. 
It happened that Henry Prior, one even- 
ing about dark, was doing some work in 
the pig pen, and his red hair, just visible in 
the dusk of evening was mistaken for a fox 
by his uncle, A\'ilkinson Prior, who, with 
steady aim, fired a fatal shot. It is not 
surprising that a suspicion should go forth 
that the mistake was feigned, but there are 
in the circumstances no ground for such a 
suspicion. 

David Moore moved from Huntingdon 
county, Pennsylvania, to Rosscounty, Ohio, 
in 1814, and from Ross to Sandusky 
county in 18 18. He was a son of Samuel 
Moore, who emigrated from Dalkeith, 
Scotland, about the year 1760, and settled 
in New Jersey. He built a double log 
cabin on tlie '-)a'i'< )f the river, opposite 
the residence of Mrs. Eliza Moore, in the 
village of Ballville. A little below that he 
built a grist-mill, and ground the grain of 
the pioneers until his death, December 24 
1829, which was caused by an accident ii. 
falling at night from the attic in the mill to 
a lower story. He was sixty-three year^ 
old. A small freestone monument marks 
his resting place near the centre of the old 
cemetery. The old settlers in those days 
did not all use patent flour. The follow- 
ing is a copy of one of many orders for 
meal, wliich are still in the possession of 
Mrs. Eliza Moore, in Ballville: 

POKTAGE RiVEK, July 20, 1825. 
David Moore : 

Dear Sir: Please send by the heater two bush- 
els of corn meal, and charge to me. 

KzKKiEL Rice, 

David Moore's wife, whose maiden 

name was Elizabeth Davis, remained on a 

farm in Ross county, where she died Julv 

I, 1826. The children of David Moore 



were Eliza (Justice), Sarah (Fields), George, 
James, and John Moore, all of whom 
came to Sandusky county. George Moore 
returned to Rosscounty in 1830, and set- 
tled on Paint Creek, eight miles south of 
Chillicothe, where he died October i, 
1850, leaving a widow, Mrs. Rachel 
Moore, still living, and four children — 
David, Eliza, Morris, and William — all of 
whom aie dead but Eliza, who is a widow 
— having married Philip Rhodes. Cxeorge's 
son, David, left four daughters — Georgia, 
Ella, Kate, and Willie. James Moore 
died December 20, 1873, from an acci- 
dent that happened to him in his mill, 
aged sixty-seven. John Moore died May 
31, 1876, aged seventy-eight. Eliza Justice 
died October 17, 1876, aged seventy-six. 
Sarah Fields, the only living child of 
David Moore, is aged seventy-seven. 

J. D. Moore, son of John and Eliza 
Moore, was born in Ballville in 1844. His 
parents were among the first settlers of 
the county. John Moore died in 1876. 
He was a miller by trade, and also carried 
on farming. His widow, Mrs. Elizabeth 
(Rutter) Moore, still survives him. They 
had eleven children, seven of whom are 
living. J. D. Moore married Ellen Dean, 
and has three children living — Guy, 
Philii), and Daisv. Freddie, the eldest, 
died, aged ten y.ars. Mr. Moore was in 
business as a merchant iri Fremont from 
1866 to 1873. Since the latter date he 
has been engaged in milling in Ballville. 

Asa B. Gavit, a native of New York, 
settled on the west bank of the river about 
1818. He married, in this county, a iMiss 
Strawn, whose family settled further up 
the river, near the mouth of Wolf Creek. 
Gavit was one of the shrewdest and most 
progressive men in the settlement. He 
had the reputation of being an excellent 
trader. He died, his wife and one son 
surviving him. She married for her sec- 
ond husband Charles Blinn, and for her 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



587 



third Stephen Emerson. Mr. Gavit's 
connection with the famous lawsuit re- 
garding the ownership of the bed of the 
river, is given in this chapter. 

William and David Chard came as 
squatters in 1819, and when the land 
came into market they made permanent 
settlement on section twenty-one. Their 
reputation was by no means enviable. 

Morris Nichols came to the township 
in 1820. He constructed a tannery on 
the river road just outside the limits of 
the mile square reservation. 

John Wolcott was known in early 
times as a hunter, which was a profitable 
employment, in fact it was the only em- 
ployment; which brought in ready cash; 
labor and farm products were paid for in 
trade. He was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, and lived with his mother after 
coming here. 

We have already spoken of the first 
settlement at the mouth of Wolf Creek, 
between here and the village of Ballville. 
By 1824 nearly every farm , on the west 
side of the river had been improved. 

Elizabeth Tindall kept the only public 
house along this road. She came to the 
township with her family, consisting of 
five sons, — Samuel, Daniel, William, John, 
and Edward, and two daughters — Eliza 
(Lovejoy) and Amy (Bond). J. L. Tindall, 
the oldest son of Edward Tindall, still re- 
sides in the township. He was born May 
4, 1838, and in i860 married Martha J. 
Fields, of Sandusky township. 

Between the Tindall estate and the 
Gavit farm were a number of improve- 
,iTi?4;ts made about 1822, among the set- 
tlers being Mr. Woodruff and John Cus- 
tard. 

David Chambers purchased a tract of 
land in section eight, with a view to en- J 
gaging in milling. His location, although | 
naturally good, was unfortunate as the re- 
sult of a long course of lititration detailed ' 



in this chapter will show. Mr. Chambers 
was highly respected in the community, 
and it was a matter of regret on the part 
of many that circumstances compelled 
him to sell his property and seek a home 
elsewhere. His son, Benjamin Chambers, 
moved west. His daughter married John 
Custard. 

Mr. John Rhidout, father of William 
Rhidout, was one of the first settlers in the 
northwest part of the township. He was 
a shoemaker, and came west for the pur- 
pose of engaging at his trade at the Ind- 
ian missionary posts on the Maumee. 
After settling here in 1824 he engaged in 
farming. 

The settlement in the upper part of the 
township, on the east side of the river, 
began in 1832, after the Senecashad been 
removed to their western home, and the 
reservation which they had occupied 
thrown upon the market. There were, 
however, earlier settlements further down. 

On the east side of the river, on section 
twenty, had been an Indian sugar-camp of 
considerable size, which was purchased at 
the Government sales by John Sherrard. 
Thomas Sherrard, a brother of John, re- 
moved from Jefferson county, Ohio, to 
Lower Sandusky in the summer of 1823, 
with the intention of building a mill on 
Green Creek, where he owned a tract of 
land, but after his arrival concluded to set- 
tle on a farm near the site of Oakwood 
cemetery, in Ballville township, where he 
built a cabin and made a clearing. His 
family was highly esteemed in the neigh- 
borhood, and the untimely termination of 
his life was the occasion of great sadness. 
John Sherrard, who owned the sugar-camp, 
was afraid the Indians would destroy the 
trees, and requested his brother to rent it 
to some one who would live on the prop- 
erty. Mr. Sherrard effected a contract 
with William Chard, by which he was to 
give a stipulated amount of sugar for the 



588 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



use of the camp. But during the first 
season a disagreement arose, and Mr. 
Sherrard began to suspect the honesty of 
his tenant. He was prevented by high 
water from crossing the river until March 
26, when he came to Colonel Chambers' 
house on his way to the camp. After tell- 
ing the object of his errand, he inquired 
the best place to ford the river. Colonel 
Chambers says, in a memorandum of the 
affair, that Mr. Sherrard looked melan- 
choly, and seemed to be apprehensive of 
something about to happen. He crossed 
the river, but it was the last time. The 
Chambers family became uneasy regarding 
his safety in the evening, and Mrs. Sher- 
rard's appearance on the following morn- 
ing, with the announcement that he had 
not returned, increased their apprehen- 
sions, which noontime confirmed when 
James Chard appeared on the other side 
of the river with the horse, and made the 
announcement that Sherrard had left their 
house in the afternoon for home, and the 
horse had returned alone. The river was 
searched for nearly a month, but to no 
effect, and a high freshet at length de- 
stroyed all hopes of recovering the body. 
Mrs. Sherrard was greatly affected, and 
left the cabin home, being kindly received 
in the family of Colonel Chambers. It is 
worthy of remark in this connection that 
on the day following the misfortune all the 
cattle and horses forsook the home and 
came to the Chambers residence. On 
April 1 1 the saddle was found below 
Moore's mill-dam. His hat was found on 
the previous day, and bore evidence of 
having been in the water but a short time. 
On April 21 Joseph Prior saw a white, 
fleshy form in the water about half a mile 
below the Chambers ford, and supposed if 
the body of a skinned animal, but that 
same evening the body was carried down 
to Moore's mill-dam, and discovered be. 
tween the breast of the dam and the spill 



of water. It was impossible to recover 
the body that night, there being no water 
craft at hand; but on the following day the 
body was removed from the lower mill- 
dam. When Mr. Sherrard left home he 
had on an overcoat, light under-coat, vest, 
and two shirts; the body was found naked. 
The bridge of his nose was broken, one 
of his eyes bruised out, and his right jaw- 
bone broken, as if done by the stroke of a 
club. The fore teeth were broken and the 
mouth bruised, and the throat callous. All 
these wounds bore evidence of having 
been inflicted before the extinguishment 
of life. The place and time of the dis- 
covery of the body, and its condition, are 
circumstances almost conclusive of a most 
brutal murder. The whole affair naturally 
caused intense exxitement throughout the 
neighborhood, and suspicion condemned 
the family supposed to be guilty, but suf- 
ficient proof could not be found to war- 
rant an arrest. 

The first settler of the farm now owned 
by L. B. Fry was Benjamin Decker. 
Thuman Holmes and Dennis Duran lived 
east of the Seager farms already spoken 
of, on which the council house of the 
Senecas stood. The Willis family, repre- 
sentatives of which are yet living, settled 
at an early period. Samuel Treat was the 
first settler on section twenty-nine. John 
Mvers made an early improvement on the 
same section. Mr. Ensminger, David 
Halter, Peter Doell, and Henry Fry made 
improvements along down the river, on 
the east side, from 1830 to 1835. Joseph 
Edwards made an improvement on the 
farm in the interior of the township, which 
was afterwards purchased by Jonas Smith, 
and is yet in part owned by him. 

One of the earliest settlers in the centre 
of the township was Samuel Smith, third 
son of Adam Smith, who was an early 
settler in Green creek township. He was 
born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 181 7, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



589 



and came to the county with his parents. 
After his marriage, in 1844, to Elizabeth 
Frary, he settled on section ten, and made 
the first improvements. Mr. and Mrs. 
Smith had four children, two of whom are 
living — Dora and Clara. Hattie, wife of 
Samuel Zontman, died, leaving a family of 
four children. Charles is also dead. 

The Strawn family were highly respected 
people, who settled near the mouth of 
Wolf Creek. 

The Bixler family settled in the north- 
west corner of the township. They were 
people who took a prominent part in af- 
fairs. 

John Nyce and family, consisting of 
three sons — Philip, Isaac, and Michael — 
and three daughters — Theny, Sarah, and 
Nancy — came from Pennsylvania at an 
early day, and settled on the east side of 
the river. 

We have now sketched in a general way 
the settlement of the township previous to 
the later period, when all the lands were 
taken up and most of them cleared. It yet 
remains to speak more particularly of those 
families who have taken a leading part in 
public affairs, and contributed to the 
growth of society, since the period of first 
settlement. 

Among the earliest settlers of the cen- 
tral part of this township, and one of the 
oldest pioneers now living, is Jonas Smith. 
He was born in New York in 1807. In 
1829 he married Mary Gilmore, who is two 
years his senior. In 1833 they came to 
this township, and made a settlement near 
the centre. Their family consisted of two 
boys and four girls — James N., resident 
of Michigan; Martha J. (Frary), Michigan; 
S. S., Michigan; Ann (Maurer), Fremont; 
Hannah (Brunthaver), Ballville : and 
Emma (Hampshire), Ballville, Mr. Smith 
has been crowded with official trusts, 
having served his county as commissioner 
six years, and sheriff four years. He has 



also served as magistrate in Ballville for 
nineteen years. Providence has dealt* 
with this family most generously. Mr. 
and Mrs. Smith celebrated the fiftieth an- 
niversary of their wedding, February 19, 
1879. During this period of more than 
fifty-two years of married life, death has 
never visited their family. 

From 1833 to 1840 the improvement of 
the township was pushed vigorously. All 
the land at the end of that period had 
been entered, and clearings commenced 
at least on every lot. Along the river and 
through the centre and eastern line of sec- 
tions, well improved farms were already 
richly rewarding the husbandman's indus- 
try. From the list of worthy families who 
carried on this work of improvement and 
consequent production of wealth, the plan 
of our work will permit brief sketches of 
but a few families. 

John Hutchins, a native of Vermont, 
settled in this township in 1834. He had 
a large family (ten children) by his first 
wife, whose maiden name was Russel, and 
six by his second wife, whose maiden 
name was Hannah Collins. Mr. Hutchins 
died in 1845, aged seventy-seven years. 
Matthew Hutchins, the fourth child of 
John and Hannah Hutchins, was born in 
Oswego, New York, in 1822. In 1843 
he married Elizabeth Young, and con- 
tributed his labors to the improvement of 
the eastern part of the township. The 
family consists of four children — William 
L., Adrian A., Marion M., and Lewis D., 
living, and Emery M., and Milo J. A., 
dead. 

The Frys are representative Germans 
of this township. They came from Prussia 
and settled here in 1834 and 1835. 
George Fry was born in Prussia in 1809. 
He came to this county in 1835. I" 1842 
he married Mary Guss, by whom he had 
nine children, seven of whom are living. 
He has been a resident of Jackson town- 



59° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUN FY. 



ship since 1846. Henry N. Fry, oldest 
son of George Fry, was born in this town- 
ship in 1844. In 1874 he married Ella 
M. Burgoon, and has two children — Ros- 
coe A., and Virginia. 

John Fry was born in Prussia in 18 10. 
He is a carpenter and millwright by trade, 
and was employed in the construction of 
the frame mill, the predecessor of the 
stone mill, and other buildings along the 
river. He also improved a farm a short 
distance above the village. He came, also, 
in the year 1835. In 1850 he married 
Julia A. Miller, of Seneca county. 

Henry Fry was born at the paternal 
residence in the Province of Westphalia, 
in 18 1 3. He came to America in 1S34, 
one year before his brother, John, and his 
cousin George. In 1S41 he married 
Abbie Rhidout, daughter of John G. Rhid- 
out, who came from Ross county and 
settled in this township in 1825. Mr. 
Fry's family consists of two children living 
— Cynthia J., the wife of Dr. Robert H. 
Rice, and Amelia S., the wife of E. B. 
Moore. The oldest child, John I,. Fry, 
is dead. Mr. Fry followed his trade, car- 
penter and mill-wright, several years after 
coming to this township. 

Isaac Maurer was born in Chester 
county, Pennsylvania, in 1808. He mar- 
ried in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1831, 
Mary Ernsberger, who was born in Mary- 
land in 181 2, and died in this township in 
1879. They settled in Ballville township 
in 1834, and raised a a family of six chil- 
dren living, viz : Martin, Emanuel, William 
J., Eli B., Martha J., and Owen. 

William, the third son, was born in this 
township in 1840. He married in 1865, 
Eliza J. Worst, and has a family of three 
children: Tillie L., Delphin B., and Or- 
pheus C. Mr. Maurer was wounded at the 
battle of Franklin. He was in the One 
Hundredth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 

Owen L., the youngest son of Isaac 



Maurer, was born in this township in 
1853. He married in 1873, Martha J. 
Brunthaver, and has two children, Ger- 
trude and Maggie. 

One of the first among the settlers of 
1835 was John Halter. He was born in 
New York in 1803. He married in 1825, 
Elizabeth Bastic, by whom one child was 
born — Catharine, wife, first, of James 
Jackson, who was killed in the army; 
second of Isaac N. Halter, of Fremont. 
Mr. and Mrs. Halter are now enjoying the 
fruits of their early industry. 

David Halter was born in New York in- 
1816. He married Margaret Plants, and 
had a family of four children, viz: John, 
resident of Seneca county; David, de- 
ceased ; Leander, Ballville township, and 
Jacob, who continues his residence in this 
county. Jacob was born in 1849, married 
in 1872, Mary J. Cochran, and has four 
children: Nellie M., David F., Edith and 
Earlie (twins). Both David Halter and 
his wife died in August, 1881. 

Joseph Hershey, one of the Ballville 
•settlers of 1836, was born at Hagerstown, 
Maryland, in 1796. In 1808 his father 
removed to Canada, where he remained 
until the opening of the War of 1812. 
He then removed to Erie county, New- 
York. In 1836 Joseph came to this town- 
ship, where he died in 185 1, leaving a 
family of four children living — Eliza (My- 
ers), Frances (Wire), Peter, and Martha 
(Willard). Mrs. Hershey, whose maiden 
name was Magdalene Frick, died in 
1871. Peter, the only son, born m Erie 
county. New York, in 1819, in 1855 mar- 
ried Elizabeth Bruner, by whom he has a 
family of seven children — David, Anna, 
Willard P. F:imer E., (irant U., Daisy M., 
and Bessie S. 

Peter Doell was born in Germany in 
1 819. In 1838 he emigrated to America 
and came to Ballville township. Some 
six years later he settled upon a farm on 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



591 



the east side of the river. In 1841 he 
married Margaret Resch, also a native of 
Ciermany. Twelve children blessed this 
union, four of whom are living, viz : Mary 
(Rearick), Sandusky township; George, 
Riley township; Catharine (Kraft) and 
Joseph, Ballville township. 

Roswell Osborn, a native of New York, 
was born in 1800. He married for his 
first wife, Phebe Card, who died in New 
York in 1830, leaving eight children. He 
married for his second wife Mida Lansing, 
by whom he had three children. The family 
came to Ohio about 1835 '^'""d settled in 
Huron county. He was a Baptist min- 
ister, and about five years were occupied 
in preaching. About 1840 Mr. Osborn 
settled in Ballville township and remained 
about nine years. He then moved to Wis- 
consin, where he died in i860. Enos, the 
sixth child, was born in New York in 
1820. He came to Ballville with the 
family in 1840 and has continued his resi- 
dence here since that time. In 1847 '""^ 
married Margaret Strohl, who died in 
1863, aged thirty-four years, leaving six 
children, viz : James, editor Fremont 
Messenger; George, resides in Logan 
county, Ohio; William, Roswell P., Anna, 
and Idella (Hufford), Ballville township. 
Mr. Osborn married for his second wife 
Leah Brunthaver, by whom he has had 
one child — Frank. Mr. Osborn was a 
soldier in the Mexican war. 

George Reynolds was born in New York 
in 1817. He immigrated to Ohio m 1841, 
and settled in Ballville township, where, 
in 1844, he married Maria Prior, a daugh- 
ter of John Prior. A family of five chil- 
dren blessed this union, four of whom are 
living, viz.: Chauncy, Cynthia (Parker), 
Delia (Mitchner), and Rant. Orrin died 
in 1880, aged twenty-four. He was a 
practicing lawyer. 

The settlement and mysterious death of 
Thomas G. Sherrard has already been 



chronicled. The Sherrard family of this 
county is descended from John Sherrard, 
a native of county Derry, Ireland, who 
emigrated to America in 1772, and joined 
the patriot army, in 1775, at Bunker Hill. 
He settled in Jefferson county, Ohio, 
where he died in 1809, leaving five sons. 
Robert Andrew Sherrard, the fourth son, 
was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, 
in 1789, and died near Steubenville in 
1874; he was a highly-esteemed man, 
and a prominent member of the Presbyte- 
rian church; he was twice married — first, 
to Mary Kithcart, by whom he had five 
children, and second, to Jane Hind man, 
who bore seven children. David A. C. 
Sherrard, the third child by the first mar- 
riage, was born in Jefferson county in 
1820; in 1843 he married Catharine 
Weldy, who died in 1847, leaving three 
children, viz,: Laura, KizzieW.,and Liz- 
zie C; in 1848 he married Narcissa Grant, 
by whom he had seven children, viz.: 
Hattie (deceased), Robert, John F., Emma, 
Mary J., Rose P., and Ida M. 

William Smith was born in New Jersey 
in 1789. He married, in 1814, Sarah 
Trimmer, also a native of New Jersey. In 
1836 the family removed to Perry county, 
Ohio, and thence to this county, in 1847, 
when they settled in Ballville township. 
Mrs. Smith died in July, 1858, and Mr. 
Smith in October, 1865. Four of their 
children are living — Sarah Ann (Cole), 
William P., George G., and John C. 
Henry, the oldest of the family, died in 
Newark, Ohio, in October, 1858. Jacob, 
the third child, died young, in New Jer- 
sey. Anna Maria, the youngest, died in 
Perry county in 1845, ^g^d about twelve 
years. William P., the oldest son living, 
was born February 28, 1824; in 1858 he 
married Sarah M. Siberal, and had one 
child, Mina, deceased; Mr. Smith was 
treasurer of his township twelve years. 
On account of injuries received in 1844, 



592 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



he is unable to perform manual labor. He 
has brought up two children in his home 
— Carrie D. Smith, now the wife of 
Leonard Sliger, of Bradner, Wood county, 
and Mary E. Harrison, at home. 

Daniel Sherer was born in Seneca 
county, Ohio, in 1828, and in 1846 mar- 
ried Mary A. Rubenault. He settled in 
this township in 1848. The family con- 
sisted of four children, two of whom — 
Henry and Elizabeth A. — are dead; Al- 
bert O. and Daniel O. are residents of the 
township. Mr. Sherer died in 1858. 

Albert O. Sherer was born in 1852, 
and in 1875 ^^ married Jane Siberal. 
They have two children living — Blanche 
E. and an infant daughter. 

Daniel O. Sherer was born in 1855. 
He married, in 1875, Martha J. Jackman. 
Annie E., Minnie D., and Benjamin F. are 
their children. 

Victor Rich was born in Switzerland in 
1832. He came to America in 1 851, and 
stopped in New York during the winter, 
having been employed to chop wood, but 
was initiated into Yankee ways by being 
cheated out of his wages. The next 
spring he came to Fremont, and was for 
many years a well-known stone-mason. 
He built the vault in the " Oakwood 
Cemetery," which is a very fine piece of 
workmanship. In 1861 he settled in this 
township, where he owns a farm. In 
1859 he married Mrs. Catherine Swilly, 
and has five children — Joseph, Charles, 
George, Victor, and Clara. John Swilly is 
her son by a previous husband. 

Cornelius Hufford settled in Ballville 
township in 1836. He was born in Ken- 
tucky in 1806. In 1833 he married 
Mary J. Zook, daughter of Abram 
Zook, and a native of Bedford county, 
Pennsylvania. Their family consisted of 
ten children, five of whom are living — 
Sarah, Simon, Elizabeth, Catharine, and 
Martha. In 1869 Mr. Hufford removed 



to his present residence in Washington 
township. 

Simon Hufford was born in 1837. He 
married, in 1861, Sarah Short, and has a 
family of five children living^Lillie J., 
Jennie, Frank, Armina, and Hattie. Bur- 
ton died when less than one year old. 

Jacob Kline, with his wife and family, 
came to America in 1832, and settled in 
New York. Mrs. Kline died at Buffalo 
in 1845. Mr. Kline died in this township 
in 1859. Jacob Kline, jr., was born in 
Germany in 18 14. He married Lena 
Zimmerman in 1845, and in 1852 came 
West and settled in Ballville township. 
The family consists of eleven children, 
viz.: Jacob, George, Philip, Martin, 
Charles A., Lena, Mary M., William H., 
Edward F., John A., and Adam H. The 
last seven were born in this township. 
Martin and Charles have been teachers in 
the public schools. Charles is preparing 
for the practice of the law. 

James Traill, with his family, removed 
from Bedford county, Pennsylvania, to 
Coshocton county, Ohio, and from there 
to Seneca county, in 1851. Thomas, hig 
son, was born in Bedford county, Penn- 
sylvania, March 20, 1818. In 1844 he 
married Mary E. West, ot York township. 
In 1852 he moved from Seneca county to 
Ballville township, his present home. 
Four children are living — Darling, Olive 
E., Lovie, and Perry J. Clara E., the 
oldest daughter, died at the age of twenty- 
two. 

Andrew Wolfe was born in York county, 
Pennsylvania, in 1797. He married 
Saloma Garber, a native of Switzerland, 
and came to Ohio, settling first in Knox 
county, then in Richland. In 1855 he 
removed to Sandusky county, and settled 
in this township, where he died in 1874. 
Daniel M., the fifth child, was born in 
Knox county in 183 1. He married, in 
1855, Eunice J. Black, and settled where 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



593 



he now lives. The famTly consists of five 
children — Charles M., Sarah I., Elbridge 
G., Inez M., and Daniel M. Mr. Wolfe 
is a carpenter and followed the trade 
twenty-five years. 

Henry Turner was born in Fairfield 
county, Ohio, in 1809. He married Susan 
Spangler in 1829. She died in 1849, 
leaving six children, viz.: William, Eman- 
uel, Samantha, Daniel, Perry L, and 
Mary J. Of these only two are living — 
Samantha (Neff), Saginaw, Michigan, and 
Daniel. In 1852 Mr. Turner married for. 
his second wife Elizabeth Delong, and 
had by this marriage two children — Henry 
Otis, a resident of Lima, Ohio, and Mar- 
cella, dead. The family came to Seneca 
county in 1830; moved to Ballville town- 
ship in 1853. 

John G. Speller, jr., proprietor of the 
stone mill, was born in Prussia in 1843. 
In 1857 he came to America and engaged 
in farming in this township. The follow- 
ing year his parents, Lambert C. and Maiy 
Speller, came to this country with their 
family of five children, and remain resi- 
dents of this township. In 1867 John G. 
Speller began clerking for Herman & Wil- 
son, and continued in mercantile business 
seven years, the last year in partnership 
with Mr. Herman. In 1875 he purchased 
the Ballville stone mill, half of which he 
sold to Simeon Royce. Business has 
since been conducted under the firm name 
of Royce & Speller. Mr. Speller, in 1872, 
married Oriette J. Moore. James and 
Allie are their children. 

George Flumerfelt, the oldest son of 
D. V. Flumerfelt, settled in this township 
in 1865. His father, however, was one of 
the first settlers of the neighboring town- 
ship of Pleasant, in Seneca county, having 
come there from New Jersey in 1826, at 
the age of eighteen. He married Me- 
linda Littler, and has a family of seven 
children living. George was born in 1842. 



He married Ellen Chancy in 1865. Five 
children are living — Eva P., Edward P., 
Laura, William A., and Clarence. Mr. 
Flumerfelt is a Greenbacker in politics. 
He owns the old Hiett farm, one of the 
first that was cleared in this township. 

Abel M. Franks, only son of Uriah M. 
Franks, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, 
in 1834. He married in 1862 Eliza Mc- 
Quigg, a native of Ireland. They have five 
children — Uriah F., John W., Sarah E., 
James E., and Samuel C. John, second son, 
graduated at the age of fifteen and is pre- 
paring for the Bar. Mr. Franks came to 
the county in 1865, and settled first in 
Sandusky township, where he remained 
two years, then settled in Ballville. 

J. B. Lott, son of Peter and Mary Lott, 
was born in Seneca county in 1832. He 
came to this county in 1858, and settled 
on his present farm. He married in 1858 
Sarah A. Bretts, a native of Lancaster 
county, Pennsylvania. Three of their five 
children are living — Charles, Wilson, and 
Jennie — Clara .■\nn and an infant daugh- 
ter are dead. 

Thomas Wickert, a native of Lehigh 
county, Pennsylvania, was born in 1809, 
He married in 1832 Lucy Vennor. With 
their six children they came to this 
township in i860. The children are: 
James E., George Harrison, Thomas 
J., Mary E., Emma, and Lucy N. 
Wickert. James E., the second child, was 
born in Pennsylvania in 1834. In 1859 
he married Martha Abbott, who died in 
1865, leaving three children — Frank, 
James, and Chester. In 1866 he removed 
to this county, and in 1869 he married 
Christina Lutz, by whom six children have 
been born — Bert, Fred, Guy, Hattie, 
Daisy, and Richard. 

M. B. Fry emigrated from Virginia to 
Seneca county in 1833, and died in Pleas- 
ant township in 1853, leaving a family of 
seven children, five of whom are living. 



594 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Littler B., the oldest son, was born in 
1826. He came to Ohio with his father, 
and in 1865 married Belle Ramsey, a 
native of Pittsburgh. Mr. Fry has been 
living in this township since 187 1. 

A CHARIVARI. 

John Hofford lived on the lot in Ball- 
ville now occupied by the cooper shop of 
J. D. & George Moore. About 1841, 
while John Moore was building his mill- 
race, on which twenty Irishmen were em- 
ployed, Almiia Hofford was married to 
John Johnson, an attorney, who lived on 
the farm now owned by Dr. Wilson, west 
of Fremont. The Irishmen determined 
upon making it an eventful occasion by 
giving the newly wedded couple a serenade 
after the wild fashion of the day. They 
collected all the guns, dinner-horns and 
cow-bells in the neighborhood, and taking 
these, together with rosined boxes, horse- 
fiddles and a pail of powder stolen from the 
supply used for blasting, they proceeded 
to the house. At thi^ ume the excite- 
ment caused by the ''patriot war" was at 
its highest, and a general raid was feared. 
When the confusion of guns, horse-fiddles, 
horns, etc., which was intended only ti 
disturb the honeymoon of the lately united 
couple, began, the whole community was 
aroused. One Irishman, who knew nothins. 
of the proceedings, expressed the thoughts 
of many people, when, leaping from his 
bed, he exclainred : "I thought the Bred- 
ish were a cumin, and I lepped out of 
bed to put." The man who carried the 
powder pail met a serious accident. Be- 
coming excited, he rushed with Irish ardor 
into the crowd of musketmen. A spark 
dropped into the bucket, and the ex- 
plosion sent him speechless to the rear. 
He finally, however, recovered. This is 
only one of the many amusing tricks 
carried out by this party of witty Irishmen 
whose residence in Ballville is well re- 
membered. 



AN IMPORTANT LITIGATION. 

Here arose a controversy, which en- 
endered bitter personal feeling between 
neighbors and led to a decision by the 
supreme court ul ihc Slate on an important 
legal question. David Moore, David Cham^ 
bers and Asa B. Gavit owned the lands 
adjoining the river in the order named, be- 
ginning at the village of Ballville and ex- 
tending up for considerable distance. The 
controversy at first seems to have been 
grounded in the natural desire of both 
Moore and Chambers to have the ex- 
clusive use of the water-power. Chambers 
built a dam and erected a mill, but Moore 
cut off his water-power by building a dam 
below, thus throwing the back water on 
Chambers' wheel. Cliambers sued Moore 
for trespass, but as the conclusion of the 
whole matter shows, was himself a tres- 
passer, for the back-water from his dam 
covered the hitherto exposed limestone 
ledges in the bottom of the river opposite 
Gavit's land, to the depth of four feet. 

Gavit brought suit for trespass and the 
case came to trial in the court of com- 
mon pleas of the county. He proved at 
the trial that he owned certain lands 
bounded by the river and situated on its 
western bank. He also proved that by the 
erection of Chambers' dam the water was 
flowed back in the bed of the rive' oppo- 
site his land, so as to stand four feet deep 
on a stone quarry between his lands and 
the middle of the stream. In the original 
surveys the river was intersected by lines, 
but the area occupied by the stream when 
at high water mark was deducted from the 
whole area, so that the purchaser paid the 
United States for lands only to high water 
mark. It was, therefore, claimed by 
Chambers that the bed and banks of the 
river was public property. 

The court of common pleas charged 
the jury that the plaintiff could set no 
right, in consequence of owning the lands 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



595 



on the shore, to the bed of the river adja- 
cent to such lands. The jury on this 
charge gave a verdict in favor of the de- 
fendant (Chambers). 

The case was taken to the supreme 
court on a writ of error, where it was ar- 
gued, on part of the defendant, that as the 
Sandusky River was declared a navigable 
stream no individual could acquire exclu- 
sive property in its bed. The long course 
of litigation was watched eagerly, not only 
by those having a personal interest in the 
parties to the suit, but by owners of river 
lands throughout the State, for upon its 
decision depended many rights and privi- 
leges liable at any time to. cause difficulty. 
The decision of the supreme court will be 
of interest in this connection. 

The question presented for decision In this case is, " 
Has the proprietor of land bounded by a navigable 
stream a separate and individual interest or property 
in any portion of the bed of the river? 

The cession of the United States of lands within 
the territory of which Ohio is now a part, was made 
subject to no condition with respect to navigable 
streams. But in the first frame of government, com- 
monly called the Ordinance, which is fundamental in 
its character, it is stipulated that "navigable waters 
leading into the Mississippi and St. Lawrence shall 
be forever free" to all people of the United States. 
The legislation of Congress for disposition of lands 
has strictly conformed to this stipulation. The lands 
within the beds of navigable rivers have not been 
sold as lands to be paid for, and v/hether the lands 
have or have not been made boundaries of surveys, 
the land usually covered by water has been deducted 
from that upon which purchase money was charged. 
This, it is argued, is a fact conclusive to establish the 
position that the individual purchaser acquires no 
rights to the bed of the river adjoinmg his lands. 
But we do not think it properly attended with such 
consequence. 

It is, we conceive, virtually essential to the public 
peace and to individual security that there should 
be distinct and acknowledged legal owners for both 
the land and water of the country. This seems to 
have been the principle upon which the law doctrine 
was originally settled, that when a stream was not 
subject to the ebb and flow of the tide it should be 
deemed the property of the owners of the soil bound- 
ing on its banks. The reason upon which this rule is 
founded applies as strongly in this country as in any 
other, and no maxim of jurisprudence is of more 



universal application than that where the reason is 
the same the law should be the same. 

If, in the case before us, the owners of the lands 
bounded on the banks of the Sandusky River do not 
own the fee simple in that stream, subject only to the 
use of the public, who does own it, and what is its 
condition? The "Ordinance" reserves nothmg but 
the use. No act of Congress makes any reservation 
in relation to the beds of rivers. We find no provis- 
ions but those of the act of 1796 which are confined 
to reserving the use of navigable streams, and declar- 
ing the e.xistence of the common law doctrine in re- 
spect to streams not navigable. 

A river consists of water bed and banks. At 
what point does the right of the owner of adjoining 
lands terminate, on the top or at the bottom of the 
bank? -At high or low water mark? Does his 
boundary recede and advance with the water, or is it 
stationary at some point? And where is that point? 
Who gains by alluvion? Who loses by direptions of 
the streams? No satisfactory rules can be laid 
down in answer to these questions, if the common 
law doctrine be departed from. Arid if it be as- 
sumed that the United States retain the fee simple 
in the beds of our rivers, who is to preserve them 
from individual trespassers, or determine matters of 
wrong between the trespassers themselves. It can 
not be reasonably doubted that if all the beds of our 
rivers supposed to be navigable, and treated as 
such by the United States in selling lands, are to be 
regarded as tmappropriated territory, a door is open 
for incalculable mischiefs. Intruders upon the com- 
mon waste would fall into endless broils among them- 
selves and involve the owners of lands adjoining in 
controversies innumerable. Stones, soil, gravel, the 
right to fish, would all be subjects of individual 
scramble necessarily leading to violence and outrage. 
The United States would be little interested in pre- 
serving either the peace or the property, and indeed 
would be powerless to do it without an mterference 
with the policy of the State. 

We do not believe that it was the intention of the 
United States to reserve an interest in the bed, banks 
or water of the rivers in the State, other than the use 
for navigation to the public, which is distinctly in the 
nature of an easement, and all grants of land upon 
such waters we hold to have been made subject to 
the common law, which in this case is the plain rule 
of common sense, and it is this : He who owns the 
lands upon both banks owns the entire river, subject 
only to the ea.sement of navigation, and he who 
owns the land on one bank only owns to the middle 
of the river subject to the same easement. This is 
the rule recognized not only in England but in our 
sister States. 

Before this decision was reached by the 
supreme court Mr. Gavit died, but his. 
administrator gained a verdict. Messrs. 



^96 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Chambers and Moore settled their diffi- 
culties by Moore buying Chambers out, 
thus giving him full and exclusive right 
and privilege to the water power along the 
Bellville rapids. 

EARLY EVENTS. 

It is difficult to tell who was the first 
white child born in this township, but our 
best information is that it was Margaret 
Frary, who was born some time in the 
year 1821. 

A squatter named Coburg was the first 
citizen, so far as is known, "to end the 
earth chapter of life." He died about 
18 1 9. During his sickness Harriet Coch- 
ran (Mrs. Seager), was the only person in 
the neighborhood to wait on and care for 
him. 

The first cemetery in the township was 
the one at Salem church, in the south 
part. This lot was set apart at the 
death of Mrs. Frary, who was the first 
person buried there. Her husband, Phin- 
eas Frary, was the second. The inhabit- 
ants of the north part of the township 
were accustomed to bury their dead at 
Fremont, then Lower Sandusky. 

The early families of the north part of 
the township sent their children to school 
in Fremont; those in the south part first 
attended school in Seneca county, where 
a man named Dicely taught. The first 
school-house in the south part of the 
township was built on the Seager farm, on 
the east side of the river, about 1833. 
Moses Coleby is remembered as the first 
master. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. 

The following petition appears on the 
commissioners' records, which sets forth 
the reason for setting apart a new town 
from Sandusky, and the signatures also 
show who were the leading men at that 
date in favor of a division of the town- 
ships. 



To the honorable Commissioners of Sandusky 
Coujity: 

Sandusky Towxship, State of Ohio. 
This petition of the undersigned, residents of San- 
dusky county, Sandusky township, prays, that they 
with the other residents of said township labor under 
many serious difficulties and disadvantages in conse- 
quence of the distance they have to go to the place 
of holding general elections. In fact, the great 
bounds of said township and the distance public 
officers reside from each other tends greatly to retard 
public business, particularly as it relates to the busi- 
ness of the township. Under these circumstances 
your petitioners therefore pray, that you would 
direct a new township to be laid out embracing 
township four, range fifteen, your petitioners will 
ever pray. 

ist of March, 1822. 
N. B. And your petitioners also pray that the 
township be called Ball's township. 
[Signers] 

D.WID Ch.\mbers. 

Asa B. Gavit. 

David Chard. 

Giles Thompson. 

Moses Nichols. 

John Woolcot. 

Jeremiah Everett. 

John Prior. 

Isaac Prior. 

Henry Prior. 

John Custard. 

Benjamin Clark. 

T. A. Rexford. 

William Chard. 

The petition was granted and the first 
election ordered to be held at the house 
of David Chambers on the ist Monday 
of April, 1822. The early records of the 
township are lost, so that we are unable 
to give the first officers elected or the 
civil list. 

manufacturing. 

The water power furnished by the sec- 
ond rai)ids of the Sandusky River has been 
the natural means of building up a little 
settlement in the north part of the town- 
ship, which deserves to be called a village. 
It takes the name of the township. About 
182 1 three mills were built in this locality 
—two grist-mills, one by David Chambers, 
the other by David Moore; and, further 
up, a saw-mill, by Mr. Tindall. The re- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



597 



mains of the saw-mill are yet standing. 
Messrs. Moore and Chambers became in- 
volved in an expensive litigation, which is 
spoken of at length in this chapter. Moore 
settled the difficulty, and at the same time 
obtained exclusive control of the ava'lable 
water power by buying Chambers' farm 
and mill. 

In 1 83 1 Charles Choate came to Ball- 
ville and leased the shed and water power 
at Moore's mill, where he began the card- 
ing and fulling business. (Mr. Choate's 
father was one of the first settlers of Ohio, 
and was taken prisoner at Big Bottom dur- 
ing the Indian war of 1791-95.) James 
Moore, a son of David Moore, began the 
erection of a new mill in 1835, which was 
completed and placed in operation in 
1837. Mr. Choate removed his carding 
machinery to this mill, where he continued 
the business three years longer, making a 
period of nine years since the beginning 
of wool carding. The last year he worked 
forty thousand pounds of wool. Mr. 
Choate sold his factory to Asa Otis and 
P. C. Dean. 

The stone mill, which is yet in opera- 
tion, was built in 1858 by James Moore. 
Mr. Moore had also built a cotton factory 
in 1845, but was in a short time burned 
out. 

In 1839 James Valletti purchased an in- 
terest in the mills and real estate. The 
village of Ballville was surveyed and laid 
out in lots by Messrs. Moore and Valletti 
the following year. 

P. C. Dean and John Moore built what 
is now known as theCroghan mill in 1867. 
Mr. Dean sold his interest to his partner, 
who conducted the business until his death, 
when it became the property of his sons. 
The building and machinery were de- 
stroyed by fire in 1878, but rebuilt the 
same year. It is now owned by J. D., 
George N., and C. B. Moore. 

During most of the tmie since the sur- 



vey of the village a small mercantile busi- 
ness has been carried on at Ballville. C. 
B. Moore has been in the grocery business 
since 1876. 

THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.* 

The name United Brethren has been 
adopted successively by four distinct and 
separate religious organizations. Early in 
the fifteenth century a church was formed 
in Bohemia, Germany, similar to that of 
the Waldenses, which took the name 
United Brethren. In the sixteenth century 
a part of the German Reformed church 
united with the Waldenses, and formed 
what was called the Church of the United 
Brethren. In the eighteenth century was 
organized the Church of the Moravians 
or The Renewed United Brethren. These 
churches, though similar in name, faith, 
and practice, had no ecclesiastical connec- 
tion. 

The Church of the United Brethren in 
Christ was organized in the city of Balti- 
more, Maryland, in 1775. Its principal 
founder was Rev. William Otterbein, a 
minister of the German Reformed church. 
He had been sent as a missionary to 
America from Dillenberg, Germany, and 
after preaching in southeastern Pennsyl- 
vania and northern Maryland several years 
with great success as a revivalist, he or- 
ganized an independent church which at 
first was called the Evangelical Reformed 
church, then the United Brethren church, 
and finally, to avoid a mixing of titles with 
the Moravians or United Brethren, it was 
called the Church of the United Brethren 
in Christ. 

The colaborers of Otterbein in this 
work were Rev. Martin Boehm, Rev. 
Christian Newcomer, and Rev. John 
Neiding, each of the Mennonite church, 
and Rev. George A. Guething and John 
G. Pfrimmer, of the German Reformed 
church. 

* By Jacob Burgner. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



The first great meeting (grosze versamm- 
lung), and the one which suggested the 
name United Brethren, was held at Mr. 
Isaac Long's in Lancaster county, Penn- 
sylvania, and was attended largely by 
members of the Lutheran, German Re- 
formed, Mennonite, Tunker and Amish 
persuasions. 

The labors of these ministers and others 
who joined them, were for half a century 
confined almost exclusively to the Germans 
in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. 

Since the year 1825, the German lan- 
guage in many places has entirely given 
place to the English, and the church has 
also spread in English communities, where 
it was formerly unknown. 

Among the earliest religious workers in 
Sandusky county, Ohio, were the local 
and travelling preachers of the church of 
the United Brethren in Christ. 

Previous to the year 1833 a strong tide 
of emigration set in towards the north- 
west, and among the emigrants to the 
Sandusky Valley were quite a number of 
United Brethren families, including some 
local preachers. These held religious 
meetings in their respective neighborhoods 
and prepared the way for the missionaries 
or travelling preachers which were sent 
into this region by the Muskingum con- 
ference, as early as the year 1829. They 
had a string of appointments extending 
from Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, to 
Lower Sandusky, Ohio. In common with 
other pioneers these preachers endured 
many trials and privations and performed 
much toilsome and difficult work (or very 
meagre salaries. They often met with 
abundant success in revival meetings and 
in the organization of religious societies, 
but, owing in part to the constant shifting 
of population, they did not succeed in es- 
tablishing permanent societies, and build- 
ing churches as well as those who came 
later and labored in towns and villages. 



Their preaching places were mostly at 
private houses or barns, or in log school- 
houses, often in widely separated neighbor- 
hoods, reached only by winding roads or 
paths cut through the woods. These 
routes were often almost impassable on 
account of high water and an almost in- 
terminable black, sticky mud. They 
travelled usually on foot or on horseback, 
and preached every day in the week and 
two or three times on Sunday. Their 
meetings were as well attended on week- 
days as on Sunday. Farmers in those 
days cheerfully left their work to attend 
religious services. In times of big meet- 
ings they came from several adjoining 
neighborhoods, even in bad weather and 
over bad roads, on foot, on horseback, 
and not unfrequently in large wagons or 
sleds, drawn by ox-teams. Thirteen per- 
sons constituted a Methodist load, but a 
United Biethren load was as many as you 
could pile on. At these meeting the early 
pioneers manifested a large-hearted hospi- 
tality, unaffected sociability, and much re- 
ligious enthusiasm. 

In the year 1822 Rev. Jacob Bowlus 
came from Frederick county, Maryland, 
and settled near Lower Sandusky (now 
Fremont, Ohio). He was the first Evan- 
gelical preacher in the Black Swamp. He 
preached faitlifully to the new settlers as 
he had opportunity, and opened his doors 
to the Methodists and to ministers of other 
denominations. A few preaching places 
were thus established, a few classes 
formed, and in 1829 the general confer- 
ence of the United Brethren church 
recognized a circuit called the Sandusky 
circuit. At the next session of the Mus- 
kingum conference Jacob Bmvlus was 
elected presiding elder of the Sandusky 
district, and John Zahn was appointed to 
travel Sandusky circuit. In the year 1830 
Mr. Bowlus was re-elected presiding elder, 
and Israel Harrington and J. Harrison as- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



599 



signed to Sandusky circuit. These four, 
Zahn, PjOwIus, Harrington,- and Harrison 
are said to liave been the first pioneer 
itinerant preachers of this church in 
Northwestern Ohio. During the next 
four years Sandusky circuit was supplied 
with travelUng preachers by the Musking- 
um conference. 

In the year 1833 the general conference 
of the United Brethren church made ar- 
rangements for the organization of the 
Sandusky conference. 

The new conference held its first session 
on the 1 2th day of May, 1S34, at the 
house of Philip Bretz, on Honey Creek, 
in Seneca county, Ohio. Bishop Samuel 
Hiestand presided. Preachers present — 
John Russel, Jacob Bowlus, George His- 
key, Jeremiah Brown, C. Zook, John 
Crum, VV. T. Tracy, Jacob Bair, O. Strong, 
H. Erret, John Smith, L. Easterly, Philip 
Cramer, B. Moore, Daniel Strayer, Israel 
Harrington, Jacob Crum, H. Kimberlin, 
J. Fry, J.-Alsop, Jacob Garber, Stephen 
Lillibridge, and John Davis [familiarly 
known in Northwestern Ohio as "Pap" 
Davis, the hatter]. Mr. Davis labored 
with great faithfulness as a travelling 
preacher for many years, much of the time 
as a presiding elder. On a salary of from 
seventy-five dollars to one hundred and 
fifty dollars, he travelled on horseback 
from Crawford county, Ohio, to Allen 
county, Indiana, four times a year, year 
after year. The roads were extremely bad, 
but he seldom missed an appointment, 
never complained, and always wore a 
smile as he entered the cabins of the 
West. 

Stephen Lillibridge, during the eight 
short years of his itineracy, travelled the 
Black Swamp at a salary of less than one 
hundred dollars a year, and preached 
nineteen hundred and thirty sermons, as 
shown by his diary. He died at the early 
age of twenty-eight. 



Among other successful evangelists who 
travelled the Black Swamp may be men- 
tioned Rev. Joseph Bever, Rev. Samuel 
Long, Rev. Michael Long, and Rev. J. C. 
Bright. 

The second session of the Sandusky 
conference was held at the house of A. 
Beck, in Crawford county, Ohio, April 15, 
1835. The following were received : 
Jacob Newman, Joseph Bever, Jeremiah 
Brown, George Newman, H. G. Spayth,* 
J. C. Rice, and Joseph Logan. 

In the first assignment to the fields 
of labor, Benjamin Moore and Joseph 
Bevtr were sent to travel the Sandusky 
circuit, which then extended across San- 
dusky county, and into the present coun- 
ties of Ottawa, Huron, and Seneca. Rev. 
M. Long also travelled the circuit during 
the latter half of the year. 

The other circuits of the conference 
were Maumee, Scioto, Richland, and Owl 
Creek, in Knox county, travelled respect- 
ively by S. Lillibridge, J. Alsop, J. Davis, 
and B. Kaufman. 

The third session of Sandusky confer- 
ence was held at the house of J. Crum, in 
Wood county, Ohio, April 26, 1836. 
Preachers received — John Dorcas, T. Has- 
tings, Francis Clymer, Michael Long, Al- 
fred Spracklin, and William Williams. 

Jacob Bowlus was chosen presiding 
elder, and the assignments to fields of la- 
bor were: Sandusky circuit, J. Davis; 
Swan Creek, S. Lillibridge ; Richland, J. 
Dorcas and B. Kaufman ; Mt. Vernon, 
Jacob Newman ; Maumee, John Long ; 
Findlay Mission, Michael Long. 

The first delegates to the general con- 
ference of the United Brethren church from 
the Black Swamp were John Dorcas and 
George Hiskey, in 1837. 

The salaries ])aid during the year 1835- 
36 were: J. Brown, presiding elder, $16; 
B. Moore, $76; B. Kaufman, $49; Joseph 

* Author of History of United Brethren Church. 



6oo 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Bever, $40; M. Long, $41; S. Lillibridge, 
$80; Jonas Fraunfelder, $2.50; and Sam- 
uel Hiestand, bishop, $20.50. 

The circuits comprised from a dozen to 
twenty or more preaching places, and the 
])reacher was obliged to travel about two 
hundred miles in making one round, which 
he usually completed in from two to four 
w^eks. The following is an outline from 
memory of the appointments of Sandusky 
circuit in 1835, as given by Rev. Joseph 
Bever: 

Commencing at Peter l^'ver's, north ot Melmore, 
Seneca county, I went successively to Philip Bretz's, 
east of Melmore; Solomon Seary's, southeast of 
Melmore; Fred Rhodes', north of Republic; Mr. 
Payne's, in Huron county ; the Snow school-house, 
near Amsden's corners, now Bellevue; Jacob Bowlus', 
west of Fremont; Port Clinton, Ottawa county; Mc- 
Namor's or Zink's, south of Fremont; Mr. Gaines', 
southwest of Fremont; James Mathews', near Bas- 
com; Mr. Bodine's, near Fostoria; school-house near 
Gilboa; Dr. Hastings', on Tawas Creek; Philip Cra- 
mer's, on same; Mr. Bi.xler's, east of Findlay; Father 
Bray ton's, Springville (father of the Brayton captured 
by the Indians); Mr. VVyant's, Tyamochtee, and at 
other places occasionally. It took me three weeks, 
travelling every day, to make the round in good 
weather, and I received for my salary twenty-five 
dollars ! 

The following is a list of the preachers 
who travelled the old Sandusky and the 
Green Creek circuits from the year 1S34 
to 1881: Benjamin Moore, Joseph Bever, 
M. Long, John Davis, John Dorcas, S. 
Lillibridge, J. C. Bright, S. Hadley, John 
Lawrence'*, P. J. Thornton, D. (jlancy, B. 
J. Needles, William Bevington, Wesley 
Harrington, R. Wicks, Jacob Newman, 
John French, William Jones, James Long, 
H. Curtis, S. T. Lane, B. G. Ogden, A. M. 
Stemen, Silas Foster, ^^'illiam Miller, Peter 
Fleck, R. K. Wyant, J. Mathews, D. F. 
Gender, S. H. Raudabaugh, D. D. Hart, 
B. M. Long, E. B. ALiurer, A. Powell, D. 
S. Caldwell, and T. D. Ligle. 

Sandusky county is now (1881) divided 
among five circuits: Green Creek, Bay 
Shore, Clyde, Sandusky, and Eden, com- 

* Author of History of United Brethren Church. 



prising eighteen societies in this county. 
Green Creek was detached from the old 
Sandusky in 1834, and lies mostly in Ball- 
ville township. It h::is five societies, three 
churches, and one parsonage. The United 
Brethren church and parsonage, at Green 
Spring, were built in 1871-72-73, under 
the direction of Rev. S. H. Raudabaugh. 
The Mt. Lebanon United Brethren church, 
two miles southeast of Fremont, was built 
in 1864. The first trustees were: Rev. 
M. Long, Rev. M. Bulger, Rev. N. Young, 
Anson Eldridge, and John Batzole. The 
society was formed by the union of the 
classes at the Batzole and Dawley school- 
houses. The superintendents of Mt. Leb- 
anon Sabbath-school from 1864 to 1881 
were: Rev. 'N. Young, Sidney Young, 
Charles Young, Rev. N. S. Long, Rev. B. 

I M. Long, Jacob Burgner, J. W. Worst, 

i and Hugh C. Smith. 

The church at Hoover's Corners, or 
Hard Scrabble, which is used jointly by 
the United Brethren church and the 
Evangelical Association, was built by the 
latter about the year 1854. 

A class of the United Brethren in Christ 
was formed of citizens living in the neigh- 
borhood of the mouth of Wolf Creek. 
It was organized as the " dinger Class," 

j April 20, i860, Samuel Jacoby at that 
time being circuit preacher. The first 
members were: John and Catharine Sib- 
berrel, Samuel and Anna dinger, Rachel 

: Turner, Jacob and John Ridgley, Lucinda, 

! John, and Lucinda B. Hite, Mary Clinger, 
Jane Hudson, and Mary Mills. A meet- 

I ing-house was built that year and the class 
became known as Wolf Creek congrega- 
tion. It has a membership of about 
seventy, and has preaching service each 
alternate Sabbath. A summer Sunday- 
school has been maintained from the first, 
but in 1880-81 it was kept up with profit 
and interest throughout the year, winter 
as well as summer. 








e^' . 




'■^'A<ze/^ jy-c^^^^'CZ::) 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



6oi 



UNION Church. 

The citizens along the river about four 
miles south of Ballville felt the need of a 
more convenient place for holding re- 
ligious services, and in 1868 contributed 
and built what is known as Union Chapel, 
for the use of all denominations. Rev. E. 
Bushnell, of Fremont, supplied the pulpit 
for a short time. 

Rev. Mr. Willard, of Tiffin, organized 
a class according to the discipline of the 
German Reformed church in 1870, and 
held services in this house. Messrs. Kes- 
selman and Smith have served since. 
Preaching is not regularly maintained. 



Biographical Sketch. 



REV. MICHAEL LONG. 
The subject of this sketch is the son of 
Daniel and Margaret (Brill) Long, who 
were born in the State of Pennsylvania. 
Their son, Michael Long, was born May 
3, 1814, in Guernsey county, Ohio. He 
was educated in attending the common 
schools of the neighborhood, and worked 
on a farm until he entered the ministry of 
the United Brethren church, in Sandusky, 
in the year 1835. He afterwards, on the 
20th of April, 1837, married Sarah Gear, 
of the same county. Mr. Long had emi- 
grated from Guernsey to Sandusky in the 
year 1834. Rev. Michael Long is still 
living with this wife, Sarah, oy whom he has 
had five children yet living, namely: De- 
sire Angeline, who is married to Martin 
Mowrer, of Ballville township; Newton S., 
who married Carry C. Stahl, daughter of 
Jacob Stahl. (This son is laboring in the 
ministry at Osceola, Wyandot county, 
Ohio); Barzillai M., not married, a minis- 
ter, now stationed at CiaHon, Ohio; Sarah 
Calista, now wife of Professor John Worst, 
superintendent of the schools at Elmore, 



Ohio; M. DeWitt, who married Pauline 
C. McCahan, and is now principal of 
Roanoke Academy, Roanoke county, Indi- 
ana, and who is also an ordained minister 
of the United Brethren church. 

Mr. Long has continually, since the 
commencement of his labors as a preacher, 
been in the service of the church, some- 
times as an itinerant preacher, sometimes 
on a station, and for a number of years as 
presiding elder. 

Mr. Long's services in the United 
Brethren church are set forth in an address 
delivered at a ministerial association, held 
in Attica, Seneca county, Ohio, in 1879. 
We here give the address in full, which re- 
lates many hairbreadth escapes, and also 
most palpably illustrates his zeal in the work 
he was engaged in. He is endowed with 
remarkable physical powers, weighs near 
two hundred pounds, and his voice is re- 
markable for its strength and power to 
reach the outermost limits of the largest 
gathering at any camp meeting. The fol- 
lowing anecdote is told by a friend who 
happened to live about three miles from 
where a camp-meeting was in progress 
several years ago. A stranger enquired of 
the man where the camp-meeting was, and 
what road to take to get there. The 
farmer told him to listen, and on being 
silent a moment, the voice of TVIichael 
Long in full exercise came through the 
woods. The stranger was told to follow 
the sound, and he would find the camp- 
meeting about three miles distant in that 
direction. If there ever was a harder 
worker for the church than Michael Long, 
he has not been found in this vicinity. 
And he is still at the same work, and, no 
doubt, will be while life and strength are 
given him to work. He lives on a farm 
about three miles southeast of Fremont, 
and is still a hearty, vigorous and courage- 
ous man. Read the address, and you 
may gather a faint idea from it of Mr. 



6o2 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Long's labors in preaching the gospel. 
The address is as follows: 

I recollect a little over forty years ago I joined the 
Sandusky annual conference, and I have not forgot- 
ten the way preachers were then taken into confer- 
ence. There was not half the trouble getting into 
conference then that there is now. Those days are 
gone by, and I do not wish to speak of or recall them 
now. I well recollect when I started on my first cir- 
cuit, which was four hundred miles around, number- 
ing twenty-eight appointments. It took me four 
weeks to get around the circuit; there was not to my 
recollection one meeting-hou.se in the entire confer- 
ence; we preached, as a general thing, in piivate 
houses. The outlme of mv work was somethmg 
after the following: Northeast three miles below 
Port Clinton, on the lake; southeast, near Bucyrus; 
.southwest, on the Auglaize, twelve miles below Find- 
lay. The points alluded to were the outposts of my 
field of labor. My salary the first year was forty 
dollars, although it was not quite a full year. My 
second year I was appointed to Findlay mission; I 
had given to me two appointments to start with; I 
increased my appointments to about one dozen; it 
was a year of great success. During that year I 
received into church fellowship about one hundred 
and sixty members; a revival spirit continued the 
whole year. I held one camp-meeting that year 
at which there were between forty and fifty conver- 
sions. There were wonderful demonstrations of 
God's power manifested during the meeting; many 
fell to the earth and lay for hours as dead, and when 
raised from that state they generally shouted "glory." 
This manner of demonstration was very general dur- 
ing that meeting. Surely God was there to kill and 
make alive. There was one circumstance transpired 
during that camp meeting very much like the one 
we read of in Mark, the ninth chapter. The conver- 
sion of Brother Galbreath was almost like that of St. 
Paul. Through the persuasion of his daughter he 
went with her to my meeting and then and there he 
became so powerfully convicted that on his way home 
he fell from his horse to the ground, where he lay for 
some time. When he came to, his daughter was on her 
knees by his side praying for him, and holding both 
their horses. Surely his conversion all the way 
through was marvellous. I remember of forming 
what we then called Huron mission; it was an entire 
new field. The conference got up a subscription for 
me to the amount of thirty dollars, although I 
never got it all. With that encouragement I started, 
having no assurance of any other support, but still I 
had a good time; the grace of God sustained me, 
and I had plenty to eat, such as it was. 

I remember near this place (Attica, Seneca county, 
Ohio), or within a few miles of there, of crossing what 
we then called the Swamp bridge. The people on 
the west side of the bridge said they would go over 



the bridge to hear Long preach. There were about 
seventy on the bridge at once. It was built with 
great logs — they were all afloat and would not lie 
still, and some of the people got a very little wet, 
but on they went. They reached the place of 
worship, and we liatl a good time, as some of them, 
no doubt, remember well. I am not a little happy to 
look on some of those faces at this convention. 
Little did 1 think that I would live to see a ministe- 
rial association held on my missionary ground. I 
will now speak of some other circumstances. 

I well remember when I travelled in the Maumee 
country, 1 would pass trains of Indians near half a 
mile long. I recollect preaching on this side of the 
Maumee River and then would ford the river and 
preach on the west side, and when I crossed the 
river I would take corn in my saddle-bags to feed my 
horse. One place I preached at they were real old 
Yankees. I asked them what they thought I was ? 
They said they could see that I was a Yankee. I 
just let them have it so. We did not quarrel over 
our pedigree, nor over what we h;id to eat; it ail 
tasted good so long as it lasted. We were thankful 
those days if we had a little corn-bread and a little 
venison. There was a difference between those days 
and the present. Oh, Lord, bring backsomeof iheold 
kindred feelings that used to cliaracterize this church. 
In those days there were but few bridges across the 
rivers in this country. When on my first mission in 
Hancock county I had to cross the .Auglaize River 
some nine times; my mission was so assigned that I 
could not do otherwise. I often would swim my 
horse across the river. I recollect of one time at- 
tempting to cross on the ice, to go to my quarterly 
meeting — Rev. Z. Crom was my presiding elder, and 
my mission was his district. Iii those days we had 
local presiding elders; they would have one. two, 
three, or four circuits to preside over. I was the 
first nian that spoke out in the conference in answer 
to the bishop when the question was asked, ."Will 
you have local or traveling presiding elders?" I said 
travelling, and it raised a commotion for a little 
while, but it subsided. My elder and I, in crossing 
the Auglaize River, near the mouth of Riley Creek — 
it was in the spring of the year, and the ice was then 
very rotten. The elder's horse being the smallest I 
told him to cross first. He got across all right. I 
took off my saddle and saddle-bags, took my horse 
by the bridle and started, and when I got near the 
middle of the river the ice broke and my horse went 
under all but his head. 1 kept ahead of the hor.se; 
the bridle pulled off, and when I caught hold of the 
halter he made a number of springs. He finally suc- 
ceeded in getting nearer the shore, and the ice bore 
him up. I then led him to the shore, put my sad- 
dle on him, and, having but about two miles to go 
to the appointment, I went those two miles in pretty 
quick time. My horse came out all right. 

I recollect another circumstance in going from El- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



603 



more to the lake. The first four miles (all the way 
forest) brought me to Tousaint Creek. It being high 
I swam my horse across. I then had eight or ten 
miles yet through the woods to the lake. When I 
came to the prairie I came into a French settlement. 
It was so fenced up that there was no way getting 
through without going through the field or through 
Turtle Marsh. I called at a house. A French 
woman came out and muttered her French and 
motioned across the marsh. I started across, but 
had not gone more than one rod when my horse fell 
over some timbers of some kind. I slid off from my 
horse into the marsh, held on to the bridle, and got 
out on the same side. I think it was a little different 
from the Slough of Despond that Bunyan speaks of. 
I know the Lord did not want me to go through 
Turtle Marsh. The citizens told me that some 
French ponies had gone through, but an English 
horse could not. By that time a boy came there. I 
told him I wanted to go through the field. He 
opened the fence and let me through. I asked him 
if they had any meeting in their place. He said 
they had. I wanted to know who preached for them. 
He said the priest. I risked no more questions — I 
conjectured the rest. It was enough; the Lord deliv- 
ered me out of Turtle Marsh. 

Well, you see something of the trials of one of the 
old itmerants of Sandusky conference. I recollect 
when my circuit led through Wood county, at one 
time I came to the Portage River, near New Roches- 
ter; the river was very high. It extended all over 
the bottom about forty rods. The water had taken 
away pait of the bridge. The middle bent and the 
one that extended to the shore on the east side was 
all that was left. Heavy timbers being laid on the 
bridge held those two bents and stringers together. 
I first got on the bridge and tried its strength. I 
then led my horse on the first part; then he had to 
jump down about two feet on the middle part of the 
bridge. I then led him to the end of that part, then 
made him jump into the water. It was about mid- 
sides to my horse. He then was so far from me 
that I jumped into the water and waded a few rods. 
I s.iw a stump extended above the water. I got onto 
the stump and then onto my horse, and after riding 
twenty or thirty rods my horse had to swim the rest 
of the way. Whenever I started for the west branch 
of Portage I had about one-half a mile from the 
river to the main woods. Before I got to the woods 
I heard a wonderful noise. I could not tell what it 
was till all at once a terrible storm broke upon me. 



The timbers or trees fell all around me. I turned 
my horse and ran him back to the river, jumping 
him over the timber that fell. By that time the storm 
had passed over. I then again went on my way. 
When I came to the west branch of Portage I kept 
up the river, did not cross it. When I came within 
one-half mile of Brother Crum's the water again ex- 
tended over the road so that my horse had to swim. 
When over or through the water I then got down 
into my stirrups and commenced singing, and sang all 
the way till I reached the house, and felt fine to 
preach for them at night — just as happy as I well 
could be. God said: "My grace is sufficient. As 
thy day is so shall thy grace be. " 

Let me state one more recollection. Well do I re- 
njember crossing what was known as the Lance 
bridge, a little west of Carey. My appointment was 
at Father Shoup's. The bridge across the prairie 
was one mile long, and there had been heavy rains, 
and on the south end of the bridge the freshet had 
taken away about two rods of the bridge. The rails 
had been laid tight one against another on the sod. 
At this place loose rails had been laid for people to 
walk over, about fifteen or twenty inches apart. It 
looked rather dangerous; there was no water there, 
yet I knew not what a wonderful place it was. I 
took off my saddle and knelt down and implored 
God to help me as on other occasions. I took my 
horse by the bridle, mtending to lead him by the 
side of the loose rails, and as I started and stepped 
quick, intending the horse to walk by the side of the 
rails, he at once sprang upon the rails and followed 
me over; I returned my grateful thanks to the Lord. 
I then walked back and got my saddle, and got 
upon my horse, and went to my appointment. They 
asked me what way I came. I told them. They were 
alarmed when I told them how I crossed the prairie, 
knowing that some of the bridge was gone, that 
scattering loose rails were laid for people to walk 
over. A pole could be run down twenty feet any- 
where near that place. So I was convinced the Lord 
safely led me through. Now, my dear brethren, I 
have just noted down a little of the travels of an 
early itinerant. Those days were days of grace, and 
not days of money or high salaries. Those days 
were days of grace and glory; many loud hallelujahs 
went up to God. Those days were days of love to 
God and love toward each other; no sparring, no 
trying to e.xcel. The glory of God and the salvation 
of the world was the grand theme. 



GREEN CREEK. 



GREEN CREEK township embraces an 
area six miles square, bounded on the 
north by Riley, on the east by York, on the 
south by Seneca county, and on the west 
by Ballville. The surface is more undulat- 
ins; than any other part of the county, ex- 
cept in the immediate vicinity of the river 
in Ballville township. Three well defined 
sand ridges angle through the township in 
a northeast and southwest direction. The 
roads on the summit of these ridges are 
the oldest, the ridges being followed on 
account of their dryness. These roads 
in dry weather become almost impassable 
for heavily freighted wagons, as the wheels 
sink in the sand to the depth of six inches, 
causing resistance almost as great as clay 
mud in spring time. These roads are 
always best just after a dashing rain. 

The township is drained by three creeks 
of considerable size, all flowing the whole 
length of the territory from south to north. 
Farthest east is Raccoon Creek, which 
passes through the village ot Clyde. 
Through the centre flows South Creek, 
which rises in this township. The stream 
of greatest size is Green Creek, the two 
branches of which meet about one mile 
and a half from the Seneca county line. 
The west branch rises in Seneca county, 
its source being a spring which discharges 
about six hundred cubic feet of water per 
minute. The spring which gives rise to 
the east branch is the most celebrated 
place in the county. 

GREEN SPRING. 

One-half mile north of the Seneca coun- 
ty line IS a beautiful valley shaded by 
604 



young forest trees, near the centre of 
which is a spring of rare interest, whether 
aesthetically or scientifically considered. 
A river of water forces itself through a 
fissure in the rock-bed fifty feet below the 
surface and overflows from a great well 
ten feet in circumference, and reaching to 
the depth of eighteen feet without an ob- 
struction, at the rate of more than two 
barrels per second. The water is strongly 
saturated with sulphur and mineral solu- 
tions which stain every substance coming 
in contact with it, a rich green, varying in 
shade under the influence of light. No- 
where in nature is to be seen a more gor- 
geous display of coloring than in this well 
on a clear morning when the angling rays 
of the sun, reflected by the rising current 
of clear liquid, give to every object an ap- 
pearance of moving and gorgeously col- 
ored forms. 

That the Indian has an appreciation of 
the beautiful in nature is shown by the 
historical connections of the place. The 
surrounding grove was once an Indian 
clearing and at the same time a place of 
resort and amusement. Here the chiefs 
met for consultation and mingled with the 
.sulphurous odors of the waters the smoke 
of cannakanick, arrow wood and tobacco. 

The Senecas, whose reservation included 
the spring, knew well the medicinal prop- 
erties of the water, and were familiar with 
its uses. There are many traditional 
stories connected with the departure of 
tliese Indians and the springs. They are 
of little historic value, being probably 
poetic inventions. One of these generally 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



605 



accredited is, that a council of chiefs 
ordered that the spring should be forever 
destroyed before their unwilling departure 
for the unknown regions of the West. 
Logs were cut and thrown into the well 
lengthwise, brushes, earth and stones were 
piled upon them, and the channel thus 
closed. But the force of the ascending 
current was irresistible; water would plow 
its way through the interstices which greatly 
enraged the Indians. A celebrated chief 
damned the water, and to emphasize the 
curse which he had pronounced, placed 
the muzzle of his heavily charged musket 
in the stubborn stream, and fired, but the 
barrel burst, which indicated the disappro- 
bation of the Great Spirit, and no further 
attempts to destroy this healer of man's 
infirmities were made by the red men. 

The water has been known to possess 
healing properties ever since the first set- 
tlement of the country. Year by year the 
number who came to receive its benefits, 
increased, until better accommodations be- 
came desirable. In the summer of 1868 
Robert Smith, the owner of the property, 
organized a stock company for the im- 
provement of the grounds and the erec- 
tion of suitable buildings. Having had 
the water analyzed, the company became 
sanguine of being able to build up a great 
health institution. A large hotel and 
water cure building was erected, and has 
been open for the reception of patients 
and visitors since that time. The com- 
pany is largely indebted to Dr. Sprague, 
who, by efficient management, gave the 
institution a full share of its well deserved 
popularity. 

From the spring a stream capable of 
turning a large mill, flows through a beauti- 
ful glen. The water at several places in 
Green Creek township contains mineral 
solutions, but nowhere in such per centage 
as at Green Spring. Fish come up Green 
Creek to within about four miles of its 



source. The bay near the mouth of 
Green Creek is filled with bass and other 
fish, but they are unable to live in sulphur 
water, except very small solution. 

THE SENEGAS. 

Considerable attention is given this 
tribe of Indians, or more properly, collec- 
tion of tribes, in the chapter relating to 
Ballville, and also in the general history 
in the fore part of this volume. But as 
their new council house stood within the 
present boundaries of this township, and 
consequently in later years the seat of 
empire changed, it is proper that some- 
thing should be said in this connection 
descriptive of the habits and life of these 
semi-barbarians. ^ 

They had been driven from their native 
homes in New York, corrupted by contact 
with the border settlements, and as we 
find them in this county from 1818 to 
1831, confined to a comparatively small 
tract of forty thousand acres. The gen- 
eral description which we here present is 
based upon an interview with Judge Hugh 
Welsh, of Seneca county, who knew these 
people well. He, in fact, was one among 
them. It will be seen that the distance 
between the red-skin and the white-skin 
was not so great as is commonly supposed. 

The members of the several tribes — 
Wyandots, Mohawks, Oneidas, and Sene- 
cas — did not speak a language sufficiently 
uniform in vocabulary to carry on com- 
mon conversation. They, however, made 
each other understand their simple wants. 
Their vocabularies were very diff"erent. 
The Wyandots called tobacco "hamah- 
mah," the Senecas and Mohawks, "mah." 
The Mohawks called a knife "winnasrah," 
accenting the last syllable, while the Sene- 
cas accented next to the last. 

Quite a number of the Indians had 
shanties built of twelve foot poles, notched 
at the corners like a corn crib, and cov 
ered with bark. The roof was also made 



6o6 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



of bark weighted down with poles. They 
lived in these huts winter and summer, 
except when hunting. They frequently 
made expeditions to trap, hunt, and make 
sugar. There was more game here than 
further west where there were more Ind- 
ians. There were plenty of deer, bear, 
and wolves. There never were any beaver 
in this vicinity. Venison was the staple 
food, but in winter, while the deer were 
poor in consequence of snow on the 
ground, raccoons, turkeys, etc., were used 
for food instead of venison. Indians are 
born strategists as well as hunters. Close 
observation and native ingenuity enabled 
them to invent calls by which deer and 
turkeys were enticed almost within reach. 
Turkeys were called by hiding behind a 
log and sucking air through the bone 
of a turkey wing. In this way a sound 
was made identical with that of a tame 
turkey hen. The deer call was made by 
blowing through a hollow pit.ce of wood 
with one end stopped up and a hole cut 
in at the side, over which was f;istened a 
piece of metal. The sound was like that 
of a young fawn bleating ma-a-a-a. 

These Indians had a great many ponies, 
almost every man owning one. Many of 
the squaws were also expert riders. The 
only grain they cultivated was corn, which 
they raised in little patches. The corn 
raised on a quarter of an acre would keep 
two or three individuals in that article a 
whole winter. Several methods were em- 
ployed for preparing corn, but the common 
practice was to boil the grain whole, the 
hull having been removed with lye. There 
was, however, variety in the manner of 
serving their plain fare. The corn was | 
sometimes pounded to a meal and sifted 
through a skin with holes punched in it. 
The meal was baked into bread, and the 
coarser pieces remaining in the sieve were 
made into hominy. The pounding was 
done in a mortar made by cutting a tree 



off square and cutting or burning out the 
centre. The pestle was a hard piece of 
iron-wood, made round at both ends. The 
squaws did the pounding as well as cook- 
ing. Meat was usually boiled with the 
corn. A peculiarity of their eating was 
that only one article was eaten at a time. 
They never mixed different kinds of food 
in their mouths. 

Their corn was long-eared, and had 
eight rows of grains, sometimes entirely 
blue, some almost black, and some a mix- 
ture of white, blue, and black. It is raised 
in this county yet sometimes, the seed 
having come from the Indians. 

Their kettles were of copper or brass, 
and held from ten to fifteen gallons. 
These were used for making sugar and 
hominy. They made considerable sugar 
which was used for sweetening corn. They 
tap])ed the trees by cutting in notches 
with hatchets, and made troughs of elm 
bark, for catching the sap. Canoes were 
made of the same material. 

In the absence of kettles the meat and 
corn was placed on sticks and roasted. 
The Indians were particularly fond of 
roasting cars. They usually ate in small 
companies, in relationships rather than in 
families. At times food was hard to get, 
the supply of corn having been exhausted, 
and game scarce in spring time. Occa- 
sionally they were driven to the necessity 
of boiling old deer heads, which were any- 
thing but savory. 

The boys used for hunting, bows and 
arrows. The arrows used for shooting 
low were made with heavy steel points, 
bought ready made. Feathers set on with 
a twist were always used on the sharp ar- 
rows. They hunted squirrels with a blunt 
arrow, on which there was no feather. 
Boys were given the rifle at the age of 
eighteen. Grown Indians generally hunted 
with the rifle. 

These Indians were almost incessant 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



607 



smokers. Smoking is one of the few cus- 
toms of civilized society to which the red 
man takes naturally. Drinking stimulants 
is another. The inference is that all human- 
ity is naturally predisposed to both. The 
Senecas smoked tobacco and the bark of 
wahoo, which they called kannakanick. 
They also smoked the bark of a species of 
dogwood, and sometimes mixed all three 
of these articles in the same pipe. They 
were what has been termed aesthetic 
smokers, never indulging except when at 
at leisure, which was the greater part of the 
time. 

These Indians did their own tanning. 
If a hide was dry, they soaked it in the 
water of a running stream. They then 
stretched it over a smooth log the size of 
a man's leg, and with a knife-blade placed 
in a curved stick, would, scrape off all the 
hair and outside skin; then turning, they 
scraped off the flesh, and laid the skin out 
to dry. They then soaked them in deer's 
brains and warm water worked into a suds. 
After leaving them to soak two or three 
days, these self-taught tanners dressed 
them by rubbing with a stone much like 
those called axes which are sometimes 
ploughed up in the fields. The skins 
were frequently pulled during this opera- 
tion. The leather thus tanned was col- 
ored by digging a hole in the ground, 
hanging the hides on sticks standing up- 
right in this hole and throwing in burnmg 
rotten wood until the color suited. 

Judge Welsh says: 

When I first knew the Indians, the men dressed in 
moccasins and leggins, a calico shirt reaching to the 
knees or hips, and above a jacket, or some garment. 
The principal dress was, however, one of the Cana- 
dian blankets fastened with a belt. The arm was 
protected with deer-skin from brush in the woods. 
They wore bracelets and ornaments on the breast. 
The squaws wore broadcloth long enough to fasten 
with a belt at the waist. Above they wore a jacket; 
they had moccasins and leggins. They wore hats 
got from the whites, when they could get them, oth- 
erwise nothing. Leggins were worn much by the 
whites; rattlesnakes could not well strike through 



them. The Indians were fond of paints, using them 
especially in their war dances. For red they used 
blood-root; for yellow, some other root, the name of 
which is not recalled; and for black, coal mixed with 
grease or oil. 

The Indians indulged much in gaming, 
foot-racing, horse-racing, and wrestling be- 
ing the favorite sports. The burial customs 
of the Wyandots were like the whites. 
The Mohawks buried along Honey Creek, 
in Seneca county. The body was placed 
in a sort of box made of slabs or poles. 
The Sauks, Foxes, and Pottawattomies 
placed the body in a sitting posture on 
the ground, and built a pen around of 
sticks and logs. 

SETTLEMENT. 

Sometime during the war of 181 2 
Samuel Pogue, a soldier in General Har- 
rison's army, drove a stake near the spring 
in the west part of Clyde, and declared 
his intention of settling at that place after 
the cessation of hostilities. It is also 
learned from tradition that after viewing 
the surrounding country from the eleva- 
tion on the other side of the creek, he 
ventured the prophesy that sometime a 
town would occupy that land. This 
prophesy was made nearly seventy years 
ago, when Fort Stephenson and a few 
army trails were the only evidence, in this 
county, of the existence of white men; 
when the forest abounded in the native 
animals of the locality; railroads existed 
only in the fancy of dreamy philosophers. 
But when Mr. Pogue, in 1820, came to 
take formal possession of the land he had 
selected, he found a hastily-built cabin 
occupied by the family of Jesse Benton. 
Benton had preceded him but a few 
weeks, and was attracted by the same 
spring and general surroundings. A 
squatter's title is possession, and Benton 
had possession, but being a typical squat- 
ter Mr. Pogue surmised his weak point 
and brought to bear on him the strongest 
temptation to abdicate the favorite tract. 



6o8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



The offer of a barrel of whiskey accom- 
pHshed the purpose, and the cabin was 
vacated. Benton built a cabin further up 
the creek, and put out a tavern sign. This 
was an ideal pioneer tavern. One of the 
early settlers of York township informs 
us that he once stopped at Benton's when 
the table fare consisted entirely of squash. 
It was not the fault of the proprietor of 
this forest tavern, for it was simply impos- 
sible to obtain other food. 

But before proceeding with this sketch 
it is proper that we should go back to 
mention the first family in the township — 
the Bakers. Samuel Baker, sr., emigrated 
from New York to Ohio in che winter of 
1818 with a family of one son and four 
daughters. This was the first family to 
penetrate the woods of Green Creek and 
begin life among the Indians. The oldest 
son, Samuel, who died recently, was ac- 
quainted with the life of this community 
from its beginning. A biograj^hy of the 
family will be found in this volume. The 
Cleveland family settled in this township 
soon afterwards. A biographical sketch is 
given in this chaj)ter. 

Samuel Pogue was accompanied to the 
township by his stepson, Lyman F. Miller, 
Silas Dewey, Giles Thompson, and Amos 
Fenn. The farm on which he built his 
cabin and commenced a clearing was pur- 
chased at the first Government sale. After 
the death of Mr. Togue it came into 
possession of his step-son, Lyman Miller, 
and his son-in-law, George R. Brown, who, 
after the railroads were built laid it out in 
lots, as will be seen further along. 

These first families, Clevelands, Bakers, 
Pogue, Dewey, and Fenn, were not squat- 
ters in the common sense of that term. 
They came with the idea of staying — im- 
proving their farms and buying the land 
when it was placed upon the market. The 
squatter, in the commonly accepted sense 
of the term, was one who found a place 



to live in the wild country where he could 
supply the simple wants of his appetite 
without the inconvenience of hard labor. 
He reasoned well that it would be folly to 
stir his blood by swinging an axe for the 
benefit of the man who would eventually 
crowd him off. This class of squatters 
became a peculiar people. Living be- 
tween the savage red man and the hard 
working pioneer, they became semi-sav- 
age. It should, therefore, be remembered 
that there is a wide difference between 
"squatters" and "squatter settlers," to 
which last-named class the pioneers of 
Green Creek belong. Thus having given 
a glimpse of the beginning of white occu- 
pation, we will now proceed to sketch 
briefly the general settlement of the town- 
ship. 

Amos Fenn was born in Litchfield 
county, Connecticut, in September, 1793. 
His educational facilities were limited, but 
a taste for reading led him to employ his 
leisure time in the acquisition of informa- 
tion, so that he became a remarkably well 
posted man. At the age of fifteen, his 
father having died, he was apprenticed at 
the trade of house carpentering. In 1817 
he came to Ohio, and landed first at the 
mouth of the Huron, then went to Ogontz 
Place, now Sandusky. He was accom- 
panied on this journey by Silas Dewey, 
with whom he afterwards came to Green 
Creek. ^Vhile at Sandusky he made the 
acquaintance of W. B. Smith, whose sister 
he married. In February, 1820, he joined 
the party consisting of the Pogue family, 
Silas Dewey, and Giles Thompson, and 
came to Clyde. Mr. Camp was at that 
time making the survey of the Indian pur- 
chase, and found Mr. Fenn a valuable em- 
ploye. When theland came into market, 
Mr. Fenn made a purchase and started an 
improvement. He was in the habit of 
saving the odds and ends of time. He 
occupied bad weather in the manufacture 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



609' 



of chairs, which were in demand. Their 
substitution for slab benches was greatly 
appreciated by the labor-burdened settlers. 
Mr. Fenn served as justice of the peace 
for a period of eighteen years from 1843. 
He was also a local preacher of the Meth- 
odist church. Mrs. Fenn died in June, 
1839. ^^ 1840 he married Mrs. Brace, 
of Erie county, who is yet living. Mr. 
Fenn died January 16, 1879. 

Lyman Miller removed from New York, 
with his mother, his father having died 
some years before, and settled at Huron. 
His mother was married to Samuel Pogue 
at Huron, who in 1820 came to Green 
Creek. Mr. Miller attended the first school 
in the township, which was taught by 
Joshua Fairchilds. In 1835 he married 
Melissa Harkness, daughter of Dr. Hark- 
ness, of the Corners. His connection 
with the founding of Clyde is noticed in 
this chapter. 

Giles Thompson, who lived on the op- 
posite side of the creek from Mr. Pogue, 
was a man of good character. His wife 
was an invalid. 

Jonathan Rathbun, grandfather of Sax- 
ton S. Rathbun, one of the oldest resi- 
dents of the county, came to San- 
dusky county in 1820, and settled on what 
is now known as the Persing farm. He 
had four sons — Clark, Chaplin, Lucius, 
and Martin. Clark remained a few years, 
and then returned to New York. Chaplin 
lived and died in this township, on the 
place where S. S. Rathbun now lives. Lu- 
cius remained in the township, and reared 
a large family. He died in Michigan. 
Martin lived in the township a number of 
years, moved to Michigan, and died there. 
The daughters were : Sally, Marvel, Eliza, 
and Laura. Sally married Roswell Mer- 
rill, lived in Green Creek some years, and 
then returned to New York. Marvel mar- 
ried Lyman Jones, and lived and died in 
the township. Eliza mairried Amon Mil- 
77 



liman, resided in Green Creek somfe time, 
and died in Michigan. Laura married 
John Davidson, and died in this town- 
ship. 

Chaplin and Lucinda (Sutliff) Rathbuii 
came from Lorain county in 1824. They 
were born in New York State. Of their 
children one son and four daughters are 
living, viz: Saxton S., Janet (Cleveland), 
and Catharine (Huss), Green Creek • 
Sarah (Foster) and Eliza (Hunter), in In- 
diana. 

S. S. Rathbun was born in Livingstort 
county, New York, in 1813. In 1835 ^^ 
married Barbara Huss. She bore him 
eleven sons and two daughters. The 
daughters and five of the sons are still liv^ 
ing, viz: Norton G., Green Creek: Saxtoti 
Burton, Green Creek; Chaplin L., Ball- 
ville ; Mary Lucinda (Storer), Green 
Creek; Martin Brace, Green Creek; Or- 
villa (Sackrider), Green Creek ; and 
John E., Ballville. 

Norton G. Rathbun was born in San- 
dusky county, Ohio, September 19, 1839. 
He is a son of Saxton S. and Barbara 
Rathbun, of this township. Mr. Rathbun 
was brought up and educated in Green 
Creek township. When young he travelled 
for some time in the West. He was mar- 
ried December 25, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth 
Hufford, daughter of Cornelius and Mary 
Hufford, of Ballville township. They 
have three children — Edwin, Arthur, and 
Herman. Mr. Rathbun was elected county 
commissioner in 1878, and is at present 
serving in that capacity. Previously he 
was superintendent of the infirmary. 

Samuel McMillan came from Livingston 
county, New York, to Thompson township, 
Seneca county, in 1818, where he improved 
a farm and planted apple and peach seeds. 
In 182 1 he purchased a tract of land near 
the present site of Clyde, and removed 
there with his family, consisting of a wife 
and five children. He brought to the 



6io 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



township the first fruit trees — the growth 
from the seeds planted in Seneca county. 
Their children settled as follows: Samuel, 
in Central Ohio; Henry (deceased), in the 
western part of Clyde; Sibyl, wife of Nor- 
ton Russell, York township; Nancy, widow 
of Elder Isaac May, Townsend; Luther 
P. settled in Wisconsin, where he died ; 
Betsy died at Amsden's Corners, in 1818. 

Henry McMillan married Sophia Beau- 
camp, a native of Guernsey Island, France. 
Their family consisted of seven children, 
only two of whom are living — Nancy and 
Mary. Nancy married Ezra Hall, who 
was born in Vermont, in 1829. He came 
to Clyde in 1852, being employed under a 
contract to lay railroad iron on the Lake 
Shore & Michigan Southern railroad. He 
has made Clyde his home since that time. 
In 1853 he was married to Nancy McMil- 
len, who was born in 1833. He is now 
engaged in gardening at Clyde. Their 
family consisted of one child — William. 
Mary McMillcn is nnriicd to Gideon 
Rhodes, of Clyde. They have two chil- 
dren. 

The following list of voters shows who 
were residents of the township in 1822. 
The poll is of the fall election : Samuel 
S. Baker, Benjamin Collings, Joshua 
Woodard, Samuel Uttley, Samuel Pogue, 
Josiah Rumery, Levi F. Tuttle, Silas 
Dewey, John J. Quackenbush, Jared H. 
Miner, Clark Cleveland, Moses Cleveland, 
■Clark Cleveland, jr., Jesse Benton, Ros- 
well Merrell, Jacob H. Benjamin, Jon- 
athan Rathbun, Andrew McNutt, Lucius 
Rathbun, and Levi Sawyer. The whole 
number of votes at this election was twenty. 
At the first election, held the ])receding 
spring, there were seventeen votes cast, 
but the list of names was not preserved. 
At the election held in the spring of 1823, 
thirty-two votes were polled. As these 
poll sheets approximately indicate the 
changes and increase of population, the 



full list is given : Jared H. Miner, Moses 
Cleveland, Josiah Rumery, Andrew Ma- 
toon, Abram Mauleray, Rozel Merrel, 
Samuel Pogue, Andrew McNutt, Levi 
Fox, Levi F. Tuule, Jacub Wessels, James 
Guinall, Levi Dunham, John J. Quacken- 
bush, Lucius Rathbun, Samuel McMillan, 
George Jones, Joshua Woodard, Samuel 
S. Baker, George Kemp, Albert Guinall, 
Samuel Baker, Jesse Emerson, Harris 
Reed, Hiram Baker, Jesse Benton, Alex- 
ander McMurray, Jonathan Rathbun, 
Benjamin Collins, Gideon P. Chauncy, 
Clark Cleveland, Abraham Spunn. 

We add one more list of electors, that 
of the October election, iSjt : George S. 
Beven, William Helens, ^Villiam McPher- 
son, Nathan Worster, Boston Shoup, John 
L Quackenbush, Silas Grover, Amos H. 
Hammond, Luther Porter, Elisha Bab- 
cock, Reuben Tilson, Silas Dewe}-, Elial 
Curtis, Hiram Hurd, James Morrill, Lu- 
cius Rathbun, Hugh Graham, Isaac W. 
Brown, John Netcher, William Netcher, 
George Hemp, Jacob Wessels, Jacob 
Daggot, John Monroe, Chaplin Railibun, 
George Jones, Orsanus Barnard, Hiram 
Rice, Shubel Reynolds, James Gruinall, 
James Rumsey, Erastus Tutlle, Elijah 
Buell, Jared Hoadley, Samuel McMillen, 
Jason Judd. 

So lapidly did the township fill up after 
the initial improvements had been made 
that it is im[)ossibleeven to give the names 
of all settlers, even those who built per- 
manent homes. This part of tlie county 
has been particularly favored with a pro- 
gressive, energetic class of people who 
have accumulated wealth, and given 
praiseworthy attention to matters of general 
culture and refinement. Brief mention of 
some of the leading families will not be in- 
appropriate in this connection. 

Elisha and Prudence (Hinkley) Bab- 
cock came from Middlesex, Ontario 
county. New York, in 1823, and settled on 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



6ii 



Butternut Ridge in Green Creek township, 
where they lived and died. They were 
among the very first settlers, and located 
in the then almost unbroken wilderness. 
They came by team all the way from New 
York State, from Buffalo going a part of 
the distance upon the ice, and arrived in 
the township in the month of March. 
The first few weeks after their arrival the 
family lived in an old sugar shanty until a 
cabin could be erected. After he had 
arrived and settled down, Mr. Babcock 
found himself with a cash capital of just 
two shillings. 

Elisha Babcock died in 1841, aged 
fifty-four years; Mrs. Babcock in 1857, 
aged seventy-four. They were the parents 
of three sons and two daughters. Their 
oldest child, Esther, was married to Mr. 
Walldorff in New York State before her 
parents came to CHiio, and remained there 
until her decease. Laura became Mrs. 
Chapel, and afterwards tlie wife of J. C. 
Coleman, of Fremont. She is also dead. 
Clark, who married Ann Lee, died in 
Porter county, Indiana. Hiram married 
Mary Ann Lay, and after her decease 
Josephine Woodruff. He died upon the 
old place in Green Creek township about 
nine years ago. He has seven children 
living — three in this county, viz: Thomas, 
Green Creek; Margaret (Leslie), Michi- 
gan; Prudence (Drown), Pennsylvania; 
Mary (Gray), Wood county; Mahala(Craig), 
Iowa; Clementine and Harry, Green Creek. 

Merlin Babcock, the only representative 
of the original family, was born in 181 9, 
and now resides in York township. For 
his first wife he married Almira Dirlam. 
There were three children by this mar- 
riage: Sarah (Craig), Franklin county; 
Callie (Kinney), York township, and 
Frank, Clyde. For his second wife Mr. 
Babcock married Agnes Donaldson. John, 
the only child by this union, is now a 
resident of Colorado. 



Adam Smith, a native of Pennsylvania, 
came to Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1820, 
and four years later settled in the western 
part of Green Creek. He died in 1854. 
Mrs. Smith, whose maiden name was 
Fanny Johnson, died in 1879. Their 
children were Mary (Brunthaver), Catha- 
rine (Preston), Samuel, Adam, and David. 

Noah and Mary (Burkolder) Huss, 
natives of Pennsylvania, settled in Fair- 
field county in 1822, and in 1825 in Green 
Creek township. Two of their sons and 
four of their daughters are still living, viz: 
Mrs. Eleanor Hawk, Green Creek; James 
Huss, Centreville, Michigan; Mrs. Bar- 
bara Raihbun and Mrs. M. J. Mclntyre, 
Green Creek; Jacob Huss, in California, 
and Mrs. Martha Conelly in Iowa. 

Joseph Hawk was born in Pickaway 
county, in 1814. He came to Sandusky 
county in 1825. He married for his first 
wife Sarah Tillotson, by whom he had four 
children. For his second wife he married 
Martha Harris, by whom he had eight 
children, all of whom are living. Mr. 
Hawk has always given his exclusive at- 
tention to farming. 

Truman Grover was born in New York, 
March 13, 18 10. He came to Green 
Creek in 1826, and in 1835 i^i-irried Cath- 
arine Swart. Their family consists of 
seven children, viz : Eunice (Perin), 
Milo, Frank, Margaret (Clapp), Enos, 
Melvina (Hart), and Ella. Ransom died 
at the age of twenty-one years. Mr. 
Grover has probably made more railroad 
ties than any man in the township, hav- 
ing furnished the ties for twenty-eight miles 
of the Michigan & Dayton; while for 
the Cleveland, Sandusky & Cincinnati, 
he furnished all the bridge and culvert 
timber from Green Spring to Castalia. 
Commencing in 1838 he worked about 
three years on the old Ohio railroad. 

One of the old residents, William E. 
Lay, was born in Seneca county (now 



6l2 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Tompkins county), New York, October 
20, 1809. His parents, John and Mary 
Lay, moved to Ohio in 1816; stopped in 
Huron county a littie over a year; moved 
to. Seneca county and remained there until 
1828, when they came to Sandusky coun- 
ty. John Lay died at the age of eighty- 
four, his wife at the age of seventy-six. 
William E. Lay was married, April 11, 
1833, to Margaret Lee, of Adams town- 
ship, Seneca county. They have had 
eleven children, nine of whom survive. 
The oldest, Minerva, died in infancy; 
Harkness N., resides at Clyde; Elizabeth, 
at home; Cornelia (Lefever), Green Creek; 
Henry S., at home; Clementine, at home; 
Frank, died at Savannah, Georgia, while 
in his country's service, in the nineteenth 
year of his age. He was in the Seventy- 
second Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was a 
prisoner at Andersonville, and the hard- 
ships and deprivations of that prison 
doubtless caused his death. Harkness 
vv^s a member of the same regiment and 
was also imprisoned. Fidelia married 
Cyrus Alexander, Erie county. Alice is 
the wile of Cyrus L. Harnden, Clyde. 
William B. and Mabel are at home. 

Samuel Storer was born near the city of 
Portland, Maine, January 22, 1807. He 
came to Ohio with his parents, Joseph and 
Charlotte Storer, who were among the 
pioneers. They settled at Zanesville in 
i8i6; remained there ten years, moving 
to Cuyahoga county in 1827. Mr. Storer 
moved to Sandusky county in 1863. He 
was married, in 1831, to Sarah J. Fish, a 
daughter of James Fish, the first perma- 
nent settler in Brooklyn, Cuyahoga coun- 
ty; Ohio. They have seven children living, 
and three deceased, viz: Samuel Elisha (de- 
ceased); Sarah (Pool), Green Creek; Mi- 
randa P. (Cunningham), Clyde; James, 
Cleveland; Mary J. (Clapp), Green Creek; 
Susan M. (deceased); Charles W., Green 
Creek; John W. (deceased); Henrietta 



(Huss), Green Creek ; and Benjamin A., 
a physician at Republic, Seneca county. 
While Mr. Storer was in Brooklyn he car- 
ried on the business of tanning; since he 
settled in this county he has been a farmer. 
Mr. Storer is a Republican. Both he and 
his wills are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal church. 

Francis and Sarah (Swope) Ramsey 
came from Fairfield countv, Ohio, to San- 
dusky county in 1830. Three of their 
children are living — David, in Green 
Creek; Jane, in Clyde; and Frank, in 
Kansas. George died at Clyde in 1879. 

David Ramsey was born in Fairfield 
county in 1829. He married Sarah Ann 
York, by whom he had two children — 
Ella (Waugh) and Euphemia (Combs). 
Mr. Ramsey married, for his second wife, 
Charlotte McHenry, by whom he had 
three children, two of whom are living, 
Belle and Grace. Mr. Ramsey has served 
in various local official capacities. 

Willard Perin was born in Massachu- 
setts in 1802. The family removed to 
New York, and thence to Ohio in 1833. 
In 1833 Willard married Lucy Gale, and 
lives on the same farm on which he set- 
tled that year. Mrs. Perin died July 31, 
1881, aged seventy. Their children are: 
Willard Henry, born in 1S33, killed by 
a threshing machine in Michigan in 1862; 
Dolly Rebecca, born 1835, the wife gf 
James B. Drown, Green Creek; William 
Taylor, born 1837; Fernando C, born 
1839, died in Michigan in 1863; Austin 
G., born 1841, resides at Green Creek ; 
Lucy A., born 1844, married MiloGrover, 
Green Creek; Bloomy E., born 1847, 
married John Shaw, Green Creek; Genevra 
A., born 1850, Green Creek. 

John T. Perin, brother of Willard, was 
born in 1820. He came to this county in 
1833. In 1848 he married Miss Gale, by 
whom he has four children. 

William T. Perin, son of Willard Perin, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



613 



married Eunice Grover, of this township, 
and has five children — Perry, Willie, Fan- 
nie, Frank, and Bertie. 

Christian Huss was born February 21, 
1815, and married, in 1837, Catharine 
Rathbun, who was born in Ontario coun- 
ty, New York, in 1818. Her parents re- 
moved thence to Lorain county, and a few 
years later to Sandusky count}'. Ten of 
her twelve children are living, viz.: Chap- 
lin, Eliza (Morrison), Noah B., Burr, 
Maurice L., Jane (McMillan), Oliver P., 
Barbara (Young), Saxton, and Christian 
E. Christian Huss died in 1864, aged 
forty nine years. He came from Penn- 
sylvania to Ohio in 1824. 

Hosea and Mary (Harrington) Harn- 
den came to the county about 1835, ^""^ 
lived about one year on what is now the 
Hildwein farm. Then they moved and 
lived in different parts of the State until 
1849, "hen they returned to the township 
and settled where Kneeland Harnden 
now lives. Jonathan Harnden, son of 
Hosea, came with his parents. He mar- 
ried Nancy Smith in Huron county, and 
was the father of nine children, six of whom 
are living, located as follows: Hosea and 
Kneeland, Green Creek; Smith, in Ottawa 
county; Alexander and Cyrus L., Clyde, 
Mary (Tuttle), Clyde. Jonathan Harn- 
den died in 1867, aged fifty-two years, and 
Nancy Harnden in 1873, aged fifty-eight. 
Kneeland Harnden was born July 3, 1841, 
in Huron county, now Ashland county, 
and came to Sandusky county with his 
parents. In 1865 he married Hattie Ful- 
ler of Townsend township. They have 
two children, Minnie and John. 

David Hawk was a native of Penn- 
sylvania, and came to Ohio with his par- 
ents, Conrad and Elizabeth Hawk, when 
five years old. They lived in Huron 
county, and later came to Sandusky 
county. In 1829 David Hauk married 
Eleanor Huss, born in Pennsylvania in 



1812. Mr. Hawk died, in 1855, aged 
fifty years. He was the father of fourteen 
children, thirteen living: David, Green 
Creek; John, California; Mary (Hutchins), 
Ballville; Lewis, died in Andersonville 
prison — was in the Seventy-second Regi- 
ment Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Noah, 
Green Creek; Charles, Iowa; George, 
Green Creek; Elizabeth (Parker), Iowa; 
James, Green Creek ; Eliza (Scholey), 
Clyde; Clementine (Flora), Green Creek'; 
Clarissa (Moore), Wood county; Cyrus, 
Green Creek; Alice (Young), Green Creek. 

David Hawk is a son of David and 
Eleanor (Huss) Hawk, both of whom were 
members of some of the early families 
which settled in this township. Mr. Hawk 
was born in Green Creek township Feb- 
ruary 6, 1830, and his home has been 
here ever since, excepting about one year, 
which he spent in California at the time 
of the gold digging excitement. Mr. Hawk 
was married, September i, 1853, to Mary 
O. Mclntyre, daughter of Oliver and 
Maria (Tyler) Mclntyre. His parents 
were both natives of New York, and she 
was born in Otsego county December 7, 
1833. To Mr. and Mrs. Hawk have been 
born five children, viz: Frederick, who 
married Flora Short, and resides in th.is 
township; Maria, Oliver, Ralph, and Laura 
residing at home. 

Charles Brush was born in the State of 
Pennsylvania, March 30, i8r6. In the 
spring of 1833 he came to Ohio with his 
parents, Medad and Armida Brush, who 
located on the farm in Green Creek which 
he still occupies. The Brush family con- 
sisted of four children — Charles and three 
sisters: Mary Elizabeth (Thorp), Sally, 
Martha (Dawley), and Amanda Jane 
(Gray). Mrs. Gray died some years ago. 
The others all reside in Green Creek 
township. Charles Brush was married, 
October 26, 1856, to Hannah F. Swart^ 
daughter of Conrad and Margaret Swart, 



6i4 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



of Green Creek. This union has resulted 
in two children: Pamela Aurelia, wife of 
Wilton C. Gray, Clyde, and Sarah Jane, 
wife of Willard S. Drown, Green Creek. 
They have also an adopted son, Stephen 
Sodan, now about twenty-one years of 
age. Mr. Brush has held various local 
offices. 

Orrin and Annis (Gibbs) Dirlam were 
natives of Massachusetts, and Mrs. Dirlam 
died there. In 1833 Mr. Dirlam moved 
with his family to Green Creek township. 
Three of their sons and one daughter are 
still living: Martin Dirlam, Ashland county; 
Mrs. Mary Hutchinson, Green Creek; 
Franklin Dirlam, Townsend; and James 
Dirlam, ^Vood county. Franklin Dirlam 
was born in Blandford, Massachusetts, De- 
cember 12, i'S24; came to Ohio with his 
parents, who setilid in Green Creek town- 
ship. Mr. Dirlam was married in 1855 to 
Rebecca Van Buskirk, a native of Tus- 
carawas county, born in 182S. Her par- 
ents, William and Jemima (Lindsey) Van 
Buskirk, are residents of Riley, where they 
settled in 1S33. Mr. and Mrs. Dirlam 
have five children living, two deceased: 
Howard, in Michigan; Adele, deceased; 
Etina, Burt, Inez, Henry B., at home. 
The next, a son, died in infancy. Mr. 
Dirlam served in the Mexican war over a 
year under Colonel Bruff He has resid- 
ed in Townsend since 1856, and has held 
the office of townshij) trustee. 

Adam Brunthaver, father of the Brunt- 
havers of Green Creek and Ballville town- 
ships, was born in Pennsylvania in 1787. 
He married Mary Ridenhour, and first 
settled in Fairfield county, Ohio. In 
1835 the family moved to this county and 
settled in Green Creek. The family con- 
sisted of ten children, seven of whom are 
living, viz.: Henry, John, Peter, Mary, 
Christina, Elizabeth, and Leah. Mrs. 
3^ary Brunthaver died in 1835. He mar- 
ried again in 1839, Mary Smith. The 



family by this wife consisted of twelve 
children, six of whom are living, viz.: 
Lewis, Martin, William, Margaret, Delilah, 
and Martha. Mr. Brunthaver died in 
1859, the patriarch of a large and respect- 
able family. Peter Brunthaver was born 
in Fairfield county in 1823. He married, 
in 1847, Mary J. Cook, and has a family 
of seven children living, viz.: Charles E., 
Washington, District of Columbia; Sam- 
uel W., Wood county; Orrin J., Ballville; 
Frank P., Ballville; Lucinda J.' (Dawley), 
Green Creek; Ellen E. (Bennett), Wood 
county, and Minnie E., Ballville. Mr. 
Brunthaver, by trade, is a carpenter. He 
lives on a farm in Ballville township. 
Lewis Brunthaver was born in Green Creek 
township in 1839. In 1S60 he married 
Laurena Forgerson. Two of their four 
children are living, Elnora and Ralph. 
William Brunthaver was born on the old 
homestead in 1850. In 1874 he married 
Annis Smith. MetaO. is their only child. 

John Brunthaver was born in Fairfield 
county in 181 5. In 1846 he married 
Matilda Schouten and has six children — 
Esther (Jay), in this county; Mary (Wal- 
trus), near Genoa, Ohio; J. W., Ro- 
dolphus, Lavina, and Flora, in Green 
Creek. luve children died before reach- 
ing maturity. 

Daniel Dawling was born in New York, 
in 1813, and came to Ohio in 1835, locat- 
ing in this township. In 1835 he married 
Emily Woodward, who was born in New 
York but came to Ohio when two years 
old, in 1815. She died August 26, 1870, 
leaving five children, viz: Zerruah, wife 
of H. J. Potter, Ballville; Susan O., wife 
of Jeremiah Wolf, Green Creek; Martha 
M., wife of Amon Kelsey, Ballville; Em- 
ily, wife of J. W. Knapp, Riley township; 
and Frances, wife of U. H. Palmer, of 
Lorain county. Mr. Dawley married for 
his second wife Mrs. Martha (Ball) Gale. 
Mrs. Dawley had two children by a former 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



615 



marriage — Charles J. Higgins, residing in 
Kansas, and Adelia Higgins, deceased. 

P^lisha Dawley was born in Montgom- 
ery county, New York, in 1815. In 1S39 
he came to Ohio and settled on the farm 
on which he now resides. In 1843 he 
married Sallie Brush, who has borne him 
six children, v\z: Charles, in Green Creek; 
Armida(Thraves), Ballville; Mary (Moore), 
Wood county; Emeretta (Meggit), Green 
Creek; Randolph, Ballville, and Elmer, 
Green Creek. Mr. Dawley in New York 
engaged in the manufacture of gloves and 
mi t; ens. 

George T. Dana was born in Pembrook, 
Western New York, in 1829. With his 
parents, Daniel H. and Philinda Dana, 
he came to Sandusky county, where his 
liome has been ever since. Mr. Dana 
remained at home and worked in his 
father's mill at Green Spring until he be- 
gan business for himself. He was en- 
gaged in stock buying a number of years 
with Mr. Crockett; afterwards was em- 
ployed in the same business at Bellevue for 
three years by Chapman & Woodward. He 
next managed the grain warehouse of Mr. 
Woodward at Clyde one year. From 
1862 until 1876 Mr. Dana was engaged 
in the Jumber business in Fremont with 
N. C. West. Since that time he has been 
living upon his farm three miles east of 
Fremont. Mr. Dana was married in No- 
vember, 1868, to Miss Sophia Abies, of 
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. They have 
three children living, one deceased. The 
names are as follows: Philinda H., 
Grace T., Marion (deceased), and Aman- 
d.i C. Mr. Dana is a Republican. He 
was census enumerator in 1880. 

George Hutchins was born in Onondaga 
county, New York, May 5, 1811. He 
married, in 1833, Matilda Anthony, and 
in 1836 came to Sandusky county, Ohio. 
Three children by his first wife are living 
— Willet, in this county; Maria (Bush), in 



Nebraska ; and Francis M., in Green 
Creek. He married for his second wife 
Annie Huss. One child is living, Ellen 
(Phillips), in Colorado. For his third 
wife Mr. Hutchins married Sarah V. 
Brumley, by whom he has six children liv- 
ing, viz: Eveline (Upton), Clara, George, 
Flora, Robert, and Ida J. Mr. Hutchins 
served as township trustee several terms, 

Joel Moore was born in New Jersey in 
1825. Three years later his father re- 
moved to Trumbull county, Ohio, and in 
1839 to Sandusky county. Joel Moore, 
who resides upon the farm on which his 
father settled, married Mahala Reed, of 
Knox county. Three children by this mar- 
riage are living — Milton, Isaac, and 
Robert. Mr. Moore married for his sec- 
ond wife Mary Dice, by whom he has five 
children, viz : John J., Alice, Laura, Cora, 
and Jennie. When tlie Moore family set- 
tled in this township only one acre was 
cleared on the tract which is now known 
as the Moore homestead. 

W. C. Lefever, a son of John Lefever, 
was born in this township in 1836. In 
1866 he married Lizzie Mackey, a native 
of Ross county. Mr. Lefever taught 
school in Missouri before the war. He 
entered the army as private, and was mus- 
tered out with the rank of lieutenant- 
colonel. 

J. D. Lefever was born in this township 
in 1838. In 1865 he married Cornelia 
Lay. Mr. Lefever served during the war 
about three years in the Seventy-second 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 

Jonathan Spohn was born m Perry 
county, Ohio, January 10, 1822. He came 
to Sandusky county in 1843. I" 1S44 
he married Elizabeth Brunthaver. Three 
children are living and one dead — Adam, 
Jacob A., and Mary E., all live in this 
county; Francis M. died at the age of 
eighteen. Mr. Spohn worked at black- 
smithing some time, but has been farming 



6i6 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



a number of years. He has a good farm 
of seveniy-six acres, situated on the turn- 
pike, two miles east of Fremont. Mr. 
Spohn is a Democrat in politics, and be- 
longs to the Lutheran church. 

Benjamin Colwell was born at Poolville, 
New York, in 1810. In 1829 he came 
to Ohio, stopi)ing first in Seneca county. 
He then removed to Huron county, and 
from there to York township, this county, 
where he resided five years. In 1849 he 
removed to Green Creek township, which 
has been his home since that time. He 
married, in 1830, Lydia Philo. Two chil- 
dren are living— Sarah (French) and Frank 
E., both in this township. William E. 
died in the army, having been a member 
of the Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry; John, the second child, died 
when fourteen years old. Mr. Colwell 
engaged in the merchant tailoring business 
in Clyde for three years. Joseph and 
Mary Philo came to this county with Mr. 
Colwell and lived here until their decease. 

William Hughes, a native of Philadel- 
phia, died in 1875, ^S'^^ about seventy- 
three. He married Mary Ann Ramsey, 
by whom he had a family of eight chil- 
dren, four of whom are living — James, 
C. J., Melvina E. (Spade), and George. 
Mrs. Hughes came to Ohio from Pennsyl- 
vania, where she was born, with her 
parents, Charles and Sarah (Hughes) 
Ramsey. There were four children in 
this family, who are still living, Mrs. 
Hughes being the oldest. Her parents 
first settled in Ohio in Columbiana county, 
and moved to Sandusky county in 1830. 

Daniel Pocock was born in Baltimore 
county, Maryland, in 1813. Five years 
later his father came to Ohio and settled 
near Canal Dover, in Tuscarawas county. 
In 1834 he married Elizabeth Malone, by 
whom he had twelve children, five of 
whom are living — Levi and Elias in Green 
Creek township; Mary Ann (Walters), in 



Indiana; Elijah in Riley, and George in 
Green Creek. His first wife having died 
he married Rebecca Pocock, and has four 
children — Eliza J., Ruth E., Daniel I., 
and Eve A. Mr. Pocock settled in this 
township in 1845. 

Sidney Tuck was born in Wayne 
county. New York. In 1835 he settled 
on Butternut Ridge, in Seneca, with his 
parents, John and Eunice Tuck. The 
same year he introduced the first steam 
threshing machine ever in this part of the 
State. In 185 1 Mr. Tuck married Lydia 
Lee, a native of Seneca county. Their 
family consists of three children — ^Elv•a 
(Colwell), Ward, and Harry. Mr. Tuck 
carried on wagon-making and farming. 
He died June 29, 18S0, aged sixty-two 
years. 

Alexander Kernahan, a native of Ire- 
land, settled in this county in 1S54. He 
died June 3, 1876, aged seventy-five years. 
His widow, Mrs. Hannah Kernahan, is 
still living. She is the niother of three 
children, who are living — -James, Eliza, 
and Ambrose, all residents of Green 
Creek. James Kernahan was born April 
II, 1830, in Onondaga county. New York. 
Eliza Kernahan was born in the same 
locality January 7, 1832. Ambrose Ker- 
nahan was born in Livingston county, New 
York, July 19, 1836. He married Eliza- 
beth McKinney, a native of that county. 

Constantine Meyer was born in Ger- 
many in 1836. He settled in this county 
in 1854. In 1858 he married Barbara 
Schreiner, who bore four children — Ezra, 
Caroline, Ida, and Clara, all living. For 
his second wife he married Sarah Schu- 
pert, who bore four children — Rawley (de- 
ceased), Frank, Wesley, and Lilly. His 
third wife was Margaret Schuster, with 
whom he is now living. She has one child 
— Gertie. 

Richard E. Betts was born in Cayuga 
county. New York, in 1829. His parents 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



6 1 7 



were Zachariah and Maria Betts. In 1834 
Richard came to Ohio with them. They 
located in Seneca county. In 1852 Mr. 
Betts was married to Lavinia Donaldson, 
daughter of George and Ann Donaldson 
from Pennsylvania. Her parents came to 
Ohio at an early date; lived in Pickaway 
county, then in Seneca county, and, in 
1833, moved to this county and townsliip. 
Three of their nine children are living, 
Mis. Betts being the oldest. Susanna 
(Dixon) and Samuel Donaldson reside in 
Indiana. Mr. Donaldson followed black- 
smithing many years. 

John Stefley came to Ohio when quite 
a young man. He married Eve Pocock 
and has a family of seven children — 
Christina (Vice), Miciiigan; Sarah (Stokes) 
and Caihaiine (Miller), Riley township; 
Calvin and Edward, Green Creek; Levi, 
Riley township, and Mary Ann (Wykoff), 
Toledo. Calvin married Emily Gilbert 
and has four children living— Jesse, W. 
W., and Allen and Ellen (twins). 

MILLS ON GREEN CREEK. 

The inhabitants of this township were 
at first wholly dependent upon the mill 
on Cold Creek for flour. The slow ])ro- 
cess of grinding made it extremely incon- 
venient, and sometimes caused actual suf- 
fering, for the consumption of breadstuffs 
was (aster than the simple machinery of 
this pioneer mill could produce them. It 
was, therefore, a great relief to the inhab- 
itants of Green Creek, particularly those 
living in the western part, to have a mill 
in their own neighborhood. 

Sometime between 182 1 and 1823 
Josiah Rumery built a dam on Green 
Creek, and with a small buhr began grind- 
ing wheat and corn. Customers were 
compelled to assist at bolting their own 
flour, as that part of the work at that time 
had to be done with hand bolts, lire 
flour, in a sanitary point of view, was bet- 
ter than that produced by modern mills, 
73 



The coarse bolts removed only the use- 
less hull, leaving the hard but nutritious 
substance of the grain in the flour. Bread 
made of this flour was rougher but had 
more of the muscle-producing elements 
in it. Mr. Rumery removed from Green 
Creek about 1830, his mill by that time 
having become inadequate to the neces- 
sities of the increasing population. 

Another mill was built on Green Creek 
further down by Mr. Emerson about 1825, 
but was used as a saw-mill only until Mr. 
Wilks purchased the site. He attached a 
grist-mill, which was in operation until 
1852, when the building of the Lake Shore 
cS^ Michigan Southern Railroad necessitated 
its removal. 

Jacob Stine built a mill on the cast 
branch of Green Creek in 1836, which is 
still in operation. 

OTHER INDUSTRIES. 

Mr. Kneeland Harnden has established 
a successful industry — that of ice-packing. 
He began packing this agreeable summer 
luxury in the winter of 1875. I'"* ''""^ ^^if^- 
ter of 1880-S1 he stored away about two 
thousand tons. Mr. Harnden was born 
in Ruggles townshij), Huron county, in 
1841, and in 1849 came to Sandusky 
county with his father's family. In 1865 
he married Hattie Fuller. The fruit of 
this union was t\ro children— Minnie and 
John. 

The largest saw-mill in the township 
is owned by Walter Huber. It was for- 
merly owned by Huber & Ellsworth, and 
has been in operation since 1873. The 
capacity of this mill is sixteen hundred 
feet per day. The proprietor was born in 
this county and has lived here nearly all 
his life. He married, in 1866, Emeline 
Young, by whom he has a family of four 
children, viz: Ida, Vernon, Edith, and 
Floyd. Mr. Huber built in 1881 the 
largest, and perhapsthe finest farm-house 
in the township. 



6i8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



JOHN LAY TREED BY WOLVES. 

No animal is more annoying to the pio- 
neers of a country than wolves. The bear 
is stronger and more dangerous when 
met, but with the first sound of the wood- 
man's axe he emigrates to the wild seclu- 
sion for which his nature yearns. He 
never seeks the destroyer of his home, 
and only meets him when retreat is impos- 
sible. But howling wolves prowl about 
seeking what they may devour. Fifty 
years ago sheep, pigs, and young cattle 
were not safe, even within the cabin door- 
yard. There is not a county in Ohio 
which at some period of the settlement 
did not pay a bounty for the scalps of 
these camp followers of the army of the 
wilderness, whose peculiar business it 
seems to have been to obstruct the march 
of improvement by doleful howling and 
nocturnal depredations. The record of 
their presence and conduct is found in 
the commissioners' journal in every court- 
house, whether among ihe Jiills or in the 
flat country. The Black Swamp was no 
exception. An incident is told which in- 
dicates that in this neighborhood they be- 
came even more bold and daring than 
their character would lead us to expect. 
Romance writers have given startling de 
scriptions of wolves attacking grown men, 
and an actual occurrence in this locality 
proves that these writers' fictions have 
been limited to the realm of possibility. 

Mr. John Lay, about 1833, set out one 
evening on a hunt for his cows, which 
had straggled off far into the thick woods of 
the northern part of Thompson townshij) 
and did not return. He wandered along 
narrow paths, his attention being so wholly 
occupied with the object of his search 
that the decline of the sun was not no- 
ticed, and darkness coming on unexpect- 
edly found him a considerable distance 
from any settler's cabin and several miles 
from home. To retrace his steps seemed 



the only intelligent course of action. But 
while standmg a moment trying to com-^ 
prehend the situation, the distant howl of 
a wolf sent whirling his meditations. An 
echo seeuKd to c.iuie from the other 
side, then another and another, till the 
dark air quivered with dismal, doleful 
barking. Tlie howling grew louder and 
more savage. Shortly, stealthy steps 
and the shaking of bushes became 
discernible amid the general noise. The 
benighted farmer, armed only with a 
strong club, stood his ground, determined, 
to fight, until there gleamed through the 
underbrush seemingly two balls of fire, 
illuminating a scarlet tongue and uncov- 
ered tusks. Fright banished the resolve 
to fight, and the central figure of our pic- 
ture made industrious progress toward the 
top of a small tree. By the time he had 
obtained safe footing among the branches,, 
the hungry beasts were running and jump- 
ing to and fro beneath, snarling and gnash- 
ing their teeth. Night progressed. The 
besieging beasts, whose horrid confusion 
of noises gradually died into a low, dreary 
cry, one by one stole mournfully away in 
search of other prey. 

The man in the tree found an easy 
restingplace between two spreading branch- 
es, and, overcome by fatigue, a deep 
sleep buried in oblivion all the varying 
emotions caused by the singular evening's 
experience. But the place proved an un- 
safe couch. An unconscious turn re- 
stored consciousness to the body, which 
fell prostrate on the ground. The fall 
resulted seriously. One leg was broken 
and his body considerably bruised. He 
was unable to move, and no cabin was 
within hearing distance. Patiently he lay, 
suffeiing the most excruciating tortures 
for nearly twelve hours, until his sons, 
who, having become alarmed by his pro- 
longed absence were making search, found 
him, wholly exhausted. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



619 



ORGANIZATION. 

The county commissioners resolved, at 
tlieir March session, 1822, to establish 
the fourth township of the sixteenth range 
a town corporate. Josiah Rumery, then 
auditor of the county, issued the following 
notice : 

Notice is hereby given to the qualified electors of 
township four, range sixteen, known as Green Creek, 
to meet the first Monday of April, 1822, at the 
house of Samuel Baker, and there pioceed to elect 
between the hours of ten and four of said day, town- 
ship officers as the law directs in such cases made and 
provided. 

Auditor's Office, March q, 1822. 

By order of the commissioners, 

Josiah Rumery. 

The town meeting system was then yet in 
vogue. The electorsassembled at the house 
designated. John Pumphrey, Samuel Kep- 
ler, and Samuel Baker were appointed to act 
as judges. No party spirit divided the as- 
sembly, and no candidates appeared on 
the field. Nothing in modern politics so 
nearly approaches one of these old town 
meetings as a county convention of a party 
hopelessly in the minority. No one desires 
to be distinguished above his fellows, and 
all are anxious that perfect harmony should 
prevail. The votes show almost entire 
unanimity. At this first election Jered H. 
Miner and George Hines acted as clerks. 
For treasurer, Silas Dewey received seven- 
teen votes; for trustees, Josiah Rumery 
received sixteen; Samuel Pogue, seven- 
teen; and Samuel Baker, fifteen votes 
Benjamin Collins received fourteen to 
Joseph Baits one, for constable. Joshua 
Fairchild and Samuel McMillen received 
fourteen and thirteen votes respectively 
for overseers of the poor. For appraiser of 
properly, Samuel Baker received thirteen 
votes; Samuel Pogue, fifteen: and Samuel 
McMillen, one. For lister, Samuel Baker 
had thirteen votes. Jonathan Rathbun 
and Samuel Uttley were chosen fence- 
viewers. Jered H. Miner had all the votes 
except his own for clerk. The vote for 



supervisorsstood: Benjamin Collins, eleven; 
Samuel Uttley, seven; Josiah Rumery, 
one; and Jonathan Rathbun, three. It 
appears, from the number of votes some 
of those present received, that modesty 
did not prevent them from voting for 
themselves. 

The first justice of the peace was Jered 
H. Miner. He was the learned man of 
the early settlement and the selection was 
entirely ])roper. This office in sorhe local- 
ities might be exalted by more care as to 
the quality of talent selected to fill it. 

The first township charge to pass from; 
poor existence was Josph Baits, who died 
at Baker's tavern. Bills were allowed as 
follows: 

To Samuel B.iker, for taking care of Joseph Baits, 
three dollars and fifty cents, and for boards for coffin. 
To Abigail Worlley, four dollars for shirt and sheet, 
and attendance. Amos Fenn, for furnishing coffin, 
two dollars and fifty cents; and to Jonathan ForbeSr 
M. D., two dollars and ninety-six cents for treating- 
the said Baits; James Guinall, seventy-five cents for 
nursing; Prudence Benton, same; Polly McMillen, 
thirty-two cents for washing. 

The first list of jurors returned were : 
Grand Jurors — Albert Guinall, James 
Guinall, Samuel S. Baker, Joshua Wood- 
ard, Jonathan Rathbun, John Harris. 
Petit Jurors — Roswell Merrell, John J. 
Quackenbush, Samuel Pogue, Jered H. 
Miner, Moses Cleveland. 

AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION. 

A citizens' meeting was held July 23, 
1870, in pursuance of a call issued by a 
number of citizens for the purpose of in- 
stituting an agricultural fair, independent 
of the county agricultural association. 
A constitution was adopted and board of 
directors appointed as follows: C. G. 
Sanford, Lyman Miller, David Beard, 
John Whitmore, George Mugg, Humphrey 
Whitman, David Neikirk. Charles Bell, 
Alfred Stibbins, Darwin Groves, J. W. 
Payne, M. Sanford, O. J. Stultz, and S. V. 
Hume. A. Throp was chosen president; 



620 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



S. H. Rhodes, secretary; and J. T. Chap- 
man, treasurer. 

Si.xteen and one-half acres of land were 
purchased by the board of directors for 
fair grounds, and preparations at once 
commenced for the first annual e.xhibition. 
Articles of incorporation were filed and 
recorded July 28, 1870, by J. M. Lem. 
mon, A. B. French, W, H. Bacon, Henry 
Nichols, B. Meek, R. F. Patrick, W. W. 
White, T. W. Reed, and S. H. Rhodes. 
The articles declared that the object of 
the association shall be to encourage and 
promote agriculture, stock-raising, and 
mechanical and industrial pursuits, and to 
hold annual fairs for the exhibition of 
stock and agricultural productions. 

The capital stock was fixed at one hun- 
dred shares at ten dollars each. 

The exhibitions at Clyde have uniform- 
ly been well patronized, and the eleven 
years of the existence of the association 
prove the enterprise a success, not 
so much financially, as in the end for 
which it was established. 

PHYSICIANS. 

The first resident physician of Green 
Creek township was Dr. Forbes, who lo- 
cated near the corners as early as 1822. 
He was also a school teacher. As a 
physician he possessed the confidence of 
most of the early settlers and was univer- 
sally well liked as a teacher and a man. 
Death did not spare him long to the set- 
tlement. 

The next physician was Dr. Henry 
Niles, who was a graduate of Dartmouth 
college. He came to Hamer's Corners 
in June, 1833, and gave his exclusive at- 
tention to practice for two years. He 
then removed to a farm on the county 
line of Seneca and Sandusky, where he 
continued to practice for a number of 
years. He died in 1864. 

Dr. William G. Harkness was educated 
in Salem county, New York, and began 



practice in Cayuga county, where he re- 
mained twenty-five years, and then came 
to Ohio in 1833, settling at Hamer's 
Corners, where he practiced until his 
death. 

Dr. Seely came from Medina to Hamer's 
Corners about 1840. He continued 
Ijiactice most of the time until his death, 
in 1S67. Most of his patients remember 
him. 

Charles G. Eaton commenced the prac- 
tice of medicine in Athens county, Ohio, 
in 1849. After two years he removed to 
West Virginia, where he remained until 
1853, when he came to Clyde and soon 
won the confidence of the people by his 
skill in physic. Except during the four 
years spent in the war, he was in active 
practice until his death, which occurred 
in 1875. -'^ biogra[)hy of him will be 
found in this volume. 

Dr. Treadway was a man of learning, 
and had the true instincts of a physician. 
He came to Clyde from Kentucky, and 
had it not been for his suggestion the vil- 
lage would be called Hamerville, Middle- 
town, or some other common name. He 
remained in practice here but a short time. 

J. W. Luse was born in Mercer county, 
Pennsylvania; attended medical lectures 
at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and at Cleveland, 
Ohio. He began practicing in Hunting- 
don county, Pennsylvania, in 1854. In 
1857 he came to Clyde and has been in 
full practice ever since. At several differ- 
ent times he has been connected with the 
drug trade here. 

Doctors Price, Leet, and Decker each 
practiced in Clyde, but remained only a 
few years. 

W. V. Stilson was born in Trumbull 
county, Ohio, in 1815. He studied med- 
icine in \\'ayne county, Ohio, and gradu- 
ated at Cincinnati Medical College. He 
practiced a short time in Ashland county, 
then came to Beilevue in 1842, where he 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



621 



had a full practice for thirty years. In 
1872 he removed to Clyde. He married, 
in Ashland county, Elizabeth Cummings. 

Corwin Griffin was born in Huron 
county in 1845. He entered Pulte Med- 
ical College, Cincinnati, in 1873, and re- 
ceived the degree of M. 1). in 1876. He 
began jjractice in Clyde, and possesses a 
fair share of public confidence. He is 
the only graduate of the Homoeopathic 
school, in Clyde. 

Dr. Brown removed from Tiffin to 
Clyde in 1875. He was surgeon for the 
One Hundred and Eighth Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry. 

Mrs. Owens and Messrs. Harndon, 
Robinson, and So])er arc the remaining 
physicians now in ])ractice. 

m'pherson cemetery. 

Beneath t'ics3 rugged elms, that yew tree's shade, 
Where heaves the turf in many a mouldering heap,- 

Each in his narrow cell forever laid. 
The rude forefathers of our hamlet sleep. ^ 

— Gray's Elegy. 

Imperishable maible is the fit emblem 
' of that love which survives all that is mor- 
tal of friends and relatives, that love which 
is the noblest attribute of the soul. There 
is something, too, in the unchanging fea- 
tures of the country lo perpetuate the 
memory of friends who gave animation to 
every lonely scene. The grave seen from 
our dooryard, or passed in a lonely walk 
or drive, arrests our planning and softens 
the mind to pensive meditation. A wound 
is kept open, it is true, but it is a wound 
from which flows sanctifying sorrow. We 
plant flowers to sweeten the grave, and 
trees to protect the gentle tear of recollec- 
tion. 

The cemetery at Clyde is fast becoming 
all that the most loving heait could wish. 
Public-spirited citizens have supplemented 
nature's generosity, and the place charms 
the eye and nurtures the affections. 

The old burying ground lay to the north 
and reached to the foot of the elevation 



on which the statue of General McPher- 
son stands. It was formerly owned by the 
Methodist Episcopal church, and bore the 
name of Evergreen Cemetery. The site 
was selected by Mrs. Guinall who, during 
a supposed fatal sickness, pointed to the 
spot where she wished to be buried, from 
the chair on which she was carried to the 
door for that purpose. The lot was fenced 
off by her husband, who owned the land, 
but she was not the first to be buried there. 
She recovered and was a witness of the 
burial of her son John in the place selected 
for her own grave. Mrs. John J. Quack- 
enbush and Benjamin Collins were the 
two next buried. 

Many moss-covered freestones mark the 
last resting places of pioneers of this town- 
ship — places of sacred and hallowed mem- 
ory. It became necessary, as the village 
grew and the death roll became longer, to 
enlarge the boundaries. A cemetery as- 
sociation was formed in 1867, and Ever- 
green Cemetery transferred lo this associ- 
ation by the Methodist church. Lands 
adjacent, extending to the junction of the 
two streets, were purchased and the lot on 
the summit of the beautiful natural mound 
dedicated to the McPherson family, in af- 
fectionate remembrance of that noble sol- 
dier and cheiished fellow citizen. Major 
General James B. McPherson, whose 
statue, cast in imperishable bronze, testi- 
fies a grateful people's love, and symbol- 
izes the immortality of his fame. 

THE SCHOOLS. 

The first school in the township was 
taught by Joshua Fairchilds. Jered H. 
Miner, esq., taught school in 1820 in a 
cooper shop owned by Abby & Dagget, 
which stood on the present Persing place. 
Here the children were gathered, five days 
in the week, for three months. The only 
seats were split slabs or puncheons, with- 
out backs. A large slab was placed along 
one side for a writing desk. Reading, 



622 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



writing, and the elements of arithmetic 
were taught. Tlie "rule of three" was 
the stopping point for the pupils of that 
early day. 

In the course of a couple of years a 
school-house was built on what is now Buck- 
eye street. Dr. Forbes, an amiable, learned 
man, was the first teacher, in the winter of 
1822-23. There was great dissatisfaction 
with the location of the house. The settlers 
of the east part of the neighborhood clam- 
ored for a school in their vicinity, while 
those of the west were just as determined to 
keep.it in theirs. In 1825 a house was 
built near the Corners, much to the dissat- 
isfaction of the hill residents, and the 
cause of a fire which desttoyed the build- 
ing a short time afterwards was not regard- 
ed a mystery. A compromise was made 
in the location of a new house. It was 
built near the site of the railroad crossing, 
but was after a short time moved to the 
knoll within a few rods of the burial place 
of General McPherson. This was the last 
log school-house in Clyde, or at Hamer's 
Corners, as it was then. Here James D. 
McPherson, whose statue is the pride of 
the town and county, received his first m- 
struclion. 

After the township was divided into dis- 
tricts under the general school law, a frame 
house was built a cjuarter mile further west, 
on the hill, which was known as the Dewey 
school-house. 

The first school in the west part of the 
township was taught by Grant Forgerson, 
in a school-house which stood a short dis- 
tance west of the Rathbun place. 

The public school law of 1852 went 
into effect in Cireen Creek in 1853, since 
which time comfortable houses have been 
built, and generally competent teachers 
provided for the instruction of the youth. 

CLYDE SCHOOLS. 

The rapid growth of Clyde during the 
years following the war made it desirable 



that a special school district should be or- 
ganized. The necessary legislation was 
procured, and on April 8, 1867, the Clyde 
schools became independent of the town- 
ship. The new board consisted of A. B. 
French, Chester Hunter, and C. G. Eaton. 
The village system was adopted May 30, 
1868, with the following named gentlemen 
as directors: M. Benner, John Lefever, 
Milo Hunter, D. Terrill, S. B. Taylor, and 
Smith Motley. The salary of the super- 
intendent was fixed at one hundred dollars 
per month, and S. Motley was elected to 
the position. He served in that capacity 
until 1870, when the i)iesent incumbent; 
F. M. Ginn, was chosen. 

The subject of a new school building 
was discussed by the citizens as soon as 
the village system had been adopted. In 
1869 plans were submitted, and a new 
building decided upon. The large and 
well-arranged three-story brick structure 
now in use was completed in 1870, and 
in the fall of that year opened to the pub- 
lic. Schools began with the following " 
corps of teachers: F. M. Ginn, superin- 
tendent; Rena Richards, principal of the 
high school; Jennie Winters, assistant; 
Mary BeMuent, grammar; Miss Emma 
Adams, first secondary; Nettie Reynolds, 
second secondary; Julia Eaton, first pri- 
mary; Alice Keating, second primary; 
Nettie Van Cleat, intermediate. The 
principals of the high school have been: 
Rena Richards, Eliza Bushnell, Miss 
Hitchcock, Anna Kuhn, Miss Barnaby 
(five years), Maggie Taggart, Nellie Mc- 
Donald. The assistants in the new build- 
ing have been: Edgar Barnett, Emma 
Taylor, Miss A. L. Snyder, and Emma 
Londy. 

Professor Ginn, the superintendent for- 
the i)ast eleven years, is deserving of much 
credit for his efficient management of the 
schools. The board gave ir.to his hands 
entire control over all departments. The 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



623 



present condition of the scliools shows the 
wisdom of the board in thus selecting a 
competent head and then abstaining from 
officiousness. 

There \Yere, in 1870, four hundred and 
twenty-five pupils. The enrollment of the 
year 1880-81 reached six hundred and 
sixty-one. 

Regular courses of study were arranged 
for all departments in 1870. The aim is 
to prepare pupils for any of the ordinary 
callings of business; in other words, to 
provide a good English education. In 
the high school, English language and lit- 
erature is taught during the whole four 
years of the course. Students are taken 
through the elements of trigonomelrj', and 
given a knowledge of the elements of 
general science. 

The first class which completed the 
course — the class of 1874 — numbered 
four; 1875, eleven; 1876, seven; 
1877, iiine; 1878, ten; 1879, fifteen; 
1880, ten; t88i, nine; whole number of 
graduates seventy-five, of whom twenty- 
five were boys. Few schools can show so 
large a proportion of male graduates. 

Primary and secondary teachers have 
received twenty-five dollars per month. 
Miss Barnaby received sixty dollars per 
month. The salary of the principal is 
now fifty dollars per month. The super- 
intendent received, in 1870-71, one thou- 
sand dollars; 1871-73, twelve hundred 
dollars; 1873-77, fourteen hundred dol- 
lars, since which time the salary has been 
twelve hundred dollars. 

CHURCHES. 

The first sermon preached to white peo- 
ple, so far as is known, within this town- 
ship, was delivered by a colored man, 
whose name tradition has not preserved. 
This religious enthusiast gathered together 
as many as he could, and that was nearly 
all who lived in the settlement. His vio- 
lent manner, linguistic gymnastics, and 



novel system of doctrine naturally caused 
amusement, and sometimes provoked 
laughter. His glowing description of the 
place of eternal punishment was received 
with provoking ridicule, which caused the 
preacher to burst forth with the remark: 
'•You white folks a' afraid to go to heaven 
'cause ye 'magin thar be niggers thar; but 
I tell you dar be niggers in de hot place 
too!" It is unnecessary to state that no 
conversions resulted from this man's 
preaching. 

The credit of organizing religious wor- 
ship is due here, as in most pioneer com- 
munities, to the itinerant clergy of the 
Methodist church. Some of the early set- 
tlers were Baptists, and, at a later ptriod, 
Universalists obtained a foothold. 

METHODIST CHURCH. 

Methodism was organized in this part 
of the county in the spring of 182 1. The 
country being sparsely populated no regu- 
lar stations were established, but large 
districts of country organized into circuits. 
Lower Sandusky district embraced the 
whole county. The class in this neigh- 
borhood was organized by Rev. Mr. 
Boardman, in the spring of 1821, com- 
posed of six members — Samuel McMillen 
and wife, James Guinall and wife, and 
Albert Guinall and wife. These three 
families, together with a few who were 
not members but were interested in seeing 
public worship instituted, met in a log 
school-house near where the Cleveland, 
Sandusky & Cincinnati railroad crosses 
Main street. The preacher, whose cir- 
cuit was large, could visit this backwoods 
post but once in four weeks, and then 
generally on week days, his Sundays being 
occupied elsewhere. Samuel McMillen 
was the class leader. He held prayer 
meetings and praise meetings. He never 
accepted a license as a local preacher, 
but performed the duties of that office — 
how well, the prosperity of this little so- 



624 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ciety of Christians shows. In 1825 there 
was an especial and important awakening. 
The whole settlement became interested 
in the meetings, and several joined the 
church; among the number, Amos Fenn, 
who became a local preacher, and was to 
the end of his long life a faithful member 
and earnest worker. In 1827 occurred a 
revival which brought into the church 
about twenty-five new members, among 
whom were the three oldest of the pres- 
ent members — Norton Russtl, his wife, 
and Mrs. McPherson. Mr. Russel was 
the first convert. This revival extended 
throughout the circuit. Prayer meetings 
were held every night and each church 
enjoyed preaching once every two weeks, 
the circuit preachers — Adam. Poe and 
John Hazzard — and Presiding Elder 
McMahon dividing up their time among 
the several classes. 

But it is too often the case that rest, pro- 
found sleep, follows a season of activity 
and exhaustive effort. A church needs 
more than a start; it needs the watchful 
care of an intelligent clergy. As soon as 
the protracted effort had ceased the visits 
of the circuit preachers were few and 
irregular. The local ministry and a few 
old members were depended upon to car- 
ry on the work. They labored zealously 
and did all that time would permit and 
talent could do. Meetings after a time 
were attended only by the "faithful few," 
but their faith did not permit discourage- 
ment. The clouds began to hang dark. 
Years had passed with but few additions, 
while death and emigration was constantly 
reducing the number. A brighter day 
came in 1844. An especial interest was 
created among the young people. It was 
during this revival that James B. McPher- 
son joined the church. 

Preaching was held semi-monthly after 
this revival. The old school-house be- 
came unfit for use, and the Dewey school- 



house was occupied. In 1851 it was de- 
cided to build a church. Mr. Norton 
Russel canvassed Green Creek, Townsend 
and York townships for money. Jonathan 
Ames donated a lot, and a contract for 
building was let to William Weeks by 
Amos Fenn, Norton Russel, M. Persing 
and others. George Eaton was at that 
time a preacher in charge, but his health 
failed before the completion of the build- 
ing, and Alfred Wheeler supplied the 
pulpit. In December, 1852, Presiding 
Elder Disbrow preached the dedicatory 
sermon, at which time four hundred dol- 
lars were raised. This amount freed the 
society from the debt incurred by build- 
ing. The cost of this house was fifteen 
hundred and thirty dollars. Meetings 
continued several weeks, and many were 
added to the membership. Sabbath-school 
under the superintendence of Mr. Weeks, 
was continued for the first time through 
the winter. In the winter of 1853-54 
thirty united with the church under the 
pastoi'ate of Messrs. Pelton and Vertican. 
In 1856 Revs. E. Y. Warner and Mr. 
McKane were stationed at Clyde, as the 
charge was now called. During their 
pastorate the church increased in numbers. 
Revs. Castle and Thompson occupied the 
pastorate till 1859. In 1859 Revs. Haider- 
man and Barker were appointed ; in i860 
Wilson, and Sites in 1861. The circuit 
had previously embraced the classes in the 
eastern part of Sandusky and western part 
of Huron and Erie counties. In 1S62 it 
was reduced to three appointments — 
Clyde, Green Spring and Townsend. Rev. 
Mr. Barker was pastor in 1862. Rev. Mr. 
Jones, in 1863, remained six months, and 
enlisted in the army. Rev. Mr. McKillips 
being appointed supply. During this time 
protracted efforts were made every winter, 
and the membership steadily increased. 
In 1864 Rev. J. T. Broadwell became 
pastor. The largest revival in the history 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



625 



ot the church followed. The member- 
ship increased, and the house no longer 
accommodated the congregations atliacted 
by eloquent sermons. In 1866 the official 
board resolved upon building a new house 
of worship. As is not uncommonly the 
case in enterprises of this character, 
land was purchased, and contracts let with- 
out carefully estimating the cost or know- 
ing the resources. The handsome edifice 
on the corner of George and Buckeye 
streets was so far completed by February, 
1867, that the basement was ready for 
occupancy. In August, 1867, the house 
was formally dedicated by Rev. Dr. 
Donaldson. The spire and gallery re- 
mained to be built. Thirty-seven hundred 
dollars were subscribed at the dedication 
service, and the announcement was made 
that no debt remained, but an examina- 
tion of accounts and subscriptions in 1868 
showed an indebtedness of eight thou- 
sand dollars which was refunded at a high 
rate of interest. A brief summary of 
how this debt was paid may not be amiss. 
It is only one of many instances of costly 
edifices burdening societies, and really 
injuring the cause which it was the inten- 
tion to promote, and for which generous 
members were willing to make sacrifices, 
but under pressure of forced assessments 
became indifferent and discouraged. 
When W. S. Paul became pastor, he took 
hold of the debt question in a business- 
like way. A committee of inspection was 
appointed, which found ihe debt to be 
nearly eight thousand dollars, and the 
annual interest nearly eight hundred dol- 
lars. Through his influence a loan was 
negotiated in 1870 for six thousand dollars 
to be paid in annual installments, without 
interest. Before the close of Mr. Paul's 
pastorate of three years, the debt had been 
reduced to less than seven thousand dol- 
lars, very little of which was bearing inter- 
est. Dr. Hartupee succeeded Mr. Wright 
79 



to the pastorate, and ai)plied himself to 
the reduction of the debt, but in Decem- 
ber, 187 1, the great storm so damaged 
the building that twenty-eight hundred 
dollars were required for repairs. 'J"he 
debt increased this year six hundred dol- 
lars. A re-opening service was held in 
May, 1873, Bishop Bowman preaching. 
On this occasion forty-eight hundred dol- 
lars were subscribed, which with notes 
and previous subscriptions, was thought a 
sufficient amount to cancel the debt. 
During the i)astorate of Dr. S. L. Yourtee 
only six hundred dollars were raised. ■ 
The subscriptions taken on the "Re-open- 
ing Day" for some unaccountable reason, 
nad lost their value. In 1875 Rev. J. H. 
Mendenhall, on assuming the pastorate, 
found a debt of four thousand dollars 
with no resources to meet it. Mr. Men- 
denhall deserves the highest praise for his 
zeal, and credit for his talents displayed 
during his pastorate. Before the close of 
the second year the burden which had 
oppressed the congregation, and stifled its 
work, was removed. The members and 
citizens of Clyde are also to be com- 
mended for their liberality. About forty- 
five hundred dollars were subscribed and 
paid within eighteen months. 

The pastors, succeeding Mr. Warner, 
were: W. S. Paul in 1868; B. Wright in 
187 1 (to fill the unexpired term of Mr. 
Paul); J. H. Hartupee in 187 1 ; S. L. 
Yourtee in 1874; J. H. Mendenhall in 
1875; W. H. Painter in 1878. 

In 1869 Clyde was made a station, and 
the other classes constituted a circuit 
known as "Green Spring." 

The membership of the church has 
constantly been increasing since 1844. 
An interesting Sunday-school has been 
maintained throughout the year since 1 851. 
A ladies' society was organized in 1865, 
which has been instrumental in raising 
funds for the church. 



626 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY. 

George R. Brown was the founder of 
Universalism in this part of tlie county. 
Nathan Birdseye and Mr. Holbrook, of 
Townsend, were among the more promi- 
nent members. Mr. Brown came to 
Hamer's Corners about 1833, and was en- 
gaged to teach the school, which position 
he filled acceptably during two winters. 
He then left for a short time, but returned 
in 1835 and married Jane Pogue, a daugh 
ter of Samuel Pogue, and lived here until 
his death, in 1S73. He had a strong 
mind and was well informed. Few men 
could cope with him. He met several 
Methodist clergymen on the rostrum. 
The result of the debates was the gradual 
increase of adherents to the doctrine of 
Uuiversalism. The society which he 
formed built the second church at Clyde, 
which was for many years the most influ- 
ential religious association in the place. 
The meeting-house stood on what has 
since become Main street, but the growth 
of the town made the site desirable for 
business, and the building was removed to 
its present location. The society was 
supplied occasionally by other ministers, 
but Elder Brown was the main stand-by, 
as affairs since his death have proved. 
The membership was largest about i860, 
embracing many of the leading citizens. 
No regular service has been held for a 
number of years, but the organization yet 
maintains its existence. 

ST. MARV'S — CATHOLIC. 

In 1854 Rev. Father Waist visited 
Clyde and held the first mass. There were 
at that time but few Catholics. in the town- 
ship, and they were recent arrivals, being 
induced to make settlement by the em- 
ployment the railroad 0|)ened up. The 
service for the first few years was held in 
the residences of the members. Fathers 
Rose, Mellon, and Peters, came over from 



Fremont and held services in the same 
way. The two last named commenced 
the erection of a church building, which 
was completed by Father Monaghan. The 
property was enlarged by the addition of 
two more lots by Father Mahony, of 
Bellevue. These three lots, embracing 
church and burying-ground, are located at 
the corner of Spring and Vine streets. 
He was succeeded by Father Means, in 
July, 1872. Father Bowles was the first 
resident i)astor. The present parsonage 
was purchased by him. Up to this time 
all the preaching was in English, but in 
1875, when Father Rudoljjh became pas- 
tor, both German and English worship 
were used, and the congregation grew rap- 
idly until 1879, when Father Nunan be- 
came pastor. The pastorate became va- 
cant in 1881, J. C. Cahill acting as supply. 
Two-thirds of the membership is Irish, the 
other third German. 

KAPTIST CHURCH. 

There were a few Baptists among the 
early settlers of the township. Jered H. 
Miner, esq., had meetings at his house oc- 
casionally, and Elder Throp sometimes 
exhorted. Missionaries held services at 
irregular intervals, and in 1857 the house 
of worship which is yet in use was built. 
The first organization into a congregation 
was effected April 9, 1859, at which time 
L. D. Caulkins was chosen clerk, Gideon 
Palmer, Lyman Ames, and George N. 
Thornton, trustees. Anson Ames was 
also a member at this time. Joseph Jack- 
son was chosen pastor, a choice which, at 
that time, was j^articularly unfortunate. 
Mr. Jackson was a man of radical opin- 
ions, and did not hesitate to i)ropound 
abolition doctrine in the pulpit. Political 
feeling being at its height, his preaching 
caused dissension, and some of the mem- 
bers withdrew. A debt of one thousand 
six hundred dollars remained on the church 
building, which was an additional embar- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



627 



rassment. Services were irregularly held 
by supplies. In the winter of i860 a re- 
vival was held, which resulted in three ac- 
cessions to the membership. O. L. Ames, 
who has since been a member, joined at 
that meeting. Measures were at once 
taken to pay off the debt and re-establish 
the congregation on a solid foundation. 
In August, 1864, a pastor was called — 
Rev. Adam Snyder. He was a strong 
preacher, and attracted large congrega- 
tions. In May, 1866, Rev. W. E. Ryon 
became pastor, and served the church with 
success about four years. In January, 
1867, a revival was commenced, which 
continued three months and resulted in 
seventy-five conversions. The church was 
now on a solid foundation and able to 
stand alone. Missionary aid was no longer 
necessary, and the contributions previously 
received have long since been repaid. 
During the remaining years of his ministry 
the membership grew steadily, revivals be- 
ing held each winter. Rev. J. T. Shepard 
succeeded to the pastorate, and remained 
between cne and two years. Rev. J. V. 
K. Seely assumed charge in November, 
1872, and during his term of five years 
service added about forty to the member- 
ship. Twenty additions was the result of 
a special revival in 1873, conducted by 
Rev. Van Buskirk. In 1878 Mr. Fernald 
became pastor, and remained two years. 
The greatest revival in the history of the 
church was held during this pastorate by 
an evangelist, Rev. W. H. Hurlbut. More 
than one hundred were converted, and 
eighty-four joined the church. Rev. J. L. 
Phillips was installed pastor in August, 
1880. Seventeen have been added to the 
membership since that time. The present 
membership is about two hundred. 

The Sunday-school work of this church 
has been made a special feature. A Sun- 
day-school was organized in April, 1865, 
C. W. Page, superintendent. O. L. Ames 



became superintendent in 1867, and has 
servL'd with commendatory success since 
that time. More than a hundred of the 
members of this school have been brought 
into the church. The average attendance 
is about one hundred and fifty. 

PRESBVTER1.\N CHURCH. 

Among the early settlers of the east 
part of the county were a few Presbyte- 
rian and Congregational families from New 
York and New England. For some years 
they maintained their own form of wor- 
ship by family instruction and attending 
the church of their choice in the neigh- 
boring towns. But the natural desire for 
regular service, and the difficulty of at- 
tending at distant points, induced some 
to unite with the churches of other de- 
nominations, while others became indiffer- 
ent. The few who remained attached to 
the doctrines of their fathers entertained 
the idea of establishing a church of their 
own, but the prospect looked doubtful for 
many years. Now and then they met to- 
gether, at long intervals, until Rev. E. 
Bushnell, D. D., of Fremont, took the 
matter in charge and gave them more fre- 
quent services. Encouraged by him a 
meeting was called and a congregation or- 
ganized in the Baptist meeting-house in 
Clyde, April 6, 1867, Dr. BushYiell, of 
Fremont, and George H. FuUerton, of 
Huron, being present. At that meeting 
the following persons were received as 
members: J. W. Fuse, M. D., Mrs. E. 
C. Fuse, Hiram Vincent, Adam Dunlap, 
Mrs. Kate B. Dunlap, Mrs. Margaret 
Fuse, Mrs. Emily Fletcher, Mrs. Jane 
Throp, Mrs. C. Foveland, George B. Ful- 
ler, and Mrs. Alcena Ellsworth. The first 
regular service of the church was held on 
the following day, conducted by Mr. Bush- 
nell, who preached and administered the 
sacrament. This first service was solemn 
and impressive, and is remembered by 
those present. Rev. J. B. Sm.ith was the 



628 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



first minister chosen. He preached at 
stated intervals for two years. During 
tliis time a prayer meeting service was in- 
stituted, and a number of new members 
added to the church. In 1869 D. W. 
Marvin succeeded to the pastorate, and in 
the winter of that year initiatory steps 
were taken toward the building of a house 
of worship. The membership at this time 
numbered thirty-six. By reaching their 
charitable hands deep into their pockets 
and with the assistance of the Presbyte- 
rian board of church erection, a comfort- 
able brick house was erected which was 
dedicated January 30, 1870. A Sabbath- 
school was organized about this time. 
From the organization to the present the 
growth of this church in members and 
influence has been gradual. 

In 187 1 E. R. Chase, then a student of 
the Theological Seminary at Chicago, ac- 
cepted a call to the pastorate, and was 
ordained here in June of that year. In 
April of the following year he was regu- 
larly installed pastor. 

Elder H. Vincent and wife, two of the 
most earnest and useful members of the 
church, were killed by a railroad accident, 
November 29, 1871. The church in their 
death sustained a sad loss. David E. 
Hayes and A. J. Wilder were added to the 
eldershipin 1872. The church was greatly 
strengthened by a revival in the winter 
of 1873. On April 6th of that year, twenty- 
seven were received into thechuich. Mr. 
Chase was a young man beloved by all. 
The church prospered under his care, 
b Jt he was not long spared to his labor. A 
disease of the lungs, contracted in the 
army, brought him to the grave May 25, 
1874. 

Rev. A. M. Meili, formerly a priest in 
the Roman Catholic church, was elected to 
the pastorate in March, 1875. During the 
following year troubles of a serious char- 
acter arose, growing partly out of personal 



difficulties and partly out of an effort of the 
session to enforce stricter conformity to the 
rules of the church. These troubles grew, 
and all efforts at peace, even on the part of 
the presbytery failed. The future of the con- 
gregation was doubtful. The pastor re- 
signed in 1876, and all services, including 
Sunday-school and prayer meeting, were 
suspended. Some joined other churches, 
and others withdrew, so that in 1878 only 
about twenty members could be found out 
of a flourishing congregation at the begin- 
ning of the troubles of eighty communi- 
cants. At the beginning of 1878 those yet 
remaining faithful united with the church 
at Green Spring and employed the ser- 
vices of Rev. J. S. Axtell. The prayer meet- 
ing and Sabbath-school were reorganized 
and the general church work again set on 
foot. The former elders having resigned, 
their places were filled by N. T. Wilder, 
J. H. Herrick, and H. T. Barnum. These, 
with the minister in charge, constitute the 
session of the church. During the last 
three years seventeen new members have 
been added and all have worked peacefully. 
The church, although it has not grown 
rapidly in members since the healing of 
the breach, has increased in energy and 
courage, and now the foundation seems 
secure and the outlook favorable for great 
usefulness. 

SPIRITUALISTS. 

Spiritualism had for a long time a strong 
foothold in Clyde, but as a society no 
longer has an existence. The promulga- 
tion of the "Woodhull" doctrines caused 
dissension which has never been over- 
come. The number of adherents is grad- 
ually decreasing. 

ADVENTISTS. 

The Seventh Day Adventist church of 
Clyde was organized by Elder J. H. Wag- 
goner August II, 1867. It consisted of 
the union of two companies of Sabbath 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



62Q 



keepers known as the churches of Green 
Si)ring and West Townsend. This union 
was made at the rec]uest of the companies 
named and also by a vote of the Seventh 
Day Adventist conference, at the session 
of August I and 2, 1867. At the time of 
the organization of the Clyde church, O. 
F. Guilford was chosen elder and William 
Herald deacon, and ordained at the same 
meeting by Elder J. H. Waggoner. W. 
D. Sharp was elected church clerk and 
William Herald treasurer. W. D. Sharp 
served as clerk until 1876, when A. A. 
Hutchinson succeeded and served two 
years. In 1878 Dora F. Rowe became 
clerk. She opened the first book of records 
and recorded the above facts, collected 
from the scraps left by the previous clerks. 
The society built a house of worship in 
1877-78. It was dedicated January 20, 
1878, by J. H. Waggoner. Elder H. A. 
St. John is the present pastor. 

CLYDE. 

This beautiful and flourishing village is 
the veritable fulfilment of a prophesy 
made during the War of 1812, when an 
Indian trail along the ridge was the only 
course of travel through the township. 
Samuel Pogue, a soldier in Harrison's 
army, drove a stake at the spring south of 
Buckeye street, which was the spot marked 
out for his future residence. Here he fore- 
saw a busy town. What was there in the 
surroundings to inspire such a prophesy? 
Nothing could be seen save a forest awful 
in its stillness and its density. A surface, 
except on the sand bars saturated with 
water, was surely no encouraging sight. 
Nor would an occasional glimpse of a 
hostile savage, caught among decaying 
logs and underbrush, give hope to antic- 
ipation. However this may be there is 
a growing town where it was prophesied 
there would be one. 

A glance over' the ground, in 1840, 
would show the pike filled with white 



covered wagons, carrying the goods and 
families of emigrants to the West; at the 
cross roads, Hamer's double log tavern, 
on one corner, McPherson's blacksmith- 
shop within a short distance; Amos Fenn's 
cabinet-shop, and two small stores. On 
the ridge to the west and southwest were 
flourishing farms; to the south, where the 
business center of Clyde now is, an un- 
touched forest. 

The term of "Bang All" had passed 
out of use and Hamer's Corners was the 
only name known to travellers or residents. 

Clyde, as we see it to day, is the creature 
of the two railroads which cross here, af- 
fording better facilities for transportation 
than any other point in the county. The 
first town lots were laid out by William 
Hamer and Philip Beery. The construc- 
tion of the railroads was the death blow 
not only to the name, but also the hamlet 
of Hamer's Corners. Mr. Hamer had 
surveyed, in town-lots, the land extending 
from the pike as a base line toward the 
south, so far as the junction of Maple and 
Main streets, being a triangular tract. This 
is recorded as "Hamer's addition to Cen- 
treville, " from which it appears that Cen- 
treville had become the accepted name of 
the place, although the post ofifice was 
never so known. On the same day, Feb- 
ruary 6, 1852, Philip Beery had surveyed 
a small tract recorded as "Beery's addi- 
tion to the village of Centerville, " lying 
south of the Lake Shore & Michigan 
Southern track and east of the Cleveland, 
Sandusky & Cincinnati. 

In July, 1852, Lyman Miller fell in with 
the growing spirit of founding a town, 
and remembering the prophesy of his step- 
father, Samuel Pogue, laid out a large 
tract west of the Cleveland, Sandusky & 
Cincinnati track, which is recorded as 
Miller's "Addition to the town of Centre- 
ville," but the papers were dated "Clyde," 
which shows that the name had been 



630 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



changed, probably about the time the sur- 
vey was made. 

A pubhc meeting was held for the pur- 
pose of naming the infant town, there 
being much difference of opinion. A 
number of names were proposed, but the 
three most favored were Centreville, 
Hamersville, and Clyde. The last was the 
proposal of Dr. Tread way, whose personal 
popularity had perhaps as much weight 
with the assembled citizens as the beauty 
and brevity of the name. It is in the tra- 
ditional history of the town that a few of 
the older heads were slightly sore because 
of the treatment their suggestions had re- 
ceived in the town meeting. Clyde had 
a large majority and was the name known 
in the records of the county, post office 
department, and railroad offices thereaf- 
ter. 

The next addition was made by George 
R. Brown, in September, 1852. Adjacent 
lands have since, from time to time, been 
added, as growing industries have in- 
creased the population. 

A notable feature of the plat of this vil- 
lage is the irregularity of streets and lots. 
This condition of things is produced by 
following the direction of the raihoads, 
which cross at an angle of about seventy 
degrees. The street system is still fur- 
ther complicated by the angling roads, 
which were laid out before the existence 
of the town. The streets in Miller's ad- 
dition are parallel with the Lake Shore 
& Michigan Southern railroad; those of 
Brown's addition run with the Cleveland, 
Sandusky & Cincinnati railroad. The 
streets of Ames' addition follow the county 
road leading north, and those of Hamer's 
addition are laid off with reference to the 
pike. This irregularity in the system of 
streets detracts somewhat from the simple 
beauty the place might have, but the lux- 
uriant shading more than supplies the 
loss. The sidewalk of every avenue is 



hidden from the burning sun by the foli- 
age of thrifty maples and elms. 

Clyde was incorporated a separate and 
independent borough under the laws of 
Ohio March 8, 1866, and a village govern- 
ment organized soon after that time — in 
April — with John M. Lemmon, mayor. 
Succeeding mayors have been: Joseph 
Zepernich, to June, 187 1; S. AV. Reed, 
till April, 1872; Z. Perin, till April, 1880; 
since which time J. B. Bush has filled the 
office. 

TAVERNS AND HOTELS. 

It is reliably stated that at one time 
there were eight public houses of enter- 
tainment between Clyde and Fremont. 
This was during the days of the mud road 
from Bellevue to Perrysburg. 

A line of stages was early established 
to Sandusky over the north sand ridge, 
intersecting the State road at the site of 
the cemetery. This crossing became a 
popular place for taverns. The first tavern- 
keeper of note and prominence was Wil- 
liam Hamer, whose name the place bore 
for more than a quarter of a century. Mr. 
Hamer begun to keep tavern on the Cor- 
ners about 1826. The building was a 
double log structure, with the cracks well 
filled and a sawed board floor, and withal 
quite comfortable. In this respect it con- 
trasted favorably with the two first taverns 
in the township, Benton's and Baker's, 
which were built six or seven years before, 
when boards were not to be obtained at 
any price. William McPherson's black- 
smith shop, and in a short time a small 
store, gave the Corners a village appear- 
ance, and the residents bestowed upon it 
the name Hamer's Corners. This, how- 
ever, is not the name by which the outside 
world knew the place. Bang All was the 
more common designation. The landlord 
of the corners is not to be held account- 
able for the condition of things which gave 
origin to this disagreeable pseudo name. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



631 



Hanier, like all good hosts, sold whiskey, 
but for that reason is not to be blamed 
for the unfortunate reputation the place 
in early times acquired for drunken rows 
and general banging of eyes. Mr. 
Hamer's kind hospitality is remembered 
by some of the guests of his house. Old 
men are not few who regret that the good 
log tavern days have passed away. What- 
ever else may be said of the benefits con- 
ferred by industrial and social develop- 
ments, it must be admitted that the homely 
hospitality of the days of slab benches 
and cheap whiskey has been lost. There 
was a romance about the old tavern which 
clings to the memory of old men and fires 
the imagination of generations born since 
the decay of pioneer institutions. 

It was the practice of the period for 
travellers to attend to their own horses. 
Generally the log barn was of sufiicient 
size to accommodate all, but in busy 
seasons it was not uncommon to hitch to 
the hind end of the wagon. The first 
business of the traveller was to water, 
wash, and feed the horses, while the female 
portion of the caravan took care of the 
babies and engaged lodgings. The men 
having tended their teams made straight- 
way for the bar, wliere all bodily aches and 
pains were banished by a full glass. No 
time was lost in establishing an acquain- 
tanceship, either among the women who 
formed a cheerful circle around a large 
log fire-place or among the men who were 
drinking each other's health in the bar- 
room. The supper bell brought all to- 
gether around a table bearing steaming 
corn-bread, well roasted venison or pork, 
and other staple articles of food. Supper 
over, the more sober and orderly retired 
early to their beds, while some of the gay 
and festive spent the early evening in 
cracking jokes and spinning yarns between 
drinks, winding up sometimes, though not 
frequently, in a drunken row. The rising 



sun generally found travellers on their 
journey. Horses wete fed by the break 
of day, and after partaking of a corn- 
bread breakfast the travellers repaired to 
their wagons and began the day's travel 
which, in muddy seasons, was sometimes 
not further than the next tavern. These 
taverns were everywliere much alike. We 
have applied these remarks to Hamer's 
only because it was the main point be- 
tween Bellevue and Lower Sandusky. 

The first frame tavern was built by Mr. 
Smith and afterwards owned by Wesley 
Anderson. After the railroad was built 
the Junction House, the oldest tavern in 
the present village of Clyde, was built by 
Lyman Miller. 

In 1867 Henry Nichols, seeing the need 
of a comfortable hotel for the accommo- 
dation of the general public, and at the 
same time an opportunity for a profitable 
investment, began the erection of the 
Nichols House, which is now the only 
hotel, properly speaking, in the village. 
In 1871 this property passed into the 
hands of Josiah Barnet. After several 
changes William H. Kauffman became 
proprietor in 1873, and in 1875 purchased 
the property. He brought with him the 
experience necessary to the successful 
management of a hotel. He was for a 
number of years connected with hotels in 
Columbus and Indianapolis, and was 
afterwards, until coming to Clyde, proprie- 
tor of the Murray House, Springfield, 
Ohio, of which town he is a native. 

MERCHANDISING. 

It is not easy to say who opened the 
first store at the Corners, nor is it of any 
constquence. The Corners has been a 
trading point for fifty years. A man 
named Turk opened a store at an early 
day. Previous to 1845 stores were kept 
by Wesley Anderson, William Hamer, 
Mr. Bohl, Fred Vandercook, and E. M. 
Cook. Darwin E. Harkness began busi- 



632 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ness in 1840, in a small room on the pike. 
He had previously been doing cabinet 
work. 

One of the busiest places in the little 
village was William McPherson's black- 
smith shop. This forge drew to the Cor- 
ners considerable trade, for had it been 
presided over by one less skilled, farmers 
would have gone to Bellevue or Fremont 
more frequently than they did. The 
largest store at the Corners was opened by 
P. B. Beery, in 1851. Mr. Beery was a 
trained merchant and a man of tact. He 
had been in business in Sandusky and 
Fremont as a clerk previous to coming to 
Green Creek. One of Mr. Beery's clerks, 
Mr. William H. Bacon, has since been a 
successful merchant in Clyde. 

The building now occupied by Norton 
Russel as a residence was used in 1848 
by Mr. E. Ames for a store. Jonathan 
Ames soon after purchased the stock and 
removed the business to a small room on 
the opposite side of the street. 

Mr. Beery sold his business in 1857 to 
Curtis, Bacon & Co. In 1859 W^ H. 
and B. R. Bacon began business on the 
south side of the Lake Shore & Michi- 
gan Southern railroad, and in the follow- 
ing spring removed to the first brick busi- 
ness block in the village, which had just 
been completed — the three-story block 
nearly opposite the post office — where 
they engaged in trade till 1866, when 
Powers & Joseph succeeded. B. R. Bacon 
removed to Kansas City ; William H. the 
following year opened a store on the 
south end of Main street. From 1873 to 
1878 he engaged in farming; since the 
last named date he has been in the dry 
goods trade. 

D. E. Harkness, the oldest merchant in 
Clyde, is a son of Dr. William G. Hark- 
ness, who is mentioned under another 
head. He has never pushed an extensive 
trade, but has always been successful. 



His store at the Corners, from 1840 to 
1857, had a substantial patronage. In 
1857 he removed to the new business 
centre, and maintained a steady trade till 
1876, when E. M. Harkness purchased 
the store and succeeded to the business, 
which he still conducts. In 1878 the vet- 
eran merchant, not content with rest, 
again opened a store at the north end of 
Main street. 

Powers & Joseph continued trade till 
about 1874, when Powers died. Joseph 
has been a successful merchant. The 
largest store ever opened in Clyde was 
established by Taylor & Richards, in 1872. 
After the fire of 1873 they occupied a 
double room in the new block now occu- 
pied by W. H. Bacon. Their stock was 
equal in quality and variety to any store 
in Northern Ohio, outside of Cleveland 
and Toledo. For the past few years Mr. 
Richards has been the sole proprietor, but 
on a smaller scale. 

Tiiere are at present four dry goods 
stores. W. K. Bartlett was the pioneer in 
the hardware business. His store was in 
a little room in a frame building, which 
stood on the corner of Main and Buckeye 
streets, about 1858. Subsequent dealers 
were James Vandercook, S. B. Mann, 
William Wicks, W. C. Andrews, and Frank 
Rader. 

The first drug store was oi)ened by Dr. 
Eaton, on the pike. William Miller pur- 
chased the stock, and about i860 removed 
to Main street. He died in 1865. Dr. 
Luse engaged in the trade a short time, 
and after him it passed through various 
hands, till it ceased to exist. H. H. Rabe 
has been in the drug trade on Main street 
since 1862. Rushton & Moll opened a 
store a few years later, which has for a 
number of years been owned by H. B. 
Tiffany. M. A. T. Pope completes the 
list of present druggists in Clyde. 

In boots and shoes, groceries, and other 




'^. 




^n-€'/^'U^ 



i.e4d€>-'7^ . 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



63: 



branches of trade there is fair and 
honorable competition between a number 
of creditable stores in each department. 
The Clyde Banking association was or- 
ganized October i, 1870, B. Kline, D. E. 
Harkness, A. Richards, and F. W. Park- 
hurst being the partners. Mr. Kline has 
since retired. 

MILLS AND MANUFACTURING. 

Clyde stone mill, the oldest mill in the 
village, was built by a stock company in 
1863. It is now owned by Lawrence & 
McConnell. 

Hunter &: Miles built the Star mill in 
1870. C. Hunter is now the exclusive 
proprietor. 

An edge tool factory was established by 
Hunter & Brigham in 1869. Ten men 
are employed throughout the year. 

W. A. Hunter established a bath in 
1874 with complete modern furniture. A 
well-used bathing establishment contrib- 
utes more to the beauty and health of a 
town than is commonly supposed. 

Clyde, during the last five years, has be- 
come an important point for the manufact- 
ure of brackets and other similar novel- 
ties. Wilbur Finch and George Suptr 
began the business in the summer of 1876 
by making, on a small scale, work-baskets 
and paper-holders. Mr. Super continues 
the business. He employs three hands. 

Hutchins & Brother began the manu- 
facture of toilet brackets. Their patent 
double-frame bracket and glass has an ex- 
tensive sale and employs ten hands in its 
manufacture. 

D. F. Beck fitted out an establishment 
with suitable machinery and began making 
toilet brackets in the fall of 1876. He 
makes thirteen different styles, and has 
machinery which enables him to work up 
common walnut cord wood into the most 
handsome chamber decorations. 

John \V. Wolcott employs twelve hands 
in the manufacture of slat work novelties. 



His patent work-basket, particularly, com- 
mands a ready sale. He has just patented, 
and is preparing to manufacture on an ex- 
tensive scale, a kitchen table which com- 
bines many features valuable to the house- 
wife. Mr. \Volcott came to Clyde in the 
spring of 1868 and started a sash' and 
blind factory which he operated one year, 
and then engaged in the lumber business 
until the manufacture of novelties received 
his attention. 

'Jlie MefA)rd Fruit Company was estab- 
lished in 1878 with a capital of three hun- 
dred thousand dollars, which includes the 
Mefford patent for drying fruit. D. M. 
Mefford was elected presidc^nt of the com- 
pany and has had general charge of the 
business. The establishment at Clyde has 
a capacity of three to five hundred bushels 
of green fruit per day. Establishments of 
this kind are of greater consequence to a 
town than at first glance might be sup- 
posed. It creates an active market for all 
kinds of sta]jle fruit, and not only benefits 
the producers, but brings to the town a 
large trade which would otherwise be lost. 
If public patr(;nage is the proper ground 
on which lo estimate merit, the success of 
the Mefford profess has already been es- 
tablished beyond contradiction. 

SMALLER INDUSTRIES. 

There are in Clyde two carriage sliops, 
two planing mills, a number of blacksmith 
shops, cabinet shops, etc. The first black- 
smith was William McPherson, who car- 
ried on the trade until failing health neces- 
sitated his retirement. The first cabinet- 
maker was Amos Fenn; he "picked up" 
the trade, but became an efficient work- 
man. Darwin Harkness did a prosperous 
business in this line for some time. 

A veteran tradesman of the present time 
is Oliver M. Mallernee. He was born in 
Harrison county, Ohio, in 1836. Having 
learned the blacksmithing trade, he came 
to Clyde in 1857. In 1861 he enlisted 



634 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



as army blacksmith in the Third Ohio 
cavah-y, and served till 1864. After the 
war he again worked at his trade in Clyde 
for a period. He then turned his atten- 
tion to farming. He is now in the marble 
and monument trade in Clyde. Mr. Mal- 
lernee married, in 1866, Mrs. Elijah West, 
whose maiden name was Mary Blake. 

POST OFFICE. 

William McPherson was the first com- 
missioned ])ostmaster in the township, the 
name of the office then being Hamer's 
Corners. He was followed by D. E. 
Harkness, who gave the villagers the ben- 
efit of a free delivery, leaking the mail 
in his hat, he would walk around to the 
taverns and stores on a distributing tour. 
There were at this time two mail lines, one 
along the pike, the other on the north 
ridge road to Sandusk)-. Succeeding post- 
masters have been Jacob McCleary, D. E. 
Harkness, J. W. Wales, W. H. Reynolds, 
J. B. Bush, J. P. Fish, J. B. Fellows, R. 
B. McPherson, and Mrs. Z. Perin. 
FRATERXITIES. 

Five of the leading orders in the United 
States have flourishing lodges at Clyde. 
They are all fortunate in having a large 
and enthusiastic membership. 

MASONIC* 

Monticello Lodge No. 244 was char- 
tered October 18, 1854, with the following 
members: William M. Harrison, Charles 
G. Eaton, Jacob McCleary, Williani S. 
Rupell, William Hanicr, James W. Forster, 
Henry Burdick, John N. Rupell, and 
George R. Brown. A dispensation had 
been granted by the Grand Lodge of the 
State December 3, 1853, authorizing Wil- 
liam M. Harrison, worshipful mastery 
Charles F. Eaton, senior warden, and 
Jacob McCleary, junior warden, to assem- 
ble and work as a lodge of INLister INLasons. 
The first election under the charter, in 

* Information furnished bv W. M. Harrison. 



1854, resulted in the choice of W. M. Har- 
rison, W. M.; C. G. Eaton, S. W.; Jacob 
McCleary, J. W. ; W. S. Rupell, secretary; 
William Hamer, treasurer; P. B. Beery, 
S. D.; William Hinton, J. D.; Robert 
Clapp, tyler. 

The succession of worshipful masters 
has been; W. M. Harrison, C. G. Eaton, 
W. M. Harrison, William E. Lay, J. B. 
Stark, William E. Lay, A. B. French, J. 
W. Forster, E. T. Ge.ttings, R. F. Patrick, 
A. B. French, F. M. Ginn. 

The following Clyde Masons have re- 
ceived the Knight Templar degree: Wil- 
liam E. Lay, Frank Rader, Tiffin com- 
mandery; W. H. Kauffman, Springfield; 
and W. M. Harrison, Orlin W. Harrison, 
and Eli Miller, Sandusky. 

Acadia Lodge, No. 42, Free and Ac- 
cepted Masons (colored), received a dis- 
pensation and was organized June 21, 
1S.70, with the following officers: T. G. 
Reese, W. M.; G. R. Taylor, S. W.; D. 
Whitsell, J. W. ; H. Winsor, treasurer; 
Edward Simpson, secretary; S. Manby, S. 
D.; C. Wood, J. D.; Peter Points, tyler. 
The lodge was instituted December 10, 
1872. This was the most notable occa- 
sion of the kind which has ever taken 
place in the town. Colored Masons were 
present from Toledo, Cleveland, and other 
surrounding towns and cities. The lodge 
disbanded July 13, 1875, ^^ which time 
there were twenty-four members. 

ODD FELLOWS. 

A charter was granted to Clyde Lodge, 
No. 380, May 10, 186C. The lodge was 
instituted August 3, 1866, by Right 
Worthy Grand Master Daniel Fitchen. 
The charter members were: Matthias 
Benner, George B. Fuller, Richard F. Pat 
rick, S. M. Reynolds, George T. Bell, W. 
W. Stilson, P>. R. Bacon, George Smith, 
Peter Upp, N. K. Taylor, Joseph Barnett, 
John Mc Martin, James McMartin, A. T. 
Smith, G. R. Brown, and W. W. Whitton. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



635 



The past noble grands of this lodge are : 
Matthias Benner, George B. Fuller, R. F. 
Patrick, W. W. Stilson, E. T. Geltings, 
Henry Baker, E. F. Drake, Albert Stark, 
Charles Wright, B. F. Rodgers, G. P. 
Humphrey, N. H. Taylor, N. B. Mason, 
John Malcolm, George H. Brace, J. G. 
Bruncker, Henry Bobst, George Carlton, 
G. W. D wight, S. B. Taylor, W. S. Vale, 
John Gazly. 

The hall in which the lodge was insti- 
tuted was burned March 9, 1874. In this 
fire was lost all the furniture, one set of 
new regalia, and all the emblems. Meet- 
ings were held on the west side of the 
street until after the completion of the 
Lemmon block, which the lodge has since 
used. The largest number of members at 
one time was one hundred and fifteen. 
The lodge has at present seventy -five 
members and eleven hundred dollars in 
the treasury. 

Earl Encampment No. 105 was insti. 
tuted June 12, 1868, with M. Benner, E- 
T. Gettings, Henry Baker, Henry Gra- 
back, George T. Bell, E. F. Drake, Peter 
Copsey, and G. B. Fuller as charter mem- 
bers. 

Charity Degree Lodge No. 18, Daugh- 
ters of Rebekah, was chartered May 12, 
1870. The charter members were: Hen- 
ry Baker and wife, N. H. Taylor and 
wife, M. Benner, R. F. Patrick, H. F. 
Barnum, E. Gettings, and wife, H. V. 
Nichols and wife, G. S. Rhodes and wife, 
J. W. Forster, and J. J. Nichols. 

KNIGHTS OF HONOR. 

Clyde Lodge, No. 989, was instituted 
March 9, 1879. The charter members 
were E. T. Gettings, John Surbeck, C. 
Gritifin, B. F. Rodgers, George Carlton, 
Louis Hoch, M. B. Lemmon, W. J. 
Payne, S. D. West, W. A. S. Ward, T. J. 
Carlton, J. F. Harris, N. W. Bush, H. B. 
Tiffany, W. H. Kauffman, John Billman, 
and C. H. McCleary. The present mem- 



bership of this lodge is one- hundred and 
seven. Since organization one death loss 
has been paid. There is in the treasury 
a balance of fourteen hundred dollars. 
At the date of organization M. B. Lem- 
mon was chosen past-dictator, and E. 
T. Gettings, dictator. He served three 
terms and has been succeeded by B. F. 
Rodgers, A. B. Chapman, and H. M. 
Howard. 

KNKiHTS OF PYTHIAS. 

Clyde Lodge, No. 126, Knights of 
Pythias, was instituted January 13, 1881, 
by Deputy Grand Chancellor D. M. Laz- 
erus. B. F. Rogers was elected past- 
chancellor and E. T. Gettings, chancellor 
commander. 'J'he lodge was chartered 
with twenty-nine members, which number 
has been increased to forty-two. 

AMERICAN LEGION OF HONOR. 

Clyde Council, No. 298, of this order 
was organized September 13, 1880. C. 
H. McCleary was elected past-commander, 
and W. C. Andrews commander. The 
other ofificers elected were: George W. 
Lawrence, vice-commander; J. H. Rhodes, 
orator; O. W. Harrison, secretary; P. W. 
Parkhurst, treasurer; C. K. Harnden. 
medical examiner; George P. Huntley, 
chaplain; A. B. Chapman, guide; J. H. 
Davenport, warden; John Baker, sentry; 
H. B. Tiffany, Louis Hoche and Giles 
Dewey, trustees. 

PERSONAL. 

Mrs. Lydia Slocum is held in grate- 
ful remembrance by the people of this 
community on account of her inherent 
excellence of character. Lydia Norton 
was born at New Canaan, Massachusetts, 
in 1777. In her twenty-first year she 
married John Russel. Four years later 
they removed to Ontario county. New 
York. Mr. Russel died in 18 13, leaving 
a family of five children, three of whom 
finally settled in this county — Norton, 



636 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



William S., and Cynthia McPherson. A 
few years after Mrs. Russel married James 
Chase, but after a short period was again 
left a widow. She came to this township 
in 1828 and engaged in school teaching 
for a period of seven years. She was a 
competent teacher. This cannot be truth- 
fully said of many of the teachers of the 
time, when the profession was not appre- 
ciated as it is at present. In 1840 Mrs. 
Chase married Isaac Slocum and removed 
to Bellevue. After the death of her hus- 
band she returned to Clyde and made her 
home with Mrs. McPherson until two 
years before her death, when she joined 
the family of her son, Norton Russel. 
Mrs. Slobum died October 4, 1876, aged 
ninety-nine years, six months and seven 
days. Mrs. Slocum was a lady of rare in- 
telligence and Christian character. Dur- 
ing seventy-eight years of her long life she 
was a zealous church member. Her full 
life was jeweled to the end with good works. 

U. B. Lemmon, the subject of this 
sketch, was born in Livonia, Livingston 
county. New York, March 16, 1808; came 
to Ohio with his father's family in 1827. 
When a young man he learned the car- 
penter and joiner's trade, at which he 
worked for some six years. On the 14th 
of August, 1834, he was married to Miss 
Emily Mclntyre, of Ithaca, New York. 
For some thirty years subsequent to his 
marriage he was engaged in farming. In 
1864 he removed to Clyde, his [iresent res- 
idence. He has been blessed with a family 
of six sons and four daughters. Four 
sons and three daughters are heads of 
families. He had four sons in tlie la e 
war, two in the Seventy-second Ohio Vol- 
unteer Infantry, and two in the One Hun- 
dred and Sixty-ninth National Guards. 

That William M. Harrison is an enthu- 
siastic Mason will be seen by glancing 
at the paragraph relating to that sub- 
ject in a previous part of this chapter. 



He is a son of Lt^ics Harrison, a native 
of New Jersey, but during most of his life 
a resident of New \'ork. William Marks 
was born in 1S07. In 1837 he married 
Adaline M. Wright. In 1845 he came to 
Sandusky county, and settled in Green 
Creek township. He served as deputy 
sheriff of the county for a number of years. 

Darwin E. Harkness, son of Dr. William 
G. Harkness, was born in 18 14 in Spring- 
port, New York. The family settled at 
Hauler's Corners in 1833. Darwin E. 
worked at cabinet making until about 
1838, when he engaged in the grocery 
business, and has since been engaged in 
trade of vaiuous kinds. Mr. Harkness 
married Mary De Zang, of Seneca county, 
New York. They have had a family of 
three children, two of whom are living. 
Emmons D. is in business in Clyde; Nettie 
L. Davenport resides in Missouri. McFall, 
the oldest child, died of disease contracted 
in the army. 

Moses O. Nichols was born July 17, 
1818, at Deerfield, New Hampshire. At 
the age of sixteen he engaged in business 
at Haverhill, Massachusetts; in less than 
a year he engaged in the manufacture of 
shoes on his own account, but a^aste for 
music induced him to give all his spare 
time to experimenting on musical instru- 
ments. He invented the first pipe key 
melodeon. In 1843 he began the manu- 
facture of organs, at Brattleboi-ough, Ver- 
mont, making the first box swell used in 
the reed organ. From Vermont Mr. 
Nichols removed to Boston, where he 
manufactured organs for ten year^s. He 
afterwards had a factory at Syracuse, New 
York, which employed one hundred men. 
From i860 till 1879 Mr. Nichols en- 
gaged in newspaper publishing and in the 
sale of musical instruments, for the greater 
part of the time in Indiana. In 1879 he 
settled in Clyde. His last invention is 
the grand dynamicon. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



637 



Among the residents of Clyde are a 
number of retired farmers, men who spent 
their best days in hard toil, and are now 
passing the evening of their hfe amid 
the pleasant surroundings of a village. 
One of the most highly respected citizens 
of this class is John Lefever. He was 
born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 
1807. In 18 1 6 the family removed to 
Fairlicld county, Ohio, where, in 1829, 
John married Rachel Swope. Three years 
later he came to this county and st-ttled 
on one hundied acres of land which he 
had entered in Green Creek township. 
On this farm he lived till 1865, when he 
sold and removed to Clyde. Mrs. Le- 
fever died in 1847. The family consisted 
of nine children, seven of whom are living 
— Louisa, Rebecca, John S., \V'illiam C, 
Jacob D., Oscar T., and Jane. Mr. Le- 
fever married for his second wife, in 1849, 
Elvira Reed, who was born in Ottawa 
county. New York, in 1814. Mr. Lefever 
has frequently been chosen to fill local 
offices, township trustee, etc. His services 
on the school board of Clyde since 1868 
are worthy of special mention. 

William Hamer was born in Geneseo, 
New York, in 1791. In 1815 he married 
Kezia Cleveland, who died September 19, 
1856. He came to Ohio in 1826, and 
began keeping tavern at the Corners. 
Soon after that time he laid out the first 
town lots in Centreville, now Clyde. He 
married for his second wife Mrs. Priscilla 
Blanchard, who is yet living. 

GREEN SPRING. 

This thriving little village contains be- 
tween eight and nine hundred people, and 
is situated partly in the southwestern part 
of Green Creek township, and partly in 
Adams township, Seneca county. It is 
well known as a health resort, the Water 
Cure and Dr. Brown's Diabetic Cure be- 
ing among the prominent institutions of 
the place. The village received its name 



from the mineral spring situated near it. 
The industries of the place are as fol- 
lows : 

Sash and blind factory. Smith heirs, 
proprietors ; the spoke and hub factory of 
John Netcher; the furniture manufactory 
of A. R. Young & Co. ; the pork-packing 
house of J. VV. Stinchcomb &Co.; Hahn's 
tannery; the saw-mills of John Netcher 
and Levi Huber; the First National Bank, 
two hotels in the village and one near the 
Water Cure, two drug stores, two va- 
riety stores — hardware, groceries, etc. ; 
three groceries, one stove and tinware 
shop, one harness shop, besides black- 
smiths' shops, saloons, etc., may be men- 
tioned among the business interests. Sev- 
eral attempts have been made to run a 
newspaper in the village, but each paper 
has had but a short existence. 

M. B. Adams was the first settler in the 
place, and built the first house. He came 
from Norwich, Connecticut, m 1834, or 
perhaps the year previous. His daughter 
Ellen, who afterwards became the wife of 
George Backus, and died in Defiance, 
Ohio, was the first child born in the vil- 
lage. Mr. Adams remained only a few 
years, then moved to Defiance, where he 
died. His widow is still living there. 

Daniel H. Dana, born in the State of 
Vermont, March 29, 179S, moved from 
New York State and settled at Green 
Spring in 1834, being attracted hither by 
a belief that the mineral spring would 
some day become known and valued. 
The Indians had been removed a short 
time previous to his settlement. Mr. 
Dana obtained an analysis of the spring 
water, and learned its valuable medicinal 
qualities. He kept the first store in the 
place, having his goods in a room of his 
log-house the first year. The following 
year he built a frame store on the corner 
opposite the store now occupied by Mr. 
Watrous. He also carried on the mer- 



638 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



cantile business in a store on Butternut 
Ridge, one-half mile east of where Wil- 
liam Lay resides, at the same time. Mr. 
Dana built a tannery which he o[)erated 
in company with Robert Smith. Soon 
after they erected a shop in which the 
manufacture of boots and shoes was car- 
ried on quite extensively. Mr. Dana was 
a useful citizen, and did much toward the 
advancement and growth of the village. 
He served as justice of the peace, and 
was the first postmaster. 

In 1823 Daniel H. Dana married Phi- 
linda Tiffany. Three of their children are 
living — George T. Dana, Green Creek 
township; Marian and Mary, Green Spring. 
Mr. Dana died March 29, 1881, aged and 
honored. He was an uncle of Charles 
A. Dana, of the New York Sun, 

J. A. Watrous, who was born in New 
London county, Connecticut, in 1803, 
came to Green Spring in 1834, from 
Huron county. Before coming here he 
married Eunice Stewart, by whom he had 
four children, only one of whom is living 
— Mary — wife of Frederick Wheeler, re- 
siding in Iowa. His daughter Laura, 
afterwards the wife of William Western, 
Sandusky City, was the second child born 
in the village. She died in Michigan. 
For his second wife Mr. Watrous married 
Mis. Hannah (('arpenter) Adams. To 
them were born four children, three of 
whom are living — Nancy, wife of Fred- 
erick Durant, in Canada; Alice married 
D. P. Campbell, and lives near Manches- 
ter, New Hampshire; Hannah married J. 
P. Turner, and lives with her parents. 

Jacob Stem, originally from Carroll 
county, Maryland, was an early settler. 
He moved to Green Spring from Tiffin. 
Three of his daughters still reside in the 
village. Mr. Stem built the second store 
erected in the place — the building now 
occupied by Mr. Watrous, as a tin shop. 
He also built the first saw-mill and the 



first grist-mill north of the village. For use 
in the saw-mill he took the water from the 
sulphur spring. This mill was erected 
very near the old mill which the Govern- 
ment built for the use of the Indians. 

The place settled slowly. Other early 
comers were Phineas Adams, Wilcox, 
Robert Smith, and Jacob Huber. Wilcox 
acted as clerk in Stem's store. Robert 
Smith became one of the leading citizens, 
and a most successful business man. 
General McPherson came to this place 
when a boy fourteen years old, and clerked 
for A. M. Stem and Robert Smith, the 
successors of Jacob Stem in the mercantile 
business, until he was about twenty. 

The post office was established in 1837, 
Daniel H. Dana, postmaster. The peti- 
tioners were allowed a post office on con- 
dition that it should pay current expenses. 
Mr. Watrous acted as mail-carrier the first 
year, carrying the mail from Hamer's 
Corners, now Clyde, twice a week in sum- 
mer and once a week in winter. The 
proceeds of the office during this year 
were thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents, 
and this amount was paid to Mr. Watrous 
for his services, the postmaster receiving 
no compensation whatever. 

Mr. Todd began wagon-making and 
Elisha Alvord succeeded him in the bus- 
iness. The first blacksmith in the place 
was Ephraim Porter, who remained only 
two or three years. J. A. Watrous was 
his successor. The first hotel was kejjt by 
Roswell George, in 1838. It was built by 
Colonel Bradley. The first shoemaker was 
Jacob Huber, now living in (xreen Creek 
township. A lot was donated him by 
Jacob Stem, on condition that he engage 
in his trade upon it. 

The first church was built by the Meth- 
odists in 1853. Doctor W'heeler was its 
prime mover. The other churches of the 
village are the Presbyterian, the United 
Brethren, and Catholic — all of recent date 




'?^ei/x2^<(^'^'^ 



ityyid€>-^9^ . 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



639 



The village was incorporated in 1873. 
John A. Wright was the first mayor and 
served about two months. His successors 
have been O. L. Bartlett, Gideon Gordon, 
C. S. Burton, and J. S. Myers. 

The school district has recently voted 
to assess its tax-payers to the extent of 
twenty thousand dollars, and has given 
bonds for that amount for the purpose of 
erecting a school-building. Work has 
already begun. The school-building will 
be leased and used as an academy for 
tuition schools. The school to be free to 
scholars in the district. 



Biographical Sketches, 



ALFRED HUTCHINSON. 

Nathaniel Hutchinson was a native of 
Massachusetts, and passed his life in Cam- 
bridge in that State. He was the father 
of John, Thomas, and Jose|)h Hutchin- 
son, who moved to Clark county, Ohio, 
about the year 18 18. John remained only 
a short time in this State, but went to 
southern Indiana and settled on the Wa- 
bash, where both he and his family fell 
victims to the fever. Thomas remained 
in Ohio some twenty years, then removed 
to Lagrange county, Indiana, and died in 
that State. 

Joseph Hutchinson, the father of the 
subject of this biography, was born April 
21, 1782. He was married in his native 
State in the month of October, 1805, to 
Mary A. Hodgman, who was born in Cam- 
bridge, Massachusetts, October 10, 1783. 
She was left an orphan while very young, 
and was brought up in the family of Mr. 
Adams until her marriage. After coming 
to this State Joseph Hutchinson resided 
in Clark county until 1827, and in April 
of that year moved to Green Creek town- 
ship, Sandusky county. He was a me- 



chanic, and followed his trade through life. 
After locating upon his land in this county 
he went to Monroeville, Huron county, 
and there worked at his trade about six 
years. At the end of this period he re- 
turned to Green Creek and remained here 
until his death. Joseph Hutchinson was 
the father of eight children, three of whom 
are living at present. Following are their 
names and dates of birth: Mary A., born 
September 9, 1807, married June 14, 1829, 
to Asahel Franklin, Clark county; died in 
May, 1848. Joseph H., born April 17, 
1809, died November 24, 1823. (He was 
killed by being thrown from a horse.) 
Charlotte, born February 7, 181 1. Feb- 
ruary 10, 1 83 1, she married S. S. Kellogg, 
in Huron county, where they resided/ sev 
eral years. She died in Huron county, 
in February, 1854. Louisa, born Septem- 
ber 12, 1 8 14, became the wife of Elisha 
Lake; resided in Huron county until her 
husband's death; married Charles Petty, 
and now resides in Woodburycounty, Iowa. 
Josiah B., born November 30, 181 7, died 
May 28, 1836. Alfred, born September 
17, 1820. Phebe M., born May 29, 1825; 
married Noble Perin, who died in Ander- 
sonville prison. She now resides in Green 
Creek township. Joseph, jr., born May 
29, 1830; was killed by falling from a 
loaded wagon, the wheels of which passed 
over him. 

The mother of these children died in 
February, 1851. Mr. Hutchinson died 
in January, 1855. They were both mem- 
bers of the Baptist church from their youth 
up, and were honored and esteemed for 
their integrity, industry, uprightness, and 
worth. 

Alfred Hutchinson attended the com- 
mon schools when a boy. At the age of 
eigliteen he commenced learning the trade 
of brick-laying and plastering, working at 
this employment in summer and attending 
school in winter until he became of age. 



640 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Mr. Hutchinson followed his trade about 
thirty years in this vicinity, and since quit- 
ing it has been engaged in farming. 

He was married, Aj^ril 6, 1843, to Mary 
Dirlam, daughter of Orrin and Annis 
(Gibbs) Dirlam. Mrs. Hutchinson is the 
fourth of a family of seven children, and 
was born August 18, 1823. Her mother 
died in Massachusetts when Mrs. Hutch- 
inson was only six years of age. Her 
father came to Ohio and was a resident of 
Green Creek many years. He is still hv- 
ing in Lorain county at an advanced age. 

Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Hutchinson are 
the parents of four children, two of whom 
are living, viz.: Zemira, born DecembLT 2, 
1844; served in company A, Seventy-sec- 
ond Ohio \"olunteer Infantry, and died in 
prison at Florence, South Carolina, Octo- 
ber 30, 1864. Charles B., born March 
21, 1848; married Emma Strickland, 
daughter of Franklin and Hannah Strick- 
land, of Green Creek, and resides near 
his parents. He is the father of four chil- 
dren, three of whom are living — Aleck, 
Claude (deceased), Chellie, and Lottie. 
The next of the children of Mr. and Mrs. 
Alfred Hutchinson was a son, born May 
30, 185 1, who died in infanc)-. Frede- 
rick, the youngest, now living at home, was 
born January 28, 1861. 

Mr. Hutchinson and wife have never 
united with any church, but in their work 
and in their lives they are recognized as 
friends to truth and religion. Mr. Hutch- 
inson is a tem[)erance man and a sound 
Republican. During the past years he has 
held various townr,hi[) offices, all of which 
he has filled acceptably. Uuth he and his 
wife are nicely situated in a pleasant home, 
and are now able to enjoy with tranquil 
minds the fruits of their toil and industry. 



- HON. OLIVER McINTYRE. 
This departed worthy citizen of San- 



dusky county was born in Otsego county. 
State of New York, on the 19th day of Jan- 
uary, 1802. His father's name was Oliver 
Mclntyre, and his mother's name was 
Mary Hitchcock, a widow, whose maiden 
name was Miller. The subject of this 
sketch was married on the 12th of Apiil, 
1 83 1, to Miss Maria Tyler, of Otsego 
county. New York, who died at Fremont 
on January 14, 1849. Mary, his oldest 
daughter, was born in Otsego county, 
and with his wife and this daughter he 
immigrated, and settled in Townsend 
township in 1835, \\'here the following 
other children were born, namely: George 
'J\ and Winfield G. After locating in Town- 
send, Mr. Mclntyre taught school winters 
and worked by the day in the summer for 
about twelve years. Here Mr. Mclntyre 
bought land and settled, and thus taught 
and labored, serving meantime as justice 
of the ])eace for a number of )ears, and 
until he was elected county treasurer of 
Sandusky county, in the fall of 1S47. He 
served as treasurer four consecutive years, 
and no man ever served more faithfully, 
nor accounted for the funds of the county 
with more smcere honesty than he did. 

Mr. Mclntyre was married a second 
time on the 25th day of February, 1851, 
to Mrs. Margaret Bement, of Sandusky, 
whose maiden name was Margaret Heej), 
her first husband, George I). Bement, hav- 
ing died several years before, and about 
the same time Mr. Mclntyre's first wife 
died, and of the same disease, erysipelas. 
By this second marriage he had one son, 
named Wallace, now living, who is unmar- 
ried. He li'ves with his mother, and is a 
devoted hel|)er. 

Mr. Mclntyre, shortly before his second 
marriage, bought the Hawk farm on Green 
Creek, and settled on it, and was residing 
there at the time. Tliis farm was situated 
on the cast side of Green Creek. He 
sold this farm April i, 1875, and purchased 





'(^^^^y^-T^fifie^z::) 



T 




JAMES CLEVELAND. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



64 1 



one on the west side of the creek, to which 
he immediately moved, and there hved 
until the time of his death, which was 
nearly a year after his removal. He died 
on the iith day of September, 1876. 

Wallace Mclntyre, the son by the last 
marriage, was born at the farm on Green 
Creek on the nth day of December, 
1857, and is a bright and promising young 
man, devoted to the maintenance and 
comfort of his widowed mother. Although 
an ardent Democrat, when the news came 
that Fort Sumter had been fired upon, Oli- 
ver Mclntyre's patriotism submerged his 
party predilections, and a more thorough 
and patriotic Union man could not be 
found in the county. 

One day a member of his party, who 
had publicly uttered disloyal sentiments 
and denounced the war, was waited upon 
by a committee, who wished to save him 
from violent treatment. The accused 
came with the committee, a large crowd 
following, and was placed on a dry goods 
box in the middle of Front street, and 
asked to declare his sentiments, while 
a Union man floated the Stars and Stripes 
over him. The man made a satisfactory 
statement and apology. The writer was 
then standing near Oliver Mclntyre, who, 
pale with excitement, and flashing eyes, in 
a voice half-choked with emotion, turned 
to the writer, and said: "Homer, thank 
God ! there is yet power in that old flag, 
and we can save the country! " 



JAMES CLEVELAND. 

This early settler in Green Creek town- 
ship was born March 14, 1806, at 
Mount Morris, State of New York. His 
father was Clark Cleveland, sr., and his 
mother was Jemima (Butler) Cleveland. 
When James was at the age of eighteen 
years, his father removed with his family 



from Mount Morris to Huron county, 
Ohio, and settled and remained there sev- 
eral years. Mr. Cleveland, the father, lost 
the title to the form he settled on in Huron 
county, and then removed to Green 
Creek township, Sandusky county, where 
he bought land of the Government, eighty 
acres, on which he made improvements 
and remained until the day of his death, 
which occurred in 1831. 

Clark Cleveland, sr., left surviving him 
the following named children: Abigail, 
who married Oliver Hayden, not living; 
Cozia, who married William Hamer, not 
living; Moses, not living; Sally, who mar- 
ried Benjamin Curtis, was left a widow 
and afterwards married Alpheus McLityre, 
not now living; Clark, jr., married Eliza 
Grover, and left six children, four girls 
and two boys, — parents both dead; Polly, 
who married Timothy Babcock, not liv- 
ing; Betsey, who married Samuel Baker, 
and is now living, a widow aged about sev- 
enty-eight years. 

James Cleveland, the subject of this 
sketch, resided with his father until he was 
twenty-five years of age, at which time he 
married Jeanette Rathbun, sister of Saxton 
S. Rathbun, of the same township, on the 
3d day of March, 1831. At the time of 
his marriage James Cleveland had earned 
and saved sufficient money to purchase 
forty acres of land, which was part of 
what was known as the Sawyer land. On 
this forty acres he began his married life. 
For about five years he worked on this farm 
in making improvements and supporting 
his family. He then, in company with 
his wife's father (Chaplin Rathbun), rented 
a saw-mill on Green Creek, about two 
or three miles from his farm, and during 
the winter kept his family in a house near 
by the mill. There was connected with 
the saw-mill a small grist-mill, in which 
they also took an interest by lease. Li this 
way Mr. Cleveland supported his family 



64: 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



and obtained sufficient lumber to build a 
barn on his farm the next year. After he 
left the mills, having run them one winter, 
he returned to his farm and continued 
working and improving it, and also pur- 
chased more land adjoining him. 

About the year 1841, when the road 
bed of the Maumee and Western Reserve 
turnpike was being graded and made 
ready for macadamizing, Mr. Cleveland 
took a contract to grade a half mile of the 
road, next east of the present residence of 
Charles Clap]), esq. He again moved his 
family to his place of work and there kept 
them about five months, when he moved 
back again to his farm. His pay for his 
job on the road was in certificates of in- 
debtedness under the authority of the 
State and was not reaUzed in cash. 
He realized about six hundred dollars 
for his work. This scrip, or most 
of it, he traded to Edward W'liyler, then 
a merchant at Lower Sandusky, and 
bought nails, glass, and such articles of 
hardware as were then used in building 
frame houses. He then set about build- 
ing a frame dwelling of good proportions 
which he finished in the year 1845, ^^^^ 
occupied until his death. Meantime he 
kept on buying land and adding to his 
possessions quite ra[)idly, proving himself 
to be an active, vigilant, and industrious 
citizen. 

Mr. James Cleveland and his wife 
Jeanette had born to them ten children, 
six sons and four daughters, namely: 
James B., who married Julia Parmeter, 
still living, and has one son and one 
daughter; Eliza, who married A. J. Har- 
ris, and died in 1861, leaving one son; 
Clark R. Cleveland, who married Sarah 
Hearl, with whom he is still living, and 
has seven children, three daughters and 
four sons; George D. Cleveland, who 
married Rosa Metts, who is dead, leaving 
one son and two daughters; Lucinda, 



who married Horace Tyler, with whom 
she is still living, having a family of two 
daughters and one son living; Chajilin S. 
Cleveland, who married Susie West, with 
whom he is still living, and has two sons 
and three daughters living; John H. 
Cleveland, who married Helen Starks, 
and died October 28, 1879, leaving one 
daughter; Sarah, who married Charles 
Sackrider, still together, and have one 
son; Mary married George Crosby, still 
living together, and have one child, a 
daughter; Charles Cleveland, who never 
married, and who died on the 14th day 
of December, 1879. Mrs. James Cleve 
land, who gives the data of this notice, 
says there are of James Cleveland's family 
two great-grandchildren which were not 
noticed in the foregoing list. 

Mr. and Mrs. James Cleveland were 
what may be termed workers. Both were 
active and incessant in their efforts to pre- 
pare for old age and also for assisting 
their children to their start in life. At 
the time of Mr. James Cleveland's death, 
which occurred on Se])tember i. 1878, 
himself and wife, by their hard work and 
care, had accumulated very near four hun- 
dred acres of land, with dwellings com- 
fortable, several orchards, three barns, 
and other property in abundance. The 
children now living are all settled and 
comfortable within a distance of not over 
four miles from the mother, who is now 
healthy, vigorous, lively and intelligent 
at the age of sixty six years. Mrs. Cleve- 
land is a woman below the medium size, 
and in her best days weighed about one 
hundred and twenty pounds. She never 
shrank from any work she could do for 
the advancement of the family. When 
clearing up their farm she assisted by 
hauling rails with a yoke of oxen and lay- 
ing them up into fences, while her hus- 
band cut down the trees and split the 
timber into rails. One season when help 




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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY, 



643 



was not to be had Mrs. Cleveland fastened 
her child on her back with a shawl and 
carried it with her while she planted and 
hoed corn in the field. Her first calico 
dress she obtained by picking strawberries 
and bringing them ft'om home on foot, a 
distance of about eight miles, to Lower 
Sandusky. These she traded to Jesse S. 
Olmsted for twelve and one-half cents a 
quart, and thus paid for her calico dress 
pattern of five yards at twenty-five cents 
per yard. When her husband died he 
left an estate worth about thirty thousand 
dollars and owed no man a cent. The 
widow now enjoys a handsome support 
from the land and other property left by 
her husband. Five generations have 
lived in the vicinity and chiefly on the 
farm which she and her children now oc- 
cupy: First, Clark Cleveland, sr. ; second, 
James Cleveland (the subject of this 
sketch); third, James Cleveland's children; 
fourth, James Cleveland's grand children; 
fifth, James Cleveland's great grand chil- 
dren, of which there are now two. Surely 
few localities can show as well in perma- 
nent residence and numbers as the Cleve- 
land neighborhood in Green Creek town- 
ship, and few boast of belter citizens than 
the Cleveland settlement. 



NOAH YOUNG. 

Among the earliest settlers in Sandusky 
county were the Young family. Charles 
Young was born in Berkeley county, Vir- 
ginia, February 28, 1789. He passed the 
most of his youthful days in Pennsylvania. 
At an early date he came to Ohio, took up 
a tract of wild land in Pickaway county, 
and entered upon the work of a pioneer. 
His wife was Nancy Scothorn, a native of 
Pennsylvania. After living some years in 
Pickaway county, they moved to Seneca 
county, and remained one year. In 1825 



Mr. Young came to Sandusky county with 
his family, and located upon a quarter 
section which he had previously purchased 
in Green Creek township. His son is still 
living upon a part of the old place. To 
Charles and Nancy Young were born three 
sons and six daughters, namely: Noah, 
Nathan, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Susan, Mary, 
Nancy, Lewis I. C, and Elsie. Nathan 
died when an infant. Rebecca married 
James Huss, and died in Texas. She was 
the mother of two children, who are still 
living. Elizabeth married Matthew Hutch- 
ins, and now resides in Ballville town- 
ship. She has four children living and 
three deceased. Susan became the wife 
of Milton Brown, and died in Steuben 
county, Indiana. She bore one child who 
is still living. Mary married James Fowl, 
and died in Ballville. One child living. 
Nancy now resides in California. She is 
the wife of James Rollins, and the mother 
of two children living. Lewis I, C. re- 
sides in Steuben county, Indiana. He is 
the father of six children, four of whom 
are living. Elsie married Hubbard Curtis, 
and lives in California. She has five chil- 
dren living, and one deceased. The 
parents of this family of children had 
their share of the rough experiences of 
pioneers. When they came to Sandusky 
county the whole region was little more 
than a wilderness. Indians were far more 
numerous than white people. Their toil 
and hardships were similar to those which 
almost all of the early settlers encountered, 
but they lived to see a great change 
wrought upon the face of the country. 

Mr. Young died December 10, 1841. 
Mrs. Young died some years later at the 
home of her youngest son in Steuben 
county, Indiana, aged about sixty-three 
years. She was a sincere Christian and a 
lady of most excellent character. Al- 
though Mr. Young was a member of no 
church, he was a man of upright principles. 



644 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



strictly ho.nest in business, obliging and 
agreeable in his personal address, and 
died a most respected citizen. 

Noah Young was born in Pickaway 
•county, Ohio, December 24, 1818. Be- 
ing the son of a pioneer farmer, he was 
brought up to hard work, and had few op- 
portunities for obtaining a school educa- 
tion. Some idea of his early experiences 
may be gathered from the following ac- 
count, it being remembered that Noah was 
a boy in his seventh year when his parents 
settled in their new home. The family 
ariived upon the 25th of February, 
1825. A small log cabin had been erected 
by Mr. Young the same winter. It was 
built of unhewn logs. In the front side 
was an opening, without door or glass in 
it, which served both as a door and win- 
dow. There was also a small opening in 
the back part of the cabin, but this, too, 
had no glass or other substance to keep 
out the winter winds. Part of a floor had 
been laid of loose boards, and overhead 
was a similar floor or scaffold, where the 
family stowed their goods. The cabin 
had no chimney or fire-place; the roof 
was made of "shakes," or long clapboards, 
held down by poles laid upon them. The 
sides of the building were "chinked up" 
without mud or plastering. 

Mr. Young well remembers the keen 
disappointment his mother felt when she 
arrived, and surveyed the spot that was to 
be her home. She bore up as long as 
she could, but finally seated herself and 
indulged in a hearty cry. But the father 
at once set about making improvements, 
and in a few days had the cabin more 
comfortably fixed, and better suited for 
human habitation. Then he began clear- 
ing away the trees, and preparing a spot 
for a garden and a corn patch. He ex- 
changed work with his neighbors, and 
made such progress that, by the 4th of 
June, he was ready to plant his corn. He 



began planting on Saturday, and it being 
so late in the season, he became so anx- 
ious to finish the job, that he decided to 
work on the following day. After break- 
fast, Sunday morning, he went out to the 
field, but soon returned to the house, 
greatly to the surprise of his wife. 
"What!" exclaimed she, "Aren't you go- 
ing to finish your planting to-day?" "No," 
here])lied; "if the corn would get ripe by 
planting today, it will have almost time 
enough to ripen if I put the work off until 
to-morrow." And he adhered to this de- 
termination to respect the holy Sabbath, 
although the necessity for working seemed 
great. 

The corn patch was on the high ground, 
some two hundred yards from the house. 
After the corn had begun to grow, the 
chipmunks, which were numerous, became 
very troublesome. No corn would be 
raised if they were allowed to have their 
way. So little Noah was put in charge of 
the corn-field, and watched it from before 
sunrise until after sunset. To a boy less 
than seven years of age, in the midst of a 
dense forest where there was only one 
small, solitary clearing, a charge of this 
sort could not be the most agreeable thing 
in the world. He had no company, save 
when he could coax the dog to go with 
him. There in the lonely forest he 
watched patiently day by day, rejoicing as 
the hours passed by, and the long shad- 
ows of the trees admonished him that 
night was near. He did his work faith- 
fully and well, although his courage was 
often so tried that when darkness came 
on, and he was to return to the cabin, he 
would shout to his mother to come and 
meet him, and attend him through the 
woods. For about three weeks he was 
kept at this employment, and rejoiced 
when the corn had grown so that watching 
it was no "longer necessary. What boy of 
the present day would crave a similar job? 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



645 



Again, in the fall, when the corn had 
begun to ripen, new enemies appeared — 
blackbirds, raccoons, opossums, besides 
the squirrels. Blackbirds came in flocks, 
and were more numerous by far than the 
ears of corn. These must be kept away, 
and, of course, the services of the small 
boy were again in requisition. 

Of Mr. Young's school davs something 
dfserves to be said. When he was about 
eight years of age, a young man estab- 
lished a tuition school in the shoemaker 
shop of a neighbor. Noah's father decid- 
ed to allow his son to attend. But he had 
no book, and no means of procurmg one. 
As a substitute his father took a sheet of 
foolscap and wrote out the letters .of the 
alphabet as best he could make them, — 
he was not an excellent penman, — and 
furnished with this outfit the boy trudged 
off to school. One day the master gave 
him a slight cut with a small stick and ad- 
monished him to "study." The pupil 
objected to this treatment and soon after- 
ward severed his connection with the 
school. He attended school nine days in 
all, and learned a part of the alphabet. 
The following winter he attended school 
a few days at the house of a neighboring 
lady, and made a little further progress. 
The third school he attended about one 
month, having Webster's spelling-book as 
his only text-book. When Noah was 
about seventeen he went to school a por- 
tion of two terms and began the study of 
arithmetic and geography. He had just 
begun to get a little insight into these 
sciences when the school-house took fire 
and burned down, thus abruptly ending 
the term. A school was not re-established 
for a year or two. In arithmetic he ad- 
vanced sufficiently to be able to add a lit- 
tle, and resolved to pursue his studies at 
home. By this time he had become a 
tolerably good reader, and was able to 
comprehend the most of the first rules in 



the book. But in addition, the mysterious 
words, "carry one for every ten," stopped 
short his progress, though he puzzled many 
hours over their meaning. i\t length he 
obtained the assistance of a young man 
who explained away the difficulty; and 
from that time onward he pursued the 
study of arithmetic alone, and became 
master of the greater part of the book. 
When he was twenty years of age, the 
school house having been rebuilt and a 
teacher procured, Mr. Young resumed his 
attendance for the most of two terms. 
He studied by fire-light at home and 
gained quite a reputation for scholarship 
among the neighbors. At the age of 
twenty-four the directors of his school dis- 
trict urged him to become their teacher 
for the winter term, assuring him that he 
was qualified for the position, although 
English grammar and other branches, now 
taught in every school, were subjects which 
he had never investigated. After some 
hesitation Mr. Young accepted their offer, 
and the directors took him before Mr. 
Stark, the examiner, at Fremont, and as- 
sured this official that they considered the 
young man competent to instruct in their 
school. Upon this recommendation a 
certificate was granted and Mr. Young 
entered upon his duties. He taught three 
terms very successfully, though to qualify 
himself for his work he often studied until 
late at night to be sure that none of the 
scholars should catch him tripping over 
any difficulties in the lessons for the next 
day. Thus ended his school education; 
but careful reading and a habit of thought- 
fully considering all that he peruses, has 
made Mr. Young a man of good general 
information. 

Mr. Young's father, at his death, be- 
queathed a portion of his farm to his son, 
and soon after attaining his majority Noah 
took possession and began work for him- 
self. September II, 1842, he was married 



646 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



to Orlintha Brown, daughter of Jeremiah 
and Olive (Hutchins) Brown. Mrs. 
Young was born in Oswego county, New 
York, May 27, 1824, and came to San- 
dusky county with her parents. She died 
April 15, 1870. She was a woman of in- 
dustry and economy, a fitting companion 
and helpmate to her husband, and bore a 
good reputation as a wife and mother. To 
her were born eleven children, ten of whom 
are living. Norman, the first child, died 
when about twelve years of age. The 
others are living, located as follows: 
Emeline, wife of Walter Huber, (keen 
Creek; Norton, Green Creek; Sidney and 
Charles, Ballville ; Chauncy, Steuben 
county, Indiana; Olive, wife of Oliver 
Huss, Green Creek; Burton, Edwin, 
Nancy, and Villa Viola, Green Creek. 

Mr. Young's second marriage took place 
April 7, TS72, when he wedded Miss 
Louisa Braund, daughter of Edward and 
Ann Braund, natives of England. Mrs. 
Young was born in Devonshire, England, 
June 3, 1834. She belongs to the church 
of the United Brethren, of which Mr. 
Young has been a prominent member for 
many years. About twenty years ago he 
was licensed as an exhorter by the quarter- 
ly conference of this church, and during 
the past fifteen years has been a licensed 
local preacher. 

Mr. Young was formerly a Democrat, 
but since the war he has voted with the 
Republicans. He has never sought office 
but has served in various local otifices. 

Mr. Young has always believed in tem- 
perance and practiced it. He has never 
used liquor, except as a medicine, and 
does not know the taste of tobacco. His 
large family of children have been reared 
properly and carefully. None of the sons 
use tobacco or liquor, and profane 
language was never heard in his houseliold. 
Mr. Young enjoys a contented mind and 
has no enemies. 



THE BAKER FAMILY. 

A portrait is presented of the first known 
representative of the family which made 
the first permanent settlement in this town- 
ship. Samuel Baker, sr., emigrated from 
New York State to Sandusky county in the 
winter of 1818, bringing with him a family 
of five children, namely: Samuel, Sarah 
Ann (Brown), Cincmnali; Almira (Grover) 
Michigan; Samantha (Shields), Fremont; 
Amelia (Simpers), Iowa. Samuel Baker, jr., 
oldest child of Samuel Baker, was born in 
New York in 1802. Rugged labor from 
boyhood gave him a constitution capable 
of enduring the experiences of pioneer 
life. At the age of sixteen he was placed 
in the midst of an unbroken forest, with 
no other society than the home circle. 
Clearing and planting was his only occu- 
pation, but every working day of the year 
was diligently occupied. 

In September, 1826, Mr. Baker was 
united in marriage to Elizabeth Cleveland, 
a lady also accustomed to the privations 
of the country, being a daughter of Clark 
Cleveland, one of the earliest settlers of 
this part of the county. The fruit of this 
union was eight children, as follows: Sam- 
uel Baker was born February 20, 1827, 
married Emeretta Rathbun; died June 
I, 1855, leaving two children of whom is 
living Emma (Wadsworth). 

Clark Baker, born May 20, 1828; mar- 
ried Nancy Vroaman; died November 14, 
1S73, leaving three children — Ward, 
Nellie, and Evangeline. 

Keziah Baker, born in March, 1831; 
married, first, William Hoel, who died leav- 
ing one child, Samuel ; married, second, 
Edwin Gittins, by whom two children were 
born, one living — -Clark. Mrs. Gittins 
died July 7, 1859. 

Sarah Ann Baker, born August 26, 
1833; niarried Solomon Knauss, who 
died in 1865. The family consists of three 
children — Clark, Elizabeth, and Solomon. 




-e^ 



t^'i'^^-c^e^i 



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dy^'f'Z^i^ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



647 



Napoleon Baker was born June 7, 
1836; married, first, Cynthia I.each, after 
her death, Diana Weaver; has a family of 
five children — Frank, Susan, Thomas, 
Abbie, and James. 

Abigail Baker, born July 9, 1838, mar- 
ried Franklin Short; died September 30, 
1864, leaving one child — Flora. 

James Baker, born August 28, 1842; 
married Alice Hayes, and has a family of 
six children — Ella, Joseph, Elizabeth, 
Ellsworth, James, and Anna. 

Jeremiah Baker, born February 24, 
1844; married to Norman Ellsworth and 
has six children — Elizabeth, Florence, 
Nellie, Frederick, Norman and George. 

Mr. Baker died April 5, 1880. Mrs. 
Baker continues to reside on the old 
homestead, surrounded by her large family 
of children and grandchildren. Samuel 
Baker was a man of quiet habits and un- 
assuming manners. He was a farmer and 
wasted little time on outside affairs. His 
many friends will recognize in the portrait 
the plain, honest old gentleman who but 
a short time ago finished life's duties, hav- 
ing attained to the ripe old age of seventy- 
eight. 



THECHAPIN FAMH.Y. 

The grandparents of the subject of this 
sketch were Deacon Samuel Chapin and 
his wife, whose maiden name was Josselyn, 
of Litchfield county, Massachusetts. Dea- 
con Chapin moved from Massachusetts to 
Cayuga county, New York, in 1792, his be- 
ing the third white family to settle in that 
county. Samuel Chapin was an upright 
and devout man, and was a deacon of the 
Baptist church for many years. He was 
married twice, the second time to Mrs. 
Whitney, and was the father of seven chil- 
dren. Calvin C. Chapin, his oldest son 
and first child, was the father of Samuel 



W. Chapin. Luther lived in Cayuga 
county, New York, until he reached a ripe 
old age. Electa married Peter Stiles, 
moved to Michigan in 1834, and died in 
Genesee county in that State. Chauncy 
moved to Michigan about the same date 
and died there in 1873, in Genesee county. 
Samuel also went to Michigan and died 
there, at Ann Arbor. He was a post- 
master and justice of the peace in New 
York State, and an active business man, 
although a farmer the most of his days. 
Willard lived in Perry, New York, and was 
a tanner and currier by trade. He served as 
postmaster sexeral years. In 1849 '"le 
died of the cholera. Sibyl married and 
remained in New. York State until her 
death. 

Calvin C. Chapin was born in Litch- 
field county, Massachusetts, October 22, 
I 780. He received a fair common school 
education. When about twenty years of 
age, he married Rhoda Crofoot, a native of 
Massachusetts. In 1817 he moved to 
Kanawha county. West Virginia, where he 
remained about four years, and then went 
to Gallia county, Ohio. There his wife 
died April 16, 1830, in the town of CJreen, 
aged about fifty-two. In the fall of 1831 
he moved to Bellevue, Sandusky county, 
and after changing his location several 
times, lived with his son, S. W. Chapin, 
during the last fourteen years of his lite, 
and died at his home in Green Creek 
township, December 28, 1864. He was 
a man of restless disposition and was 
never long contented without a change of 
abode. He was married twice, the second 
time to Mrs. Adaline Russell. By his 
first marriage six children were born. 
Asenath, born June i, 1802, married 
John McKeen in (jallia county and died 
there; Pamelia, born May 8, 1804, mar- 
ried, in AV'est Virginia, Oglesbury Higgin- 
bottom; Amarilous, born June 16, 1806, 
remained single. She died at the home 



648 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



of her brother Samuel in September, 1835 ; 
Robert P, born May 18, 1808, lived in 
Gallia county several years, died in Steu- 
ben county, Indiana, about the year 1845; 
Samuel Willard, born April 10, 181 2; 
Mary Jane, born April 15, 1822, married 
Henry H. Manahan, and resides in Nor- 
walk township, Huron county. Samuel 
and Mary are the only survivors. The 
others all died of consumption. 

Samuel W. Chapin was born in Aurelius, 
Cayuga county, New York. He received 
a limited common school education in a 
log school-house. But in the school of 
experience he has been well taught, and 
reading and practice have stored his mind 
with a good supply of practical informa- 
tion. He passed his boyhood at home 
until old enough to work, when he began 
business life by working out upon a farm, 
— a hard means of earning a livelihood, 
as every farmer's boy who has tried it can 
testify. This life he followed for eleven 
years, working in a shoemaker's shop 
in the winter time toward the close of this 
period. He worked on the Ohio canal 
along the Scioto Valley three summers, 
commencing when sixteen years of age. 

In 1832 Mr. Chapin came to Sandusky 
county, which has since been his home. 
He was married, February 14, 1835, to 
Jane Tuttle, daughter of Van Rensselaer 
Tuttle, of Green Creek township. They 
had but one child, that died in infancy. 
In 1835 ^I''- Cliapin leased a farm and 
began work for himself His wife died 
April 30, 1 836, aged about twenty-two years. 
This great 1 )ss destroyed his home, and 
Mr. Chapin again became a wanderer and 
a day-laborer for three years. 

May 21, 1839, '">£ married Sarah A. 
Dirlam, daughter of Orrin and Annis 
(Gibbs) Dirlam. Her parents were both 
natives of Massachusetts, and Mr. Dir- 
lam moved to Green Creek township in 
1833- 



This union was blessed with six chil- 
dren, two of whom are living: Fatima, 
born March 21, 1840; married, in 1863, 
Fernando Perin, of Green Creek; after his 
decease, married Oscar Lefever; she now 
resides in Liscomb township, Marshall 
county, Iowa. Corydon C, born Decem- 
ber 10, 1841; died September 5, 1849. 
A\'illard, born March 30, 184^ ; enlisted 
in March, 1864, in the Seventy-second 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry; died in Memphis 
September 14, 1864. Willie, twin to \Vil- 
lard, died an infant. Ralph H., born 
August 3, 1854, resides in Clyde, and is 
engaged in the livery business, a member 
of the firm of Chapin & Gray. The next, 
a son, born February 8, 1858, died in in- 
fancy. 

Mrs. Sarah A. Chapin died September 
10, 1873, aged fifty-five years. 

Mr. Chapin is now living with his third 
wife, to whom he was united in marriage 
September 16, 1874. Her maiden name 
was Emma H. Meacham, second daughter 
of Dr. A. G. and Polly (Gault) Meacham. 
Dr. Meacham was a native of Vermont, 
moved to Adams township, Seneca county, 
near Green Spring, in 1841, and practiced 
a number of years in this vicinity. From 
here he went to, Illinois, where he died. 
Mrs. Meacham, a native of New York, is 
still living at Green Spring. Mrs. Chapin 
was born in Booneville, New York. 

Mr. Chapin is a Universniist in his 
religious belief, though his parents were 
Baptists. He is liberal in his views, and 
a friend to every true religious faith. In 
politics he is a thorough Republican, and 
a strong temperance advocate. 

Mr. Chapin is a self-made man. 'What 
he has gained in this life he has earned, 
and earned, too, bv toil, and frequently by 
hardship. Now nearly three score and 
ten, he can look back with pleasure upon 
a busy life, without regret for idle days, for 
these he never had. He has cleared and 




Q^.J. 2^.cM. 



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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY, 



649 



improved over one hundred acres, and 
early and late has been active in working 
in the forest or the field. 



DOCTOR J. L. BROWN. 

Dr. J. L. Brown was born in Oneida 
county, New York, August 31, 1829, His 
parents were Charles and Anna (Phelps) 
Brown, of New England birth, and both 
descended from the Plymouth colonists. 
His grandfather. General John Brown, 
was a distinguished soldier of the Revo- 
lutionary war; his father served in the 
War of 181 2, and the doctor himself was 
in the late Rebellion. His father and 
mother went to New York State with their 
parents when but children, and there were 
brought up and married. In 1832 they 
removed thence to Ashtabula county, 
Ohio. Both are now deceased. 

Doctor Brown is the youngest of a fam- 
ily of six children. His father was a 
teacher by profession, and under his in- 
struction each of his children received 
their first educational training. The doc- 
tor attended school at the Jefferson Acad- 
emy until he was eleven years of age, 
then continued his studies at Austinburg 
Institute, in Ashtabula county, working 
for his board m the family of a dairyman, 
where night and morning he milked seven 
cows and drove them to pasture a distance 
of two and one-half miles. His employer 
allowed him no lights, and as a substitute 
for these necessary articles in a student's 
outfit, while driving the cows he gathered 
hickory bark and made it serve instead of 
candles. His room contained a large 
fireplace, and in this he built the 
bark fire, by the light of which he studied, 
having suspended a large board in front 
of the fire-place to protect himself from 
the heat. By this dim light he prepared 
his daily lessons, often sitting up until late 
at night. In this manner he passed the 
82 



winter, making good progress in his stud- 
ies. 

At the age of twelve, at the request of 
his mother, he was taken into the family 
of Rev. Mr. Austin, a Presbyterian min- 
ister, there to be educated for the ministry 
of that denomination. Here he remained 
about one year. At the end of this period 
he decided that he never could become a 
clergyman, having no taste for such a life; 
besides, he was already firmly convinced 
that he never could accept the teachings 
of the Presbyterian church. 

At the age of thirteen he entered a drug 
store for a term of five years; of this time 
four months of each year was allowed to 
himself, and this time he improved to the 
best advantage, continuing his studies and 
preparing himself for a teacher. When 
fifteen years old he taught his first term, 
thus aiding himself in furthering the great 
obiect of his life, the practice of med 
icine. At the age of eighteen he attended 
his first course of medical lectures. At 
twenty he was united in marriage to Miss 
Mary N. Mclntyre, a lady still younger 
than himself. Soon after taking this step 
he imbibed the western fever, which 
was raging in his vicinity in those days, 
came to Fort Seneca, Seneca county, Ohio, 
and there began the practice of medicine, 
with a fortune of one dollar and seventy 
cents as the sum total of his worldly pos- 
sessions. He practiced medicine in this 
obscure little village for a period of eight 
years. Not satisfied with the slow growth 
of the place, in the fall of 1859 he re- 
moved to Green Spring. The following 
winter he graduated from the Cleveland 
Medical College, and pursued his profes- 
sion until the winter of 1862-63, when 
he was called to examine the Western 
troops at Fort Dennison. Soon after 
arriving there he enlisted as a volunteer 
surgeon, and in that capacity was given 
charge of the One Hundred and Sixteenth 



6^o 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



Ohio Volunteer Infantry, stationed at 
Winchester, Virginia, where he continued 
until June i6, 1S63, when he was taken 
prisoner at the battle of Winchester, Gen- 
eral Milroy being in command. The 
doctor was then sent to Richmond with 
other prisoners, and confined in that his- 
torical prison, "Castle Thunder," under 
grave charges preferred by the rebels. 
These charges not being sustained, after 
nineteen days of dungeon life he was re- 
moved to Libby prison and put on equal 
footing with other prisoners of war. Here ' 
he was kept seven months and twenty-two 
days. At the expiration of this time he 
was exchanged, and returned to his regi- 
ment in Virginia, where he found awaiting 
him a commission as post surgeon of that 1 
department, having to report monthly to 
Washington the sanitary condition of all 
the hospitals from Martinsburg, Virginia, 
to Harper's Ferry. This arduous duty 
Dr. Brown perfoimed with l.onor to him- 
self and fidelity to the Nation, until the | 
troops were all returned from these points 
to Richmond and vicinity. He then re- 
turned to his home and family at Green 
Spring, and soon after commenced his 
present business. 

Dr. Brown has attained great renown 
for his marvellous cures of diabetes. A 
little girl was his first |)atient and after 
her cure, he received patients from far 
and near, compelling him to remove from 
the place he then occupied to his present 
institution, which is situated in the most 
pleasant part of the village. The Health 
Resort is fitted, furnished, and arranged 
in the best manner, and secures to his pa- 
tients the most possible enjoyment. The 
rooms are well ventilated, the grounds 
pleasant and shaded, and everything is 
carefully superintended by the doctor and 
his wife. Many patients have e'xpressed 
their gratitude to Dr. Brown by presenting 
him with sworn testimonials, that others 



afflicted might know where to obtain 
relief. The doctor's practice is very large; 
tlie patients he has treated are numbered 
by thousands, and come from all parts ot 
the land. All the credit for his successful 
career, however, should not be given to 
the doctor alone: his faithful wife has 
assisted and co-operated with him, proving 
a faithful and constant helpmate. 

Dr. Brown is, and has ever been, the 
sincere friend of the suffering and op- 
pressed. Previous to the war he was a 
[)ronounccd anti-slavery man, and worked 
with every means at his command to put 
down the nefarious traffic in human lives 
With his father, and his brother, the late 
O. P. Brown, he made addresses through- 
out a large portion of tliis State, urging 
the people to vote and work for the free- 
dom of the slaves. As a "boy orator" 
the doctor gained a wide reputation. Nor 
did his work consist in talk alone; for 
while the celebrated underground raifi-oad 
was in operation, he assisted many a poor 
negro to gain his liberty. The doctor is 
a firm supporter of the principles of the 
Republican party. 



CHARLES CLAPP AND FAMILY. 

Charles Clapp was born in Somerset- 
shire, England, November 30, 181 2. When 
nine years of age he emigrated to this 
country with his parents, Ambrose and 
Hannah (Bartlett) Clapp. They located 
in Onondaga county, New York, and re- 
sided there until 1849, when they came to 
Clyde, in this county. Charles Clapp is 
the fourth cliild of a family of five sons and 
three daughters. He has three brothers 
and one sister living. Matthew, his oldest 
brother, resides in Onondaga county, New 
York; Joseph, younger than Charles, lives 
in Oakland county, Michigan; and Robert, 
the youngest of the four brothers, resides 



K 



r 



« 




^ 




HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



651 



at Clyde. Mrs. Hannah Keriiahan, of 
Green Creek, is the only sister living. She 
is older than Mr. Clapp. 

Ambrose Clapp, the father, died about 
two and one-half years after he came to 
Ohio. Mrs. Clapp followed her husband 
two years later. Both belonged to the 
Church of England, and were worthy peo- 
ple and devoted Christians. Ambrose 
Clapp followed farming after coming to 
this country. 

The subject of this sketch was brought 
up a farmer. He received a good com- 
mon school education. For several years, 
while residing in New York State, he was 
engaged in working with a threshing ma- 
chine. About the year 1835 Mr. Clapp 
came to Toledo, where he worked two 
years and a half farming and clearing land, 
excepting eight months of this time, when 
he was sick with the fever. After this he 
was engaged upon the turnpike from Lower 
Sandusky to Perrysburg, and labored upon 
this job until it was completed. While 
working at this, probably none of the la- 
borers broke more stone than Mr. Clapp. 

He next purchased the farm in Green 
Creek township, which is still his home, 
and on the 2 2d day of February, 1844, 
married Matilda Seaman, of Ottawa county, 
and began farming and keeping public 
house. His house was a well-known stop- 
ping place for travellers upon the turnpike 
for twenty-five years. The tract he had 
purchased was a wild lot, upon which few 
improvements had been made. There 
was a log house upon the land, and about 
five acres had been cleared. By unremit- 
ting industry and labor, assisted and en- 
couraged by the work of his excellent 
wife, Mr. Clapp succeeded in making a 
fine farm and a pleasant and beautiful 
home. 

About the year 1852 Mr. Clapp intro- 
duced the first successful artesian well in 
this part of the State. He made the first 



wells of this sort for Mr. Park and Mr. 
Johnson, in Ottawa county. He also did 
the first work of the kind in Sandusky 
county for Paul Tew, in Townsend town- 
ship. 

Mr. Clapp has been an industrious 
farmer, a careful business manager, and 
has succeeded well in every work which 
he has undertaken. When he began life 
in the West it was under most unfavor- 
able conditions. From New York he pro- 
ceeded to Detroit, thence to Toledo, 
having paid his fare to the latter place. 
While stopping in Detroit he had all of his 
money stolen. On his arrival at Toledo, 
he was therefore a stranger in a new place, 
and, worst of all, without money. But, 
happening to meet a gentleman whom he 
had known in England, he borrowed fifty 
cents from him, and this amount served 
for his use until he could earn more. 

Mr. Clapp is a worthy and respected 
citizen. In politics he is a Democrat. He 
has been infirmary director, and has held 
other local offices. 

Mrs. Matilda Clapp was born in Sussex 
county. New Jersey, February 22, 1824. 
Her parents were Daniel and Susannah 
(Knight) Seaman. Her father was born 
on Long Island, in the State of New York. 
Her mother was of German parentage, and 
was born in Pennsylvania. In 1833 Mr. 
Seaman and wife, with two sons and one 
daughter, moved from New Jersey to what 
is now Ottawa county, where they remained 
about fifteen years, when they came to 
Woodville, Sandusky county. There Mr. 
Seaman died, March 25, 1853, at the age 
of seventy-six. After her husband's death 
Mrs. Seaman resided with her daughter, 
Mrs. Clapp, twelve years. She died May 
15, 1864, in her eighty-fourth year. 

Mrs. Clapp is the youngest of a family 
of eleven children. Her brothers and 
sisters who are living at this writing, are — 
Daniel Seaman, Fremont, now seventy-four; 



652 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Ira K. Seaman, Toledo, in his sixty-fourth 
year; Isaac N. Seaman, Brown county, 
Kansas, aged sixty; Mrs. Jemima Roberts, 
in Sussex county, New Jersey, in her 
seventy-second year; and Mrs. Susannah 
Edinger, Warren county. New Jersey, aged 
sixty-five. 

Mrs. Clapp has given birth to eight 
children, five of whom are living — Daniel 
Ambrose, born January 9, 1845, niarried 
Margaret Grover, of Green Creek town- 
ship, now resides in Brown county, Kan- 
sas; Ernestine, born April 30, 1847, died 



July 28, 1 851; Charles Holmes, born No- 
vember 7, 1849, ni'irried Sarah Noble, of 
Green Creek, resides in Clyde; Seaman 
J., born December 10, 1851, married 
MoUie Jackson, of Green Spring, resides 
in Green Creek township; Horace, born 
November 25, 1853, married Sudie Keat- 
ing, of Green Creek, resides in Toledo. 
The next child, a daughter, born February 
28, 1856, died when eleven days old. 
Arthur, born July 17, 1857, resides at 
hotne. Robert Benjamin, born December 
8, 1861, died January 16, 1865. 



YORK. 



THE most striking feature of the topog- 
raphy of York is the three parallel 
ridges or sand bars extending in a north- 
easterly and southwesterly direction. The 
township itself embracing an area of six 
miles square, lies in the southeast corner 
of the county and is bounded on the 
north by Townsend township, on the east 
by Erie and Huron counties, on the 
south by Seneca county, and on the west 
by Green Creek township. No streams 
of sufficient size to furnish water-power 
for mills flow through this territory. The 
sand ridges give the surface an undulating 
appearance, and the porous character of the 
drift formation overlymg a heavy stratum 
of limestone contributes to the dryness of 
the fertile soil. It is unnecessary to elab- 
orate on geological theories concerning 
the origin of the sand bars. They are 
merely accumulations of fragments and 
disintegrated particles of rock, washed 
together by powerful waves and currents 
during the last period of geological his- 
tory when the water of the lake basin 
covered all this region of country. Such 
bars of gravel and sand are yet forming 
near the shores of the great lakes. At the 
present time events of real and traditional 
history in York are located by these 
sand bars, and it will therefore be neces- 
sary to know their location. 

The crest of North ridge trends through 
Green Creek in a northeasterly direction, 
and extends across the northwest corner 
of York and southeast corner of Townsend 
into Erie county. South ridge takes a par- 
allel course, and its crest is about two miles 



southeast from the crest of North ridge. 
About the same distance toward the south- 
east trends Butternut ridge, beginning 
near the southeast corner of Green Creek 
and losing its identity near the pike in 
York. The name Butternut ridge was, 
very naturally, applied in consequence 
of the number and size of the white wal- 
nut, or butternut trees, which shaded its 
surface before the day of railroads and 
lumber markets. 

Nowhere in the county did the primi- 
tive forest appear more hospitable than in 
York. West of the Sandusky River was, 
seemingly, an endless reach of dismal 
swamp, steaming with vapors poisoned by 
decaying vegetation. But here, trees grew 
to graceful size, and shaded soft grasses. 
The perfume of wild flowers wakened 
birds to song, and the fleet-footed deer 
gave gayety to the scene. Propitious na- 
ture welcomed with open arms all who 
came to build homes for themselves and 
an heritage for their children. 

The soil of York is a sandy loam inter- 
mixed with small particles of limestone, 
and is unexceptionable for agricultural 
purposes. The upper rock stratum is lime- 
stone of superior quality and more than 
ordinary thickness. An outcrop occurs 
near Bellevue which supplies large quanti- 
ties of stone, both for building and for 
making lime. Land commands a higher 
price per acre in York than anywhere else 
in the county. Nowhere in Ohio can be 
found better improved farms. 

THE SETTLEMENT. 

The circumstances leading to the settle- 

653 



654 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ment of York were somewhat peculiar. 
The improvement of tlie Fireland district 
had commenced before the War of 1812, 
and was well progressed while Indian 
camp fires were yet burning on the other 
side of the line. After the restoration of 
peace with Great Britain real estate took 
a rise in the Fireiands which induced emi- 
grants to camp over on the Congress lands 
until they should be surveyed and offered 
for sale. Many, too, who had cleared 
farms and built houses in Huron, were 
induced to sell and begin again the trials 
of pioneer life. The ridges of York were 
favorite places for squatters, who put up 
temporary buildings, and made small clear- 
ings with the expectation of buying the 
land when in market, thus saving the 
value of their improvements. But men 
were selfish then as now, and it frequently 
happened that the most cherished hope 
of an industrious squatter who had cleared 
and cultivated, cheered on by the anticipa- 
tion of being the rightful and legal owner, 
was blasted by one who had risen 
earlier, and secured a front place at the 
land ofifice when the book of entries was 
opened. The scene is said to have been 
highly exciting when the turnpike lands 
were placed upon the market. Horses 
were rode at full speed to the ofifice, where 
a lively contest for turns ensued. Each 
man had his lot picked out, but each sus- 
pected his neighbor of having envious 
eyes, a suspicion which, in many cases, 
proved well founded. The feeling of 
hatred caused by what was considered a 
transgression of lights was in a few in- 
stances lasting, and the cause of neighborly 
feuds in later years. The scramble for 
land was conducted with as much ardor 
and self-interested feeling then, as the 
scramble for office at the present time, 
although the assertion may appear to a 
casual observer of affairs extravagant. 
We know of no more accurate way of 



introducing the topic under discussion 
than by giving a list of the original pro- 
prietors, taken from the book of land en- 
tries. 

It will be necessary, in order to under- 
stand the dates here given, to know the 
method of making entries on the books 
in the recorder's office. The United 
States land office gave each purchaser a 
certificate of entry and receipt of payment. 
These certificates entitled the holder to a 
patent from the United States. They 
were also filed in the auditor's office, and 
imder the law, five years from their date, 
the profjerty, of which they stood as a 
receipt of payment, was listed on the tax 
duplicate, and recorded in the book of 
entries. It will appear, therefore, that 
the date of record given in the following 
table of Congress lands, is five years later 
than the real purchase at the land office. 

But the turnpike lands embracing a 
strip one mile wide on each side of the 
pike, were ceded by the United States to 
the State of Ohio for the purpose of con- 
structing a pike road from the Western 
Reserve through the Black Bwamp. These 
lands were offered for sale at the land 
office at Perrysburg in 1826, and were 
taxable from the date of entry. They 
were at once listed on the duplicate, and 
the date of record is also the date of pur- 
chase. 

The following entries are recorded in 
1826: 

SECTION. .\CKES. 

James Birdseye 17, 20 and 25 542 

Joseph George, jr 21 135 

J. C. and Isaac Hinds 21 30 

D. Searls and M. McCoy.. . . ai and 22 222 

Jeremiah Smitli 22 124 

William T. Tuttle 19 yq 

Entries are recorded m 1827 as follows: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

.Augustus Barber i 85 

Winthrop Ballard 31 160 

Abram Marks 17 160 

James Birdseye 21 211 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



655 



SECTION. 

Perry Easton 20 and 22 

L. G. Harkness 18 and 21 

Reuben Pixley 22 and 27 

L. G. Raymond 22 

Samuel Sparrow 24 and 26 

Jeremiah Smith 22 

Samuel Sparrow 24 

The following entries are recor 
1828: 

SECTION. 

Joseph M. fenkins 11 

Henry Miller 29 

John Mugg 10 

Seth W. Merry 7 and 18 

Frederick Persing 17 

Norton Russell 7 

Jeremiah Smith g and 15 

Smith Barber 2 

Roderick Bishop 5 

H. Baker 2 and 1 1 

James Birdseye 5 

Lyman Babcock 7 

Oliver Comstock 7 

William Christie 18 

Joseph P. Dean 31 

John Dunse 13 

John Davenport 19 

Elkana Daniels 17 

Edmond Fuller 7 and 8 

Stillman George 33 

Esther F. Green iq 

Martin Hart 36 

J oseph Hill 34 

Entries were recorded in 1829 
lows: 

SECTION. 

David Acklar 25 

William Cookson 4 

Elizabeth Cady 25 

Thomas W\ Canada 9 

John Davenport 20 

Joseph T. Doan 31 

Edmond Huldeah 30 

Richard Freeman 17 

Stillman George 28 

Truman Gilbert 30 

Elnathan George 33 

Jared Hadley 34 

Samuel Hackett 28 

Lyman Jones., 15 

John Knickerbocker 4 

Robert Longvvell 8 

Ransom and Major Purdy. . 2 

Simeon Root 29 

James Strong 25 

Samuel Sparrow 23 and 24 



230 
142 
196 
116 
268 
124 
70 

ded in 



400 
160 



160 
160 



640 
160 
160 

80 
160 

80 

80 

80 

80 
160 

80 

80 

80 

80 

as fol- 



ACRES. 

80 

160 

80 

80 



160 
80 



160 



340 



80 
160 



Entries are recorded in 1830 as follows: 

SECTION. .'VCRES. 

N. P. Birdseye 19 79 

Elisha Avery • 12 80 

James Chapman 15 80 

George Colvin 9 80 

John Dunse 13 80 

Eli Knickerbocker 3 86 

S. W. Murray 7 80 

Charles Sherwood 12 80 

Lansford W^ood 12 80 

L. C. Watkins 10 80 

The entries recorded in 1831 were as 
follows : 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Gideon Brayton 31 80 

Nathaniel Chapman 36 75 

Jesse Gilbert 30 80 

Philip Glick 30 160 

Samuel Grover 34 80 

John Glick 30 80 

James M.Jenkins 11 80 

James Monger 29 80 

Return Burlingston 25 2 

Nathaniel Chapman 25 40 

Chapman and Amsden 25 27 

Zadock Story 25 78 

A. D. FoDvnt 27 78 

Stillman George 28 79 

John Lemmon 18 33 

Henry McMillen 18 14 

John West 17 80 

George W. Franklin 19 79 

R. C. Brayton 28 76 

Roswell George 146 

R. Burlingson 24 67 

N. P. Birdseye 20 70 

Jacob May 121 

The only entry in 1832 was: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Lyman .Amsden 35 80 

In 1833 the following lands were en- 
tered : 

SECTION. ACRES. 

William Drum 11 160 

William P. White 14 80 

Eli Knickerbocker 3 80 

R. Burlingson 23 80 

R. Burlingson • 24 80 

Crowell and McNutt 20 125 

Dyer Carver 27 316 

E. T. Gardner 26 116 

John Lemmon 19 80 

Lemuel Morse 24 79 

John Riddle 28 78 

E. W. Rice 22 76 



656 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



SFXTION. ACRES. 

Ephraim Simmons 26 143 

Reuben McWilthey 26 131 

T. Alexander 35 160 

Crowell and McNutt 24 124 

R. Burlingson 24 79 

1-emuel Morse 24 79 

•John Lemmon 19 80 

Ephraim Simmons 26 143 

John Riddle 28 78 

Dyer Carver 27 313 

R. W. Willy 26 130 

E.W.Rice 22 76 

E. T. Gardner 26 116 

The entries recorded in 1834 were as 
follows : 

SI'XTION. ACRES. 

Theophilus Alexander 35 160 

Nathaniel Chapman 36 80 

Chapman and Amsden 30 75 

Philip Crapo 30 78 

Samuel Foster, jr 24 80 

H. and Hiram Palmer 29 80 

Phebe Sharp 36 80 

Tim Sunderland 26 loi 

R. Burlingson 23 79 

Martha Baker 23 79 

Wesley Anderson 18 160 

John W. Hone 18 78 

Entries were made in 1835 as follows: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

William Bates 6 80 

John Brush 5 80 

William Brumb. '. i 80 

Truman Gilbert 29 240 

Kiah Gould 36 80 

In 1837 were recorded the entries of: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Gilbert Bohls 8 80 

Joseph Chapman 3 80 

In 1837 entries are recorded as follows: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Fred Chapman 35 and 3b 158 

Samuel Clark 33 80 

James Armstrong 14 80 

E. Hiland. . . .' 31 80 

Wooster McMillen 33 80 

M. P. Sprague 29 80 

The entries of 1838 were: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Thomas G. Amsden 34 80 

John E. Armstrong 14 80 

James Armstrong 14 40 

George Pettyome 35 80 

Augustus Barker 12 and 13 146 



SECTION. 

John Barber 13 

Daniel Clouse 35 

M. M. Coe 1 

Almon Gray 3 

James Hay nes 33 

Joseph Hoover 13 

Robert Irwin 31 

E. G. Kearney 33 

David Smith i 

Henry Stetler 34 

S. L. Simpson 14 

The entries of the year 1839 are 
ed as follows: 

SECTION. 

James Armstrong T4and 15 

Elisha Avery 13 

William Bailey 3 

H. H. Brown 35 

William Biircan 6 

Edmond Brace 2 

Smith Barber 3 

Lester Beach 9 

John Colvin : 9 

George Colvin 9 

J. G. Coons 2 

Matthew M. Coe 12 

O. F. Clark 32 and 33 

H. S. Cooper 32 

James S. Connell 6 

Jacob Decker 21 

William Degs 15 

William Dalzell 9 

D. Q. Ellsworth 8 

Henry Friligh i 

George Stillman 32 

Hezekiah Grover 28 

W. F. Gormen 8 

Ephraim Hastings 3 

R. Harding 9 

Silas Howell 13 

William Henrick 12 

Robert Irwin 31 and 32 

Robert Irwin, jr. 32 

.A. C. Jackson 3 

John Knuttle 9 

James Lemmon, jr 3 

U. 8. Lemmon 3 

James Meacham 14 

Richard Nickerson 14 

George Parker 2 

Daniel Rife 5 and 8 

F. R. Smith 15 

Dean Squire ro and 13 

William Stevenson 6 

Asa Stanley 3 

J oel Siezer 4 

Storey Wills 15 



.\CRES. 

40 

80 

80 

38 
160 
126 
120 

80 

80 
240 
160 

record- 

ACRES. 

120 

40 

43 
40 
240 
42 
40 
40 
40 
40 

85 

80 

80 

40 

80 

40 

80 

80 

40 
198 

40 

52 

40 
120 

80 

40 

113 
220 

80 

42 

40 

84 
42 
80 
40 
42 
122 
40 

279 
328 

43 

80 

200 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



657 



1840 closed out the balance of Con- 
gress lands as follows: 

SKCTION. ACRES. 

Martin Dart 5 85 

A. D. Follett 32 40 

Ephraim Hastings 9 40 

Dennis Hamlin 8 80 

W. J. Whittaker. . . 8 and 9 200 

The settlement of York proper began 
in 1822. The squatters whose shabby 
cabins for three years had broken the 
monotony of continuous forest, cannot be 
called settlers, nor would it be prudent to 
attempt to chronicle their comings and 
goings. A squatter community, such as 
York was from 18 19 to 1822, would be a 
fruitful field for the study of character. 
Here were the class of people who may 
be termed the overflow of civilization — 
families driven from time to time from the 
public domain by legal owners. They 
push a little further along, crowding the 
savage before them. Their improvements 
are never of mucii value. A cabin, eiglit 
by ten feet in the clear, built of round logs, 
with a rough puncheon door and two 
holes over \\ hich white paper was pasted, . 
the only windows. A mixture of mud 
and leaves filled the cracks, and the 
earth shorn of grass' and smoothed down 
by bare feet, made a floor unnecessary. 
Squatters of this class farmed very little. 
In an Indian clearing, if one chanced to 
be in the neighborhood, or in a field pre- 
pared by cutting out the underbush and 
deadening the larger trees, they planted 
corn. Corn was the complement of game 
in their table-fare. Hunting and story- 
telling was the only occupation of this 
class of semi-civilized vagabonds. The 
women, rather from necessity than choice, 
were more industrious than the men. 
However much the children might be 
neglected in other particulars, and, indeed, 
were neglected, they had to be fed, and the 
mothers had to do it. They hoed the 
corn, harvested it, and cracked it on a 

83 



block, while the men, rather as a pleasure 
than a duty, shot game and brought what 
could not be traded for whiskey, or some 
other luxury, to the cabin, where hands 
already over worked, prepared it for the 
table. It is often asked, \" How did these 
people live?" When life loses every 
motive except existence, man becouies a 
very simple sort of animal. Culture and 
ambition are the creators of wants, to sup- 
ply which toil, even hardship, is cheerfully 
endured. These people never aspired to 
the ownership of property, to the en- 
joyment of travel nor to the refinement 
of education. Good clothes would have 
made them uncomfortable and good 
houses miserable. The woods was their 
chosen paradise, and cabins preferable to 
a " house of many mansions. " We cannot, 
of course, fathorn the life of people and 
understand what circumstances have been 
their guides along the highway of exist- 
ence. Crime, laziness, and disease are • 
possible causes of their degradation. 

But a respectable class of people also 
were known as squatters. Brave, indus- 
trious men and women left pleasant abodes 
and planted in the forest the germs of 
that civilization which is already bearing 
golden fruit. They bore with patience, 
not only the hardships which nature im- 
posed, but also the depredations of the 
vagrants who had gone before. The 
progress of material development is like 
the march of an invading army. Re- 
treating barbarism is followed by a horde 
of half-breed camp-followers pressed closely 
by the skirmishers of the pursuing forces. 

Legal barriers, for a while, prevented the 
rank and file of the pioneer army from 
occupying the fertile country beyond the 
limit of the Firelands. But when these 
barriers had been removed, the way was 
already opened by squatters in name, but 
settlers in reality. 

Jeremiah Smith, one of the earliest set- 



658 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



tiers of this township, removed from Ful- 
tonville, New York, in the fall of 182 2, arriv- 
ing at Bellevue, October 15th. Reentered 
land near the central part of the town- 
ship. 

A. D. Follett, ti son of EHphalet Follett, 
of Huron county, settled in this township 
soon after the settlement of Mr. Smiih. 
His family is of Norman origin, and came 
into England with ^A'illiam the Conqueror. 
One of the descendants was attorney gen- 
eral to Queen Victoria and member of 
Parliament for the city of Exeter. His 
monument in Westminster Abbey bears 
the inscription, "Sir William Webb Follett, 
Kt." The grandfather of Abel D. Follett 
was murdered at Wyoming during the 
Revolution. That day of dreadful butch- 
ery is one of the most barbarous episodes 
of American history. It was more than 
an Indian m.assacre. It was inspired, 
planned, and conducted by Tories, which 
■name has become synonymous with trea- 
son. Among four hundred brave patriots 
who marched to the defence of their wives 
and children was Eliphalet Follett. 'I'he 
murderous horde of allied savages and 
Tories surrounded this brave company, of 
whom only twenty succeeded in cutting 
their way through the lines. One of these 
was Follett; but a bullet cut him down be- 
fore reaching the opposite side of the Sus- 
quehanna. Mrs. Follett escaped the mas- 
sacre of the women and children which 
followed, and with an old horse started 
toward the east, taking her six children, 
the oldest of whom was thirteen, and the 
youngest two. Before she had progressed 
far her arm was broken by an accident, 
but by heroic perseverance she succeeded 
in rescuing the family, which has become 
well known in the annals of Huron and 
Sandusky counties. Abel D. Follett, who 
settled in York, was a grandson of Eliph- 
alet Follett, and son of Eliphalet Follett, 
jr., who settled in Huron county about 



1820. Abel D. and Laura Follett re- 
inoved to California. 

The school section number sixteen was 
settled mostly by poor people, who may 
be classed as "good, bad, and indifferent." 
Some lived by begging, sonre by stealing, 
and a few by working. After the lines of 
ownership began to become marked many of 
the old squatters took to the school sec- 
tion, feeling sure that their days would be 
spent before the uncharitable hand o{ in- 
dustrious landlords would defile, with axes 
and phnvs, this last haven of wandering 
humanity. 

Sid Perry was a character in his day. 
He was an industrious visitor, especially 
about butchering time. Jeremiah Smith 
used to make a custom of saving the hogs' 
heads and bony meat, knowing that Sid's 
complaints of poverty and ingratitude of 
the world would be forced into his ears 
soon after the last squeal of the dying 
swine had ceased. Sid was a zealous 
Baptist, and always wanted to lead the 
singing. He had a nasal, high-keyed 
■voice, and sti^etched out his syllables to a 
distressing length. He seemed to think of 
his wicked neighbors when he sang: 

I long to see the season come 

When sinners shall come marching hum. 

Speaking of ardent church members 
calls to mind another early settler whose 
piety exceeded his education. Adam 
Brown lived on the ridge, and was in most 
respects a worthy man. Revivals always 
concjuered his nerves. He had but one 
speech, which was delivered, seemingly 
with fear, certainly with trembling. His 
tearful sincerity drowned laughter even 
among the sinners, when he began his 
stereotype speech by saying: "Brethren 
and sistern, I tell you 'ligion is good, I 
know it by exknowledge 'perimental." 

There never was enough business along 
the prke to make taverns a necessity. 
They were to be found every mile or two. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



659 



Most of them were poor concerns, while 
others made comfortable stopping-places. 

Henry McMillen had a cooper shop 
west of the Centre. It was an easy mat- 
ter to get out staves and make barrels 
from the fine, straight timber in which the 
forest abounded. Barrels, too, were in 
considerable demand in Lower Sandusky, 
and Portland (now Sandusky), also a great 
many were used for shipping potash, 
which was extensively manufactured in 
the east part of this county. 

RoUin Benson sold the first goods in 
the township. He brought with him from 
the East a stock of cotton fabrics and no- 
tions, also a barrel of whiskey, which was 
a necessary article of merchandise. When 
the whiskey, calicoes, muslins, etc., had 
been disposed of, the frontier merchant 
shut up store and moved away. 

John Davenport was one of the first 
squatter settlers in the county. He lived 
on what is now known as the Nathan P. 
Bridseye farm, and then removed further 
north, where he entered land and died. 
His family went west. Davenport was 
the first postmaster in York, which was 
also the first post office in the east part of 
the county. 

The Tuttles were early settlers of the 
southwest part of York and southeast part 
of Green Creek. They were of a sporting 
disposition, and often at raisings or log 
rollings demonstrated considerable com- 
bativeness. 

The years 1824 and 1825 were sickly 
in York. Three of the prominent settlers 
were among the first to die. Mr. and 
Mrs. Longwell died in 1824, and Seth M. 
Murray in 1825. 

Dr. L. Harkness was the physician for 
all this part of the country at that time. 
He found considerable difficulty in obtain- 
ing medicine. On one occasion he de- 
clared that he would give his horse for a 
bottle of quinine. 



Oliver Comstock was an early settler on 
the North ridge, probably having come 
there before the land was in market. 

Dr. Avery was the first physician in the 
township, but gave most of his attention 
to farming and clearing land. 

William Christie settled on the farm on 
which John Davenport first settled. It 
next came into possession of his son-in- 
law, Nathan P. Birdseye. 

The Utbey family settled early on the 
North ridge. 

David Acklar, though generally a fair 
sort of a man, was in the habit of much 
drinking, and when under the influence of 
the beverage, so much used by the pio- 
neers, was disposed to be quarrelsome. 
He had the reputation of being a fighter. 

Doctor -James Strong and Charles F. 
Drake purchased in the name of Z. Story 
a lot now occupied by the west part of 
the village of Bellevue. 

Gideon Brayton was a large, good- 
natured settler of the north part of the 
township. His presence at a log-rolling 
or raising was an assurance that fun would 
be plentifully intermingled with the work. 
He came to York about 1825. 

Return Burlingson was one of the early 
settlers of Bellevue. He afterwards moved 
to California, where he died. 

Deacon Raymond was one of the first 
settlers on the pike. He was a local 
preacher and farmer. 

The first tavern on the pike was opened 
by Reuben Pixley, who had a family of 
six sons — Reuben, Elanson, Alvah, 
George, Theron, and Charles. The Pix- 
ley's were a very religious family, and 
kept the York Centre tavern after the 
fashion of the times. 

Wesley Anderson was the popular land- 
lord of the pike at a later date. He 
moved from York to Hamer's Corners, in 
Green Creek. 

Hiram Baker was born at Homer, 



66o 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Courtland rounty, Nt:w York, in the year 
1798. His father, John Baker, was one 
of the early settlers of Lyme tfjwnship. 
In 1817, while assisting to raise a log- 
house in York, he received an injury 
which resulted in his death the following 
day. Hiram thus found himself at the 
early age of eighteen, charged with the 
management of the farm and support of 
his mother. In the course of a few years he 
was obliged to sell the farm his father had 
purchased, getting some advance for the 
cost of im[)rovements. He purchased a 
tract on Butternut ridge, in this county, 
and moved into an unfinished log-house 
in midwinter. Mechanics of all kinds 
were scarce, and Mr. Baker finding him- 
self in need of shoes began cobbling with 
an awl made of a piece of fork-tine, pegs 
whittled out with a penknife, and com- 
mon knives and hammers. He soon be- 
came expert in making the fashionable 
stoga shoes of the day. He could make 
two pair a day. His neighbors, and every- 
body within a distance of several miles 
were neighbors in those days, cheerfully 
gave a day's work for a ])air of shoes and 
furnish the leather. In this way Mr. 
Baker soon succeeded in getting his farm 
under a good state of cultivation. Shoe- 
making being profitable, he sold his farm 
and moved to Bellevue, where he em- 
ployed a journeyman and learned the 
trade regularly. T<>ventually his business 
became quite extensive antl brought suffi- 
cient accumulation of property to make 
old age comfortable. He died in 1874. 
In 1826 Mr. J5akcr married Mary Ann 
Forbes, by whom he had three. children — 
Arabella, Henry, and Hiram F., the last 
named being editor of the Bellevue Local 
News. Mr. Baker's first wife dying in 1835, 
he married, in 1836, Catharine Hagaman, 
daughter of John Hagaman. She was 
born in 181 5. John H., her oldest child, 
died in 1880 leaving a wife and one child, 



Grace. David A., the second son, was a 
member of the Thirteenth Ohio Cavalry 
and was killed near Petersburg, Virginia, 
in 1864. 

I^lder John Mugg settled on the South 
ridge in 1822. Being a man of more 
than ordinary piety and a devout member 
of the Ba])tist church he at once began 
to plan for the organization of a religious 
society. His desire was realized in 1825, 
as will be seen further along in this chap- 
ter. He eventually became a preacher 
and exhorter. He bore the reputation of 
being a truly good man. His children 
were: Thomas, John B., William, Mar- 
cus, and Jesse, sons, and two daughters, 
Mary (Bennett), and Harriet (Colvin). 
Thomas, Mary, and Jesse died in Indiana; 
Marcus became a prec"icher and removed 
to Michigan, where he died; William 
farmed on the South ridge until his 
death; Mrs. Colvin died in this township. 
John 15. Mugg, who was more intimately 
identified with the affairs of York than 
any of the other children, was born in 
New York in 1801. He married, in 1823, 
Susan Wheeler, and soon after removed to 
Ohio and settled in this township; but 
after a residence in the pioneer country of 
two years, they returned to New York, 
where they remained till 1836. Returning 
to York, they settled on the farm on which 
he died. Their family consisted of nine 
children, only two of whom are living — 
William A. and George H., the last 
named of whom was born in 1838, mar- 
ried Adelia Hitt in i860, and has three 
children — Elmer E., Luella E., and Su- 
san M. He was in the nursery busi- 
ness in Green Creek township from 1872 
to 1874. 

In October, 1822, a party of four men, 
W'illiam McPherson, his brother-in-law 
Norton Russel, Lyman Babcock, and 
James Birdseye, left their homes in Ontario 
county, New York, for the purpose of 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



66 1 



seeking new homes in the West. All, ex- 
cept Mr. Russel, were married, but left 
their families behind until a location could 
be selected. At Buffalo they engaged 
passage on a packet, but fearing robbery 
and personal violence at the hands of the 
crew, they concluded at the harbor at 
Ashtabula that safety was preferable to 
ease, and started for the Sandusky terri- 
tory on foot. After two or three weary 
days' walkmg Mr. Birdseye, who was the 
oldest member of the party, became ex- 
ceedingly tired, and throwing himself 
down by the roadside, insisted that his 
hips had penetrated his body at least two 
inches. But the tiresome journey was at 
last finished, and as a result of it the 
county gained four good citizens. They 
each entered a quarter section of land, 
all in York, except Mr. McPherson, who 
Settled in Green Creek. All except Mr. 
Russel returned to New York for their 
wives. A full sketch of the Birdseye 
family is found at the conclusion of this 
chapter. Further mention is made of Mr. 
McPherson in connection with Green 
Creek. Mr. Babcock was a worthy and 
respected citizen of York for many years. 
Mr. Russel married, in 1825, Sibyl Mc- 
Millen, a daughter of Samuel McMillen, 
of Green Creek. The wedding ceremony 
was performed by James Mclntyre, the 
Methodist preacher of this circuit for that 
year. He had by this time made consid- 
erable improvement on his farm on the 
North ridge, where he lived and raised a 
family of seven children, viz: John N. 
and William M., Clyde; Charles P., 
York; Phoebe S., wife of William Mugg, 
York; Sarah R. (Bell), Clyde; Mary 
M. (Taylor), Colorado Springs; and 
Belle R. (Culver), Cleveland. The chil- 
dren and grandchildren held a reunion at 
Mr. Russel's residence in Clyde, June 15, 
1 88 1, the occasion being the eightieth an- 
niversary of his birth. Twenty-two grand- 



children and one great-grandchild are 
living. 

Joseph George, the oldest man now liv- 
ing in Clyde, and also one of the earliest 
pioneers, was born in Vermont, in 1795. 
He belonged to the volunteer militia of 
New York, when the British made the 
raid through Western New York and 
burned Buffalo, and at that time he was on 
the march. The war over, he married 
Sarah McMillen, and in 181 9 came to 
Ohio, first stopping where Bellevue now is, 
at the frontier tavern kept by his cousin, 
Elnathan George. He first settled in 
Thompson township, but after a few years 
bought turnpike land, near the centre of 
York, which he improved after the fashion 
of the day. The land was not well 
adapted to agriculture and was therefore 
sold by Mr. George after a residence of 
nine years, at an advance barely covering 
the cost of improvements. This has 
since become a valuable tract on account 
of inexhaustible deposits of fine gravel. 
It is now owned by the Lake Shore and 
Michigan Southern Railroad company. 
Soon after Mr. George moved to York an 
incident occurred which shows the friendly 
disposition of the Indians who roamed 
through the extensive woodlands, hunting. 
Mrs. George started on horseback to the 
cabin on the pike, where Rollin Benson 
was disposing of a small stock of goods. 
In sight of the little store her horse fright- 
ened and threw her violently to the 
ground, inflicting a severe stunning and 
painful bruises. A party of Indians loaf- 
ing near by seeing what had happened 
promptly qame to her rescue, carried her 
to Amsden's Corners, and summoned 
medical aid. Mr. George removed from 
York to Townsend, where he lived thirty- 
three years, and then retired in Clyde, 
where he yet resides in the fullness of his 
years, being in the eighty-seventh year of 
his age. Mrs. George died in 1880, hav- 



662 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ing borne a family of fourteen children, 
thirteen of whom came to maturity. Nine 
are yet living: Lorenzo D., Allen county, 
Indiana; Alfred, Bowling Green, Ohio; 
Rev. Norton R., Hill City, Kansas ^ 
Joseph, jr., Clyde; Mrs. x'\rchibald Rich- 
ards, Clyde; Mrs. Joseph Whitehead, 
Clyde; Mrs. George McFarland, Bowling 
Green, Ohio; Mrs. Milton Gaskill, Medi- 
na, Michigan; and Mrs. James May, 
Fairfield, Michigan. 

John Riddell, a native of Pennsylvania, 
removed to New York in 1824, at the age 
of twenty-four years. He married, in 
New York, in 1828, Laura Haynes, and 
three years later removed to Ohio and 
settled in York township, near York cen- 
tre. They had one child, William B., who 
was one year old when his parents came 
to Ohio. In 1853 he married Barbara 
Cupp, and has a family of three children: 
Ida (Angel), Emma, and John C. John 
Riddell is one of the few old settlers still 
living. His wife died about nine years 
ago. He belongs to the Christian church. 
His son, W. B. Riddell, does a good farm- 
ing business. 

Isaac Slocum was born in Rhode Island, 
in 1775. He married, in Pennsylvania, 
Elizabeth Patrick, and they emigrated to 
Huron county, Ohio, in 1824, settling in 
Lyme township, where they remained five 
years, and then, in 1829, removed to 
York. Mr. Slocum died in York in 1858. 
The family consisted of twelve children, 
five of whom are living, viz : Isaac, in 
Minnesota; William, in Iowa; Abel, in 
Wisconsin; Giles, in Minnesota; Elizabeth, 
the only daughter living, is the widow of 
Mason Kinney, and lives in York town- 
ship. 

Mason Kinney was born in 1806. In 
1833 he married Elizabeth Slocum, by 
whom he had a family of seven children, 
six of whom are living: Mary, George, 
Sarah (Bachman), William, Joseph, and 



Erastus W. All the children, except 
Joseph, live in York township. 

Prominent among the Penns\lvania 
German families of this township are the 
Harpsters. Jacob Harjister was born in 
Pennsylvania in 181 1. He came to Ohio 
in 1834, and settled in Seneca county, 
where he lived five years, and then 
made York his permanent residence. He 
married, in 1838, Elizabeth Mook, and 
has a family of four children — Frederick, 
Jacob D., Benjamin F., who live in Kan- 
sas, and Eliza S., wife of Henry Miller, of 
York township. 

Isaac Parker and family emigrated from 
Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1842, and re- 
mained in Huron county one year, then 
came to York township. Mr. Parker mar- 
ried Elizabeth Mook, also of Pennsylva- 
nia. He is still living; his wife died sev- 
eral years ago. They had nine children, 
seven of whom are living — Levi, in York 
township; Isaac, in Michigan; Jackson, 
in Erie county; Solomon, in Michigan; 
Anna (Rupert), in Michigan; Andrew, in 
the W^est; and Henry, in Iowa. 

Levi Parker was born in Pennsylvania in 
1823. In 1861 he married Caroline 
Michael, to whom seven children were 
born — George, Charles, Isaac, Mary, Oren, 
Emma, and Nettie. 

Ephraim Sparks was born in New Jer- 
sey in 1790. He settled in Pennsylva- 
nia, and there married Sarah Cook in 
18 13. Four years later they removed to 
Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where Mrs. 
Sparks died, in 1828, and her husband in 
1871. Four of their seven children are 
still living, two in this county — Randall 
and Isaac. The latter resides in Clyde. 
David died in Carroll county, Ohio, in 
February, 1881. The daughters now liv- 
ing are: Mrs. Elizabeth Tressel, Tusca- 
rawas county, and Mrs. Mary Neal, West- 
moreland county, Pennsylvania. 

Randall Sparks was born in Pennsylva- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



663 



nia in 18 14. He married Ann Wingate 
in 1835, ^"d settled in York township, his 
present residence. Mr. Sparks has served 
as justice of the peace six years, and has 
held other local offices. He is the father 
of eight children, only two of whom are 
living. Lemuel, the oldest, enlisted in 
company B, Seventy-second Ohio infantry, 
November 9, 186 1, and participated in the 
battle of Shiloh. He died in camp before 
Corinth, May 16, 1862, in the twenty- 
sixth year of his age. Catharine died Jan- 
uary 5, 1S58, in her nineteenth year; Al- 
bert died May 31, 186 1, in his twentieth 
year. Leslie E. was mustered in as a mem- 
ber of company M, First regimt-nt Ohio 
Heavy Artillery; he was drowned in the 
Tennessee River, near Loudon, Tennessee, 
June 2, 1864, in the twenty-first year of 
his age. Melissa died November 6. 1869, 
in her twenty-second year; Elinda Jane 
died April 25, 1872, in the twenty-second 
year of her age. The surviving children 
are Wilbur L., born February 27, 1854, 
and Ella B., born June 15, 1859; both re- 
side at home. 

Samuel Shutts was a native of New Jer- 
sey, and was born in 1797. His family 
moved to New York while he was young. 
He married in New York, and in 1847, 
with his wife and five children, removed to 
Sandusky county, and settled in York 
township, where his wife died in 1855, 
leaving five children — Oliver J., Mary, 
Sarah H., John, and Emma. Mr. Shutts 
removed to Ballville township in 1861. 
Oliver J., the oldest child, was born in 
New York in 1828; he married, in 1859, 
Margaret Barlow, of York townshij); their 
children are all deceased. Mr. Shutts 
was one of the founders of the Diabetic 
Cure at Green Sprmgs. 

John Mook was born in Pennsylvania 
in 1765. He was married in Pennsylva- 
nia, in 18 18, to Mary Baughy, and in 1836 
removed to Western New York. Li 1844 



they came to Ohio, and settled in this 
township. Seven of their nine children 
are yet living — Mary, wife of Isaac Parker, 
York township; Abraham, New York 
State; Effie, wife of Lewis Burgess, New 
York State; Solomon, living in Illinois; 
Sampson, in New York, and Benjamin, in 
York township. The last named was 
born in Pennsylvania in 1820; he came to 
Ohio with his parents, and in 1848 mai- 
ried Susan Boyer, who was born in Union 
county, Pennsylvania, in 1827. Their 
family consists of nine children, viz.: 
Simon B., Fidelia, Malcomb, Samuel E., 
EltTier J., Clara, Emma and Emerson 
(twins), and William G. Mr. Mook made 
carpentering a business while living in 
New York. John Mook, father of the 
Mooks of this township, died in 1848. 
His wife survived him ten years. 

William, the only living child of William 
and Mary Mills, was born of Jersey par- 
entage, in 1809. He married Cornelia 
Berry in 1857, and has a family of two 
children — Eliza J., Huron county, and 
Mary E., York township. 

William Dymond was born in England, 
in 181 1. He married Elizabeth Green- 
slade, in 1838. The family consists of 
eleven children, viz.: James, resides in 
Kansas; John, Huron county; Anna 
(Coleman), Clyde; William, jr., Kansas 
Richard, died in 1872; Samuel; Alice 
(Clacknor); Alfred, York township; Eliza- 
beth (Stutler), Toledo; Mary, Frank, and 
Frederick, York township. Mr. Dymond 
is a mason, and followed that trade thirty 
years. He has resided in this county 
since 1848. 

James F. Smith was born in New York, 
in 1809. He removed to Pennsylvania in 
1823, where he married, in 1833, Eliza- 
beth Alexander. They settled in Huron 
county, Ohio, in 1843, ^"d removed to 
York township five years later. Six of 
their eleven children are living, viz: Mary 



664 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



J., York township; Charles, Kansas; John, 
Kansas; Alice, York township; Samuel 
and Clara B., York township. Mr. Smith 
is a carpenter, and \yorked at that trade 
twenty years. He has been extensively 
engaged in the manufacture of lime for 
about twenty years. 

Joseph P. Roush was born in Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1814. In 1839 he married 
Catharine Kreisher, and with his family 
moved to York township in 1856. Five 
children are living and two are dead. 
Charles F. and James P. reside in York 
township; John Henry, at Lindsey; Mary 
E. (Williams), in Huron county; and Wil- 
liam A., in York. Alice and George W. 
are deceased. Mr. Roush attends his 
farm, but during the winter works at tailor- 
ing. He has about two hundred acres of 
good land. Mr. and Mrs. Roush, and 
Charles, belong to the Reformed church. 
Mrs. Williams is a Methodist. 

Gideon Billman and family, originally 
from Berks county, Pennsylvania, moved 
to Sandusky county in 1848, and settled 
where the sons now live, in York town- 
ship. Mr. Billman married Hannah Don- 
ner, and to them were born si.x sons and 
three daughters. Three of the sons and 
all of the daughters survive. George re- 
sides near Buir Oak, Michigan; John and 
George, on the home farm; Susan is the 
wife of John Bauchman, York township; 
Sarah is the wife of Joseph Smith, Erie 
county; Mary Jane, the wife of Henty 
Toogood, resides in Sturgis, Michigan. 
The father and mother have both died 
within the past si.x years. 

George Billman was married, in 1876, 
to Mary Ann Boop, a native of Groton 
township, Huron county. They have live 
sons— Joseph, James, George, Cloyd, and 
Frank. Mr. Billman and his brother are 
Democrats. They worked at fencemak- 
i ng several years, and have been carrying 
on the same business in connection with 



their farming for the last fifteen years. 

M. J. Tichenor removed from New York 
to York township in 1851. He was born 
in 182 I, and, in 1827, married Joanna Tor- 
rence, a daughter of ^Villiam H. and Sa- 
lome Torrence. Nine children blessed 
this union — Mary A. (Tea), Clyde; Helen 
(Kline), York township; Zachariah, Kan- 
sas; Salome (Lemmon), Townsend town- 
ship; George, Ida, Elizabeth (Haff), Jessie, 
and John, York township. Mr. Tichenor 
was an active, energetic citizen until his 
death. Mrs. Tichenor continues a resi- 
dent of York. 

Jacob Kopp was born in Pennsylvania 
in 1827. In 1 85 1 he removed to Erie 
county, Ohio, and in 1859 to York town- 
ship. He married Matilda E. McCauley 
in 1853. The fruit of this union is six 
children, as follows: John P., Minnesota; 
Frances (Hoy), Erie county; Benjamin F., 
Anna E., Abraham L., and Alice E., ^ork 
township. Mr. Kopp is a Republican. 
He and his family belong to the Reformed 
church. He has five hundred and fifty- 
four acres, and does an extensive farming 
business. Commencing with little, he is 
now in very good circumstances as the re- 
ward of his untiring energy. 

One of the first of the "Pennsylvania 
Dutch" settlers in York was .A.dam Jordan. 
He was horn in 1803, and in 1829 mar- 
ried, in Pennsylvania, Sophia Orwig. They 
came directly to York and settled on the 
larm on which he died in 1861. She 
died in 1872. Their family consisted of 
eight children, viz : Sarah (Weaver), Lucas 
county; Martin, Lucas county; Lucy (Mc- 
Cauley), York township; Joseph, Mary, 
Hannah M., James, and George W. live 
in York township. 

William Frederick was born in Pennsyl- 
vania in 1796. He married, in 1835, 
Catharine Kline, who was born in Penn- 
sylvania in 1809. In 1 86 1 they removed 
to York, where they still live. Their eight 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



66s 



children are: George, York township; 
Jesse, Maumee, Ohio; William, jr., York 
township; James, Michigan; Samuel, York 
township, and Henry, Riley township. 
Reuben and Robert are dead. Mr, Fred- 
erick, though well advanced in years, en- 
joys good health. 

Godfrey Deck, one of the later settlers 
of this county, was born in Pennsylvania 
in 1805. He married Christiana Bixler in 
1827; settled in York in 1864. He had 
a family of five children. He died in 
York in 1871. She is yet living. John, 
the oldest child, was born in Pennsylvania 
in 1828. In 1852 he married Sarah 
Klingman, who bore a family of eight 
children, five of whom are living: A. H. 
and Sarah C, York township; Anna M. 
(Bradley), Canada; John F. and William 
G., York township. The names of those 
that are deceased were Christiana, Charley, 
and Joseph. All died young. 

Edward Kern was born in Pennsylvania 
in 1825. He came to Ohio in 1833, and 
settled in Seneca county, where he married 
Sarah Stetler in 1846. In 1871 he re- 
moved to York township. His family 
consists of six children, viz: A. J. and 
Jacob H., Seneca county; Samuel E., 
York township; Mary F., wife of John 
Swartz, Michigan; Laura E. (Stewart), 
York township, and Abbie E. (Ebbersol), 
Missouri. Mr. Kern's parents were George 
Jacob and Elizabeth (Shuck) Kern, both 
natives of Pennsylvania. After coming to 
Ohio they lived and died in Seneca county. 
They brought up a family of five sons and 
five daughters. All, excepting three daugh- 
ters, are still living. The sons are: Yost, 
St. Joseph county, Michigan; George, 
Bellevue; Isaac, Seneca county; Edward, 
York township; Bennel, in Iowa. The 
daughters: Sophia, deceased; Sarah, de- 
ceased, was the wife of John Romick, 
Seneca county; Hannah, wife of George 
Heater, Bellevue; Mary married Jacob 
84 



Miller, and died at Coldwater, Michigan ; 
Rachel, the widow of Jacob Sieber, resides 
in Seneca county. 

Jacob Hilbish, a native of Pennsylvania, 
came to York township in 187 1, and set- 
tled on the farm which he now occupies. 
He married Susannah Paulin, also a native 
of Pennsylvania. They have had six sons 
and three daughters, viz: Harriet, wife of 
Nathan Knauer, Pennsylvania; Agnes, 
wife of Daniel Cleckner, Seneca county; 
Ammon, Pennsylvania; Aaron, in the West ; 
Matilda, wife of George Hassenplug, York 
township; Charles, Kansas; Wilson, at 
home; James, Indiana; David, Illinois. 
Mr. Hilbish has a good farm of one hun- 
dred and thirty-seven acres, situated near 
town, and does a good farming business. 

A WEDDING EPISODE, 

A wedding in a new country is a 
particularly interesting event. Our pio- 
neer fathers and mothers had no news- 
papers to interest them with the events 
of the world at large, nor did many 
of them have books to occupy an oc- 
casional hour stolen from the clearing or 
farm. Similar surroundings and pursuits 
effected a kind of homogenity in the 
community. These two circumstances 
conduced to a social feeling and interest 
which it is impossible to appreciate at the 
present day. Marriage is the second great 
event in the life of an individual, and the 
one in which people generally are more in- 
terested than any other. It is but natural, 
therefore, that in a community bound to- 
gether by personal friendship and social 
unity, the prospect of a wedding became 
the family talk of every cabin. 

The story of an early wedding in York, 
as told by a gay and favorite beau among 
the red-cheeked lasses of the time, fur- 
nishes a pleasing episode to the naturally 
dry chronicle of prosy facts. 

Miss Abigail Bardman, a gay, vivacious, 
and handsome girl just past her teens, 



666 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



tired of the changeless succession of events 
at her home in New York, and captivated 
by the romance of border life as pictured 
in the letters of her sister, Mrs. Knicker- 
bocker, from York, resolved upon a visit to 
the new Sandusky country. Having packed 
the plainest articles of her wardrobe she 
started upon the long journey, and in a 
few weeks was the guest of her sister's 
cabin home. She at once conqueied the 
rural beaux, while on the other hand the 
strong and manly knights of the forest 
found favor in her sight. Mr. Piatt, from 
Huron county, pushed his suit most ar- 
dently and won the pearl. The pain of 
jealousy was part of the price, for he sus- 
pected Norton Russel of being a rival 
and feared the issue. The load bore 
heavily upon Mr. Piatt's heart. One day 
he and Mr. Russel were teamnig together. 
Determined to know whether his compan- 
ion was a stumbling-block in the way of 
his most cherished ambition, he asked in 
the most confidential manner possible the 
exact status of affairs. On being informed 
by Mr. Russel that there was no cause 
for anxiety, deep melancholy took rapid 
wings and the pathway of the lovers was 
straight and clear until the eventful wed- 
dijig day. That consummation is best told 
in the following lines, written by another:* 

When York was wild, when in her woods 

The clearings' timljers nightly blazed; 
When deer grazed in those solitudes. 

.And but few hardy men had raised 
Their cabin roofs; it chanced a pair 

Of lovers from an liastern State 
Here met, and here agreed to share 

Their lives, and leave the rest to fate. 
The records say not whether it 

Was when the woods leaf, or when the wheat 
Was ripe, or when the wild geese quit 

This clime, or 'mid the snow and sleet 
The day was set; but we judge it 

Was in the season for bare feet — 
The sequel shows. Enough to tell, 

One smiling morn, a smihng set 
Of settlers, friends from hill and dell, 

Had, in invited concourse, met 

* W. G. Zeigler. 



To witness the solemnities 

Of marriage in New England style. 
The bride in white, all blushes, sighs. 

Was like all brides, most sweet; her smile, 
.Soft sunshine; and the groom was dressed 

In black, as were his Eastern kin,— 
.-\ gay assemblage for the West. 

-Ml things were ready, and loud in 
Us "Varmount" casings struck the clock 

Twelve sounding strokes, still was not heard 
The parson's long-expected knock. 

What could the good man have deterred ? 
Most gloomy grew the good groom's face; 

The bride felt his anxiety, 
And, :-ighing, sat and gazed in space; 

The house-wife lost her piety. 
And maledictions poured apace 

Upon the tardy parson's head, 
.\s fast the steaming feast grew cold, — 

That marriage feast already spread 
To be devoured, the service told. 

Right here arose a settler old, 
.■\ncl with some hesitation said: 
"1 swow thish 'ere's a powerful shame! 

These woods '11 get no population, 
l*;f parsons be so slack. Why blame 

My soul, it's meaner'n all creation! 
But I hev got a good idee 

Thet soon'll malce these two relation. 
1 know thet you'uns chu'ch-folk be, 

An' a chu'ch-weddin' you desire. 
But law without an ordained man 

Can bind. Let's call Ballard, the squire." 
Objections to this wise man's plan 

Were scattered like the wind-blown straws, 
.And word dispatched unto the squire 

To seize his hat, to seize his laws, 
And come forthwith as to a fire. 
Time ])assed; at length was heard the slap 

Of bare, flat number tens before 
The house, and then, without a raj). 

Wide swung the creaking puncheon door. 
A general snicker rose, then died 

.As one would snuff a candle's flame. 
What wonder, when they all descried 

The figure of the man who came ! 
.A tattered hat of straw revealed 

Red hairs through every gaping tear; 
.A matted, sandy beard concealed 

The staring face beneath the hair. 
A woollen shirt, no coat, no vest; 

The baggy breeches home-spun blue, — 
Thus stood the last-invited guest, 

And gruffly stammered, "How dye do.^" 
.As 'gainst the casement rude he leaned. 

'|Are you the Justice?" some one cried; 
And, in the quiet that intervened, 

"I guess I be," the man replied; 
"You're one, I 'spect, (the groom he eyed,^ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



667 



An' you, I reckon, am the tother, " 
And nodded toward the happy bride, 

Who vainly tried a smile to smother. 
"Right ? Guess I be ! Stan' over there." 

The wond'ring pair rose side by side; 
The house-wife breatlied a silent prayer; 

The squire stepped in with one long stride, 
He cast his straw hat on the floor,— 

That straw hat minus top and band, - 
Tlien turned his Treatise' pages o'er 

Most slowly with his trembling hand, 
To where Ohio's laws provide 
How weddings shall be sanctified; 
What forms the Justice sage shall guide; 
What questions ask the groom, the bride; 
\\''hat costs assess when they are tied. 

One foot he rested on his knee. 
Then on the knee thus raised he put 

The opened book, and thus stood lie 
As asleep a goose with one web- foot 

Hid in her wing, while high o'er head 
Hot beats the sun. Then tracing slow. 

With finger brown, he spelt and read 
In drawling tones, pitched deep and low. 

And closed by saying, "Yous be wed." 
The squire's bare foot fell to the floor; 

He stooped and seized his tattered hat, 
Then looked towards the puncheon door, 

And wished that he was out of that. 
"You'll stay to dinner?" "No," he said. 

"Salute the bride?" His face grew red. 
Then all the color from it fled; 

Unnerved he stood and shook his head; 
lint still remained as in suspense. 

Until the groom placed in his liand 
The usual fee, with fifty cents 

Additional, which made expand 
The squire's blue eyes and mouth immense. 

Slow backed he from the cabin trim; 
Slow climbed he o'er the clearing's fence; 

Deep were the woods that swallowed him ! 
RELIGIOUS .SOCIETIES. 

The pioneer church of York township 
was the Free-will Baptist. The first page 
of the church book reads: 

Be it remembered tliat on the twenty-third day of 
June, 1825, a number of Christian brethren of the 
order of Free-will Baptist, met in the town of York, 
county of Sandusky, for the e.xpress purpose of be- 
ing organized into a church compo.sed of the follow- 
ing biethren, to wit: Elder John Mugg, Jered H. 
Miner, Jeremiah P. Brown, Moses George, Abner 
Walker, James Benton, Thomas Mugg, John 
B. Mugg, Elisha B. Mugg, Polly Brown, and Lydia 
Miner. These brethren, agreeably to the rules of 
the New Testament, were organized mto a church, 
and received by the right hand of Christian fellow- 
ship from Elder Bradford. 



The society thus formed was known as 
the Free-will Baptist church of York town- 
shijx Meetings were held at the houses 
of Jeremiah Brown and John Mugg until 
the log-school house (the first one on the 
south ridge) was built. In 1855 the meet- 
ing-house on the south ridge was built, but 
the organization has been losing its mem- 
bership gradually, until but one remains — 
Mrs. Jeremiah Smith. Sunday-school con- 
tinues to be held in the meeting-house 
during the summer months. The ceme- 
tery, which is one of the oldest in the north 
part of the township, was donated by John 
Calvin. Tryphena C. Smith was the first 
person buried in this cemetery. This 
church, in its early history, being the only 
religious society, collected, into its mem- 
bership nearly everybody in the neighbor- 
hood. 

The ne.xt religious society organized in 
York, was the Christian church, the first 
members of which were James Haynes 
and wife, Moses George and wife, and 
John Riddcll and wife. Elder Mallery 
was the first j:)reacher. He was succeeded 
by Elder Vail, who removed from New 
York to Huron county in 1839, and took 
charge of the churches in this part of the 
Stale. He had been a Methodist during 
the first years of his clerical life, but be- 
came a zealous preacher of the denomina- 
tion which he afterwards joined. Under 
I'^.tder X'ail's ministry the Free chapel was 
built in 1842. In 1849 he removed to 
York, where he died in 1878. Polder 
Manville succeeded to the pastorate. The 
meeting-house is the oldest in the town- 
ship. Services are held regularly. 

Emanuel Evangelical church is com- 
posed mostly of Pennsylvanians. Isaac 
Parker was a member of the church in 
Pennsylvania, and after settling in York, 
collected the families of Michael Waltz, 
Jacob Harjxster, David Harjister and 
John Orvvig and formed a class, which 



668 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



met in private houses. Rev. Mr. Nevil 
was the first preacher. This was about 
1850. In i860 the frame church on the 
pike was built. The organization of a 
class at Bellevue divided the membership, 
but each year has brought new accessions, 
so that there are about eighty members at 
present. The first class leader was John 
Orwig. Succeeding leaders have been 
Reuben Parker, Daniel Loudenschlager, 
John Null, Daniel Mook, Henry Mook, 
Michael Finsinger and Jere Filhering. 

The United Brethren began holding 
meetings in the southwest part of York. 
As the Pennsylvania element of the popula- 
tion grew the membership increased until 
in 1863 the class had acquired sufficient 
strength to build a meeting-house. The 
house and class took the name "Mount 
Carmel" and is supplied by the pastor of 
Clyde circuit. 



BELLEVUE. 

ITS LOCATION. 

About one-half of the village hes in 
Huron, and the other half in Sandus- 
ky county. The county line road, or 
that part of it lying within the corporate 
limits of the village, being called West 
street, divides the town into nearly equal 
divisions. The centre of this road is the 
western limit of the Firelands and of the 
Western Reserve. The eastern half of 
Bellevue is situated in the extreme north- 
western part of Lyme township, and the 
western half in the southwestern part of 
York township, Sandusky county. The 
southwestern corner of Erie county, and 
the northeast corner of Seneca county, lie 
adjoining the extreme northeast and south- 
west limits of the village. The town is 
situated on the southern branch of the 
Toledo and Cleveland division of the 
Lake Shore railroad, the New York, Chi- 



cago & St. Louis railroad, and the Wheel- 
ing & Lake Erie railroad. 

ITS NAME. 

The post office was first known as York 
X Roads, and the village was called Ams- 
den's Corners, in honor of T. G. Amsden, 
its first merchant. It continued to be so 
known until the year 1839, when, upon 
the completion of the Mad River & Lake 
Erie railroad to this point, it was changed- 
to Bellevue. The prevailing opinion 
among the old settlers is that it was so 
named in honor of James H. Bell, the 
civil engineer who surveyed the route 
through this place for the Mad River road. 
Some, however, claim that the proprietors 
of the road, and the chief residents of the 
town agreed upon the name of Bellevue 
because the signification of the word made 
it an appropriate name for the village, 
which, by reason of its location and sur- 
roundings, well merited a name which 
means "a beautiful view." At all events 
the name has a musical ring, and no resi- 
dent of the place can regret that it was so 
called. 

ITS FIRST SETTLERS. 

The year 1815 marks the date when 
Mr. Mark Hopkins, the first settler within 
the corporate limits of Bellevue as now es- 
tablished, came to this locality. He came 
hither with his family and accompanied 
by a bachelor brother, from Genessee 
county. New York, and built a log house 
on land now owned and occupied by Peter 
Bates. 

Elnathan George, from the same place, 
was the next settler. He purchased one 
acre of land embracing, with other contigu- 
ous ground, the lot whereon now stands 
the Tremont House. He gave a cow in ex- 
change for his purchase. Here was built, 
by Mr. George, the second building of the 
town, in the year 1816. In the following 
year he built an addition to his dwelling 
and opened his house as a tavern. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



669 



The third new-comer was Return Burl- 
ingson, who selected land on the Sandusky 
county side, and in the year 181 7 built him 
a log dwelling, and started a blacksmith 
shop. His purchase comprised what is 
now known as the Herl property. Mr. 
Burlingson was a resident of Bellevue for 
many years, but finally left for California. 

In the year 18 19 Mr. John C. Kinney 
completed a log house near the present 
site of the Bellevue bank building. 

This year, 18 19, marks the date of the 
arrival of two very important new-comers, 
men who were identified with the history 
of the village, and to whom, more than 
any other two men, was it indebted for its 
prosperity. These men were Thomas G. 
Amsden and Frederick A. Chapman. The 
Chapmans came first to Ohio in 1814, 
soon followed by Mr. Amsden, and, es- 
tablishing their headquarters at the mouth 
of the Huron River, carried on a very 
successful traffic with the Indians, ex- 
changing with them goods and articles of 
which the red men stood in need, for pelts 
and furs. Besides trading with the Ind- 
ians, they were engaged in hunting and 
trapping. They were daring and intrepid, 
full of push and energy, with excellent 
business abilities, and though they were 
young men, they accumulated consider- 
able means for those days. Mr. Chap- 
man's father and brother followed him to 
Ohio in a year or two after his own ar- 
rival and settled at or near the present 
town of Huron, in Erie county. In 1819 
Mr. Amsden and Mr. Chapman came to 
this locality and began the purchase of 
property at this point, and did all in their 
power to attract settlers hither. 

However, they contmued their traffic 
with the Indians and French, and for two 
years Mr. Amsden made his headquarters 
at Carrion River, now Port Clinton. In 
182 1 he established himself at Detroit, 
and during the latter part of 1822 he car- 



ried on a mercantile business at Green 
Bay for Daniel Whitney. In 1823 he re- 
turned to this locality. He brought from 
Boston a stock of goods, and, in part- 
nership with Mr. Chapman, opened the 
first store at this point in November, 1823. 
This was Bellevue's pioneer store, and the 
business was carried on in the building 
erected by Mr. Burlingson, which stood 
on ground now occupied by the town hall. 
They opened a store at the same time at 
Castalia, Mr. Chapman taking charge of 
the business at that point, and Mr. Ams- 
den of the business at this point. It was 
at this time that the village received its 
name of "Amsden's Corners.'" 

In the meantime Charles F. Drake had 
settled here, and in the year 1822 pur- 
chased of the Government the east one- 
half of the southeast quarter of section 
twenty-five of what now is York township, 
embracing the greater part of the present 
village on the Sandusky county side, and 
in 1823 Captain Zadoc Strong entered 
for Dr. James Strong the eight acres next 
west. Mr. Nathaniel Chapman was among 
the first citizens of the place. Like his 
brother, he had traded with the Indians, 
and when he arrived here for the purpose 
of making this his home, he had some 
means. 

He purchased a large tract of land, a 
part of it lying within the present limits of 
the village. He was a man of strong, 
native ability, and was always recognized 
as one of the leading men of the town. 
He possessed the ability to accumulate 
property, and died worth a good many 
thousands of dollars. He dealt largely 
in real estate, and in the purchase and sale 
of sheep, horses, and cattle. He and Mr. 
Bourdette Wood together purchased large 
tracts of land in the West. He was uni- 
versally esteemed for his sound business 
integrity, and for his liberality in the sup- 
port of benevolent enterprises. He do- 



670 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



nated the lands upon which the old Baptist 
church stands, and, in many ways, proved 
himself a staunch friend of all institutions 
whose object is the enlightenment and 
elevation of man. 

His daughter Angeline, in 1846, married 
the Rev. James M. Morrow, a promment 
minister of the Methodist Episcopal 
church. He was a chaplain in the late 
war for about two years, and was con- 
nected with the Ninety-ninth Ohio infantry. 
While in the service he came home several 
times on various benevolent errands for 
the soldiers of his regiment — the last time, 
in December, 1863. Returning January 
4, he was fatally injured in a railroad col- 
lision near Dayton, Ohio, to which place 
he was taken, and died there February 12, 
1864. His widow resides in Bellevue. 

THE GROWTH OF BELLEVUE. 

From 1825 to 1840 the growth of the 
village was slow, and it was not until about 
the time of the building of the Mad River 
railroad to this place, in 1839, that the 
advancement of the town received any 
considerable impetus. This was an event 
of no little importance to the prospects of 
the place, and in 1835, in view of the ap- 
proaching completion of the road, the 
land of the village on the Huron county 
side was purchased of Gurdon Williams 
by F. A. Chapman, T. d. Amsden, L. G. 
Harkness. and others, who lent their best 
efforts to the advancement of the place. 
The decade from 1830 to 1840 witnessed 
a number of important arrivals in Bellevue 
— men who became permanently identified 
with the town, and to whom its rajjid pros- 
perity was in no small measure due. Dr. 
L. G. Harkness, who had been a practic- 
ing physician in the western part of York 
township, came in 1833. .A.bram Leiter 
came the same year. J. B. Higbee and 
Benjamin and David Moore came in 
1835. William Byrnes came in 1835. 



H. H. Brown was at this time the hotel 
keeper, and was very active in his efforts 
to assist the growth of the place. In 1835 
the population of the village could not 
have exceeded a hundred people, while in 
1840, a year after the completion of the 
Mad River railroad, it numbered not less 
than five hundred, and at the date of its 
incorporation, 1831, about eight hundred. 

Cuyler Green came here from New York 
State at the age of twenty-two, where he 
was born March 10, 181 1. Upon his ar- 
rival he was engaged as salesman for Chap- 
man & Harkness, and afterwards superin- 
tended for Chapman & Amsden the old 
stone tavern, since called the Exchange 
hotel. He built the old stone blacksmith 
shop that for so many years stood where 
the Bellevue bank building now is. In 
later years he became the landlord of the 
Exchange hotel, and then of the Bellevue 
House, and then purchased the farm on 
the pike, two miles east of town, now 
known as the Richards farm. 

In 1852, the Toledo, Norwalk & Cleve- 
land railroad was located through Belle- 
vue, and in the following year completed, 
and the cars came vvhisthng through here 
from the four points of the compass — 
north, south, east and west. New impetus 
to the life of the village was given by this 
event, and the town rapidly increased in 
population. The country had also been 
rapidly settled, and Bellevue, situated in 
the midst of a fine wheat growing country, 
came to be an important market for the 
shipment of grain. The Higbee flouring 
mill was erected in 1850, and other manu- 
facturing enterprises were soon established. 
The Mad River road was lost to the place 
in 1855, but the detriment to business on 
this account was not serious. The town 
continued to enlarge and populate, while 
the surrounding country in every direction 
became thickly settled with an industrious 
farming population. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



671 



INCORPORATION. 

The town was incorporated by act of 
Legislature January 25, 185 1, its charter 
Hmits embracing an area of about one 
mile from east to west, by about one-half 
mile from north to south, the centre of 
the area being the central point of inter- 
section of Main street with the coun- 
ty line. In the month of February, 
185 1, the following were chosen the vil- 
lage officers: Abraham Leiter, mayor; 
S. L. Culver, recorder; Thomas G. Ams- 
den, Eliphalet FoUett, Benjamin F. Mc- 
Kim, David Armstrong and Joseph M. 
Lawrence, trustees. The corporate limits 
were enlarged in 1869, so as to be about 
one mile and a half from east to west and 
from north to south. 

DISTINCT CLASSES OF POPULATION. 

The village has a population of about 
twenty-five hundred inhabitants. This 
population embraces not less than four 
distinct classes of people, each of which is 
represented by about the same number of 
individuals. First there are those of Ameri- 
can birth, whose parents came to this 
region at an early day, from New England 
or New York State, and who were the 
real pioneers. Representative families of 
this class are the Chapmans, the Wood- 
wards, the Harknesses, the Woods (the 
Bourdette branch), the Sheffields, the 
Greenes, the Bakers, etc. Second, there 
are the Pennsylvania people; many of 
whom came, at an early day — a thrifty, 
sober, industrious class. They are repre- 
sented by the Moores, the Hilbishes, the 
Sherchs, the Leiters, the Boyers, the 
Kerns, etc. Third, came the English, 
England born, of whom may be men- 
tioned the Greenslades, the Wills, the 
Heals, the Fords, the Maynes, the Joints, 
the Radfords, etc. ; and the Germans, who 
perhaps outnumber any other one class. 
Of these may be mentioned the Egles, 
Ruffings, the Biebrichers, the Liebers, the 



Webers, the Ailers, the Setzlers, etc. The 
Yankees were the first to arrive, then the 
Pennsylvania Dutch people, then the Ger- 
mans, and lastly the English. 

CHURCHES. 
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

This church was first organized on 
September 20, 1836, by a committee from 
the Presbytery of Huron, and was started 
as a Presbyterian church on what was 
known as the accommodation plan, — that 
is, a church under the care of a Presbytery, 
but which received and dismissed its mem- 
bers, and transacted other business, not 
by a vote of the elders, but by a vote of 
the whole church. 

The number of male members at the 
organization was nine; five of these 
brought letters from the church at Lyme, 
Ohio; three from churches in the State 
of New York, and one from Norwalk. 

Among many important resolutions 
adopted on the day of the organization, 
was one declaring that the manufacture 
or sale of intoxicating liquors was an im- 
morality which, if practiced by any mem- 
ber of this church, made him liable to 
discipline the same as if guilty of any 
other immorality. 

The church continued under care of the 
Presbytery ten years, and then, so far as 
we are able to learn from the records, 
with much unanimity, decided to separate 
itself from its Presbyterial connection, 
and become a regular Congregational 
church. This action was taken March 7, 
1846. 

The first pastor called by the church 
after the reorganization was Rev. A. I). 
Barber, who was installed by a council 
October 19, 1853. Mr. Barber's salary 
was four hundred dollars, and parsonage, 
which shows that the society had a parson- 
age at that time. This pastorate con- 
tinued five years. In the following year 
after Mr. Barber's departure, the church 



672 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



called the Rev. Tames W. Cowles, and of- 
fered him a salary of seven hundred dol- 
lars. Mr. Cowles served the church about 
three years, and was succeeded on October 
30, 1863, by Rev. John Safford. 

During this pastorate the house of wor- 
ship was removed, enlarged and repaired. 
The work was completed in the fall of 
1865, and immediately afterwards the 
church invited Mr. Safford to become its 
installed pastor with an increase of three 
hundred dollars in salary. Mr. Safford 
accepted the call, but seems to have con- 
tinued m the pastoral relation only about 
a year. 

When the house of worship was origi- 
nally built, it seems that the pews were sold 
with the understanding that the buyers be- 
came permanent owners. This arrange- 
ment was a source, afterwards, of much 
inconvenience to the society. The owners 
were not all induced to give their pews 
up again to the society until some time in 
1868. 

After the departure of Pastor Safford, 
in 1867, the Rev. S. B. Sherrill was called 
and was acting pastor from December, 
1867, until some time in 1873, a period 
of nearly six years. The successor of Mr. 
Sherrill was the Rev. J. W. White, whose 
letter accepting the call of the church is 
dated February 28, 1S74. Mr. White's 
labors did not begin until some time after 
this acceptance, and closed near the end 
of 1878, continuing with the church a lit- 
tle more than four years. Within two 
months after Mr. White's resignation, the 
church called Rev. S. W. Meek, who was 
installed in the pastoral office by the coun- 
cil on February II, 1879, having begun' 
his labors with the church on the ist of 
January, previous. 

The church has been blessed at various 
times in its history by revivals. In the 
year i8i;4, during the pastorate of A. D. 
Barber, thirty-seven were received into 



membership 0/ the church. In 1859 
twenty-two were added to the church. 
Again, in 1861, the church was visited by 
a revival which resulted in the addition of 
twenty to the membership. In the year 
1865, during the labors of Mr. Safford, 
seventeen were received into membership; 
and in 1870, under Mr. Sherrill's labors, 
twenty-three cotmected themselves with 
the church. In 1873, '^he year that Mr. 
Sherrill closed his labors, forty-five names 
were added to the roll. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 

of Bellevue, was formed in the year 1839. 
The first class was composed of James 
Anderson, his wife, Betsy, and daughter, 
Melissa; Alvin Anderson, his wife, 
Harriet, and daughter, Adaline; and 
Mann and daughter. Meet- 
ings were held at this time in the 
stone school-house, standing on the site 
at present occupied by the school-build- 
ing near the Episcopal church. In about 
1835 this church erected a substantial 
brick edifice, at a cost of some five thous- 
and dollars. This building is at present 
owned by the German Lutheran society. 
After organization, however, the church 
fitted up a room in the second story of 
the warehouse, standing where the Rich- 
ards and Egle block now stands, and this 
was occupied until the building of the 
church as before stated. 

The present elegant church edifice was 
completed during the summer of 1868, 
and was dedicated by Bishop Simpson on 
August 17, of that year, and cost, includ- 
ing real estate and parsonage, some thirty 
thousand dollars. Among the largest con- 
tributors to the erection of the church 
are: Messrs. Anderson, Higbee, Wil- 
liams, Dole, Adams, and Huffman. The 
first resident minister was Rev. Oliver 
Burgess, who remained two years. Father 
Anderson gives from memory, the follow- 
ing names of ministers who have preached 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



673 



to this church in Bellevue: Wilson, 
Camp, Pierce, Hill, Cooper, Fast, Start, 
Fant, Pounds, Breakfield, Thompson, 
Worden, Spafford, Morrow, and Cables. 

In 1852, when the minister's "historical 
record" begins, the church reported a 
membership of two hundred and twelve, 
and three hundred scholars in attendance 
at Sabbath-school, Rev. Samuel Beatty, 
pastor. September 18, 1852, it was for- 
mally organized as a station, with the follow- 
ing board of stewards: H. R. Adams, Al- 
vin Anderson, Jesse Haskell, W. W. Stil- 
son, J. B. Higbee, Orrin Dole, and Barney 
Campbell. Its leaders were Jesse Haskell, 

B. Campbell, O. Dole, David AVilliams, 
and W. Curtiss. Superintendent of Sab- 
bath-school, W. W. Stilson. 1853— Wil- 
liam M. Spafford, pastor. He was suc- 
ceeded in 1854 by Rev. Wesley J. Wells. 
The following are the pastors from that 
time to the present (1881): 1855 — John 
Mudge; 1857 — William Richards; 1859 
— Asbury B. Castle; 1861 — Daniel Strat- 
ton; 1862 — Simon P. Jacobs; 1863— E.Y. 
Warner; 1865 — Garretson A. Hughes; 
1868— E. Y. Warner; 1871—Elvero Per- 
sons. Hewassucceededby Rev. Searls. T. 

C. Warner succeeded him, remained three 
years, and was succeeded by Rev. G. W. 
Pepper, who was appointed at the Wel- 
lington conference, in 1879. The pros- 
perity of the church seems to have de- 
clined under Mr. Pepper's charge, and 
during the latter part of his pastorate the 
pulpit was filled by a stated supply, Mr. 
Pepper making a trip to Europe. In Sep- 
tember last the conference appointed Rev. 
O. Badgely pastor, who is now officiating. 

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Before there was any parish organiza- 
tion in Bellevue, the Rev. Ephraim Pun- 
derson officiated from the year 1842 to 
that of 1847; but not until April, 185 1, 
was the parish duly organized by Rev. Dr. 
Bronson. Messrs. T, G. Amsden and 

8s 



John Grimes were chosen wardens; Messrs. 
F. A. Chapman, G. Woodward, and G. W. 
Sheffield, vestrymen; and, on September 
10, 185 1, this parish was received into 
connection with the Protestant Episcopal 
church. 

In the spring of 1852 Rev. R. K. Nash 
was chosen rector, and the church build- 
ing was begun and enclosed. Mr. Nash 
having resigned in 1854, the building re- 
mained unfinished. In the spring of 1857 
an effort was made to open the church, 
and a rector was called. Rev. M. Hamil- 
ton took charge of the church on the first 
Sunday in July, 1857. 

Improvements were made in the old 
church building, and the old debt paid off, 
and the church was consecrated by Bishop 
Bedell, in January, 1861. 

The lot and buildings cost about three 
thousand five hundred dollars. In July, 
1869, the parish became self-supporting, 
and the following year repairs and im- 
provements were made, at a cost of one 
thousand four hundred dollars. 

The first Sunday-school was organized 
by the Rev. M. Hamilton in 1857. In 
1 88 1 George A. Holbrook succeeded to 
the rectorate of the parish. 

ST. Paul's reformed church. 

The members of St. Paul's Reformed 
church originally worshiped at the Free 
Chapel, a few miles west of Bellevue. 
Some, a goodly number, were also mem- 
bers of the Zion's church, in Thompson 
township, Seneca county. In February, 
1862, Rev. Eli Keller commenced to 
preach in Bellevue. Services were held 
in the old school building, owned by Mr. 
George Weikert, afterwards in the old 
Methodist Episcopal church, then again 
in the old school-house. At this time, a 
weekly prayer-meeting was well sustained, 
and a Sunday-school organized. August 
16, 1862, at a meeting held at the chapel, 
it was resolved that a church should be 



674 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



built in, or near, Bellevue, and measures 
taken to select a site and procure building 
funds. The corner-stone of the church 
was laid on the 19th of June, 1864. On 
the 19th of June, 1865, the church was 
dedicated; sermons by Rev. M. Kieffer, 
D. D., and Rev. H. Rust, D. D. The 
ceremonies of laying the corner-stone were 
performed by Rev. E. Keller, the pastor. 

Some time in the fall of 1865, the St. 
Paul's Reformed congregation was organ- 
ized by the election of a consistory of 
elders and deacons. Since 1865 the fol- 
lowing persons served respectively as eld- 
ers, deacons, and trustees, viz: Jacob 
Bunn, Levi Korner, D. S. Arnold, John 
Hilbish, H. Kimmel, Isaac Kern, elders, 
John Bunn, David Hoch, Moses Miller, 
Joseph Zieber, John Bowman, Aaron 
Walters, William Knauss, John Deck, 
Benjamin Bunn, W. C. Smith, William 
Aigler, and J. Ferdinand Smith, deacons; 
David Hoch, Harrison Wilt, Elias Schmidt, 
Henry Stetler, John Deck, Aaron Walters, 
Jacob Aigler, and Frederick Smith, trus- 
tees. The Sunday-school was organized 
in the old Weiker school-house ; super- 
intendent, a Mr. x^lbert. Since 1865 Mr. 
John Hilbish has been the superintendent, 
with the exception of one year, when Rev. 
J. H. Derr officiated as head of the 
school. 

In the year 1872, July i. Rev. Eh Kel- 
ler resigned the pastorate, having served 
the people for a period of eleven years. 
He was succeeded by Rev. Joshua H. 
Derr, on the ist of December, 1872. His 
pastorate continued for four and a half 
years, closing his services June 3, 1877. 
During this pastorate the congregation 
suffered serious damage to their church 
edifice by a severe storm, which took off 
about one-third of the roof and also broke 
down the gable end to the square. This 
much injured the ceiling and the interior 
in general. A cost of about one thousand 



dollars restored and much improved the 
now beautiful and commodious church. 

The congregation owns the cemetery 
adjoining the church, and a large and 
comfortable parsonage. The present pas- 
tor, Rev. N. H. Loose, took charge of the 
congregation August i, 1877. The inter- 
ests of the church are prosperous and en- 
couraging. 

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church 
was organized January 7, 1866, under the 
laws of the State of Ohio. The directors 
were i\dam Zehner, Christian Engel, and 
Philip Biebricher. The trustees were 
Jacob Beiler, Charles Beiler, and John 
Weis. Rev. Jacob Dornberer was instru- 
mental in its organization, and remained 
its pastor three years, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. C. Buechler, who has re- 
mained as pastor twelve years. At its or- 
ganization there were thiity-nine members. 
Ttie present membership is about forty- 
five. They also have a prosperous Sun- 
day-school of some seventy members, 
under the superintendence of David Mey- 
ers. Soon after the organization of the 
chuich, the present building was pur- 
chased from the Methodist society for two 
thousand dollars. Since that time some 
six or seven hundred dollars have been 
expended in refitting and repairing it. 

SALEM EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 

This church was organized in Bellevue 
under the ministration of Rev. L. W. 
Hankey, in the summer of 1875. The 
congregation purchased the building for- 
merly occupied by the Baptists, for three 
thousand dollars. They then expended 
six or eight hundred dollars in repairing 
and refitting it. At first, and until the 
spring of 1879, the church was a mission. 
At that time it was cut loose from mis- 
sionary aid, and is now self-supporting. 
The present membership is about seventy- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



675 



five. Thirty-one accessions were made dur- 
ing the year 1878. The church has had five 
pastors: Revs. L. W. Hankey; S. B. 
Spreng, who remained eight months ; G. 
W. Meisee, who remained one year; Rev. 
D. C. Eckerman, was in charge a httle 
more than two years, and W. F. McMil- 
len, who is the present pastor. There is 
connected with the church a Sunday-school 
of seventy-three members, of which the 
pastor is superintendent. Regular services 
of the church are held twice each Sunday. 
The church government is very similar to 
that of the Methodist Episcopal, but there 
are some differences on minor points. 

CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 
ROMAN CATHOLIC. 

About 1852 Rev. James Vincent Conlin, 
stationed at Sandusky, established a mis- 
sion at Bellevue, and held services some 
three or four years, when Rev. Punshel!, 
of Norwalk, came, and then for a short 
time Father Boff otificiated. Father Tighe, 
of Sandusky, came, and bought from J. 
B. Higbee the building they now occupy 
as a church, and perfected an organiza- 
tion. The first resident priest was Rev. 
James Monaghan, who remained some 
seven or eight years. While in charge he 
bought a house of Rev. Mr. Flagler for 
the use of the priest. Father Mahony 
came next, and remained some five years. 
He purchased ground for burial purposes, 
and built a school-house. Father Mears 
next came; he bought a house and lot on 
the corner of Centre and Broad streets, 
with the mtention of building a church. 
He remained about three years, and was 
succeeded by Father Bowles, who also re- 
mained three years. The church was 
then attended by Father Rudolph, of 
Clyde, for about three months, when 
Father MoUoy came, and officiated for 
three years. Father Cahill succeeded and 
officiated three years, to the entire satis- 
faction of the parish. The congregation 



comprises about one hundred and ten 
families. The church still owns the lot 
bought by Eather Mears, and at one time 
it owned the lot on which stands the pres- 
ent union school building. 

BELLEVUE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.* 

It is greatly to be regretted that the 
records of the early history of the Bellevue 
schools have been lost. The data for the 
following article have been furnished by 
some of the older citizens, and are as cor- 
rect as can be ascertained outside of the 
school records. The first building that 
was used for school purposes was a little 
log-house that stood on the Herl property, 
just west of Mr. John Baker's residence. 
Here a school was opened in the fall of 
1827, by a gentleman named Harris, from 
Milan. In the following year (1828), 
Miss Clemence A. Follett (now Mrs. Fred- 
erick Chapman) taught school in the same 
building. In those days the village was 
known as Amsden's Corners, and consist- 
ed of the Exchange hotel, a frame build- 
ing just east of it, a double log-house, 
where Mr. Greenslade's store stands, the 
houses now occupied by Dr. Harris and 
Mr. John Reis, and a few scattering log- 
huts. The scholars came to Miss Follett's 
school from the country for miles around, 
walking to school along the trails of the 
woods, and bringing their dinners with 
them. In this school the girls spent half 
an hour each day in learning to sew. It 
was a pleasant little school, and Mrs. 
Chapman still recalls with delight the days 
she passed as teacher in the log school- 
house. In the following year, 1829, Miss 
Julia Follett taught in the same log school- 
house. 

The next school of which we can find 
any record was taught in the old stone 
school-house that stood on West Main 
street, where the brick school-house now 

*ByJ. M. Greenslade, superintendent. 



676 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



stands. The land was donated by Chap- 
man & Amsden, and the building was 
probably built by the Chapmans — Nathan- 
iel and Frederick — Dr. L. G. Harkness 
and Mr. Thomas G. Amsden, as we find 
these names are closely associated with 
the early educational interests of the town 
as well as with its business and social in- 
terests. The stone school-house was built 
about 1832. In the fall of 1835 Mr. J. 
B. Higbee commenced to teach in this 
building, and taught two years. Mr. Hig- 
bee seems to have been a successful 
teacher; at least he was not carried out 
by the boys, which misfortune did happen 
to the gentleman who preceded him. We 
are unable to learn who succeeded Mr. 
Higbee, but the building still continued 
to be used for school purposes until the 
old brick school-house was built, after 
which the stone school-house was unoc- 
cupied for several years. For some years 
before the old brick was built, the increas- 
ing number of pupils compelled the direc- 
tors to rent rooms in different parts of the 
town to be used for school-rooms. 

At one time a school was taught in a 
frame building that was built for a ware- 
house by James Bell. It was afterwards 
moved, and the upper rooms used for 
school-rooms during the week-days, and 
by the Methodist society for services on 
Sunday. About the same time Miss 
Town, now Mrs. Kent, of Toledo, taught 
a very successful private school for girls, 
on Monroe street, in the house now oc- 
cupied by Mr. James Purcell. 

In 1845 l^he number of scholars had in- 
creased to such an extent that the school 
directors saw the necessity of providing 
better accommodations than those afford- 
ed by the stone school-house and rented 
rooms, so they purchased of Chapman, 
Amsden, and Harkness the lot on which, 
the same year, they built the old brick 
school-house. The contract for erectinsr 



the building was let to Mr. A. Leiter. Tt 
was at first intended to build only a one- 
story building, but while in process of 
erection Mr. J. M. Lawrence offered to 
raise it to a two-story building, provided 
the upper rooms could be used for the 
Baptist society. His proposition was ac- 
cepted, the directors, at the same time, 
reserving the privilege of buying the up- 
per part when the growth of the school re- 
quired it. The building was used as a 
district school until 185 1, when the present 
system of union schools was organized in 
accordance with the law of 1849. 

The first superintendent of the union 
schools was Rev. Mr. Waldo, an eccentric 
old gentlemen. He wore a wig which, of 
course, furnished endless sport to his pu- 
pils. He was also in the habit of lectur- 
ing his scholars every morning before be- 
ginning the day's work. 

During Waldo's administration, in the 
year 1851-52, Miss Gardner was assistant 
superintendent, and the two lower grades 
were taught by two sisters, Mrs. Covil and 
Miss Wilkinson. Mr. Waldo was suc- 
ceeded in the fall of 1852, by Mr. Har- 
vey Holton, who is well and favorably 
remembered by many of our citizens. Mr. 
Holton was superintendent several years 
and was a successful teacher. His assist- 
ant in the high school was Miss Celestia 
Gould, now Mrs. Spencer Boise. Mr. 
Holton was succeeded by Mr. Jerome 
Drury who taught two years, from the fall 
of 1855 to the spring of 1857. He 
was succeeded by Mr. Edward Brad- 
ley, who was superintendent for one 
year in 1857-58. In the fall of 1858, 
the Hubbard brothers came to Bellevue, 
and secured positions in our schools, 
D wight Hubbard as superintendent, and 
E. B. Hubbard as teacher in the stone 
school house. Mr. Dwight Hubbard held 
his position one year and one term from 
the fall of 1858, to December, 1859. His 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



677 



place was supplied during the remainder 
of the school year by Mr. Henry Bram- 
well for the second term, and Dr. Cornell 
for the third term. The last superintend- 
ent in the old brick school-house was Mr. 
Ellis, who held the position from the fall 
of i860 to the spring of 1862. After the 
high school building was built, the old 
brick school-house was sold, and has since 
been used as a tenement-house. 

In 181^0 the "old stone" school-house, 
which had been unoccupied for several 
years, was refitted, and continued to be used 
for school purposes until replaced by the 
present brick building. During these 
years several teachers were employed; 
among others was Mrs. Eliza Cook, who 
taught in the stone school-house two years, 
in 1856 and 1857, until her marriage with 
Mr. David Williams in the fall of 1857. 

In the same building, Mr. E. B. Hub- 
bard, who is now a prominent druggist of 
Tiffin, taught three years, from the fall of 
1858 to the spring of 1861. Mr. Hub- 
bard is remembered as a very successful 
teacher, and still keeps up his interest in 
educational matters, being at present pres- 
ident of the board of education of Tiffin, 
Ohio. 

The German school was first started as 
a private enterprise in i860, and was held 
in the house now used as a residence by 
Mr. John Warren. The first German 
teacher that taught here was Mr. Ludwick, 
who is considered as the best German 
teacher that we have ever had. The Ger- 
man school was partially united with the 
union schools in i860, but received for a 
year or two only fifty dollars from the pub- 
lic funds. Mr. Ludwick was followed by 
Mr. Cobelli, who taught the German 
school after it was moved to the "old 
stone" school-house. Mr. Menges suc- 
ceeded Mr. Cobelli, and taught for several 
years, and was a successful teacher. Mr. 
Menges was followed by Mr. Rabe, and 



Mr. Rabe by Mr. Beck, who resigned in 
October, 1875. Mrs. Beck was employed 
as assistant in the German department at 
the same time. Her place is filled by 
Miss Bessie Radford, who has had charge 
of the English branches in the German 
department since October, 1875. 

Mr. Jacob Frenz succeeded Mr. Beck 
in November, 1875, and retained his po- 
sition nearly three years. His successor, 
Mr. Henry Ebertshauser, is the present 
principal of the German department. The 
German schools occupy the two lower 
rooms of the school building on West 
Main street. The classes recite alternate- 
ly in English and German branches during 
the day. 

The high school building was erected in 
1 86 1, although it was not ready for use 
until the fall of 1862. The contract was 
so poorly filled that the contractor was 
obliged to put on the second roof within a 
year, and before the board of education 
would accept the building. Mr. Edward 
Bradley was the superintendent at the 
opening of the high school building in the 
fall of 1862. Mrs. Bradley taught at the 
same time in a lower grade, and also dur- 
ing the following year. Mr. Bradley was 
superintendent one year in the high school 
building. After him came Mr. Highland, 
from September, 1863, to June, 1864; Mr. 
J. B. Loveland, from September, 1864, to 
June, 1867; Mr. Avery, from September, 
1867, to June, 1868; Mr. Loveland, from 
September, 1868, to June, 1869; Mr. L. 
C. Laylin, from September, 1869, to June, 
1875; Mr. E. E. Phillips, from September, 
1875, to June, 1877; Mr. J. M. Green- 
slade, from September, 1877, to the pres- 
ent time. The Bellevue schools now oc- 
cupy two buildings — the high school build- 
ing and the brick school building on West 
Main street, which was built in 187 1, and 
enlarged in 1875. These buildings are 
not large enough to accommodate the 



678 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



number of pupils, so that the board 
of education will enlarge the high 
school building, which will even then af- 
ford only temporary relief. The schools 
which started with four departments in 
1852, now have nine, and most of these 
having two grades. 

For several years previous to 1877 the 
course of study which had been prepared 
for the schools had been disregarded alto- 
gether, as not being suited to the wants of 
the schools. The result was that the 
teachers and scholars worked at a disad- 
vantage; and their efforts were ill-directed, 
or entirely wasted. The evil effects of 
this lack of system was especially noticea- 
ble in the high school, where the scholars 
pursued such studies as were agreeable, 
without any regard to previous training, or 
the relation of the different studies to each 
other. The board of education, recogniz- 
ing the value and necessity of systematic 
work in our schools, at a meeting held on 
the 29th of July, 1877, adopted the pres- 
ent course of study, and rules and regula- 
tions of [he Bellevue public schools, and 
ordered them to be published. The 
schools are at present in excellent condi- 
tion. In the lower grades the aim is to 
give thorough instruction in the common 
branches. In the high school all of the 
studies are pursued that are commonly 
found in a good high school course. Es- 
pecial attention is paid to the languages 
and the natural sciences. Through the 
liberality of the board of education, the 
superintendent has been able to accumu- 
late considerable apparatus and supplies 
for the illustration of the natural sciences. 

PHYSICIANS. 

Among the oldest practitioners of med- 
icine in the townshij) were Doctors 
Stevens, Otis, Boise, and Charles Smith, 
of Lyme. Contemporary with them, and 
earlier, were Doctors Kittredge, Sanders, 



and Tilden, who visited the township oc- 
casionally. 

Dr. L. G. Harkness was the first physi 
cian prominently identified with the histo- 
ry of Bellevue. He was born in Salem, 
Washington county. New York, April i, 
1 80 1, educated for his profession in the 
State of his nativity, and came West in 
1823. He located upon the ridge, in 
Lyme township, and became associated, 
professionally, with Dr. Stevens. He re- 
moved, afterward, to the village of Belle- 
vue, and not long after abandoned his 
practice. He continued to reside here. 

In 1835 ^^- Daniel A. Lathrop came to 
Bellevue from his birthplace, Montrose, 
Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania, and 
almost immediately became a very suc- 
cessful practitioner, taking up Dr. Hark- 
ness' ride, and having all of the business 
which that physician formerly attended to 
upon his hands. He not only took Dr. 
Harkness' place, but filled it, and enjoyed 
as extensive a practice, perhaps, as any 
physician who ever located in the village. 
It extended over a long term of years, too, 
and really did not terminate until a short 
time before the doctor's departure from 
town, in 1861, though he was not actively 
engaged in the pursuit of his profession 
for two or three years previous to this 
date. The doctor returned to Montrose, 
Pennsylvania, where he is now located. 
He is a graduate of a Philadelphia college. 

The physicians who followed him were 
numerous. We shall only speak of those 
most prominently identified with the 
history of the town. Dr. Ciray came in 
and remained a short time. Dr. W. W. 
Stilson was in practice for a number of 
years, and removed to Clyde, where he is 
at present in practice. Dr. Amos Wood- 
ward, a native of Lyme, began practice in 
1846, and after six or seven years retired, 
though he continued to reside in the vil- 
lage, and has long been one of its leading 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



679 



citizens. Dr. Charles Richards, now of. 
Binghamton, New York, came in soon 
after Dr. Woodward began practice, and 
read medicine with Dr. Lathrop, after- 
wards entering into practice. 

Dr. John W. Goodson, now in Sterling, 
Rice county, Kansas, began the study of 
medicine in Bellevue about 1840, and 
completed his professional education at 
Buffalo, there receiving his diploma. He 
immediately returned to Bellevue and en- 
tered into practice. He had a lucrative 
practice and accumulated a fine property. 
He was for a time assistant surgeon of the 
Seventy-second regiment Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, and was with Grant's army before 
Vicksburg. The doctor was a native of 
England, and was born on the 4th of July, 
181 7. He came to this country when a 
lad thirteen years of age. 

Dr. Ralph A. Severance begaji practice 
in Bellevue in 1854. He was a native of 
Greenfield, Massachusetts, and read med- 
icine there with Dr. Brigham, who was 
afterwards in charge of one of the great 
asylums for the insane. He attended 
lectures in New York city, and graduated 
from Bowdoin college, Bowdoin, Maine, 
with the class of 1831. He first went in- 
to practice at Rockingham, Vermont, and 
remained there twenty-three years, coming 
directly from that place to Bellevue in 
1854. 

Dr. J. J. Hartz, who came to Bellevue 
in 1852, was one of the most eminent 
men of the profession who have 
practiced in this part of the State. 
He was born in Versailles, France, in 
1798, and received his medical educa- 
tion at the University of Heidelberg. Af- 
ter coming to this country he travelled 
through the South, was for a short time a 
resident of Charleston, and a transient 
resident of Texas. For a number of years 
before coming to this village he was lo- 
cated in Portage county, and at Upper 



Sandusky, in both of which neighborhoods 
he had a very extensive practice. He ren- 
dered efficient service at Sandusky dur- 
ing the prevalence of the cholera 
there, going upon the request of 
some of the local physicians. Dur- 
ing the whole of his long service in 
the profession in Bellevue, he was regarded 
by all as a man of marked ability in his 
profession, and as a gentleman of rare 
worth in all of the affairs of life. He was 
a man of liberal culture outside of medi- 
cine, and was a remarkable linguist, 
speaking with- fluency seven languages. 
He was ever the courteous, polished, digni- 
fied gentleman, and won the admiration 
and esteem of all. He died, in 1865, of 
consumption, such of his patients as were 
able coming to see him, whom he treated 
even up to the hour when he breathed his 
last — such was their confidence in his skill. 
He was a surgeon as well as a physician. 

Dr. H. L. Harris, born June 30, 18 19, 
in Oxfordshire, England, is a graduate of 
the Starling Medical College of Columbus, 
and received his diploma in 1858. Next 
to Dr. Severance he is the oldest practi- 
tioner in the place. He was in practice 
in South Bend, and in 1849 removed to 
Flat Rock, where he remained until 1859 
when he came to Bellevue. 

Quite a number of physicians have 
practiced in Bellevue for a short term of 
years and then removed to other points. 
Among the present physicians who have 
been in practice in Bellevue for some 
time are Dr. Severance, Dr. Harris, Dr. 
Robinson, Dr. Sandmeister, and Dr. Lan- 
terman. 

BELLEVUE CEMETERY. 

This cemetery was begun about the 
time of the first laying out of the village 
of Bellevue, in 1835, on land given for 
the purpose by Messrs. Chapman, Hark- 
ness and Amsden, who were the first pro- 
prietors of the land on which the town is 



68o 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



now situated. The first burial in this 
ground was that of Rebecca Christopher, 
who died March 20, 1836. At the time 
of giving the land for this purpose, the 
owners fenced it. 

In 1855 the village authoriiics pur- 
chased something more than five acres of 
land and made an addition to the ceme- 
tery, which now contains over seven acres. 
The old part was laid out in good form as 
far as practicable, with walks and paths 
between the lots, but no uniformity had 
been observed m first laying it out, and it 
was not possible to arrange it according to 
the best order, still it was much im])rovcd. 
Tlie addition was laid out in good sliape, 
and lots staked off, which have been dis- 
posed of from time to time. When the 
last purchase was made a board of trustees 
was elected, consisting of W. H. King, 
mayor of the village at the time, Barney 
York, Kowell Chandler, and I). Moore, 
for terms of one, two, and three years. 
One trustee is now elected yearly. Most 
of the religious denominations of the town 
bury their dead in this cemetery, as it is 
situated in a belter location than any 
other ground in the vicinity. I). Moore 
is superintendent of the cemetery, and has 
acted in that capacity most of the time 
since its organization. 

FIKK DI'.l'AKTMKNT. 

In June, 1870, the village council of 
Bellevue purchased a second-hand hand 
fire engine, a hose cart and several hun- 
dred feet of hose from the authorities of 
Tiffin, for the sum of about three hundred 
dollars. A fire company was organized 
with Dr. J. W. Goodson, foreman; Charles 
Nicolai, first assistant; B. Benn, second 
assistant, and J. H. Webber, secretary. In 
1874 the council ajipoinled as chief of the 
fire department A. B. Smith, who served 
in that capacity one year. In 1875 ^^'i'' 
liam R. West succeeded him, he also re- 
maining one year. Charles Nicolai was 



.appointed in 1876 and served until 1879, 
when C. C. Cook was appointed. J. L. 
Painter is present chief A first-class 
Silsby rotary steam fire engine was pur- 
chased in 1875, with a hose cart and one 
thousand feet of hose, at a cost of about 
four thousand seven hundred dollars. In 
May, 1879, the comi)anies were reorgan- 
ized and formed into one company, under 
one set of officers, but one division was 
assigned to the engine, another to the 
hose, and another to the hook and ladder. 
The officers elected were John Eichhorn, 
foreman; John Toomy, first assistant; 
William Estnaur, second assistant; John 
L. Painter, secretary ; William Mayne, 
engineer and treasurer. The "hooks'' 
were first organized in 1877, more as a 
sporting company, though active at fires. 

C. C. Cook was captain ; John M. En- 
right, foreman; Seth H. Cook, assistant 
foreman ; J. C. Morrell, secretary, and 
Gliomas Rudd, treasurer. 

SOCIKTIES. 

The charter of Bellevue Lodge, No. 
123, I. O. O. F., was granted July 21, 
1848. The following are names of the 
cliarter members: ^^'iIliam W. Stilson, A. 
Leiter, M. H. Seymour, R. C. McElhany 
and P. G. Sharp. The lodge was insti- 
tuted November 9, of the same year, by 
Grand Master McElwin, when the follow- 
ing ofificers were elected: A. Leiter, N. 
G. ; William S\'. Stilson, V. G. ; W. H. 
Seymour, R. S. ; R. C. McElhany, P. S. ; 
P. G. Sharp, treasurer. The N. G. ap- 
pointed C. Cone, Con.; T. Baker, warden; 
F. H. Cone, I. G. ; J. Hoover, O. G. ; J. 
L. Hunt, R. S. to N. G. ; S. G. Culver, L. 
S. to N. G. ; H. G. Harris, R. S. S. ; C. 

D. D wight, L. S. S. ; B. F. Taylor, R. S. 
to V. G.; C. L. Cook, L S. to V. G. 
Meetings are held Monday evenings of 
each week, 

A charter was issued by the Grand Lodge 
at its session in Mansfield, Ohio, October 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



68i 



26, 1855, for Bellevue Lodge, No. 273, Free 
and Accepted Masons. The charter mem- 
bers were : W. B. Disbro, L. W. Frary, L. S. 
Chandler, M. Peters, D. A. Laihrop, James 
Cady, VV. B. Dimick and C. B. Gambles. 
The first ofificers were: W. B. Disbro, VV. 
M. ; L. W. Frary, S. W. ; L. S. Chandler, 
J. VV. 

A charter was issued for Bellevue 
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, No. 113, 
at Dayton, Ohio, on the 17th of Oc- 
tober, 1868. The charter members were: 
D. M. Harkness, J. K. Richards, M. 
A. Severance, W. VV. Beymer, VV. E. 
Greene, M. A. Barnes, H. Peck and John 
Cowles. The following ofificers were ap- 
pointed: R. A. Severance, high priest; 
H. Peck, king; W. E. Greene, scribe. 

Bellevue Lodge No. 957, Knights of 
Honor, was organized March 8, 1878, with 
the following charter members: H. N. 
Richards, R. A. Boyer, F. L. Goodson, 
R. Greenslade, W. H. Kern, G. S. Lanter- 
man, H. F. Baker, G. A. Beckwith, H. B. 
Acker, E. H. Smith, T. H. Wood, J. W. 
Close, William Mayne, Joseph Sherck, E. 
W. Dorsey, T. C. Wood, C. D. Smith, W. 
H. Diraick, Joseph Bannister, Thomas 
Thorneloe, C. H. Welch. The first offi- 
cers were: H. F. Baker, P. D. ; E. H. 
Smith, D. ; H. N. Richards, V. D. ; George 
A, Beckwith, A. D. ; R. Greenslade, chap- 
lain; R. A. Boyer, guard; F. L. Good- 
son, R.; W. H. Kern, F. R. ; Joseph 
Sherck, treasurer; W. H. Dimick, guar- 
dian ; William Mayne, sentinel. The lodge 
was instituted by H. R. Shomo, grand 
dictator of Ohio. Meetings are held 
Wednesday evening of each week in Odd 
Fellows' Hall. 

BANKING. 

Chapman, Harkness & Company for 
some years prior to 1852, Harkness & 
Company from 1852 to 1868, and H. M. 
Sinclair from 1868 to 1873, carried on a 
business comprising some of the features 



of banking; but it was not until 1871 that 
a house was established with the clearly 
defined object of doing a strictly banking 
business. On the 22d of May, of 1871, 
was organized the banking firm of Wood, 
Woodward & Company, Bourdette Wood, 
Abishai Woodward and E. J. Sheffield be- 
ing the partners. The firm opened their 
bank in the room now occupied by the 
First National Bank, but in 1875 P^"^' 
chased of Mr. Woodward the site of the 
present building, and erected the fine 
brick block wherein the bank is now 
located. In September, 1876, the bank 
was incorporated by act of the State Leg- 
islature, and commenced business October 
2, 1876, as a stock company. The capi- 
tal stock with which the bank organized 
was one hundred thousand dollars, Messrs. 
Wood, Woodward and Sheffield becoming 
the largest stockholders. The company 
included many of the leading business 
men in the place, and several of the ablest 
farmers in the vicinity. A board of direc- 
tors was chosen September 23, 1876, con- 
sisting of Bourdette Wood, Abishai Wood- 
ward, E. J. Sheffield, Andrew Smith, A. 
C. Beckwith, and the following year two 
more directors were added, viz.: D. M. 
Harkness and J. B. Higbee. Bourdette 
Wood was chosen president; Abishai Wood- 
ward, vice-president; and E. J. Sheffield, 
cashier; and these gentlemen are the pres- 
ent officers, with Thomas Woodward, jr., 
as teller. The stockholders of this bank 
in number represent not less than one 
million three hundred thousand dollars, 
two of the directors, Mr. Wood and Mr. 
Harkness representing, together, three- 
fourths ot a million. 

The First National Bank was organized 
September 30, 1875, the capital stock be- 
ing fifty thousand dollars. The directors 
are: J. T. Worthington, Dr. Amos Wood- 
ward, J. B. Higbee, William McKira, 
Joseph Egle, and J. K. Richards. J. T. 



682 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Worthington is president, and E. H. 
Brown casliier. 

FLOURING MILLS. 

The manufacture of flour has been an 
industry of considerable importance to 
Bellevue for many years. There are two 
large mills owned by Higbee & Com- 
pany. The old mill was first built in 1849 
by J. B. Higbee and a Mr. Lawrence. In 
1859 the mill was burned, Mr. Higbee 
then owning the property alone. The loss 
involved him to a considerable extent, but 
he succeeded in effecting a compromise 
with his creditors and soon rebuilt the 
mill and resumed business. Since then 
the mill has been enlarged and improved, 
and Mr. Higbee associated with him in the 
business his son, J. A. Higbee. 

In 1873 ^^ 1874 the Higbees purchased 
the mill of H. M. Sinclair & Company 
and received Mr. T. L. Branan as a part- 
ner. 

DISTILLERIES. 

Soon after the settlement of the county 
a small distillery was started near Bellevue. 
The grain used was ground at Clear Creek, 
and the still was run by hand. This was 
previous to 1836. 

In October, 1849, Chapman, Harkness 
& Company built the first large distillery, 
with a capacity of sixty bushels of grain 
per day. This was run until 1852, when 
it was sold to D. M. Harkness, who formed 
a partnership with L. G. Harkness and 
H. M. Flagler. It was then increased to 
a capacity of six hundred bushels of grain 
daily, and was run under this management 
until 1864, when it was purchased by H. 
M. Sinclair. Since that time it has not 
been run continuously, and is now aban- 
doned as a distillery. 

In 1853 Chapman, Woodward & Com- 
pany built another distillery, with a ca- 
pacity for six hundred bushels dail)'. This 
distillery has been run most of the time 
since built, and is still in operation. 



The original cost of these distilleries 
was not far from thirty thousand dollars 
each. 

THE farmer's elevator. 

Early in 1875 the farmers living in the 
vicinity of Bellevue formed a joint stock 
company for the purpose of erecting an 
elevator that should be under their own 
control, and from which they could ship 
their grain if they thought best, or could 
sell on the street if prices offered suited 
them. The charter members of this com- 
pany consisted of seventeen persons, and 
stock was subscribed to the amount of 
five thousand dollars. 

A building about twenty-four by sixty 
feet was erected, and completed Septem- 
ber II, 1875. ^^ engine house was also 
built, and an engine provided for hoisting 
grain and running a cleaner and a mill for 
grinding feed. The cost was about nine 
thousand dollars, a part of it being paid 
from the earnings of the elevator after its 
completion. The building and attach- 
ments were put in charge of John Decker, 
who, the first season, received and shipped 
some four hundred thousand l)ushels of 
grain. 

On the night of April 10, 1878, the ele- 
vator was burned. A new one was im- 
mediately commenced, and was in running 
order about August i, 1878, but the feed- 
mill and cleaner were not replaced. Mr. 
Decker continued as manager until No- 
vember, 1878, when Messrs. Wood & 
. Close took charge. The ist of January, 
1879, they leased the elevator, the stock- 
holders reserving the right to use it for 
their own grain, on paying the lessees one 
cent per bushel for elevating and storing. 

The stock company is managed by a 
board of directors, consisting of nine per- 
sons, three of whom form an executive 
committee. It is believed by the mem- 
bers of the company that since the erection 
of the elevator, prices for grain have ruled 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY] 



683 



firmer, and thus the patrons have received 
benefit from the investment. 

There are two elevators in the building, 
both run by horse power, two horses being 
used. This is found much more eco- 
nomical than an engine, and answers the 
purpose equally well. 

WATER WORKS. 

The village of Bellevue is situated in a 
comparatively level country, with no hills 
and no elevated land from which to obtain 
water by means of springs or natural res- 
ervoirs. Underlying it is a limestone for- 
mation, full of cracks and seams, by means 
of which the surface water is effectually 
drained off, thus forming a fine system of 
drainage for farms, but giving the town 
the reputation of a dry place. On the 
purchase of a hand fire engine, in 1869, 
cisterns were built in various parts of the 
town, but the supply of water was not 
thought adequate. About that time the 
subject of some system of water works 
was agitated, and the village authorities 
caused an experimental well to be bored, 
but the drill became stuck and it was 
given up. 

In 1872 the village council submitted 
the question of a reservoir, to be fed by a 
large ditch on the eastern border of the 
corporation, to the people for a vote, 
which resulted almost unanimously in its 
favor, only two votes being recorded 
against the question. An ordinance was 
then passed authorizing the construction 
of water works, and providing for the issue 
of bonds for the village, not to exceed the 
amount of forty thousand dollars, the 
same to expire in 1880. A special election 
was held July 5, 1875, fo"" '^he election of 
three trustees, for one, two, and three 
years. J. W. Goodson, A. B. Smith, and 
B. Moore were elected, and immediately 
proceeded to work out the plan. A lot of 
five acres was purchased from McKim 
and Bates, with the right of way to the 



ditch before mentioned. Two more acres 
were subsequently added to the first pur- 
chase, making the present area seven acres. 
In digging out the reservoir, the dirt was 
piled up around the sides, making a 
substantial embankment. The gravel in 
the side of the ridge was struck in some 
places, and when the reservoir is full the 
water filters through the gravel into the 
ridge for a great distance, forming an 
almost inexhaustible supply, for one sea- 
son at least. 

In 1875 water conductors were laid 
through Main street, but it was found that 
there was not sufficient pressure to furnish 
all the water that was needed. In 1877 
a tank house of biick was built, thirty-two 
feet high, and surmounted by a boiler iron 
tank, twenty-five feet high and eighteen 
feet in diameter, capable of holding fifty 
thousand barrels of water. A Knowles 
engine and pump were purchased for the 
purpose of forcing the water into the tank. 

POWER HOUSE. 

In 1871 some of the capitalists of 
Bellevue conceived the idea of erecting a 
large building, putting in an engine and 
suitable machinery, and renting to any 
persons or companies, who required power 
for manufacturing purposes, such part of 
the building as they might need for carry- 
ing forward the business in which they 
were engaged. A subscription paper was 
started and the names of eighty-seven 
persons were obtained. It was the inten- 
tion to start with a capital stock of fifty 
thousand dollars, though it was found that 
this amount would not be required, and 
but thirty thousand dollars were called in. 
Some few of the signers of the subscrip- 
tion did not finally take shares, though 
eight hundred and thirty-six were taken. 

A contract was made August 8, 1871, 
for a building forty by one hundred and 
fifty feet, two stories in height, and thirty 
feet to the roof This was completed in 



684 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



the fall of the same year. An engine 
house was also built, twenty by thirty feet 
in size, the total cost being about thirty 
thousand dollars, including the land on 
which the building was erected. 



Biographical Sketches. 



NATHAN P. AND MARY A. BIRDS- 
EYE. 

Industry, strength, and sagacity build 
up estates; worth of character is a sure 
foundation of public esteem; acute busi- 
ness capacity and fine moral sensibilities 
are the elements of a complete man whose 
life makes mankind better and by whose 
living human welfare has been promoted; 
such a man was Nathan Phelps Birdseye. 

The Birdseyes of this country are de- 
scended from Rev. Nathan Birdseye, a 
Presbyterian clergyman, who came to 
America in the eighteen century and died 
at Meriden, Connecticut, in his one hun- 
dred and fifth year. He preached on the 
centennial of his birth. This worthy pa- 
triarch's family consisted of six sons and 
six daughters. 

James Birdseye, father of Joseph and 
Nathan P. Birdseye of York township, was 
born in Connecticut. In early life he 
removed to Ontario county, New York, 
where he married Phebe Phelps, by whom 
was born a family of four sons and one 
daughter. James Birdseye came to San- 
dusky county on a prospecting tour in 
company with William McPherson and 
Norton Russel in 1822. He entered one 
eighty-acre lot and returned to New York. 
Two years after, accompanied by his son, 
Nathan P., he came to Ohio, and the fol- 
lowing year entered upon the discharge of 
a contract with the State for grading a 
portion of the Maumee and Western 
Reserve road. He received in payment 



a large tract of State land in York town- 
ship. Mr. Birdseye was also contractor 
and builder of the first bridge across the 
Sandusky River. Having completed his 
contracts on public works, he returned to 
New York, leaving his son, Nathan P., on 
the farm in York. For a period of eight 
years from 1824, our subject lived alone, 
all the while enlarging his fields and reduc- 
ing the cleared land to a better state of 
cultivation. The first cabin in which he 
lived was built by a man named Harman. 
In 1828 he erected a frame house, which 
was occupied for a short time by Dr. L. 
G. Harkness. Mr. Birdseye married, 
April 8, 1832, Mary Ann Christie. This 
name carries us back to one of the earliest 
pioneer families in the county. 

William Christie, son of Andrew and 
Abigail (Hopper) Christie, was born in 
Orange county. New York, where he mar- 
ried Mary Slauson. Their family consis- 
ted of three children — Andrew, Abigail 
and Mary Ann. Soon after marriage Mr. 
Christie moved to Tompkins county, 
New York, and in 181 7 came to Lower 
Sandusky, making the entire journey from 
Black Rock by water. There were only 
about twenty-five families in the village at 
that time. Mr. Christie was a carpenter 
by trade and found ready employment. 
His first engagement was on a frame store 
building for Jaques Hulburd. A year or 
two later the first brick house in Lower 
Sandusky was built, and Mr. Christie did 
the carpenter work. This house is yet 
standing, and has for years been known as 
the Beaugrand property. In 1S22 Mr. 
Christie entered two eighty-acre lots in 
York township, and in February of the fol- 
lowing year joined the pioneers of that 
part of the county. The only son, Andrew, 
died in 1822, and is buried in the old 
cemetery at Fremont. He was a young 
man of superior intelligence, and was em- 
ployed at writing for Auditor Rumery and 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



685 



other official! Mr. Christie himself was 
not spared long to his family and new 
farm; he died August i, 1826, leaving 
two daughters to support a widow's afflic- 
tion. The two daughters, Abigail and 
Mary Ann, have never been separated at 
any one time for a longer period than three 
months. Mrs. Christie died at the home 
of her daughter, Mrs Birdseye, November 
2, 1846. 

The old Christie farm in York township 
has never changed ownership, except by 
inheritance to the daughters. The orig- 
inal patent was issued in 1822, by James 
Monroe. The family cherish this old 
homestead, made doubly dear by the re- 
posing ashes of their parents. 

Nathan P. Birdseye was born in Hope- 
well, Ontario county. New York, January 
27, 1804. His education was such as the 
common schools of his native State af- 
forded. He was the only member of the 
family who desired to come to Ohio, and 
by inheritance and purchase came into 
possession of the large tract of land in 
York township, taken by his father in pay- 
ment of services on public works. After 
his marriage he united with his own estate 
that belonging to his wife, and to further 
increase his possessions and advance his 
lands in value by means of improvements, 
was the constant aim of his industrious 
life. For twelve years he kept a house 
of entertainment between Bellevue and 
Clyde, at the same time superintending 
extensive farming operations. He was an 
accumulator of real estate, but speculation 
of no kind received his attention. Before 
retiring from his active labors, Mr. Birds- 
eye could look over farms embracing in 
all more than one thousand fertile acres, 
with the proud consciousness of honestly 
earned ownership. His virtues of char- 
acter are well summed up by his intimate 
friend and physician, Hon. John B. Rice, 
in an obituary published after his death, 



which occurred 13th day of August, 1881 : 

The demise of such a man as Nathan P. Birdseye 
calls for something more than the bare mention of the 
fact that one who had so long lived in our midst, is 
dead. It is paying but a just tribute to his memory 
that there be placed on record, by those who knew 
him well, an acknowledgment that he lived in such 
a manner as to deserve and win the respect and affec- 
tion of all good men. 

He was of strong frame; industrious, prudent and 
thrifty; clear-headed, firm, persevering, betievolent 
and tender-hearted. He possessed, indeed, in a re- 
markable degree, the traits which distinguish the good 
old New«-England stock whence he sprung. He was 
a farmer, and loved the land which, through years of 
trial and labor, he saw transformed from forest to 
orchard and field. Until enfeebled by disease and 
advancing years he found actual enjoyment in the 
work of his farm, laboring in the fields with his hired 
men whom he treated as equals. 

Mr. Birdseye was a man of earnest convictions. 
He looked upon mankind as a brotherhood, and 
regarded individuals not from appearances but ac- 
cording to their acts. He was originally an anti- 
slavery Whig, but joined the ranks of the Repub- 
lican party at its organization. During the war he 
was active in the cause of the Union; encouraged 
enlistments, and contributed freely toward the sup- 
poit of the Aimilies of those who were fighting the 
battles of the country. In religion he was a Univer- 
salist. His natural love of his kind made him hope 
and believe that 

Good, at last will fall, 

At last, far off, will come to all. 

Mr. Birdseye acquired riches; his landed property 
was large, and includes some of the finest in this coun- 
ty. But he gained by honest mdustry and thrift, he 
never wronged or oppressed any man. His word 
was as good as his bond. He continually performed 
the uncounted deeds of neighborly kindness. 

In early times when there was much sickness in the 
country, he would, after laboring on his farm all the 
day, watch with those stricken by disease, through 
every night in the week. At other times when a 
whole family were down with contagious illness, he 
entirely neglected his own work, and gave all his care 
to nursing the sick. He practiced, too, the ancient 
hospitality which is so little the fashion now-a-days. 
To the stranger overtaken by storm or by night, no 
matter what his condition, he always gave food and 
shelter, and he never knowingly allowed the hungry 
to pass his house unfed. 

As has been said, fortune smiled upon him. But 
he rendered the equivalent by the labor of his own 
hands, and that honest kind of economy which has 
been commended by good men in every age. It 
came to him as praise of his memory will come, as 
the love and faithfulness of dear wife and child, and 



686 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



friends; came when disease attacked him, and his 
work was being finished — as the promised reward of 
a well-spent Hfe. 

Mrs. Mary Ann Birdseye was born May 
17, 1 8 10. She attended school in Lower 
Sandusky during her father's residence 
there, and afterwards continued her stud- 
ies in the seminary at Norwalk. She 
taught school four terms before her 
marriage — two terms in Bellevue, during 
which time she made her home at ^he res- 
idence ot Thomas Amsden, and two terms 
in her home district in York. As a teach- 
er she is very kindly remembered by those 
who were benefited by her instruction. 
She possesses a cultured imagination and 
has written ^some poetry, which, for im- 
agery has real merit. 

It is not necessary to say that the home 
presided over by a woman of Mrs. Birds- 
eye's generous, womanly disposition was a 
model for regularity and concord. Dur- 
ing the war her sympathies naturally went 
out toward the soldiers. She was during 
all that sad period president of the Clyde 
Ladies Aid Society, and contributed of 
her means and labors to the cause. Mr. 
Birdseye was careful at the same time that 
no soldier's home in his community should 
suffer for support. They had no sons to 
send to the field of battle, but their benev- 
olent labor at home was no less useful and 
appreciated. 

Mrs. Birdseye is a remarkably well pre- 
served lady. Her fare beams with intelli- 
gence and good nature, and she holds in 
memory with exceptional correctness the 
scenes and events of by-gone years. A 
visitor is particularly impressed with her 
cheerfulness of temperament. She re- 
members and narrates with pleasure amus- 
ing incidents, but, unlike many old peo- 
ple, has little to say of the rougher side of 
pioneer life, a full share of which she ex- 
perienced. 

Mrs. Birdseye enjoys her quiet home in 



Fremont, having with her her constant 
friend, companion and sister. Miss Abigail 
Christie, who was born December 7, 1806. 
She has near her, for comfort and support, 
her only child, Cornelia, wife of Isaac 
Amsden, who was born December 16, 
1832. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Ams- 
den consists of five children. 



THOMAS GATES AMSDEN. 

The subject of this sketch was a con- 
spicuous character in the history of Belle- 
vue for more than thirty years. Thomas 
Gates Amsden was born in Ontario 
county. New York, October 8, 1797. His 
father, Isaac Amsden, was a Revolutionary 
soldier. After the war he settled on a 
farm in Ontario county, on which the son 
was accustomed to hard work, being 
given the advantage of a short term of 
schooling each winter. 

During the War of 181 2, when the 
Governor of New York made a call for 
militia to defend Buffalo, Thomas, then 
in his seventeenth year, responded bravely 
to the call in place of an older brother. 
Bravery and courage, which were predom- 
inating characteristics of the man, thus 
early found expression in the boy. 

In early life Mr. Amsdea came West, 
and in company with F. A. Chapman and 
one or two of his brothers, engaged in 
the hazardous business of hunting and 
trapping and trading with the Indians. 
They finally entered the employ of Gen- 
eral Whitney, who at that time was con- 
ducting Indian stores at many of the 
frontier posts of the Northwest. Mr. 
Amsden was stationed at Green Bay, 
w^here he was quite successful, and won 
the confidence of his employer to the 
degree that, in 1823, General Whitney 
gave to himself and Mr. Chapman letters 
of credit on the great Boston house of 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



687 



A. & A. Lawrence, to the amount of a 
general stock of goods calculated to the 
wants of pioneer trade. This stock, 
placed in a log cabin, was the first store in 
Bellevue. General Whitney, in the same 
way, had started eight other clerks in busi- 
ness, but his kindness on the whole cost 
him considerable money, for, as he 
told Chapman & Amsden afterwards, 
they were the only two who paid for their 
stock and made a success in trade. 

So popular did the store of Chapman & 
Amsden become that the place received 
the name Amsden's Corners, the last 
named member of the firm being best 
known to the customers. For several 
years from 1823 they continued general 
merchandising. Their goods were at first 
adapted to trading with the Indians, who 
were then the principal inhabitants. As 
the Indians decreased, and the whites 
multiplied, they continued the business, 
increasing it as trade demanded. Begin- 
ning in a log hut, they finally carried it on 
in a more pretentious frame building, the 
first of the kind in this region, a part of 
it being occupied by Mr. Amsden as 
a family residence. This building was 
eventually torn away to make room for the 
stone block now occupied by the First 
National Bank. 

During this time they built the Ex- 
change Hotel, which they continued to own 
for twenty years. This was the best hotel 
building for a long distance around, and 
had considerable influence upon the 
growth of the village by attracting emi- 
grants and business men to the place. 

The frame building which displaced the 
first log store, was painted red, and was 
known as the "Red Store." It was the 
largest mercantile establishment between 
Norwalk and Lower Sandusky. 

In 1833 Mr. Amsden sold his interest 
in the store to Dr. L. G. Harkness and 
purchased of Samuel Miller a farm which 



was only partially improved. This farm 
included nearly all of that part of the 
present town of Bellevue in Sandusky 
county. While he was engaged at farm- 
ing he was elected and served as justice of 
the peace. While a merchant he was post- 
master. Mr. Amsden afterwards again 
entered active business in partnership with 
Mr. Chapman, under the firm name of 
T. G. Amsden & Co., dealers in general 
merchandise and farm products, until 
1855, ^itider the successive firm names of 
T. G. Amsden & Co., Amsden, Bramwell 
& Co., Amsden, Dimmick & Co., and 
Amsden & Co. He was in mercantile 
and general business in Bellevue. In 
1848 he became interested in a store and 
distillery in Monroeville. This proved an 
unfortunate enterprise. It was not only 
in itself a financial failure, but carried the 
Bellevue house, in which his son, Isaac E., 
was interested, with it. Mr Amsden's 
course was in the line of the strictest busi- 
ness integrity. He refused to adopt any 
method which prudence might suggest 
for saving a part of his hard-earned estate. 
He turned over to his creditors all his prop- 
erty, and emerged from the general crash 
in very straitened circumstances. He re- 
tained his home in Bellevue, where he 
lived for a few years in comparative retire- 
ment. Then selling out he purchased a 
small farm just below Fremont, where he 
died December 7, 1876. 

The maiden name of Mr. Amsden's 
first wife was Lydia Chapman, a daughter 
of James Chapman, who served in the 
Revolutionary army during the whole 
seven years of the war. This marriage 
occurred in 1823. They had a family of 
seven children, five of whom survived in- 
fancy — Sarah, Mary, Isaac E., Thomas, 
and William. 

Sarah was married to Hon. J. P. Shoe- 
maker, of Amsden, Michigan, a place so 
named because Mr, Amsden once owned 



688 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



the land upon which it is located. Mary 
is married to Abishai Woodward, son of 
the late Gurdon Woodward, of Bellevue. 
Isaac E. married Cornelia Birdseye, 
daughter of N. P. Birdseye, and is in busi- 
ness in Fremont. Thomas died some 
years since in Bellevue. William, at the 
opening of the Rebellion, enlisted in the 
army, and was soon made captain in the 
Third Ohio Cavalry; was prostrated by 
camp fever in the spring of 1862, and was 
first brought to the hospital at Cincinnati 
and then to his home in Fremont, where 
he died June 19. 

Mrs. Amsden died in 1841. 

Mr. Amsden subsequently married 
Harriet Williams, of Monroeville. The 
family by this marriage consisted of five 
children — Emily, Edward, Lizzie, Maggie, 
and Harriet. 

Emily is married to Charles Cullen, of 
Delta, Fulton county, Ohio. Edward re- 
sides at Canton, Ohio. Lizzie resides in 
Fremont. Maggie died at the age of ten 
years. Harriet resides in Fremont. 

Mrs. x\msden occupies the residence to 
which the family removed from Bellevue. 

Mr. Amsden was a man of great phys- 
ical energy and endurance, as well as of 
fine intellectual qualities, and in his long 
partnership with Mr. Chapman took the 
principal charge of the out-door business, 
while Mr. Chapman managed the office 
work. Mr. Amsden was highly respected 
for his unswerving integrity, and genial, 
affable manners. He was so widely known 
for his sound and reliable judgment that, 
for many years, his advice was uniformly 
taken before any new enterprise of im- 
portance was started. He was, during his 
prosperous business life, free in his chari- 
ties. Nothing seemed to gratify him more 
than to relieve want or suffering. He was 
a supporter of the Episcopal church. 
He was for nearly thirty years a prominent 
and faithful member of the Independent 



Order of Odd Fellows in Bellevue, and 
afterward in Fremont. 'At the time of his 
death appropriate resolutions of sympathy 
and respect were passed by the order, and 
a large delegation from the encampment 
at Fremont accompanied his remains to 
the beautiful cemetery at Bellevue, where 
they were deposited amid the ashes of his 
dead. 



FREDERICK SMITH AND FAMILY. 

In the spring of 1818 George Frederick 
Schmidt and family, natives of Wurtem- 
burg, Germany, emigrated to America and 
settled in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. 
In his native land Mr. Smith — as the 
name is now written by his descendants — 
was united in marriage to Dorothea Mau- 
mann. They brought up a large family, 
there being nine children in all, seven of 
whom arrived at maturity. Four are still 
living. Seven of them were born in this 
country. The names of the children in 
the order of their ages were as follows: 
Maria D., married David Moore, and re- 
sided in Bellevue; died December 7, 1879, 
in her si.xty-seventh year. Anna M. mar- 
ried James Chapman, of York township; 
died November 8, 1S79, aged sixty-five 
years. Frederick, the subject of this 
sketch; David, a resident of York town- 
ship; Catharine, widow of William White, 
Grundy county, Tennessee; Sarah A., wife 
of Elmer Simpson, Placer county, Cali- 
fornia; and John F., a resident of York 
township; and two who died young. 

The family resided in Pennsylvania 
until the year 1836, when they came to 
York township and settled upon the farm 
now in possession of one of the sons. At 
the time of their settlement this entire re- 
gion bore a very uninviting aspect. iVfter 
coming here Mr. Smith purchased a piece 
of land on which a small clearing had 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



689 



been made and a cabin erected. They 
had the usual difficulties and experiences 
incident to life in the woods, but bv the 
combined efforts of the whole family they 
succeeded in accomplishing the mission 
which led them hither and established a 
home. Mrs. Smith did not live to enjoy 
many of the subsequent improvements. 
She died in November, 1842. Her hus- 
band survived until the 18th of P'ebruary^ 
1858, when he passed away. Both were 
worthy people, and possessed of that in- 
dustrious and frugal disposition which 
enables the German emigrant to succeed 
in the face of many obstacles. 

Frederick Smith was the oldest son. 
He was born in Lehigh county, Pennsyl- 
vania, December 10, 1S18, and conse- 
quently was about eighteen years of age 
when his parents came to this county. He 
lived at home and assisted in clearing up 
the farm and making improvements. In 
1845, on the 2d day of October, he was 
joined in marriage to Mary A. Box, of 
Washington township. The following year 
he bought a farm adjoining the old home- 
stead, upon which he ]:)assed the remain- 
der of his days. His first purchase was 
eighty acres, twenty of which were partially 
cleared. There was also a small cabin 
upon the farm. Mr. Smith labored dili- 
gently, making inroads upon the forest and 
imoroving his fields, and as they became 
fruitful under his skilful hands, thus fur- 
nishing the means for enlarging his farm, 
he made additional purchases, upon which 
in turn he continued the work of clearing. 
Before his death he became the owner of 
six hundred and forty acres of excellent 
land, as the reward of his steadfast indus- 
try and perseverance. His elegant brick 
residence, the present home of his widow, 
was erected in 1866. 

Mr. Smith was a successful farmer and 
a lover of his occupation, which he carried 
on most extensively. He also possessed 

87 



considerable skill and ingenuity in the use 
of various kinds of tools, and frequently 
did blacksmithing and carpentry work for 
himself He was a man who had many 
sincere friends, won by his upright char- 
acter and manly qualities. In politics he 
was a strong Democrat, and always labored 
to promote the success of his party. Early 
in life he became a Christian, and contin- 
ued to the end a devout member of the 
Reformed church. Just before his death, 
while conversing on religious subjects, he 
referred to his early religious associations 
with much pleasure and satisfaction. He 
was elected a trustee of St. Paul's church 
some three years previous to his death, 
and faithfully served in that office until 
prevented by failing health. He was pros- 
trated by illness in December, 1878, and 
continued gradually declining until the ist 
day of April, in the year 1879, when the 
end came. 

Mrs. Frederick Smith was born in 
Northampton county (now Carbon county), 
Pennsylvania, August 13, 1826. Her par- 
ents were Nicholas and Eve Margaret 
Box. Her mother's maiden name was 
Mehrcome. Her father died in Pennsyl- 
vania December 2, 1835. Her mother 
came to this county in 1836, and settled 
in Washington township, where she died 
April 22, 1857. Mrs. Smith is the young- 
est of a family of eleven children. She 
has three brothers and two sisters living. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born three 
sons and four daughters, all of whom are 
living in York township. Their names 
are: William Frederick, Mary Armena, 
Samuel David, Henry Franklin, Margaret 
Anna, Sarah Catharine, and Dora Ella. 
Two of the sons and one of the daughters 
are married. William F. married Sarah 
C. Wilt, and has two children; Henry F. 
married Hannah E. Richards; Mary Ar- 
mena is the wife of George Wilt, York 
township, and has four children. 



690 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



THE McCAULEY FAMILY. 

Joseph McCauley was born in Mifflin 
county, Pennsylvania, May 23, iSii. His 
father, John McCauley, of Scotch-Irish 
blood, came to America from Ireland with 
his parents when a young man. He mar- 
ried, in Pennsylvania, Mary Stumphff, and 
had a family of seven sons and four 
daughters. Of these four sons and two 
daughters are yet living. Joseph was the 
si.\th child. He was brought up and edu- 
cated in Pennsylvania. He was a farmer 
throughout his life. On the aSih of 
October, 1830, he married Anna Ulsh, 
daughter of Andrew and Barbara Ubh. 
She was born February 17, 181 1, and was 
the second child and oldest daughter. 
The Ulsh family consisted of nine chil- 
dren, five sons and four daughters. The 
youngest of these children reached the 
age of fifty-one years before any were re- 
moved by death. Three of the sons and 
all of the daughters are still living. An- 
drew Ulsh spent his life in Pennsylvania. 
He was born September 12, 1785 ; died 
April 9, 1864. Barbara Ulsh, born Sep- 
tember 20, 1788; died October 22, 1828. 
Mr. Ulsh was married twice, Catharine 
being the name of his second wife. 

After his marriage Mr. McCauley re- 
sided one year in Snyder county, thence 
moved to Mifflin county in 1832, where 
he lived until the spring of 1845. In the 
month of April of that year he came to 
the farm in York township, which he had 
purchased two years before, and set about 
making a home. The farm contained 
seventy-eight acres, but was afterwards in- 
creased in size to one hundred and sixty- 
four acres. There had been slight im- 
provements made, but not enough to 
make the farm of much utility until a 
large amount of work had been done. 
Mr. and Mrs. McCauley labored diligently, 
saved economically, and in due season 
had a comfortable home. Three chil- 



dred were born to them — John A. Mc- 
Cauley, born December 27, 183 1: Ma- 
tilda E. McCauley, born August 30, 1833; 
Sarah I. McCauley, born January 29, 
1839. The daughters are both living, 
Mrs. Matilda E. Kojip in York township, 
and Mrs. Sarah I. Ulsh in St. Joseph 
county, Michigan. Joseph McCauley died 
April 21, 1853, a worthy and highly re- 
spected man. He was a man of industry 
and perseverance, and during the eight 
years he lived in Ohio, he mad^ a large 
number of clearings and improvements, 
erected a substantial house, barn and out- 
buildings. He was a self-made man; 
commenced life with little, and worked 
his way upward by strict and careful at- 
tention to business. He was a member 
of the Lutheran church in Pennsylvania, 
but after coming to Ohio joined the Con- 
gregational church. He was a man of a 
cheerful and obliging disposition, and is 
gratefully remembered by his old friends 
and neighbors who had an opportunity to 
become tiioroughly acquainted with him, 
and to know his worth. 

After his death his widow lived upon 
the old homestead over ten years. No- 
vember 17, 1863, she was married to John 
Orwig, and since that time she has re- 
sided at Bellevue. Mrs. Orwig belongs to 
the Congregational church, and is a faith- 
ful member. 

John A. McCauley, only son of Joseph 
McCauley, was born in Snyder county, 
Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio with his 
parents. He lived and died upon the old 
homestead, enjoying the peaceful life of a 
prosperous farmer. January 13, 1853, he 
was united in marriage to Lucy A. Jordan, 
born January iS, 1832, in Union county, 
Pennsylvania. This union was blessed 
by three children, two of whom are living 
— .-Mice A., born January 26, 1854; mar- 
ried March 16, 1S74, to Harry S. Knauss; 
resides in the house with her mother; has 







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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



691 



three children — Virgic M., born Novem- 
ber 22, 1S75; Ohve Maud, born August 
3, 1877; and John W., born February 6, 
1880. John Ezra, born May 25, 1857, 
died September 7, 185S. Joseph Ervin, 
born June 8, 1859, married AUce C. 
Drake, and resides in York township, this 
county. 

John A. McCauley died August 28, 
1879. He united with the Congrega- 
tional church when about sixteen, and 
lived a faithful Christian. He was a man 
of the highest integrity of character, and 
was highly esteemed by the community in 
which he resided. Like his father he sup- 
ported the Democratic ticket. 

Mrs. Lucy A. McCauley is the daughter 
of one of the pioneers of Ohio. Her 
father, Adam Jordan, was born in Lar,- 
caster county, Pennsylvania, February 22, 
1803. He was married in his native State 
to Sophia Orwig, who was born in Schuyl- 
kill county, September 16, 1803. These 
parents had five sons and four daughters 
— Sarah A., who married Uriah Weaver; 
Martin married Mary Soyer; Lucy A. 
(McCauley); Joseph married FLannah 
Gamby; Mary A., George, and Hannah 
M., single; James married Emma Hubble; 
John, the only member of the family 
not living at the time of this writing, died 
when fourteen years old. 

Adam Jordan moved from Union 
county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio, in 1832; 
remained one year in Richland county, 
then settled in Seneca county, whence he 
moved to York township, Sandusky 
county, in 1844. Mr. Jordan died Sep- 
tember 22, i860. His widow survived 
until August 28, 187 1. 

Mrs. McCauley joined the Congrega- 
tional church in 1853. Her children also 
united with the same organization when 
quite young. Slie is a lady who enjoys 
the friendship and esteem of a large circle 
of neighbors and acquaintances. 



THE RIFE FAMILY. 
Michael Rife was born in Frederick 
county, Maryland, February 15, 18 14. 
His parents were Daniel and Elizabeth 
(Sunibrun) Rife. They had three sons 
and seven daughters, with names as fol- 
lows: Susan, Michael, Daniel, Julia Ann, 
Elizabeth, Mary and Sarah (twins), So- 
phia, John, and Frances. The sons 
and four of the daughters are now living. 
Michael and John reside in York town- 
ship, and Daniel in the village of Clyde. 
They are all farmers. Susan is the widow 
of Chester Kinney, and resides at Green 
Spring, m this county; Julia Ann married 
John Hamlin, her home is in Steuben 
county, Indiana; Mary married Aaron 
Bartlett, and lives in Fulton county; Eliz- 
abeth is single, and resides in Bellevue; 
Sarah, Sophia, and Frances are deceased. 
Frances was the wife of Frank Joint, of 
Bellevue. 

The parents of Mr. Rife came to San- 
dusky county in 1832 and located where 
John Rife now lives. The country at that 
date was but thinly settled, and the father 
and his sons had before them the difficult 
task of making a home in the wilderness 
and earning a living there. That they 
succeeded well in this undertaking, the 
neat and pretty farms in possession of the 
family are sufficient proofs. Daniel Rife 
died when fifty-five years of age, and his 
wife when fifty seven. Both were mem- 
bers of the Lutheran church during the 
greater portion of their lives, and were 
earnest and sincere Christians. 

Michael Rife has always followed the 

good, old-fashioned employment of tilling 

the soil. iVt the age of twenty-five he 

married and began work for himself His 

marriage took place January i, 1839. 

I His wife, whose maiden name was Mary 

\ Longwell, was born in Berhn township, 

Delaware county, Ohio, November 9, 

' 1821. She was the only daughter of Rob- 



69: 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



eit and Lucinda (Butler) Longwell, who 
were among the very first settlers in this 
county. They moved to York township 
in 1823. Mr. Longwell brought his goods 
in an ox-wagon, and Mrs. Longwell rode 
horseback, carrying her child in her arms. 
They were here but one brief year before 
they were overtaken by death. Mrs. Long- 
well died September 17, 1814, aged thirty- 
two years, and her husband followed on 
the 2 2d day of the same month and year, 
dying at the age of thirty. After the death 
of her parents, Mary lived with her rel- 
atives until her marriage with Mr. Rife, in 
1839. 

For the first few years after this couple 
began housekeeping the utmost diligence 
was required to " make both ends meet." 
Mrs. Rife raised chickens many seasons to 
sell, and paid taxes with the proceeds. 
Produce brought but a small equivalent in 
money, butter often selling for only five 
cents per pound, and other articles in pro- 
portion. Young people at the present 
day can form but a vague idea of the dif- 
ficulties which this stout-hearted pair met 
and overcame. 

Their union has been blessed with four 
children, three of whom are living. The 
family record is as follows: Eudora Ann 
was born March 30, 1S41, she married 
Robert Zuel, and resides in Johnson 
county, Kansas ; Sarah F. was born Sep- 
tember 7, 1842, she is the wife of William 
L. Richards, and lives near her old home; 
Robert L., born April 27, 1846, married 
Maria Dimock; he also resides near his 
parents; Charles, born February 20, 1848, 
died March 24th of the same year. 

Mr. and Mrs. Rife, now in their declin- 
ing years, are the happy j^ossessors of a 
pleasant, pretty home, a good farm of 
three hundred acres, well improved, and 
supplied with a good orchard and plenty 
of timber. They have always been in- 
dustrious and economical, and by toiling 



early and late have merited the good things 
they now enjoy. 

Mr. Rife is a Republican and has never 
voted any other ticket, excepting that of 
the Whig party. He has never aspired to 
township or other ofifices. 



JAMES CHAPMAN. 

James Chapman was born in the north- 
western part of the State of Pennsylvania, 
December 26, 1809. He is the oldest of 
the children of Jeremiah and Sarah (Wil- 
bur) Chapman. Jeremiah Chapman was 
a native of Connecticut, but moved to 
Pennsylvania when quite a young man 
and was one of the pioneers in the part of 
the State where he settled. He was the 
son of James Chapman, a Revolutionary 
soldier, who lived and died in Connecti- 
cut. Sarah Wilbur was born in Rhode 
Island, but removed to Pennsylvania with 
her parents when young. Soon after he 
was married, Jeremiah Chapman removed 
to Ontario county. New York, where he 
lived until about 1819, when he came to 
Ohio. He remained one year in Huron 
county, then located on Sandusky River 
in Seneca county, where he resided about 
four years, moving thence to Sandusky 
county in 1824. Here he settled in York 
townshi[) on a farm which is still in pos- 
session of the family. He was the father 
of four children, three of whom are still 
living — Sarah, the second child and oldest 
daughter, is the wife of George ^Vood and 
resides in Erie county; Maria married L. 
P. W^trner, and lives in Hillsdale county, 
Michigan; and James. The other child, a 
son, died in infancy. 

Jeremiah Chapman was a farmer during 
his life. He was a man of hearty consti- 
tution, strong and vigorous physically, 
in short, almost a perfect type of the 
sturdy pioneer. He served a short time 
in the War of 181 2. Both he and his 



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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



693 



wife were members of the Free-will Baptist 
church. Mr. Chapman died July i, 1S45, 
aged sixty- four years. Mrs. Chapman 
survived her husband a few years, and 
died at the home of her youngest daugh- 
ter, in Michigan. 

From the foregoing it will be seen that 
Mr. James Chapman came to this county 
when about fourteen years of age. He 
bad limited opportunities for obtaining an 
education, except in the wide and varied 
field known as the school of life. He at- 
tended school for a few years during a 
portion of the winter time in some of the 
few log school-houses then in York town- 
ship. His boyhood was passed at home 
on the farm. When about thirty years 
old he married Anna Smith, daughter of 
George Smith, of York township. She 
was one of a family of seven children, and 
was a native of Germany. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Chapman were born 
seven children, four of whom are still liv- 
ing. Following are their names in the 
order of their ages: Albert, died Decem- 
ber 14, 1873, aged thirty-two years; he 
was unmarried. Reuben resides near his 
father's home; he married Nettie Riley 
of Riley township. Mary died September 
17, 1873, aged twenty-eight; she was the 
wife of Atwell Forgerson, of York town- 
ship. Emeline and Adeline (twins); Eme- 
line married Henry Kopp, and resides in 
York township. Adeline lives at home. 
The next child was a daughter, who died 
in infancy. Amelia, the youngest, resides 
at home. Mrs. Chapman died November 
8, 1879, at the age of sixty-five. 

Mr. Chapman has been one of the suc- 
cessful farmers of this vicinity. Of recent 
years he has given up the management of 
his place to his son, who continues doing 
a thrifty business. Mr. Chapman has 
been a sound Republican ever since the 
party was formed. He was a member of 
the Free-will Baptist church as long as that 



organization was in existence in his town- 
ship. His wife belonged to the Lutheran 
church. 



SENECA D. AND M AH ALA E. 
HITT. 

Seneca Dusenbcrry Hitt was a native of 
Danby, Rutland county, Vermont, and 
was born, October 6, 1800. His father 
Henry D. Hitt, was a native of New York, 
being of Welsh parentage on his father's 
side, and Dutch on his mother's side. 
The mother of Seneca D. Hitt was Mary 
Nichols, a native of Vermont. General 
Greene, of the Revolution, was her uncle. 

The boyhood of Mr. Hitt was spent on 
the shoemaker's bench, in business, and 
teaching school. He married, June 15, 
1837, Mahala E. Stafford, a daughter of 
Palmer and Betsy (Paddock) Stafford, of 
Wallingford, Rutland county, Vermont. 
The ancestry of the Stafford family is 
traced back to a Rhode Island family of 
that name. 

The newly wedded couple left their 
home in Vermont on the 27th of June, 
and after a tedious journey of one month 
and two days, arrived in Bellevue. Mr. 
Hitt had, the year before, in partnership 
with his cousin, Henry Nichols, purchased 
the farm on which he settled, being one 
hundred and twenty-six acres, twelve of 
which was cleared. Mr. Hitt, during the 
earlier years of his residence in this county, 
made use of his experience at shoemaking 
to earn a few odd dollars, for ready cash 
was scarce, and the pioneers were driven 
to various expedients for earning money. 
But hard labor and economy triumphed 
over the rugged opposition of heavy forest 
and general scarcity. Mr. Hitt purchased, 
in a few years, Mr. Nichol's interest in 
the farm, which he continued to improve 
till death, when, as an heritage to his family, 
he left an enviable home. 



694 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Mr. Hitt died in January, 1S72, in his 
seventy-second year. He was frequently 
entrusted with local otifices. He was a 
warm advocate of Whig principles, and 
after the fall of that party became a Re- 
publican. In appearance he was robust 
and strong, being five feet eight inches 
tall, and weighing about two hundred 
pounds. 

Mrs. Hitt is still living on the old farm. 
She is a well preserved woman, both phys- 
ically and mentally. A naturally happy 
disposition fills her home with good cheer 
and hospitality. 

The family consists of three children 
living and one dead. 

Mary E. was born April 3, 1840. She 
was married in 1S71 to Silas A. Wood, 
who died in June, 1872. She is employed 
as a teacher in the Fremont public schools. 

Marion Adelia was born February 3, 
1S42. She was married September 27, 
1S60, to George H. Mugg, a resident of 
Green Creek township. Their tamily con- 
sists of three children — Elmei E., Luella, 
and Susan M. 

Tamson Lavina was born January 17, 
1845. She was married October 23, 
1867, to Charles H. Welch. Their family 
consists of four children — Alice R., Ma- 
hala, Adelia, and Charles H., jr. 

Seneca D. was born January 16, 1849, 
died October 2, 1849. 



JOHN S. AND ANN GARDNER. 

John Gardner was a pioneer in York 
township. With his family, consisting of a 
wife and si.\ children, he emigrated from 
Vermont and settled here while nearly the 
whole township was original forest. John S. 
Gardner, the oldest son, was born in Yer- 
mont, on the 24th of February, 1806, and 
was consequently seventeen years old 



when the family settled in this county. Ot 
a robust constitution he was well calcu- 
lated for the toils and hardships which 
life in a new country imposed. Mr. Gard- 
ner, by working hard on his father's farm 
and for himself, accumulated some money 
which he invested in land then held at a 
very low price, but as improvements were 
made, gradually increased in value, mak- 
ing him by the time he had reached 
maturity, a man of considerable means. 
Mr. Gardner married, January 3, 1833, 
Ann Alexander, daughter of Theophilus 
and Mary Alexander, who came to Ohio 
in 1825, with a family of eleven children, 
from the State of New York. Ann was 
born in New York in iSii. 

John S. and Ann Gardner have had a 
family of seven children, five of whom 
are living — John A., was born June 25, 
1S34, was married March 12, 1857, to 
Emeline J. Bemis; Theo[)hilus E., was 
born August 6, 1836, married May 10, 
1866, to Sarah Ann Thompson, she having 
deceased, he married Justina Alexander 
in 1S69; Mary E. was born December 4, 
1S38; Charles C. was born June 9, 1842, 
married Rebecca A. Lenimon; Dyer C. 
was born July 23, 1845, served in the 
army, married, in 1870, Sarah R. Rowe; 
Ann, born April 15, 1847, married, in 
1868, William Ritter; Julia, born January 
9, 1850, married to Henry Tiiomas; Mary 
E., died July 25, 1867; Charles C, died 
October 26, 1877. 

As will be seen by reference to the civil 
list of the county, John S. Gardner served 
as county commissioner for the period of 
four years. He was always prominent in 
the affairs of his township, and a working 
member of the Democratic party in the 
east part of the county. He was strong 
in ])hysique and capable of doing much 
hard work. He was a persevering farmer 
and pushed work with a diligence which 
manifested itself in rapidly increasing 




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HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



695 



hnded possessions. He died May 23, 1861. 
Mrs. Gardner remains on the old farm. 
She has an excellent memory for a woman 
of her age, and narrates in an interesting 
manner the scenes and incidents of years 
gone by. 



JEREMIAH SMITH. 

Among the many courageous men and 
women who penetrated the forests of Ohio 
while the State was yet the hunting 
grounds of the Indians, the sons and 
daughters of New England hold a con- 
spicuous place. Bravery, generosity, un- 
wavering honesty, united to a strong re- 
ligious faith, were the virtues that charac- 
terized them, and the principles that an- 
imated them. 

In 1822 a worthy couple, both natives of 
the State of Connecticut, settled on the 
South ridge, in York township. Their 
names were Jeremiah and Experience 
(Mills) Smith. Enough has been written 
in this volume to portray the condition of 
Sandusky county at that date. The trials, 
difificulties, and dangers which beset these 
bold representatives of the Yankee nation 
need not bs rehearsed here. Here they 
lived, reared a family, and died. But one 
of their children survives, although the 
family consisted of three sons and three 
daughters. The names Avere as follows: 
Jeremiah, Edward, Barzilla, Lucy, Laura, 
and Triphena. Jeremiah settled in York 
township and resided here until the close 
of his days. Edward died in Lagrange 
county, Indiana. Barzilla died in New 
York State, where his parents had lived 
before coming to Ohio. Lucy married 
Charles Gardenier, of Montgomery coun- 
ty, New York, and died years ago. Laura 
married Abel D. Follett, of Bellevue, and 
now resides in Ventura county, California. 
Triphena died the year after her parents 
moved here, aged thirteen years. 



Jeremiah Smith, sr., died October 7, 
1826, aged forty-nine years. His wife, a 
most estimable lady, survived until Sep- 
tember 6, 1840, when she passed away at 
the age of sixty-six, universally respected 
as a woman of Christian benevolence and 
genuine worth. 

Their son, Jeremiah Smith, was among 
the most worthy and highly honored of the 
citizens of York township. He was born 
October 15, 1801. On the loth of June, 
1835, he married De Lora Knapp, daugh- 
ter of Alvin and Lovisa (O'Bryant) Knapp. 
Mrs. Knapp's father, John O'Bryant, was 
an officer in the Revolutionary war. Alvin 
Knapp was born at Lebanon Springs, 
Columbia county, New York, and his wife 
in the western part of Massachusetts, 
about fourteen miles from the place of her 
husband's nativity. Mr. and Mrs Knapp 
lived in New York State until 1833. At 
this date they came to Ohio and settled 
near the centre of York township. They 
had thirteen children who arrived at ma- 
turity, five of whom are yet living. Their 
names in the order of their ages were: 
Arad, Chester, Balsoiah, Alanson, Kings- 
ley, De Lora, Mary, Wilson, Sarah F., 
Henry, Martha, Anna, and Amanda. 
These were all married and all came to 
Ohio, but scattered to various parts of the 
country. Those now living are, Chester, 
in Cass county, Michigan; Wilson, in 
Lucas county, Ohio; Henry, in Decatur 
county, Iowa; Martha (Alexander), White- 
water, Wisconsin; and Mrs. De Lora 
Smith, York township. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Smith, jr., had 
no children. Mr. Smith died August 21, 
1874, in his seventy-third year. He was 
a man of sterling integrity, friendly 
and courteous in his manners, pure m 
motive, and honest and fair in all his deal- 
ings. He passed through a long life with- 
out losing a friend or gaining an enemy 
by any fault of his own. During the most 



696 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



of his years he was a member of the 
Free--will Baptist church. 



JOSEPH AND AMANDA B. BIRDS- 
EYE. 

The oldest son of James Birdseye, 
whose ancestry and operations in this 
county are mentioned in the foregoing 
sketch of Nathan P. Birdseye, was Joseph 
Birdseye. He was born in Ontario county, 
New York, November 26, iSoo. His 
boyhood was spent at hard work on his 
father's farm. He had opportunity to at- 
tend school only a few months during the 
winter, affording a very limited education. 

Mr. Birdseye married, in 1823, Amanda 
Beach, daughter of Jonathan and Betsy 
Beach, who were natives of Connecticut. 
After his marriage Mr. Birdseye purchased 
a farm in New York, now the site of 
Rochester, one of the iiiost flourishing 
cities of the State. Through the failure 
of a neighbor to meet an obligation on 
which Mr. Birdseye was security, this 
farm was lost. He then looked toward 
the West as a field for the restoration of 
his lost fortunes. In 1834 he purchased 
a farm in York township, on which he set- 
tled with his family in 1835. ^^ ^^'^^ ^ 
hard worker, and continued making im- 
provements and adding to his possessions. 
In partnership with his brother, Nathan 
P., he discharged a contract for macad- 
amizing the pike between Bellevue and 
Clyde. 

Mr. Birdseye, in 1853, sold his farm in 
York township and moved to Clyde, where 
he had purchased a tract of land, now 
embraced in that part of the town lying 
between the Lake Shore & Michigan 
Southern railroad track and the turnpike. 
As the village grew he sold, in town lots, 
about fifty acres, a part of which was 
forest at the time of making the purchase. 



This operation showed Mr. Birdseye's 
business sagacity, and-leads to the conclu- 
sion that but for his early misfortune at 
Rochester, New York, he would have been 
a very wealthy man 

The family of Joseph and Amanda 
Birdseye consisted of five children — two 
sons and three daughters. Eliza was born 
in March, 1824. She died m 1847. ^d- 
alaide was born October 16, 1825. She 
resides in New York City. Emily was 
born September 27, 1827. She is married 
to John Bruen and lives in Santa Cruz, 
California. Her husband is dead. Gould 
was born November 26, 1829. He re- 
sides in Clyde. Nelson H. was born 
October 6, 1832. He resides in Clyde. 

Joseph Birdseye died April 19, 1868, 
and is buried in McPherson Cemetery in 
Clyde. Amanda B. Birdseye is still living 
in Clyde. She is of genial disposition, 
afflrble in manners, and possessed of good 
business qualifications. She manages the 
estate left by her husband with care and 
discretion. 

Mr. Birdseye, in many of his character- 
istics, resembling his brother, Nathan P, 
and at the same time possessing many 
traits of character differing widely from 
those of his brother. Both were scrupu- 
ously honest in all business transactions, 
and social intercourse. Both were Whigs, 
and afterwards Republicans, in politics. 
They were simple in their manners and 
determined in their convictions. It was a 
characterisic of Joseph Birdseye never to 
withdraw a command, nor to modify an 
opinion deliberately formed. He was uni- 
formly kind and charitable to the sick or 
suffering. In him an iron will was coupled 
with a tender heart. 

No family stood higher in York town- 
ship than the Birdseyes. They were 
always alive to the welfare of the commu- 
nity, whether in deeds of public improve- 
ment or acts of private charity. 




-6^(C^^'y^^ 




S^-Tn^z/TbOya. ^0. i^yOyC^y: 



Hry^Tiy S-B-KaR 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



697 



H. R. ADAMS. 

Horatio Rogers Adams was born in 
Montville, Connecticut, May 8, 1802, 
He was the oldest of three children, and 
only son of William Adams and Nancy 
Rogers, who were also natives of Con- 
necticut. When Horatio was about seven 
years of age his parents removed from 
Montville to Albany, New York, where 
they afterwards Hved. William Adams 
was a sea-captam, was the owner of a 
number of vessels, and a man of enter- 
prise and thrift. His wife died in the fall 
of 1820 aged about thirty-seven, and some 
two years afterward he married Delia 
Olmsted, an estimable lady of Albany, 
and sister of Judge Jesse Olmsted, the 
pioneer merchant of Fremont, Ohio. Of 
his three children by his first wife (his 
second marriage being without issue) only 
one is now living, viz : Sophia Adams, 
who still resides in Albany. The youn- 
ger sister, Mary, died in Albany. Neither 
of the sisters ever married. 

Horatio being the only child, and his 
father well-to-do, was permitted to follow 
his inclinations, and grew to young man- 
hood surrounded by the social influences 
of city life. He attended school but little 
and employed a part of his leisure in 
fishing, his favorite sport, and in visiting 
at his uncle, Isaiah Adams's, a farmer 
living a few miles out of Albany. Dur- 
ing these visits he would help in the 
work on the farm and it was there, doubt- 
less, he formed the desire for the occupa- 
tion which he subsequently followed. 
When about eighteen he made his way to 
Norwalk, Ohio, where a relative of his 
mother, Frederick Forsythe, was then liv- 
ing. He left home in company with 
George Olmsted on the ist day of Octo- 
ber, 1820, coming to Sandusky on the 
Walk-in-the-water, the pioneer steamer of 
Lake Erie. Shortly afterward he made a 
visit to his friends, the Olmsteds, in Low- 



er Sandusky, now Fremont, being piloted 
thither through the wilderness by William 
Chapman, the mail-carrier. There was 
then no laid-out road west of where 
Bellevue now stands, which then consist- 
ed, accordmg to Mr. Adams' recollection, 
of but one log-house. We next find him 
in Columbus, whither he journeyed on 
foot. He was now thrown upon his own 
own resources and among strangers, and 
he found it necessary to do something to 
earn a living. The first job he found to 
do was to take a horse for a man a dis- 
tance of thirty miles, for which service he 
received one dollar. Of course he had to 
walk back, but he was well satisfied with 
his bargain. It was the first money he 
had ever earned. A short time afterward 
he went to Worthington, a little village 
nine miles north of Columbus, where he 
found employment for a time in a print- 
ing office. In Worthington he first met 
his future wife. Amy R. Bedell. They 
were married on the 4th day of May, 
1823, and a few years afterward settled on 
Darby Creek, in Madison county. The 
farm on which they located had been 
partly cleared by a former occupant, who 
had abandoned it, and the cleared part 
had grown over with a heavy undergrowth 
and practically required a second clearing. 
The first season he raised a small crop 
of corn and a few bushels of beans, which 
found a market in Columbus, twenty 
miles distant, at fifty cents per bushel. 
Cotton goods were fifty cents per yard, 
and other necessaries in proportion. It 
required a good deal of fortitude and 
hard toil to keep the wolf from the door 
during their stay there. While fighting 
under countless difficulties for a livelihood, 
Mr. Adams was much distressed by doubts 
as to the validity of his land title, his 
farm being embraced in what is known as 
the Virginia Military District. This tract 
comprised a large extent of territory lying 



698 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



between the Little Miami and Scioto 
Rivers, and was reserved by act of Con- 
gress for compensation of the Virginia 
soldiers who had served in the Revolu- 
tionary war. Any soldier, or his repre- 
sentative, who held a warrant was at lib- 
erty to select his lands wherever he chose 
within the military tract ; and in conse- 
quence of the irregularity with which 
many locations were made, some locations 
encroaching upon others, considerable lit- 
igation ensued. This circumstance de- 
cided Mr. Adams upon disposing of his 
farm at any sacrifice, and consequently, 
after living there a couple of years, dur- 
ing which he and his always patient and 
helpful wife experienced every hardship 
incident to the lot of pioneers, they re- 
moved, in the summer of 1830, to Huron 
county, and located upon a farm rented 
of Jeremiah Sheffield, near Amsden's 
Corners, now Bellevue. He contracted 
with Mr. Sheffield to build a log-house 
on the farm, eighteen by twenty feet, in 
consideration of fifty bushels of wheat, 
and moved into this house on Christmas 
Day of the above year. 

The following season being very wet, his 
crops were scanty, and he decided upon 
making another change. He was offered 
the farm on which he afterwards lived till 
his death, in York township, Sandusky 
county, Ohio, for one dollar and fifty cents 
per acre, but he hesitated about making 
the purchase, the "oak openings," as they 
were called, being regarded as almost 
worthless for farming purposes. Against 
the advice of some of his friends, he de- 
cided to make the investment. That his 
decision was a wise one, one of the finest 
tarms in the county is a sufficient proof. 

To this farm on New- Year's Day, 1832, 
he brought his wife and two children, and 
all his worldly goods, in an ox-cart, and 
moved into a log house eighteen feet 
square, with puncheon floor, clapboard 



roof and stick chimney. The farm was 
then an almost unbroken wilderness, and 
the prospect anything but bright. But 
attacking his task with his accustomed en- 
ergy, he soon had a portion of his land in 
a condition to be cultivated, from which 
he managed to support an increasing fam- 
ily, while he continued to enlarge the 
boundary of his clearing. The next ten 
years were years of hard work, attended 
by trials and frequent failures, but instead 
of tending to discouragement it was an ex- 
perience which only developed the force 
and determination of a man by nature de- 
termined and forcible. In 1842 he 
erected the house which was afterwards 
his permanent home, and w^hich is still oc- 
cupied by his widow. They took posses- 
sion of this home on Christmas of that 
year, and it is a somewhat singular cir- 
cumstance that on each removal they be- 
gan the occupancy of their new home on 
one of the winter holidays. 

On the 8lh of May, 1874, Mr. and Mrs. 
Adams celebrated their golden wedding. 
They had been married fifty years the 4th 
of May the previous year, but as sickness 
in the famrly prevented them from assem- 
bling that year, the reunion was postponed 
until the next year, and held on the 8th of 
May, which was Mr. Adams' seventy- 
second birthday. It was a happy occa- 
sion to all, and to the aged pair in whose 
honor it was held, an event second in in- 
terest only to their nuptial day. They 
had lived to see a large farm brought from 
a wild condition to a high state of cultiva- 
tion, having increased in value a hundred 
fold, and to raise a family of children es- 
teemed for their intelligence and moral 
worth. 

Mr. Adams united with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in 1829, and ever after- 
ward was an active member and devoted 
Christian. His family was brought up in 
the nurture and admonition of the Lord, 



I 




-^^'aTA-iri'^ 



.^^e^-^-z^ -yz . ^^^c/'i 



-C^O-^T^^-T^ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



699 



and he recognized no higher duties on 
earth than those of husband and father. 

He contributed with Uberality to the 
support not only of the church to which 
he belonged, but to that of others as well, 
and there is hardly a church in the region 
where he lived so long that has not been 
the recipient of his benefactions. His 
business record was unimpeachable. It 
was characterized by energy, perseverance, 
and the strictest integrity, which was an 
integral part of his nature. 

He stood the embodiment of all that 
was upright, honest and honorable. A 
conspicuous quality of his mind was the 
faculty of humor. He had a keen sense 
of the comic and the ridiculous, and he 
enjoyed nothing more than a visit with 
friends, for whose entertainment he would 
relate, in his droll way, some humorous 
incident, usually in connection with his 
pioneer experiences. In manner he was 
to some extent eccentric and blunt, but he 
was always courteous, and to those who 
knew him best he had a nature as tender 
and sympathetic as a child's. Mr. Adams, 
from force of habit, continued his labors, 
more or less, on the farm long after reach- 
ing an age when most men are compelled 
to rest. In June, 1879, while at work in 
the field, he was overcome with the heat, 
which resulted in an affection of the brain, 
and after suffering intensely, mentally and 
physically, many months, he died March 
22, 1880, aged nearly seventy-eight. 



AMY R. ADAMS. 
Amy Rosalia Bedell, daughter of Ben- 
jamin L. Bedell and Sally Burr, was born 
in Manchester, Vermont, January 31, 
1804. When Amy was quite small her 
mother married for her second husband 
Smith Bull, and about the year 1810 the 
family removed from Vermont to the vi- 
cinity of Plattsburgh, New York. There 



they lived until the fall of 1815, when 
they removed to Worthington, Ohio. Mrs. 
Bull had by her first husband two children, 
a son and daughter. Burr and Amy. Burr 
Bedell was born September i, 1802, and 
at the time of his death, a few years since, 
was residing at Clayton, Michigan. By 
her second marriage she was the mother 
of twelve children, viz: Huldah, Mason, 
Rosetta, Thomas, Smith, Sally, Squire, 
Alfred, Orrin, Henry, Anna, and Alonzo. 
Mrs. Bull died in Urbana, Illinois, in 
October, 1852, surviving her husband 
some twelve years. She was born in 
Adams, Massachusetts, August 2, 1782. 

The strongest influence in the shaping 
of the character of our subject was that 
of her mother, who was a woman of much 
strength and excellence of character, ca- 
pacity, and directness of purpose. Her 
early years were spent in a country home, 
where her time was divided between a 
brief attendance at the rude district 
school and the exacting duties of home 
life on a farm. • After, the removal of the 
family to Ohio, through the perseverance 
of her mother she was sent out where she 
could work for her board and go to school. 
Possessing a naturally bright mind and an 
insatiable desire for knowledge, the op- 
portunity thus afforded for its gratification 
was improved to the utmost, and although 
her education at this time was very limited, 
she made rapid progress in her studies, 
and at the age of sixteen she began to 
teach school. Looking back to this time 
she says those were halcyon days and re- 
members them only with tender and grate- 
ful emotions. Mrs. Adams taught alto- 
gether, though not continuously, for a 
period of seven years, continuing to teach 
for a time after her marriage. For a time 
after she began to teach she continued at 
intervals to attend school and had recita- 
tions to different instructors ; so that final- 
ly she attained a considerable proficiency 



700 



lilSTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



in the branches of study in use at that day. 
From the time she began to teach she sup- 
ported herself entirely by her own exer- 
tions. She had a laudable ambition to 
better her condition in the world, physical 
and intellectual, and she possessed m 
equal measure the necessary determina- 
tion and perseverance to accomplish it. 
An incident in the beginning of her career 
as teacher will illustrate this. She went 
to Columbus for the purpose of securing a 
school. A friend endeavored for some 
time to find one for her, but failing to do 
so suggested as an alternative that shj 
accept a vacant position as chambermad 
in a hotel. This suggestion she emphati- 
cally refused to entertain, and said slie 
knew she was capable of something bettt r. 
Considerably discouraged, but no less de- 
termined in the attainment of her object, 
she was about to return to Worthingtoi 
when another friend interested himself in 
her behalf and soon brought her the wel- 
come announcement that he had secured 
for her a room in which to teach and two 
scholars, and that she could begin tb ,- 
next day. The room was in a sma 1 
building not far from where the Neil 
House now stands, and the scholars were 
his own children. Beginning in this 
small way the number of her pupils speed- 
ily increased and before her first term 
closed she had a school of sixty scholars, 
and required an assistant. 

At the age of nineteen she was married 
to Horatio R. Adams, and in the hopeful- 
ness ol youth they entered upon that jour- 
ney of mutual cares and joys, which at its 
termination by the death of her husband, 
spanned by nearly seven years more 
than half a century. 

In all the vicissitudes of the early yea's 
of their married life, when struggli:! .,^ 
against poverty and adversity, Mrs. Adams 
was the true helpmeet of her husband, 
sharing the hardships and privations as 



Well as the simple pleasures of frontier 
life. Mr. Adams in later years often re- 
ferred to the heroic conduct of his young 
wife during that trying period, whose 
Christian fortitude had smoothed the 
rugged path by which a virtuous inde- 
pendence had eventually been gained. 

Mrs. Adams is endowed with more than 
ordinary intellectual gifts. She is a wo- 
man of ideas and originality of thought 
and possesses a happy faculty of expres- 
sion, both by speech and pen. She has 
written much in both prose and verse, and 
her productions evince a high degree of 
literary talent. The religious element in 
her character is predominant. For more 
than sixty years the Divine Word, the en- 
trance of which irradiated her soul when 
a girl of fourteen, and dispelled the dark- 
ness of doubt and sinfulness, has been a 
lamp to her feet and a light to her path- 
way. From her loyalty to her Master she 
has never swerved. She early connected 
herself with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and has always remained a firm 
adherent of its faith and practices, and 
been a useful member. A good and use- 
ful woman, with remarkable endowments 
of mind and character, improved by high 
Christian culture, producing those graces 
which adorn society, the church, and the 
world, such is the subject of this sketch 
to those who know her best. We who 
thus know her feel the power of her 
single, earnest faith, the beauty and reward 
of a life "hid with Christ in God." Since 
the death of her husband Mrs. Adams 
has had the oversight of the farm, and 
although seventy-eight years of age, carries 
it on with admirable success. 



Mr. and Mrs. Adams were the parents 
of nine children, two of whom died in 
infancy. The others are as follows: Lucia, 
born in Rochester, New York, April 22, 
1828, is now the wife of Dr. William Mc- 




^^"-^-^^S^-^^^^^J^ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



701 



Cormick, and resides in Grass Valley, 
California; they have two children liv- 
'm^, Horatio and Jessie, and one (Willie) 
deceased. William, born in Lyme, Huron 
county, Ohio, in 1831, married Martha 
T. Pennell, and resides near Grand 
Rapids, Michigan; they have two chil- 
dren — Charles and Julia. Delia, born 
August 31, 1833, now widow of Upton 
F. Vore, and resides m Chicago; she 
has four children — Delia, Horatio, Upton, 
and Milton. Sophia, born in May, 1837, 
now widow of John S. Berger, and resides 
in Bellevue, Ohio; she has one child, 
Binnie, at present attending school at 
Oberlin, Ohio. Julia, born July 11, 1841, 
now the wife of H. H. Queen, and resides 
in Toledo, Ohio; they have two chil- 
dren — Florence and Waldemar. Frank, 
born June 27, 1846, died September 8, 
1866. Florence, born November 29, 
1848, now the wife of H. Z. Williams, to 
whom she was married September i, 1870. 
They have two children, Julia and Amy, 
born respectively May 16, 1872, and No- 
vember 14, 1874. All the children ex- 
cept the two oldest were born at the old 
homestead in York township. 



GURDON WOODWARD 

was of English ancestry and New England 
birth. His parents were Abishai and 
Mary Spicer Woodward. The Woodwards 
settled in New London, Connecticut, at 
an early day in the history of that State, 
and Abishai Woodward, the father of 
Gurdon, was a leading citizen of the town 
of New London during and following the 
revolutionary period. Though not of the 
number whose losses from fire by British 
soldiery were compensated by a donation 
of western lands made by the State, yet 
he became the owner, by purchase, of a 
large amount of these claims, and, upon 



the partition of the Firelands, he ac- 
quired proprietorship of more than four 
thousand acres, all lying in sections one 
and four of what now is Lyme township. 
The father of eleven children, he gave to 
each an equal, undivided interest in these 
lands. To the ownership, by his father, 
of western territory, is due the fact of Gur- 
don's coming to this locality. Mr. Wood- 
ward, Sr., came into the possession of his 
lands November g, 1808, the date when 
partition was efifected, and died the follow- 
ing year. 

Gurdon Woodward was born February 
2 1, 1795, i" New London, Connecticut, 
and at the age of fourteen, immediately 
after the death of his parents, went to re- 
side at Whitestown, New York. There 
he learned the trade of millwright. His 
educational advantages were not the best, 
yet he made wise improvement of such as 
were afforded, and acquired a thorough 
knowledge of the practical branches then 
taught, and, for his day, was more than an 
average scholar. 

Upon the outbreak of the last war with 
England he volunteered his services in 
behalf of his country, served her with 
fidelity, and, at the close of the war, re- 
ceived an honorable discharge at Sackett's 
Harbor, New York. This was in 18 15. 
He had at this time reached the age of 
twenty years. His mind now turned with 
eager thoughts toward the distant West. 
At Whitestown, New York, lived at this 
time a young lady to whom he had be- 
come attached. Miss Mary Shepard Sav- 
age, youngest daughter of John and R.a- 
chel Shepard Savage. She became his 
betrothed. Amos, the oldest brother of 
Gurdon, who was the youngest son, had 
married Rachel, the oldest sister of Mary, 
who was the youngest daughter. 

In 1816 Gurdon Woodward started for 
the lands of his inheritance, and after a 
temporary stay in Huron, where his sister 



702 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Betsey and her husband, Mr. George 
Sheffield, located in the same year, he 
came on to Lyme in the spring of 1817, 
and made a selection of his lands. His 
first night in Lyme township, then Wheats- 
borough, was spent by the remains of an 
Indian carnp fire — his dog and gun his 
only companions — upon the very ground 
which was afterwards to be his home dur- 
ing many years of his life. His dreams 
that first night must have been filled with 
thoughts of far-away Whitestown, and of 
the loved one who awaited there his re- 
turn. 

Two years of heroic toil were now spent 
in fitting his chosen heritage for the ad- 
vent of her who, at the expiration of that 
time, was to be his bride. A log house 
was erected and portions of the land 
cleared and fenced. The day finally came 
when he retraced his steps to his former 
home, Oneida county, New York, and 
there, at the village of Whitestown, on the 
14th day of April, 1819, he united his for- 
tunes in holy matrimony with those of 
Miss Mary Shepard Savage. Westward 
the star of love, as of empire, took its way. 
Waiting only to receive the congratulations 
of their friends, the happy pair started for 
their Western Ohio home, the husband, 
however, coming some weeks in advance 
of his wife, who came accompanied by 
Amos Woodward, Gurdon's oldest brother. 
Their journey hither, thus taken separately, 
was their only wedding tour, and the first 
days of their wedded life — in their wilder- 
ness home — their honeymoon. Those 
first summer days which the young bride, 
then only eighteen, passed in the rude but 
comfortable home which her lover had, 
with dauntless perseverance, prepared for 
her, must have been in striking contrast 
to the life she had spent in her father's 
home in Whitestown. Yet who can doubt 
that they were happy days ? 

With energy and determination, endur- 



ing many severe privations, and denied 
innumerable comforts to which both had 
been accustomed, they strove together to 
better their worldly fortunes, to improve 
the condition of their farm and its sur- 
roundings, to beautify their home, and 
to make life attractive. Heaven smiled 
benignantly upon their constant love and 
patient labor. Seven children blessed 
the former, and as a result of the latter, 
the rude log cabin, in which their wedded 
life began, gave place, in time, to a large, 
substantial and comfortable dwelling — at 
the time of its erection, perhaps, the best 
in the township. Their beautiful home 
they christened "Woodlawn." Here they 
dwelt together for forty years, and here 
were born to them all their children: 
Lucy, Abishai, Amos, William, Mary, Ra- 
chel, and Julia M. 

In 1859 Mr. and Mrs. Woodward re- 
moved to Bellevue, and, purchasing the 
Dr. Lathrop property, on West Main 
street, spent there the remainder of their 
days, receiving kind attentions from rela- 
tives and friends. Each lived to a ripe 
old age, the former dying December 8, 
1874, in the eightieth year of his life, and 
the latter February 25, 1879, nearly sev- 
enty-eight years of age. 

On the fiftieth anniversary day of their 
marriage, April 14, 1869, their relatives 
and numerous friends assembled at their 
pleasant home to celebrate their golden 
wedding. It was a time of joyous greet- 
ings and hearty congratulations. The aged 
pair could look back upon a happy, well- 
spent life, and regard with pleasure their 
present condition, blessed with every com- 
fort that heart could wish. Death had 
robbed them of three of their children, 
Lucy, William, and Julia, and hence their 
happiness was tempered with sad recollec- 
tions, but their surviving sons and daugh- 
ters were all happily situated in life — a 
fact that must have been of great gratifi- 




cJ/CcxyU^f cJ ^:^^^^^^^t>€;^^A2i>^,i5^ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



cation to them. In their decHning years, 
their four children and their grandchildren 
ministered to them with devoted attentions; 
and rarely in this life is seen so marked 
an exhibition of filial affection as was 
shown Mrs. Woodward by her sons and 
daughters during the four years of her 
widowhood. 

Of the children, Lucy became the wife 
of George Sheffield; Abishai married Ma- 
ry Amsden, the second daughter of Mr. 
Thomas G. Amsden, and is vice president 
of the Bellevue bank, and universally es- 
teemed by his fellow-townsmen ; Amos 
married Arabella, eldest daughter of Mr. 
Frederick A. Chapman ; is vice presi- 
dent of the First National bank, and a 
man of wealth and influence ; William 
died at about the age of fifteen ; Mary 
became the wife of Rev. Mr. Hamilton ; 
Rachel married Mr. Boardman, who 
died some years ago ; a man of culture 
and intelligence, and a resident of Lin- 
coln, Illinois, at the time of his death; 
Julia M. died in early womanhood. 

Gurdon Woodward was a man of 
marked and clearly defined characteristics. 
Of commanding person, he was possessed 
of sound judgment, a strong will and an 
inflexible purpose. In politics, he was a 
staunch adherent to the Democratic faith, 
and never swerved from fidelity to party 
and Jacksonian principles. In religion, 
though not a communicant, he was active 
in church affairs, and liberal in sustaining 
its service. He was ever a kind and de- 
voted husband and an affectionate father. 
Of Mrs. Woodward's religious and do- 
mestic life the biographer can say nothing 
more to the purpose than to quote the 
following just words taken from an obitu- 
ary notice published in the Standard of 
the Cross, at the time of her decease, and 
written by one who knew her intimately : 
"Amidst the trials and deprivations of 
pioneer life, she ever retained the grace 



and culture of her early Ufe. She loved 
the church, and as soon as opportunity 
offered, received the apostolic rite of con- 
firmation by Bishop Mcllvaine. There 
was nothing ostentatious in her piety, yet 
she did not hide it under a bushel, but 
let her light shine before others. She 
took a deep interest in all that related to 
the prosperity of the church. She loved 
with a pure and earnest affection. In 
every relation of life she was admired and 
loved, but it was as a Christian woman 
that they who loved her best, love now to 
think of her. In her decease the com- 
munity in which she lived has lost a gen- 
erous benefactor, the church a devout and 
exemplary member, and her domestic and 
social circle a most kind and warm-heart- 
ed relative and friend. ' Blessed are the 
dead which die in the Lord from hence- 
forth, yea, saith the Spirit, that they may 
rest from their labors.' " 



BOURDETT WOOD, 
the eldest son of Jasper and Elizabeth 
(Boylston) Wood, was born at Manlius 
Square, New York, on the 19th day of 
February, 1803. The Woods are of Eng- 
lish origin. Four brothers came to this 
country about two centuries ago, three of 
them settling in Massachusetts, and one 
in Virginia. Aaron, the grandfather of the 
subject of this sketch, with three brothers, 
had emigrated to the State of New York a 
short time preceding the Revolutionary 
struggle, and had settled on the German 
flats just above Schenectady. All four of 
the brothers were soldiers in the Revolu- 
tionary war, and took part in the memor- 
able battle of Monmouth. Aaron Wood 
was the father of seven children, as fol- 
lows: Thaddeus, Benjamin, Jasper, Re- 
becca, Dorothea, Aaron, and Homer. 
Thaddeus was a lawyer of distinction and 
ability. He was, in his time, not only the 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



recognized leader of the bar in Onondaga 
county, where he resided, but was esteemed 
as one of the best lawyers of the State. 
He was an active participant in the war of 
1812, and, by reason of meritorious ser- 
vice, was elevated to the rank of brigadier 
general in 1818, and to the rank of major 
general in 1820. Jasper Wood, the father 
of Bourdett, was born in the year in which 
the war for Independence was declared, 
1776, at Lenox, Massachusetts, where he 
lived until fourteen years of age, when he 
went to New York State in the service of 
a Mr. White, the founder of Whiiestown, 
near Utica, that State. Here he con- 
tinued to reside for eight or ten years, and 
then removed to Manlius Square, where 
he remained until 1815, the date of his re- 
moval to the Far West. After a temporary 
stay at Erie, Pennsylvania, of one year's 
duration, he came on with his family to 
Huron county, and settled at Blooming- 
ville. Here he purchased a large tract of 
land, consisting of about one thousand 
eight hundred acres, for which he paid 
about two thousand dollars. Soon after 
this, the Government lands in the adjoin- 
ing county of Sandusky came into market, 
and were sold to purchasers at one dollar 
and twenty-five cents per acre. This re- 
duced the value of Mr. Wood's lands so 
as to render them comparatively worthless. 
He died in 1821. He was a man of 
rather superior education and abilities; was 
a good surveyor, and could speak the Iro- 
quois language with considerable fluency. 
His wife's name was Elizabeth Boylston, 
whom he married May 3, 1802. The 
Boylstons were also English people, and 
were among the first settlers of Boston. 
They gave their name to many places con- 
nected with the early history of that 
metropolis, such as Boylston Common, 
Boylston Square, etc., Boylston Bank, 
Boylston street — places that are still thus 
designated. The Boylstons were a very 



intelligent and well-to-do class of people, 
and many representatives of the family 
are now living in Massachusetts, all oc- 
cupying honorable stations in life. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Wood were the 
parents of six children: Bourdett, Ada- 
line, Julianne, Juliette, Worthington, and 
Aramenta. Mrs. Wood died in 1834. 

Bourdett received his given name from 
the Bourdett family, of Fort Lee, New 
Jersey. 

At the age of sixteen he was bound for 
a term of four years to Judge Timothy 
Baker, of Norwalk, Ohio. After an expi- 
ration of two years, his father having died, 
through the kindly efforts in his behalf, 
made by Mrs. Baker, he was released 
from this service. The maintenance of 
his father's family chiefly devolved upon 
him, and he was brought in close contact 
with the utmost severity of labor. 

Mr. Wood has been a successful man. 
To trace his career and bring to light the 
discovery of how he accomplished so 
much in the direction of getting on in the 
world, is an interesting undertaking. His 
father died when Bourdett was a young 
man of eighteen years of age, and not only 
left him no inheritance, but placed him in 
a position where he must, by the labor of 
his own hands or the employment of his 
own wits, provide, not for himself alone, 
but for others dependent upon him for the 
necessaries of life. Could the young man, 
the day after his father's death, have had 
his future career in life disclosed to him ; 
could he have seen himself standing on 
the verge of that career, penniless and 
seemingly powerless, and then have fol- 
lowed his course through a term of fifty or 
nearly sixty years, to behold himself the 
possessor of hundreds of thousands of dol- 
lars of this world's goods, he would un- 
doubtedly have disbelieved the revelation. 
Yet this is what he has accomplished. 
The acquisition of great wealth furnishes 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



in itself no marvel, for many men become 
possessors of it. Some inherit it; some 
have it thrust upon them by kind for- 
tune or good luck; and some obtain it 
by a systematic course of robbery^ in 
which knavery, extortion, and theft, in its 
various forms, have their part to play. 

After leaving the service of Mr. Baker, 
Mr. Wood's first employment was in work- 
ing for Charles F. Drake, of Blooming- 
ville, for two months, for a barrel of salt 
and a side of sole leather, each of which 
was equivalent to about three dollars and 
fifty cents, and would buy a good two year 
old steer. The following summer he 
raised five or six acres of corn. This he 
was persuaded to apply in the payment of 
a colt, which Mr. Caldwell had obtained 
at a cost of eleven dollars, and for which 
Mr. Wood was influenced to give twenty- 
five dollars. About one-half this money he 
got together by putting up four tons of hay 
for Mr. Caldwell, at one dollar and fifty 
cents per ton, and by chopping twenty- 
five cords of wood at twenty-five cents per 
cord. In piling this wood he showed him- 
self to be a novice, for he made but about 
fifteen cords of it, the wood being put up 
very closely. Eben Dennis, who was pres- 
ent when it was measured, and who took 
a friendly interest in the boy, said to Bour- 
dett, slyly : " You are a little fool to pile 
wood in that way ; now you go ahead and 
chop more, and by and by, when the old 
man Caldwell is not around, I'll come and 
show you how to cord wood." He did 
so, readily extending the pile so as to in- 
clude the requisite twenty-five cords. In 
process of time he got his colt paid for, 
and was by and by enabled to buy an old 
horse, and then exchanged his colt and 
horse for a yoke of oxen, thus providing 
himself with a team. In 1823, at the age 
of twenty, he raised a fair crop of corn, 
and then went sailing. He sailed to Sault 
St. Marie, and acted in the capacity of 



cook. The mate had laid in a barrel of 
whisky to supply the soldiers in garrison 
at St. Mary's, and Bourdett was promised 
half they could make if he would draw the 
whisky for those who purchased it. 

He had the good fortune to obtain quite 
a nice little sum of money in his sailing 
operations. This money he invested in 
calves. In 1825 he worked in the Bloom- 
ingville brick-yard for Dr. Strong. In 
1826 he returned to Manlius, New York, 
and was employed in making water lines 
for the Oswego Canal, the building of 
which had at that time just been com- 
menced. In 1827 he bought fifty-seven 
acres of land for two hundred and fifty 
dollars, a part of the old Wood homestead 
in Oxford, now owned by his son Thomas. 
On this purchase he was enabled to pay 
sixty dollars. In 1829" he carried the mail 
from Sandusky to Bucyrus, receiving four 
dollars and fifty cents per trip. 

On the ist day of January, 1829, he 
was married to Miss Rhoda, daughter of 
Mr. Seth Harrington. Industrious and 
frugal, Mrs. Wood fumished valuable as- 
sistance to her husband in his efforts to 
get a start in life. He soon found him- 
self the possessor of surplus funds, which 
he generously loaned to his neighbors upon 
application. Finally, old man Coggswell 
said to him: "Charge for the use of your 
money. It is no use to keep a cow unless 
you milk her." Adopting this sage advice, 
he began to loan money in small sums, 
and the accruing interest soon began to 
tell in his favor. About the year 1840 he 
began to buy and sell stock. He and Un- 
cle Nat. Chapman associated themselves 
together in the business of buying horses 
and sheep, for cash, in Holmes and Tus- 
carawas counties, bringing them to Huron 
and Erie counties, and selling them on 
credit to responsible farmers. And in 
1844 he and Mr. Chapman began the pur- 
chase of Western lands. About this time 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



they secured fifteen hundred acres of the 
Wyandot reservation, and in 1853 they 
bought twenty-three hundred acres in 
Iowa, mostly in Tama county. He began 
the purchase of lands also in Erie county, 
buying and selling, and always reaping a 
gain. 

In 1846 he removed to Bellevue with 
his family, and from this time forward 
made money-lending the leading specialty 
of his business. In 1871 he associated 
himself with Abishai Woodward and E. J. 
Shefifield in the banking business, under 
the firm name of Wood, Woodward & Co., 
and when the bank was reorganized as a 
stock company-, Mr. Wood was made pres- 
ident of the institution — a position he still 
retains. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wood are the parents of 
the following children: i. Jasper, born 
November 15, 1829. He is a resident of 
Bureau county, Illinois, and a very suc- 
cessful farmer and stock raiser. 2. Eme- 
line Adelia, born May 6, 1831. She is 
the wife of Peter G. Sharp, and resides 
near Stockton, California. 3. Richard 
Boylston, born December 2, 1832, was 
killed at the battle of Tunnel Hill, Geor- 
gia, February 25, 1864. He was captain 
of a company of cavalry soldiers, and a 
gallant soldier, a brave and efficient officer. 
4. Henry Bourdett, born July 25, 1834, 
died April, 1873. 5- Elizabeth Malvina, 
born March 19, 1836. She is the wife of 
Adam Burgett, a wholesale boot and shoe 
merchantof Toledo, Ohio. 6. Benjamin Les- 
ter, born June 21,1838. 7. Florella Sophia, 
born September 7, 1840, died May 14, 
1866, of consumption. She was a young 
lady of much attractiveness and superior 
mental qualities. 8. Thomas Corwin, 
born April 27, 1842. He resides in Belle- 
vue. 9. Susan C, born August 7, 1844. 
She became the wife of W. W. Williams 
April 9, 1868, and died of consumption 
November 5, 1872. In the Western home 



in which she lived during her wedded life, 
she won many friends, by whom her mem- 
ory is cherished with pleasing recollections. 
10. Julia Louisa, born February 28, 1847. 
She is the wife of James B. Wood, of 
Bellevue, Ohio, whose home she renders 
blessed. 

On the ist day of January, 1879, the rel- 
atives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Wood 
assembled at their residence in Bellevue, 
and celebrated with them their golden 
wedding. The occasion was one of the 
pleasantest, to all participants, that ever 
took place within that quiet village. 

Mr. Wood is now in his seventy-ninth 
year, but possesses as much vitality as the 
average man of fifty. He has hardly ever 
known a sick day, and the prospect that a 
dozen years or more may yet be added to 
his days is not discouraging. Physically 
so sound and well-preserved, he is no less 
so mentally. He attends to all the details 
of his extensive business, and, though his 
memory is becoming treacherous, his judg- 
ment is as unerring, his discernment as 
acute, his reasoning faculties as sound, as 
they ever have been. 

Mr. Wood is a man of clearly-defined 
traits of character and mental characteris- 
tics. In manner often abrupt and blunt, 
he nevertheless possesses a kindliness of 
heart that is rarely found beneath so rough 
an exterior. No man in need, whom he 
believes to be deserving, has ever appealed 
to him in vain. Schooled in the methods 
of money-lending, and having become 
naturally cautious and careful as to his se- 
curities, he has loaned money to hundreds 
of people who had no security to offer 
him, and toward whom he has stood wholly 
in the light of their benefactor. 

He is not a member of any church, but 
Mrs. Wood has been for many years a 
faithful and consistent member of the 
Protestant Episcopal church, and is active 
in her zeal for its prosperity. 



TOWNSEND, 



SANDUSKY Bay and Erie county on 
the north, Erie connty on the east, 
York township on the south, and Riley 
township on the west, form the boundaries 
of Townsend. It was ordered by the 
county commissioners at their April ses- 
sion, 1820: 

That a township be detached from the town of 
Croghanville, to be known by the name of "Town 
send," bounded as follows: Beginning on the east 
bank of Green Creek, at the division line between 
Sandusky and Seneca counties, thence east with said 
line to the east line of Seneca reservation, thence 
north along said line until it shall intersect the road 
leading from Croghanville to Strong's settlement, 
thence along said road until it shall reach the Huron 
county line, thence north along said line to Sandusky 
Bay, thence along the shore of the bay until it shall 
reach Green Creek, thence along the bank of the 
creek to the place of beginning. 

An old document says there were within 
this territory at that time more than twenty 
voters, but their names are not given, and 
early election records are lost. The estab- 
lishment of Green Creek in 1822, and 
Riley in 1823, reduced Townsend to its 
present size. The first election was held 
at the house of M. Wilson. The town 
government of that year was as simple as 
possible. It was, indeed, little more than 
a law and order society. The land had 
not yet come into market, and conse- 
quently the principal business of our pres- 
ent official system — the collect ion and ex 
penditure of taxes — was a thing of the 
future. Indeed, as we shall see further 
along in this sketch, officers for the pro- 
tection of personal property were unneces- 
sary, for the citizens took into their own 
hands the business of inflicting punish- 
ments. 



Prior to the settlement the southern 
part of the township was all heavily ti m 
bered. Extensive prairies broke the forest 
in the northern part. These prairies were 
covered with a heavy marsh grass, inter- 
spersed with an occasional branch of a 
iTiore nutritious variety, which attracted 
the cows of the early settlers. 

The surface slope of the township is 
uniformly toward the northwest, and a 
number of small streams flow rapidly in 
that direction. There is but one mill-site 
in the township, that being in the eastern 
part, just below "Rockwell Spring." This 
spring is the source of the most beautiful 
stream in the township — a rapid current 
of clear mineral water. 

The most valuable feature of the water 
supply of Townsend is the under surface 
currents which are the source of artesian 
wells. These fountains of cold water, 
pleasantly tinctured with mineral matter, 
are found in all parts of the township. 
The first well was sunk by C. G. Sanford 
about 1850. Some difficulty was exper- 
ienced in this operation. After penetrat- 
ing the surface soil and a stratum of blue 
clay, quicksand, saturated with water, 
baffled further progress. Mr. Sanford 
overcame the difficulty by constructing a 
casing of stovepipe through the sand to 
the top of a stratum of hard conglomer- 
ate rock. A hole was drilled through this 
rock, which at that place was about fifteen 
inches in thickness. The drill being re- 
moved the well soon filled with pure 
water and became the source of a living 
stream. By means of casing the water 

703 



704 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



was raised high enough to fill a trough. 
The geological conformation is much 
the same in all parts of the township, but 
a number of attempts to obtain wells 
have failed. The water filling a net-work 
of fissures seems to be bound down by 
the stratum of conglomerate above spoken 
of. When one of these fissures is struck 
the experiment of obtaining a well never 
fails. It is possible, however, that after a 
time a fissure may become clogged, and a 
well once strong cease to flow. One of the 
best wells in the township — one on the 
Beebe farm — became dry after a number 
of years. A new shaft in the immediate 
vicinity brought to the surface a strong 
current. 

It is probable that Rockwell Spring and 
Cold Spring, in Erie county, draw their 
water from the same source through 
natural fissures or breaks in this layer of 
conglomerate or covering of an under- 
ground system of currents, whose source 
is higher than the surface of the soil. The 
depth of these wells varies from twenty to 
fifty feet. Some places water can be 
raised six feet above the surface. 

The utility of such a system of water- 
works is inestimable. With proper drain- 
age, two or three wells can be made to 
supply all parts of the farm with fresh, pure 
water, making stock-raising at once more 
profitable and easy. It is by no means 
Utopian to say, that as population grows, 
and, as a consequence, the profits of agri- 
culture increase, such a system of drainage 
and water supply will be effected as will 
render the injury of crops by draught an 
impossibility. 

Only a faint idea can be formed by our 
own generation of the "appearance of 
things" before the white man's axe changed 
the condition of nature. Except in the 
marshy northern sections, heavy trees unit- 
ed their tops and completely excluded the 
sun. Smaller trees filled the intervening 



spaces below, while at many places shrubs 
and bushes made the forest absolutely im- 
penetrable. Through the central part of 
the township walnut was the predominat- 
mg heavy timber; on the ridge further 
south oak prevailed. Thick grape-vines, 
with long tendrils, bound the trees togeth- 
er and made it necessary in some instances 
to cut half a dozen trees before one could 
be brought to the ground. They finally 
came down with a crash, crossing each 
other in every direction. Complete clear- 
ings generally were made only where it was 
designed to erect the cabin. Land was 
first prepared for crops by cutting the 
smaller trees, grubbing out the under- 
brush, and girdling the large trees. This 
method of clearing saved a great deal of 
labor. The ^girdled trees soon became 
dry and were easily burned down during 
the warm months of the fall. But, al- 
though the large trees were not cut down, 
heavy logs had to be piled together and 
burned before the plow or cultivator could 
be used. For ages trees had been grow- 
ing, dying, then falling and giving place to 
others. These dead and decaying trunks 
were lying almost concealed by under- 
brush. 

THE SETTLEMENT. 

The first settler in the township was 
Moses Wilson. He built his cabin on the 
North ridge in the spring of 1818. When 
the land came into market, he made a 
purchase and removed to the west part of 
the county. 

The Townsend family, whose name the 
township bears, made the second improve- 
ment on the present Brush farm, in the 
spring of 1818. Abraham Townsend em- 
igrated from New York to Canada before 
the War of 181 2. His son, Ephraim K., 
joined the United States army, which cir- 
cumstance, together with his known sym- 
pathy with his native country, made it not 
only judicious, but necessary,atthe opening 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



705 



of that unfortunate struggle, for the family 
to return to the States. The war over Mr. 
Townsend was one among the earliest of 
the pioneers of Northern Ohio, and in 
1818 pushed into the thick and heavy- 
forest of this county. The place of settle- 
ment had possibly been selected, during 
the war, by Ephraini K. The family, at the 
time of coming to this county, numbered 
two sons and five daughters, viz: Eph- 
raim K. and Gamalial, Margaret (Chit- 
tendon), Betsey, wife of Addy Van Ness, 
Mary (Loux), Amy, and Eliza. Mr. Town- 
send removed to Huron county about 
1824, and a few years later to Michigan. 
Ephraim K. remained in Townsend, where 
he owned eighty acres of land, until 1826, 
when he removed to Sandusky City, where 
he died the following year. Mr. Townsend 
was the first clerk of the township. He 
married Rebecca Tew in 1820. The 
farm was purchased in 1826 by Mr. Tib- 
bals, who died the following year. 

The third cabin in the township was 
built by Mr. Corbit, who never entered 
land, but left the county when the tract 
on which he had squatted was sold. 

William Tew, sr., built the fourth 
cabin m November, 1818, and was the 
only one of these first families who re- 
mained to see the country developed and 
improved. Mr. Tew was born in Massa- 
chusetts, but early in hfe removed to New 
York, in which State he was married, in 
1800, to Susannah Barton. In the spring 
of 1818 he came west to Erie county; and 
in the fall of that year erected a 
cabin, and removed to the woods 
of Townsend. He had a family of 
eight children — Rebecca, wife of E. K. 
Townsend, was the first resident of the 
township to marry, she died in Indiana 
in 1876; William settled in Townsend 
and lived here till 1865, when he removed 
to Clyde, where he died in 1876; Seth 
finally settled in Illinois, where he died in 



1831; Paul has been a resident of the 
township since the settlement of the family, 
except five years, from 1825 till 1830; 
Robert resides in Sandusky, he lost his 
eyesight and became lame in boyhood; 
Hiram died in 1819, and is the first per- 
son buried in the Tew cemetery on the 
North ridge; Permelia married Alonzo 
Anson, and died in Erie county in 1842; 
Mary, widow of Samuel Ainsley, lives in 
Erie county. William Tew, sr., was the 
first postmaster in the township, and in 
every way a worthy man; he died in 1842. 

Benjamin Barney came to the township 
about 1822. His brother Wesley had 
preceded him a short time. Benjamin 
sold his place to Daniel Rice in 1824. 

A. C. Jackson settled in this township 
on the ridge in 1822. He married 
Amanda Olds in Huron county in 1818, 
and at the time of settlement in this town- 
ship the family consisted of two children. 
Ten children were born in this county. 
Eight came to maturity, and seven are 
still living. Mr. Jackson died October 24, 
1865, aged exactly seventy-one. Their 
cabin was the first house of entertainment 
in the township. Mrs. Jackson was one 
of the most useful women in the pioneer 
settlement. Her kindness and skill in the 
treatment of disease is gratefully remem- 
bered by those of the pioneers of that 
community yet surviving. She lives in 
Clyde. 

The prairie in the north part of the 
township had squatter settlements at an 
early day. Charles Baker and Levi Chap- 
man lived at the mouth of Little Pickerel 
Creek, Fred Chapman and his brother on 
Rush prairie, and William Poorman a lit- 
tle farther to the south, before 1822. 

The Winters family made an early set- 
tlement in this part of the county. Chris- 
tian Winters was a native of Maryland, 
which State he left on account of anti- 
slavery ideas, and removed to Canada. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



At the opening of the War of 1812 he vol- 
unteered in the Federal army, and in 1817 
the family settled in Erie county (then 
Huron). A few years later the family, 
consisting of Daniel, Benjamin, and John, 
came to this township and engaged in 
stock raising. 

Ann Winters was born in Canada in 
1801. She came to Erie county, thence 
to Townsend with the family, and, in 
1829, married Samuel Kidwell, by whom 
she had two children, both of whom are 
dead. Mr. Kidwell died in 1832. She 
afterwards married Lyttle White, by whom 
she has had one child, Benjamin. 

Silas Freese was born in Ogdensburg, 
Canada, in 1805, and came to Sandusky 
county with his father, John Freese, in 
182 1. The family consisted of four chil- 
dren, one of whom is living — Hannah 
(Barney), in Illinois. John Freese was a 
native of New Y''ork, whence he emigrated 
to Canada. Silas Freese, in 1836, married 
Ehza Reed, by whom he has eight chil- 
dren living, viz: James L., Townsend; 
H. J., Downing, Michigan; Ira, Erie 
county; Isaiah, Ottawa county; Lydia 
(Rodgers), Ottawa county; William D., 
Alice (Cowell), and Elmina, Townsend. 
Two of the sons were killed in the army 
— George, wounded at Chickamauga, and 
died in prison at Atlanta; John, killed in 
the battle of Altoona. Silas Freese died 
in the spring of 1881. 

Azariah Beebe removed with his family 
from New Y'ork to Huron county in 1816, 
and about 1824 came to this township. 
They had eight children, the youngest of 
whom, Ethan, was born in this county. 
Those born before coming to this county 
were: Diadama (Snow), Almira (Mc- 
Cord), William, James, Harriet R., Aaron, 
and Enoch. Azariah Beebe died Decem- 
ber 12, 1834; his wife, Mary (Ryan) 
Beebe, died December 11, 1864. Aaron 
died in 1840, Almira in 1841, and Wil- 



liam in 1857. The remaining members 
of the family all reside in this township. 
The Beebes were the first settlers in the 
neighborhood of Rockwell Spring. Har- 
riet R. lives on the old homestead. 

James Beebe was born near the mouth 
of Huron River, in 18 16. He married 
Mary Jane Green in 1839, and by her had 
one child, George A., now living in Cali- 
fornia. In 1 84 1 he married Susannah 
Crandall. The fruit of tliis marriage is 
seven children living — Mary J., Nathan 
M., Rebecca (Black), Ethan A., Frank, 
Fred, and Harriet A. Mr. Beebe has held 
various township offices. 

Orlin Selvey, v;ho died February 5, 
1 88 1, was born in Tompkins county. New 
York, December 24, 181 1. He moved 
with his father's family to Huron county, 
and resided there eleven years. There 
the father died. The widow, with three 
sons and one daughter, came to Townsend 
township about 1824, and here Orlin Sel- 
vey lived the remainder of his life. In 
1840 he married Harriet Greenman, of 
Towmsend. They had one child, Sanford, 
who now lives in the township, a solace to 
his widowed mother. Orlin Selvey was 
the only survivor of his fiither's family. 
He served three terms and a part of the 
fourth as justice of the peace. He was a 
man of excellent character. Sanford Sel- 
vey was born August 5, 1841. He married 
Anna R. McNitt, of Townsend. They 
have four children — Manly Clay, Guy 
McNitt, Hattie Deborah, and Edith Al- 
vina. 

Robert Wallace and Mary, his wife, came 
to Ohio in 1826, from Pennsylvania. Their 
children were: John Wallace, now resid- 
ing in Yazoo City, Mississippi; Sarah 
(McCord), who died in 'I'ownsend; and 
Mrs. Eliza Murtz, still living. After the 
death of Mr. Wallace his widow married 
Thomas Fleming, and had fqur children 
—Thomas, William, Robert, and George. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



707 



All lived and died in Townsend except 
William, who died in Mississippi. Eliza 
Wallace, the only representative of this 
family now living in this county, was mar- 
ried, in 1 83 1, to David White, who was 
born in Pennsylvania in 18 12, and moved 
to Townsend township in 1826. Mr. 
White died in 1844. His liome was the 
Smitli farm, in the southeast corner of the 
township. There were seven children — 
David A., John W., Mary, Sarah Ann, 
Esther E., Charles W., and Harriet S. Of 
these three are living — Sarah Ann (Ream) 
and Esther E. (McCarty), Townsend, and 
Harriet (Close), Erie county. Mrs. White 
married again, in 1848, Christopher Murty, 
a native of Ireland. He died in 1874, at 
the age of sixty-seven. Mr. Murty was 
an active business man and a most worthy 
citizen. 

Ebenezer Ransom was an early settler 
in the north part of the township, and was 
the first justice of the peace. 

Addy Van Nest was a local preacher 
and evangelist. He did not remain Long 
in the township. He settled in the West. 

The old Lemmon farm was first im- 
proved by the Putnam family. Mrs. Put- 
nam was a widow. Her son was a young 
man, and took charge of the clearing 
operations. 

Josiah Holbrook emigrated from New 
York to Huron in 18 16, and six years later 
came to Townsend, where he engaged in 
the manufacture of potash, a common em- 
ployment of the time, and one of the few 
industries productive of ready cash. 

Samuel Love came to Townsend in 
1822. He was a peaceable and indus- 
trious Irishman, who was highly esteemed. 
He lived on the North ridge. 

Benjamin Widener was a Pennsylvanian 
who came to Huron county, and from 
there to Sandusky county in 1822. His 
brother, Cornelius, came about the same 
time. Cornelius adopted the Indian 



method of grinding corn in a stump. A 
stump of hard wood was selected, and by 
burning and chopping hollowed out, form- 
ing a mortar, in which the corn was placed. 
A section of the body of an iron-wood 
tree was raised by means of a spring-pole, 
and allowed to drop with its end on the 
corn in the stump. In this way a strong 
man could crack enough corn in one day 
to last the family a week. Owing to the 
scarcity and incapacity of mills, it was a 
handy machine to have, for frequently the 
good woman of the house had her patience 
sorely tried hearing the children cry for 
bread while the man of the household was 
waiting for his turn at seme distant mill. 

Joseph McCord and his brother stopped 
in Huron county, where they had a cabin, 
and kept bachelor's hall, until one day 
the lonely sleeping shed caught fire and 
burned. Joseph then came to Townsend, 
and, like a good settler, married a wife, 
improved a farm, and raised a family. 

Harry Snow married Diadama Beebe 
and settled in Townsend. His father was 
one of the best fiddlers in Erie county. 
Speaking of a fiddler calls to mind the 
enthusiastic dance of pioneer days, when, 
in the language of one of the girls of that 
period, "our dresses were shorter and our 
steps higher than nowadays." A dance 
was the usual happy conclusion of a log- 
rolling, raising, or quilting. Carpet-rag 
sewings were few, for few people had car- 
pets or rags enough to make a carpet out 
of. 

If a man had logs to pile up prepara- 
tory to burning or a building to raise, his 
neighbors were given notice of the fact, 
and all for miles around (for the word 
neighbor in pioneer history has a wide 
meaning) came to his assistance, bringing 
with them their wives, daughters and sis- 
ters to do the cooking and put in the odd 
hours at sewing, weaving, or perchance 
cheering the success of favorite beaux in 



7o8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



the many trials of strength which .were 
constantly going on in the clearing. The 
day usually closed with wrestling matches, 
lifting contests or other trials ot strength 
and agility. The victories of strong and 
active men were rewarded by the loving 
smiles of honest women who were always 
ready to encourage with hand and heart, 
and were willing not only to lighten but 
to take upon themselves a fair share of 
the burdens of the times. On one of 
these gala days, which combined work with 
fun, as soon as darkness had driven day 
away, all the young people repaired to the 
place of dancing, to the cabin or a 
stand erected for the purpose, but in 
either case the floor was made of split 
puncheons. This sort of a floor had one 
recommendatipn, it was firm; but on ac- 
count of roughness would be badly calcu- 
lated for the graceful, gliding waltz of the 
present generation. Indeed, when we 
picture the conditions, we cease to won- 
der why the "women stepped higher" 
than now^, when dancing is done on waxed 
floors. The round dance was a move- 
ment unthought of, but they performed 
all sorts of figures in the catalogue of 
square dancing. Those movements re- 
quiring most exertion were the most pop- 
ular. The walk around quadrille of to- 
day is looked upon by the women and 
men of the old school as a silly perform- 
ance, and perliaps it is. The "French 
Four," "Virgir.ia Reel," and other simi- 
lar exercises were participated in with an 
enthusiasm which would have been de- 
structive to set-rings, bracelets, or lace 
sleeves, had the ladies worn them. But 
plain homespun, or in exceptional cases 
calico dresses, constituted tlie ladies' cos- 
tumes. Wooden stays took the place of 
corsets, and the feet rested upon broad 
soles and heels. AVhen the surrounding 
forest had echoed and re-echoed the in- 
spiring notes of the violin and the clatter 



of joyful feet, till long after wolves had 
ceased their midnight howls, the party, 
tired of pleasure broke up, and all quietly 
followed woodland paths to cabin homes. 

Daniel Rice, one of the earliest pioneers 
along the Sandusky River, and an early 
settler of Townsend, was born in Claren- 
don, Vermont, March 29, 1792. At the 
age of thirteen he went to New York, and 
served in the War of i8i2,in Captain John 
Dix's company, New York militia. At the 
close of the war, in company with an older 
sister, he came to Ohio and located for a 
time in Franklin county, near Columbus. 
In 18 1 9 he came to the Sandusky Valley, 
about eight miles below Fort Ball. He 
was a justice of the peace in 1820, and 
solemnized the first marriage recorded in 
Sandusky county, October 24, 1820, the 
parties being West Barney and Sophronia 
Wilson. Mr. Rice married, December 14, 
1820, at Lower Sandusky, Anna Barney, 
a native of Berkshire county, Massachu- 
setts. In 1825 they settled in Townsend, 
on the farm on which Mrs Rice now lives, 
at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. 
They had seven children, four of whom 
are living. Daniel Rice died May 13, 
1872. 

M. B. Rice, son of Daniel Rice, was 
born in Townsend township in 183 1. Be" 
fore he married he spent fourteen years of 
his life in California, where he was engaged 
in mining. In 186S he married Mrs. 
Anna (Plathaway) Rice, widow of Daniel 
Rice, jr. She was born in Scott township 
in 1S38. They have two children — Thad- 
deus Waldo and DeWitt Clinton. Mr- 
Rice has a good farm and is a successful 
farmer. He dwells upon the old Rice 
farm. 

Purdy and Warner Smith were early set- 
tlers of the township. Warner was a single 
man and lived with his brother Purdy 
until after the death of Tibbols, when he 
married the widow. He had been a magis- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



709 



trate in Huron county (now Erie), and 
was a practical joker. 

James Lemmon, sr., was born in Nor- 
thumberland county, Pennsylvania, July 
17, 1779. In 1800 he removed to New 
York, and in 1805 married Rebecca 
Blake, a native of Connecticut. In 1827 
he came to Ohio and settled on the North 
ridge in Townsend, where he died May 
7, 1854. His wife died March 29, 1855. 
The family consisted of five sons and two 
daughters. Mathew M. was born in Living- 
ston county. New York, in 181 2. He came 
to Sandusky county with the family in 1827, 
and still resides on the farm on which his 
father settled. He married Sarah Mcln- 
tyre in 1848 and has a family of four 
children — Frank married Hannah Kellor, 
and lives on the homestead ; Harvey mar- 
ried Bessie Nearkoop, and lives in Town- 
send; Etta, wife of Luther Wilt, resides in 
Townsend ; George is unmarried. 

Albert Guinall, a son of James Guinall, 
settled in Townsend, where his son still 
lives. 

John Bush came from New York with 
his family in 1827 and settled in Townsend 
township. The family consisted of five 
sons, viz: Fenner, Medina, Michigan; 
J. B., Clyde ; Edwin, deceased ; N. W. 
Clyde ; and A. L., Ottawa county. 

After 1830 the township filled up so 
rapidly that it is impossible to give the 
names of more than a few of the more 
prominent and influential settlers. 

Alpheus Mclntyre, a native of New 
York, settled in Townsend in 1830. The 
maiden name of his wife was Lois San- 
ford. He had been deputy sheriff of 
Hamilton county, and in this county 
served as associate judge of the court of 
common pleas. He was one of the early 
school-teachers and magistrates of Town- 
send. He married, for his second wife, 
Mrs. Sally Curtis, nee Cleveland, who was 
the first school-teacher in the township. 



Nathan and Sidney Crandall came to 
the township about 1830. Nathan was a 
sailor and spent only his winters here with 
his brother, Sidney, who owned a farm 
and had a family. 

A man named Lyon lived on Pickle 
street soon after the road bearing that 
name was laid out. A little ill-feeling be- 
tween him and Mr. Smith about a piece 
of meat gave the road its name. 

Zelotes Parkhurst was a native of Ver- 
mont. He spent his early life in some of 
the Southern States, and subsequently in 
New York. In 1828 he married Lois 
Stevens, of Livingston county. New York, 
and in 1830 came to Ohio, setthng on a 
farm in Townsend township, where he 
died, January 2, 1S44. The three sons, 
W. T., J. S., and Phineas W., all served 
in the army. Phineas VV. married, in 
1869, Miss S. Z. Richards, of Townsend, 
and is now cashier of the Clyde bank. 
Zelotes Parkhurst laid out and donated to 
the public the Parkhurst cemetery, in 
which his remains repose. 

Phineas Stevens was born in Massa- 
chusetts, in 1754. He served in the war 
of the Revolution, and afterwards settled 
in New York. In 1830 he came to Ohio 
and settled in this township, where he 
died in 1840. His wife survived him two 
years. 

The Whitmoro family settled in this 
township on the Wadsworth farm in 1830. 
George and Margaret were the names of 
the parents. The children who came 
with them were Rachel, born in 1804; 
Janet, born in 1814; and John. Rachel 
married Holcomb Allen, and died at Port 
Huron, Michigan. Janet married Benja- 
min Winters, and died in this township. 
John Whitmpre was born in Leicester, 
Livingston county. New York, May 29, 
1816, and came to Ohio with his parents 
in 1837. He married Marcia (Swift) 
Chapman. They had only one child, now 



710 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



living, Ann J., the wife of Walter Davlin. 
Mr. Whitmore became a most successful 
business man and a very prominent citi- 
zen. He died January i, 1881. 

The Beaghler family settled in this 
county in 1831. E. Beaghler, still a res- 
ident of Townsend, was born in Perry 
county, Ohio, in 1826. In 1845 he mar- 
ried Lavina Morse, by whom he had five 
children, three of whom are living — 
Nancy (Batsole), Michigan ; Mary (Young), 
BallviUe; and Amelia (Thompson), Town- 
send. He married for his second wife, in 
1858, Caroline Jackson. One child is the 
fruit of this union, Anson J., living in 
Townsend. Mrs. Beaghler was a daughter 
of A. C. Jackson, one of the early settlers 
in Townsend. 

Hezekiah Higley, who is still living in 
Townsend township, was born in Massa- 
chusetts in 1790, April 6. When eleven 
years old, he went to New York State, 
whence he emigrated to Portage county, 
Ohio, from there to Erie county, and in 
1832, to his present abode. In 1815 he 
married Jerusha Clark, who was born in 
Berkshire county in 1794, and died in 
Townsend township in 1876. She was the 
mother of ten children, four of whom are 
living: Laura, wife of Cyrus Daniels, 
Riley; Anson, Hudson, Michigan; Wil- 
liam, Hessville; and Orson, Townsend. 

Simeon Haff was born in the State of 
New York in 1769. At the age of thirty 
he married Betsey Lyon, of the same 
State. In the spring of 1830 he came 
West, settled in Townsend, and passed the 
remainder of his days here. He died 
October 10, 1841. Mrs. Haff died March 
18, 1852, aged sixty-six. Thfe family com- 
prised five sons and six daughters. Four 
sons and two daughters are living — Hiram, 
Clyde; Israel, Indian Territory; Francis, 
Michigan, and Cyrus in Riley township. 
William, the third son, lived and died in 
this township, and brought up a family. 



Two of his sons are living. The surviving 
daughters of Simeon Haff are Mrs. Sarah 
Bennett, Clyde, and Mrs. Elizabeth Tyler, 
Michigan. 

Hiram Haff, oldest son of Simeon Haff, 
was born in Livingston county. New York, 
December 16, 181 2, at which time his 
father was serving in the war. He came 
with his parents to this county, and resided 
upon the old place until 1854, when he 
moved to York township. About two 
years ago he moved to Clyde, his present 
residence. July 4, 1836, he married 
Cynthia Avery, of this county. She died 
in December, 1876. They reared six sons 
and three daughters, who are now located 
as follows: Sanford, Wyandotte, Kansas; 
Edwin, Lenawee county, Michigan; Eliaha, 
Reuben and Fred, Townsend ; and Hiram 
B., York. The daughters: Mrs. Melinda 
Lewis, Townsend; Mrs. Betsey Whitaker, 
Henry county ; and Mrs. Belle Heffner, 
Clyde. 

Elisha Haff was born in 1844. In 187 1 
he married Eliza Fuller, and has four chil- 
dren: Myrtie, Elver, Zedie, and Mabel. 

Reuben Haff was born in Townsend 
township in 1846. In 1867 he married 
Laura Crippen, and has two children liv- 
ing — Ortiff and Elisha. 

Fred Haff was born in Townsend in 
1852. He married Eva Plumb, of this 
township, in 1875, and has two children — 
Edith and Claude. 

H. A. Sanford was born in Ontario 
county, New York, March 4, 1822. He 
came to Ohio with his parents in 1832, 
and settled in Townsend township, his 
present residence. In 1853 he married 
Mary Rice, daughter of Daniel and Ann 
Rice, of this township. To them have 
been born three children — Merritt, who 
married Mary Beebe, daughter of Enoch 
and Jane Beebe, and resides in Town- 
send; Alma L., the wife of Eugene Win- 
ters, Eaton Rapids, Michigan; and Jennie, 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



711 



Townsend. Mr. Sanford has held several 
offices, such as treasurer, tiustee, etc. 

G. W. Sanford, son of Zachariah and 
Mary Sanford, was born in Townsend 
township, February 2, 1840. He lived at 
home until he began work for himself In 
1863 he married Miss Adaline Hawkins, 
daughter of Hiram Hawkins, of Town- 
send. He has been residing on his pres- 
ent farm since 1868. Politically Mr. San- 
ford is a Republican. 

James Lewis removed from Ontario 
county. New York, in 1833, and settled in 
the northeast corner of Townsend. He 
retired from the farm some time since and 
is now living at Clyde. 

Benjamin Hooper, another of the set- 
tlers of 1833, was born in Devonshire, 
England, in 1787. He emigrated to Amer- 
ica in 1833 and settled in Townsend the 
same year. His family consisted of four 
daughters and one son. 

Edward Chambers, a native of Ireland, 
removed from Boston, Massachusetts, and 
settled in Townsend township on the farm 
now occupied by Andrew Smith, in 1845. 
He married Mary Hooper, who is still 
living at Clyde. Three of their children 
are living — F. R. Chambers in Townsend, 
A. B. Chambers, Hannibal, Missouri, and 
Mary A. Chambers, Clyde. Edward 
Chambers died in March, 1879. F. R. 
Chambers was born in Townsend town- 
ship in 1847. He married, Novem- 
ber I, 1880, Annie Mahr, daughter of G. 
P. and Anna M. Mahr,, of this township. 

Isaiah Golden was born in Pike county, 
Pennsylvania, in 18 19. In 1823 his father 
removed to Wayne county, Ohio, and 
thence to Huron county. Mr. Golden, in 
1840, came to this county and settled in 
Townsend township. He married for his 
first wife, Lucy H. Gifford. For his sec- 
ond wife he married Sarah Ann Short. 
The fruit of this marriage is four children 
living — Seth, Townsend township; Polly 



Ann (Burr), Putnam county ; Ora and 
Eva, Townsend. Names of children de- 
ceased — Franklin, Delilah, Jeremiah and 
Edward. 

Z. P. Brush was born at Danbury, Con- 
necticut, in 1 81 6. His father's family 
soon after removed to New York, whence 
Z. P. emigrated to Erie county, Ohio, in 
1836, and in 1841 married Almira Tib- 
bals. He removed to Townsend the next 
spring, and settled on the farm on which 
Abraham Townsend had made the first 
improvement in the township. After 
Townsend removed, this farm was owned 
by Zeno Tibbals, the father-in-law of Mr. 
Brush. The Brush family consists of 
five children living — Z. T., commercial 
traveller; Joseph B., Townsend; Mildred 
(Nichols), Kansas; James Z. and Allie, 
Townsend. 

The White family settled in Townsend 
township about 1843. Lytle White was a 
native of the State of New York. He 
married, in Townsend, Mrs. Ann Kittle, 
nee Winters, who still survives him. To 
them was born Benjamin L., who now re- 
sides in this township. By her former 
marriage Mrs. White had one child, Mary, 
deceased. Mrs. White was born in Canada 
in 1799. 

Charles \V. White was born in Prussia, 
in 1840. In 1848 he came to Sandusky 
county with his father, and in 1865 mar- 
ried Catharine Wahl. Three children are 
living — Charles F., William R., and Ella. 
Mr. White was elected to the office of in- 
firmary director in 1878, and has also 
served his township as trustee. 

Joseph Miller, a native of Pennsylvania, 
came to Ohio in 1830, and settled in 
Townsend township. In 1864 he married 
Caroline Wadsworth. Four children of 
this union are living — J. Henry, Anna, 
Addie, and Bertie. Joseph Miller died in 
March, 1881, aged sixty-eight years. 

W. W. Fuller, son of David Fuller, and 



712 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



grandson of the venerable William Fuller, 
was born in this township in 1847. In 
1873 he married Clara Stone, and has a 
family of two children, Raymond and 
Zella. Mr. Fuller has filled the offices of 
township assessor, trustee, and treasurer. 

Walter Davlin was born in Erie county 
in 1833, his father havin,!^ been one of the 
pioneers in that part of the State. In 
1862 he married Ann J., daughter of John 
Whitmore, and four years later settled 
permanently in this township. His children 
are: William, Marcia, Sadie, Margaret, 
and Ann J. Mrs. Davlin had two chil- 
dren by a former marriage, Carrie and 
John. Mr. Davlin is postmaster at Whit- 
more Station. 

Giles Ray removed from Erie to San- 
dusky county in 1866, a few months be- 
fore he had married Sophia Brown, the 
fruit of which union is four children — 
Scott, Jesse, Sophia, and Eva. Mr. Ray 
served three years in the army, being mus- 
tered out as a corporal. Giles Ray is son 
of Alexander Ray, now living in Clyde. 
Giles was born in Erie county in 1841. 
Mrs. Ray is a native of the same county, 
and was born in 1844. Her father, Or- 
lando Brown, still resides in that county. 

James Black was born in Huntingdon 
county, Pennsylvania, in 1835. In 1861 
he enlisted in the Seventeenth Ohio, and 
served three and one-half months. He 
settled in this county in 1865. 

Manasseh Prentice was born in Erie 
county, Ohio, in 1827. He is a son of 
Levi and Mary Prentice. Levi Prentice 
was born in Madison county. New York, 
in 1 801; died in Erie county, Ohio, in 
1834. His wife, Mary Hartwell, was born 
in Canada in 1808; died in 1872. Ma- 
nasseh was the oldest of their five chil- 
dren. He married Elizabeth W. Barnes 
in 1846, and resided in Erie county until 
1867, when he became a resident of 
Townsend. There are seven children 



living — Maria A. (Hamilton), Mary E. 
(Hersey), Alice W. (Norman), Henry N., 
D. B., bUve J. B., and Nellie G. 

A TORNADO. 

The nth of April, 1834, is memorable 
in the annals of Green Creek and Town- 
send townships. Warm thunder-showers 
interspersed by intervals of hot sunshine 
had prevailed during the day, until about 
the middle of the afternoon, when a cloud 
of midnight blackness overhung the thick 
forest in the neighborhood of Green 
Creek. As this huge mass of blackness 
approached the earth, trees surged, then 
reeling fell, some twisted to pieces, others 
torn from the ground. Like a great ball, 
it rolled in a northeasterly direction. The 
rugged trees of the forest for a moment 
seemed to offer resistance to its prc-gress, 
then snapped and were broken like bone 
between the lion's teeth. Smaller trees 
and shrubs bowed obeisance to the pass- 
ing giant, but were crushed beneath the 
ruins of their stronger neighbors. The 
earth trembled and trees bowed down for 
half a mile on either side of its path. 

The course was on across the pike and 
down through Townsend crossing the 
North ridge road near the county line. 
Its path proper was less than a quarter of 
a mile wide, although the effect of the 
storm was traceable for half a mile on 
either side. Not a tree was left standing 
in the path, but shattered timber lying in 
every direction covered the ground. One 
cabin was scattered and its pieces carried 
on the bosom of the winds. The roof of 
one house on the ridge, although not in 
direct line of the storm, was blown off, 
and the good house-wife's feathers filled 
the air like snow in a winter storm. 

The tornado fortunately did not pass 
over a thickly settled portion of country. 
So far as is known but one life was lost — 
that of Mr. Keiser, of Townsend. 
Stephen Gillett had his arm broken by a 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



713 



falling tree. He was holding to a stump 
to keep from blowing away, when a limb 
struck his extended arm. The movement 
of the black cloud was very rapid, and its 
demonstrations caused great excitement. 
The date we have given is from the diary 
of a trustworthy lady who still lives in 
Townsend. 

A CRIMINAL EPISODl;;. 

A curious episode of early times in 
Townsend was ihe treatment of a ihief 
who entered the cabin of Mr. A. C. Jack- 
son, carried out some clothing and the 
gun, and left the house in danger of being 
burned. Mr. Jackson was away from 
the house and Mrs. Jackson was out on 
the farm, when a stranger, who had the 
night before been the recipient of the 
household's hospitality, entered and com- 
mitted the crime spoken of On Mrs. 
Jackson's return she aroused the neighbor- 
hood. The woods were carefully searched 
and the man found, but the gun and 
bundle of clothes, which included all the 
spare wearing apparel of both members 
of the family, were not so easily found. 
The culprit was asked to tell where the 
missing articles could be found, with the 
understandmg that restoration should re- 
quite the crime. The place of the gun's 
concealment was fluthfully described, but 
not so with the clothing. The neighbors, 
exasperated with this deception, again 
seized the robber, and with cudgels and 
switches began to inflict punishment. To 
free himself from torture, the thief again, 
although not yet willing to tell the truth, 
deceived his executioners, who retaliated 
by plying their cudgels with heavier strokes 
to his body, already bruised to blackness. 

The whipping in this wise continued for 
more than an hour, the poor man suffering 
excruciating torture all the time. At 
last he was released on the promise of 
woiking for Mr. Jackson in the clearing 
to the value of the stolen property. This 



arrangement was effected largely through 
the intervention of William Tew, who 
adjudged the man crazy, and insisted on 
his release. The thief worked for a few 
days according to contract, but soon be- 
came tired of the clearing and was never 
seen afterwards. The goods were some- 
time after found in Huron county. 

EARLY EVENTS. 

The first road laid out "through the 
township followed the ridge from the Cold 
Creek mill, and intersected the pike at 
Hamer's tavern. Stages followed this 
road to Sandusky, and made the cabin of 
A. C. Jackson an intermediate stopping 
place. Addy Van Nest also kept public 
house at which the stage occasionally 
"put up." 

There was another road through the 
township further north cut out just so 
wagons could be drawn through during 
the War of 1S12. 

The first sermon was preached by Harry 
O. Sheldon in the Jackson neighborhood. 
Services were occasionally held after this 
under direction of Methodist circuit 
riders. 

The first cemetery was laid out by Wil- 
liam Tew, sr., on his farm. 

The first school was taught in an un- 
finished log house in the south part of the 
township by Miss Sally Cleveland. 

The first permanent school-house was 
built on the Lemmon farm about 1826. 

Rachel Mack tauglit a summer school 
at Beebe's, which was attended by the 
children of that neighborhood. She also 
did such needlework as the simple wants 
of the pioneer mothers required. 

An early marriage was solemnized by 
Ebenezer Ransom, the first justice of the 
peace, which, on account of the brevity 
and directness of the ceremony reflects 
credit upon that honorable magistrate. 
Mr. Putnam, accompanied by his betrothed 
entered the homely cabin, and after an- 



90 



714 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



nouncing their errand were joined accord- 
ing to the following formula: "Do you 
take this here woman for your wife?" 
"Yes," was the reply. "Do you want this 
here man for your husband? " The bride, 
whose costume was beautifully simple, 
sighed a faltering "Yes." "You're married," 
was the squire's blunt conclusion. The 
parties most interested seemed to doubt 
the fact, however, and held the floor, 
when the justice, to end the matter, said: 
"See here, you may think that business 
short but it's done just as right as if it took 
half an hour. " 

The pioneers in Townsend or elsewhere 
had great difficulty to secure the cash nec- 
essary to purchase such articles as could 
not be obtained in exchange for farm pro- 
ducts. Furs always commanded ready 
money, and in consequence tiie woods 
and marshes were thoroughly searched 
during the killing season. The manufact- 
ure of black salt or potash was the only 
profitable use of timber in that early day, 
and Mr. Richardson, Mr. Holbrook, and 
others, who had kilns found the industry 
profitable. Black salt always sold for 
cash in the market at Milan. 

Hogs were generally fattened in the 
woods on acorns and nuts. 

Each settler ownmg stock had a pecul- 
iar "ear mark," which was registered in a 
book kept for the purpose by the town- 
ship clerk. It was against the law for 
any one to kill marked animals of any 
kind. But hogs frequently strayed away 
and were lost. Young pigs as they grew 
became wild and even dangerous; these it 
was allowable to kill, being classed as "wild 
hogs." An old settler declared to the 
writer that he would rather meet a bear in 
the woods than an enraged wild boar. 
They fought with that dumb determina- 
tion which makes even a weak enemy 
formidable. 

The practice of allowing cows to pasture 



in the weeds has been the cause of dis- 
tressing misery and sickness in Townsend, 
both on the east and west sides. Milk- 
sickness was, during the eaily settlement, 
a disease wholly beyond the control of 
physicians. Even Indian remedies were 
employed, but to no purpose, for the wisest 
of the tribes could not cure their own 
strong and vigorous kin when afflicted 
with this dread disease. We do not mean 
to convey the idea that the disease was in 
all cases fatal. Many recovered, but in 
almost every case with enfeebled consti- 
tutions. 

Other diseases greatly afflicted the pio- 
neers and retarded the progress of im- 
provement. Decaying logs were throw- 
ing off poisoned vapors, and stagnant 
pools, formed by fallen timbers dam- 
ming the natural water channels, became 
malaria fountains. But in this respect 
Townsend was no worse than other parts 
of the county. Since tame grasses have 
taken the place of wild herbs and plowed 
fields occupy the soil once covered by 
damp forest, milk sickness has become a 
disease known only in- tradition, and the 
general health of the township is good. 

The first marriage in the township was 
that of Rebecca Tew and Ephraim K. 
Townsend. 

The first barn in the township was built 
by Zeno Tibbals on the farm now owned 
by Z. P. Brush. 

A collection of houses on the ridge road 
became known as "Coopertown," taking 
its name from the occupation of the Starks 
family, by whom one of the houses was 
occupied. They carried on the cooper- 
ing business on an extensive scale. But 
coopering was not the only industry 
carried on at this hamlet. 'William 
Willis had a shoe-shop, and William 
Wales had a wagon-maker's shop. Goods 
of a general character were sold here 
by Benjamin Bacon and William Willis. 



I 



I 



j 



h 




-* 



M 



R 




•y>; 



C^ 






HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



715 



This village ceased to thrive after the 
completion of the railroads in 1852. 

Townscnd post office was established 
in 1824 with William Tew, sr., in 
charge as postmaster. In 1853, after the 
com|jletion of the Cleveland, Sandusky & 
Cincinnati railroad, the office was re- 
moved to the neighborhood of York Sta- 
tion and placed in charge of Josiah Mun- 
ger. Whitmore Station was tnade a post- 
ofifice with Walter Davlin in charge upon 
the completion of the Sandusky extension 
of the Lake Erie & Western railroad. 
York Station is a small hamlet on the 
Cleveland, Sandusky & Cincinnati railroad 
near the center of the township. Here, as 
almost everywhere else, religious worship 
was instituted by the Methodists. Harry 
O. Sheldon and other circuit riders 
preached to the Townsend people as 
early as 1824. The first church was built 
by the Methodists, in 1848, with Daniel 
Wilcox as circuit preacher. The meeting- 
house stands on the North ridge road. 

There is a society of United Brethren 
in the north part of the township. Circuit 
preachers and supplies have held service 
in the school houses in that community 
for many years, but no house of worship 
was built till 1870. 



Biographical Sketches. 



CARMI G. AND LYDIA SANFORD. 

Zachariah Sanford, father of the San- 
fords of this county, and a Townsend pio- 
neer, was born near Saybrook, Connecti- 
cut, in the year 1790. At the age of 
eighteen he left Connecticut, with his wid- 
owed mother, and settled in- Madison 
county. New York. He married Mary P, 
Mantor, who was born in Massachusetts 
in 1798. The newly-wedded couple set- 
tled on a farm in Ontario county. New 



York, which was their home till the fall of 
1832, when, wMth their family, they re- 
moved to Ohio, and settled in this 
township. Mr. Sanford purchased an 
eighty acre lot entirely covered with 
native forest. The father and sons 
made an opening for a log cabin upon 
their arrival, and during the winter pre- 
pared a tract for spring crops. On this 
farm Mr. Sanford lived until his death, 
which occurred May 6, 1862. His wife, 
Mary Sanford, died March 17, 1868. 
They reared a family of seven children — 
five sons and two daughters. 

Elias M. was born July 17, 1817. He 
died in Townsend township May 31, 1843, 
leaving a wife and one child. 

Carmi G. was born December 28, 1818. 

Henry A. was born March 4, 1820. He 
married Mary Rice, daughter of Daniel 
Rice, and lives on the homestead farm. 

Sally M. was born December 27, 1826. 

William B. was born April 7, 1828. 
He resides in Riley township. 

Almira was born July 10, 1832. She 
was married to Samuel H. Tibbals, and 
died without issue. 

George W. was born February 2, 1839. 
He resides in Townsend township. 

Zachariah Sanford was a man of quiet 
temperament, unobtrusive and hospitable. 
In his family he was kind and indulgent; 
in intercourse and dealing with his neigh- 
bors he avoided anything like conflict. It 
has been said of him that he died without 
an enemy. 

Mrs. Mary Sanford was an excellent 
mother. She was a woman of deep re- 
ligious convictions, being in this respect 
like his mother, who made her home for 
many years in the Sanford residence. 

Bible reading was especially encouraged 
in the family. Carmi G., while a boy, 
was given a sheep as a prize for having 
read the entire Bible through. 

Carnii G. Sanford was in his fourteenth 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



year when tlie family removed to Ohio. 
His educational advantages in New York 
were hmited, and in ihis county still more 
meagre. He worked industriously on his 
father's farm until young manhood. His 
first purchase of land was a tract of forty 
acres, which he still owns. He married, 
March 9, 1S44, Lydia AUyn, and settled 
on a farm, for which he traded three years 
before. Only a small portion of this farm, 
located three-fourths of a mile north of his 
present residence, was cleared. The cabin 
was made entirely of logs and puncheons, 
except one door, which was made of the 
boards of a store-box. In this cabin they 
lived, for about ten years. Mr. Sanford 
removed to his present residence in 1863, 
retaining possession of the old farm. By 
economy and industry he has accumulated 
real estate, until at present he owns four 
hundred acres of well-improved land. 
Mr. Sanford has always been an advanced 
farmer, keeping pace, in methods and 
machinery, with the times. In politics he 
has been active, and is looked upon as a 
leader. A Whig by inheritance, he be- 
came a Republican from principle. Dur- 
ing the war he spent time and money in 
the encouragement of enlistments and 
supi)ort of the families of soldiers in the 
field. When the One Hundred and Sixty- 
ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry was formed, 
Mr. Sanford was chosen captain of the 
largest company, C, composed of volun- 
teers from Riley and Townsend town- 
ships. At the regimental organization at 
Fremont, he was chosen to the position of 
leutenant-colonel, and Nathaniel, a brother 
of William E. Haynes, was elected colonel. 
Through the ca])rice of Colonel Wiley, 
Mr. Sanford was dismissed before being 
mustered into the service. 

Since the war Mr. Saniord has remained 
an active Republican, by which party he 
was elected to the offices of county in- 
firmary director and county commissioner. 



He had previously served his township as 
clerk and justice of the peace. He is a 
member of Clyde Lodge of Free and Ac- 
cepted Masons, and of Erie Commandery 
No. 23, located at Sandusky. 

Mrs. Sanford is the daughter of Isaac and 
Permelia Allyn, and was born March 20, 
1S28. IsaacxAllynwas born in Connecticut, 
September 21, 17S6. He left home at the 
age of eighteen years, and settled, after 
travelling to various places, in Erie county. 
About 1820, in company with Jonas 
Gibbs, he came to this county, and settled 
on the prairie in the north part of 
Riley township. He raised horses and 
cattle for market, frequently making 
large sales. He also engaged largely 
in raising hogs, and in pork packing. 
Mr. Allyn made his home in the 
Gibbs' family for a few years, and then 
kept bachelor's hall in a cabin on his own 
place until he was married, which event 
took place June 12, 1827. 

Permelia Allyn, daughter of Cyrus 
Downing, was born June 24, 1795, in Win- 
dom county, Connecticut. Before she 
was two years old her parents removed to 
New York, where they lived till 1800, at 
which time they came to Ohio and settled 
near Huron. 

On account of Indian hostilities, the 
family was compelled to leave this new 
home and take refuge in the fort at Cleve- 
land. Permelia married, in April, 18 13, 
Jeremiah Daniels. About twenty families 
lived at Huron at this lime. They were 
compelled by hostile Indians to leave 
their homes nine times during one year. 
Mr. Daniels having deceased, Perme- 
lia married Isaac Allyn, in 1827. The 
fruit of this union was three children — 
Lydia (Sanford), born March 20, 1828; 
Isaac M., born February 8, 1832, living in 
Riley township; and Permelia (Sanford), 
born November 6, 1S37, died June 25, 
1881. 




^■{/A^a/rrL 



e'-r- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



717 



Isaac Allyn died January 30, 1839. 
Mrs. Allyn survived him many years, the 
date of her death being September 18, 
1S74. She was a hard worker, and a 
woman of good business ability. She 
carried on her husband's stock business 
for several years after his dealh. One 
year she salted with her own hands more 
than one hundred barrels of pork. Mrs. 
Allyn, during the last year and a half of 
her life, made her home with her daughter 
Lydia. 

Mrs. Sanford is naturally a happy and 
cheerful woman. She takes great interest 
in the welfare of her family. Her home 
is one of the most attractive in the county. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sanford have had seven 
children, three of whom are living — Mary 
P., born April 24, 1846, died in infancy; 
VVinfield Scott, born August 16, 1847, 
maried Eliza McCartney, and has three 
children, resides in Sandusky; Flora A., 
born February 3, 1850, married James 
Gaw, died February 28, 1872; Morgan 
C, born July 25, 1S61, resides at home; 
Kate L., born November 7, 1864, died 
March i, 1868; Haltie M., born January 
24, 1868, lives at home; Charles G., born 
January 24, 187 1, died October 6, 1872. 



WILLIAM FULLER. 

On another page will be found a good 
likeness of one of the few pioneers now 
living. One . by one he has seen the 
first settlers carried to their long home, 
old and young, grave and gay, strong and 
feeble, from the gray-haired grandsire to 
the tottering infant. Yet he remains, 
almost the "last of a noble race," — the 
heroic race of pioneers. 

Jason Fuller was born in Connecticut, 
May 24, 1767. He moved to Massachu- 
setts when quite a young man, and settled 
in what is now Franklin county. There 



he married Philanda Taylor and resided 
until 18 1 6, when he moved with his family 
to Ontario county (now Livingston coun- 
ty). New York, where his wife died in 
1 81 8, on the 5ih of November, at the 
age of forty-nine. Jason Fuller and wife 
were the parents of eight children, all of 
whom lived to be married, and all had 
families excepting the oldest daughter. 
We will briefly mention each in the order 
of their ages : Cynthia married Silas 
Pratt, in Massachusetts, moved to San- 
dusky county in 1824, and died here. 
Rachel married Amos Hammond in New 
York State; died in Michigan. Philanda 
was the first wife of James Morrill, and 
died in Massachusetts. Electa married 
James Morrill, and is now living in Kan- 
sas; she was eighty-four, May 24, 1881. 
William was the next child and oldest 
son. John married, in Green Creek town- 
ship, Rhoda Powell; moved to Nebraska, 
and died there. Betsey married Ichabod 
Munger in New York State; died in 
Michigan. Tiiomas married Margaret 
Ewart in New York; died in Michigan. 

Thus it will be seen there are but two 
members of the family surviving. Jason 
Fuller followed the occupation of farming 
through life. Both he and his wife were 
honest, upright people, and members of 
the Baptist church. They were kind and 
loving parents, and tenderly and carefully 
reared their large family. 

William Fuller was born in Hawley, 
Hampshire county, Massachusetts (now 
Franklin county), on the 23d of January, 
1799. There he lived until the fall of 
1816, attending school and assisting his 
father on the farm. He went with his 
parents to New York State, and resided 
there until February, 181 8; then, at the 
age of nineteen, on foot and alone, he 
started for Ohio, then the "far West." 
He carried in a package upon his back 
a few articles of clothing and some pro- 



7i8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



visions to eat upon the wn)'. He traversed 
the entire distance on foot, except when 
some traveller gave him a ride for a few 
miles. On the thirteenth day after he left 
home he arrived in Milan township, 
Huron county, and immediately engaged 
to work for 'Squire Ebenezer Merry. Two 
weeks after his arrival his father, his oldest 
sister and her husband, and his youngest 
brother came. His father took possession 
of a tract of land previously negotiated 
for, upon which William engaged to clear 
ten acres as a compensation for the use of 
his time during the remaining period of 
his minority. ^Villiam returned to New 
York State the following July, his plans 
being to settle up some business for his 
father, do the harvesting on the old farm, 
and return to Ohio in the fall with the 
rest of the family. During this summer 
he made a business trip to Massachusetts; 
on his return he found his mother quite 
ill and unable to think of performing the 
long journey to Ohio. She died in No- 
vember. His father, who had been ad- 
vised of her illness, was unable to accom- 
plish the journey from the West m time 
to he with her during her last moments, 
but arrived in New York in December. 

While at home this winter William took 
unto himself a wife. He was married on 
the 7th day of November, 18 19, to Me- 
hetable Botsford. She was a native of 
Connecticut, but her parents were then 
living in New York. On the last day of 
February, 1819, arrangements having final- 
ly been completed for a return to the new 
western home, William Fuller, accom- 
panied by his wife and father, started again 
for Ohio, with a yoke of oxen and a sled 
upon which were carried the few house- 
hold goods they were then possessed of 
They were twenty-two days upon the road. 

William then rented a small log cabin, 
where he lived the first summer, and 
began the task of making a home. His 



father, never a very healthy man, was 
taken ill in the month of September, and 
after lingering a few weeks, died at Wil- 
liam's home on the 25th of October, iSrg, 
at the age of fifty-two. Mr. Fuller lived 
in Milan township until 1824. Wliile 
there he had cleared about twenty acres, 
erected a log house and barn, and sub- 
dued the land until he had a very fair 
field of some thirty acres, including ten 
acres which his father had cleared. For 
this work he received no pay, except the 
crops he secured; but as neither he nor 
his father had made any payment for the 
land, the only loss was the value of his 
labor for six years. 

In 1S23 Mr. Fuller bought forty acres 
in Green Creek township, southeast of 
Clyde, moved upon it in the spring of 
1824, and began clearing and improving. 
He had erected a cabin before bringing 
his family here. In June he was taken ill, 
and was unable to work until the latter 
part of August. Then he suffered through 
the fall with ague. Altogether, the first 
year was one which might well be deemed 
discouraging, but the next brought even 
greater trials and misfortunes. During 
the following year he was able to do but 
little work. In August, 1826, his wife 
was taken ill with a fever, and on the 15th 
day of the same month his oldest child 
was killed by the oxen running away with 
the cart, throwing him out and killing 
him. The 19th day of August his fourth 
child was born, and on the following day 
Mrs. Fuller died, and was buried, together 
with her dead infant. Mr. Fuller was then 
obliged to break up housekeeping, leaving 
his tivo remaining children in the care of 
his sister, Mrs. Hammond, until the spring 
of 1 82 7, when he went back to New York 
State, and worked at various employments 
for four years, paying his children's board. 

Mr. Fuller married Cynthia Havens, a 
native of Livingston county. New York, 




^^ . ^l^ 



e^-^eecZ) 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



719 



May 15, 1831, and returned to his farm, 
where he continued to reside until March, 
1834, when he came to his present place 
of residence in Townsend township. 
This, too, was wild, and Mr. Fuller once 
more had the work of a pioneer to per- 
form. January 23, 1835, death again en- 
tered the household, and deprived Mr. 
F'uller of his wife. Being thus left with a 
farm to manage and four children to pro- 
vide for, he could not well abandon house- 
keeping, and on the 6th of July, 1835, he 
married his third wife, Marcia M. George, 
a native of his New York home. She 
lived just one year from the day of her 
marriage, and died July 6, 1S36. 

October 19, 1837, Mr. Fuller was united 
in marriage to the lady, who presides over 
his home, Emma M. Levisee, born in 
Lima, Livingston county, New York. 

By his first wife he was the father of 
four cliildren, one of whom is living. They 
were Jason H., David, John, and an infant. 
Jason H. was born March i, 1820; died 
August 15, 1826, as before mentioned. 
David, born July 8, 1821; married Mary 
Z. riigley for his first wife, who bore him 
six children, four of whom survive. His 
second wife, Eliza J. Plumb, bore two 
children, who are still living. He died 
in Townsend, May 18, 1879. John, born 
April 7, 1823 ; married Eliza Mallory; now 
resides in Branch county, Michigan; has 
one child living and one deceased. A 
son, born August 19, 1826, died in infancy. 

Mr. Fuller's second wife bore two chil- 
dren, one of whom is living: William T., 
born April 10, 1832; married Mary J. 
VanBuskirk; resides in Townsend; is the 
father of six children, three of whom are 
now living. Cynthia M., born November 
2, 1833, died December 22, 1853. 

One child was the fruit of the third 
marriage, Jason E., born July i, 1836, 
died September, 1836. 

His present wife has borne three chil- 



dren, two of whom are living. Taylor, 
born March 29, 1S40, married Angeline 
Stone, resides in York, has one child. 
James, born October 13, 1844, married 
Betsey Richards, resides near his parents, 
has one child. Albert, born June 22, 
1846, died September 26, 1849. 

Mr. Fuller had his full share of the 
hardships and privations of pioneer life. 
Commencing in a new country, while not 
of age, he fought his way onward against 
many difficulties and severe trials. In the 
days when wheat was only twenty-five 
cents per bushel, and groceries were held 
at enormous prices, salt being nine and 
eleven dollars per barrel, it was hard for a 
man to make and pay for a home. But 
all this is past and gone. His industry, 
activity and patience were rewarded in 
time. Mr. Fuller has been a successful 
business man. Though physically some- 
what enfeebled by age and the results of 
years of toil, his mind is clear and cheer- 
ful, and he is passing the evening of his 
days among the scenes of his former strug- 
gles and triumphs, happy and contented. 
Each of his five sons who grew to man- 
hood and married, were helped to a farm 
by their father. 

Mr. Fuller was a Democrat until 1856, 
but since that time has voted with the Re- 
publicans. In religion he is a believer in 
the doctrine of universal salvation. 

Mr. Fuller, wherever he is known, is rec- 
ognized as a just and honorable man, 
and is respected by old and young. 



THE LEVISEE FAMILY. 
Aaron Levisee v/as born in the State 
of New Jersey, June 19, 1774, to 
which State his father, James Levisee, 
had previously moved from Connecticut. 
Soon after Aaron's bnth his parents re- 
turned to Connecticut, and there his 
father died. 



720 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Aaron Levisee was the oldest of a fam- 
ily of six sons and three daughters. He 
passed his boyhood in Connecticut and 
Massachusetts principally. Before he was 
twenty-one he engaged as a clerk on a 
sailing vessel, and followed the sea about 
three years, visiting many foreign coun 
tries. He acquired a very fair education, 
and, after quitting the sea, followed the 
profession of teaching, in Connecticut and 
Massachusetts, until he was married. 
While teaching at Lanesborough, in the 
latter State, he had for a pupil the lady 
who afterwards became his wife. One day 
he punished this scholar for some trivial 
fault, and a month later they were married. 
In his twenty-fourth year he was united in 
marriage to Anna Lyon, daughter of 
Thomas and Thankful Lyon, both natives 
of Massachusetts. Mrs. Levisee was born 
at Lanesborough, May 13, 1778. After 
their marriage they lived a short time in 
Massachusetts, then went to Greenfield, 
Saratoga county, New York, where they 
remained a few years, thence moved to 
Charleston, Ontario county. New York, 
now Lima, Livingston county, where Mrs. 
Levisee's parents had moved before them. 
In this Iast-nap"'ed place John L. Levisee 
was born. In 1822 the family moved from 
Ontario county to xAllen, Allegany coun- 
ty, in the same State, where Mr. J-,evisee 
died on the 18th of June, 1828. The 
widow moved, with her family, to Sandus- 
ky county, Ohio, arriving in Townsend 
township the loth day of October, 1832. 
Here Mrs. Levisee resided until 1844, 
and then removed to the home of her 
daughter, Mrs. Thankful Botsford, north 
of Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she died 
July 3, 1845. There were seven daugh- 
ters and two sons in the family. Six 
daughters arrived at maturity, and two are 
yet living. Both of the sons are living at 
this date (September, 18S1). 

The names of the children of Aaron 



Levisee, in the order of their ages, were: 
Almedia, Evehne, Thankful, Eliza Ann, 
John L. and Sarah L. (twins), Sarah 
Sophia, Emma Maria, and Aaron Burton. 

Thankful and Emma M. are the sur- 
viving daughters. The former is the wife 
of David Botsford, and resides in 
\Vashtenaw county, Michigan. Emma 
Maria is the wife of William Fuller, Town- 
send township. Mrs. Botsford was seven- 
ty-seven years old July 15, 18S1, and Mrs. 
Fuller sixty-three March 24, 1881. The 
youngest son, A. B. Levisee, whose name 
was rendered familiar in the Louisiana 
election controversy of 1876-77, is now a 
lawyer at Fargo, Dakota Territory. He 
was born March 18, 1821. 

The records of the deceased members 
of this family are as follows: Almedia, 
born August i, 1799, married Ezra Lyons 
in 1819, resided in Livonia, Livingston 
county. New York, until 1831, then 
moved to Townsend township, where she 
died June 28, 1853; Eveline, born June 
21, I So I, married Hubbard Jones in Liv- 
ingston county. New York, moved to 
Townsend in 1842, died June 13, 1873; 
Eliza Ann, born May 6, 1806, married 
for her first husband Jonathan Wisner, re- 
sided in Allegany county, New York, until 
1834, when she removed to Townsend, 
having previously married her second hus- 
band, Joseph Cuuimings, and died Novem- 
ber 6, 1838; Sarah L., born July 4, 1809, 
lived to be a little over four years old; Sarah 
Sophia, born February 14, 1815, came to 
Ohio some time after her mother, married 
Charles Gillett in Townsend, moved to 
Steuben county. Indiana, died March 16, 
1847. 

John L. Levisee was born on the 4th of 
July, 1809. He passed his early life upon 
the farm. He being the oldest son, and 
until 1821 the only son, a large share of 
the work and care of the farm devolved 
upon him when quite young. He attend- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



721 



cd the common scliools when he could 
spare tune from manual labor. His father 
was taken ill when John was about ten 
years of age, and from that time forward 
the young man's cares and duties were 
numerous. After his father's death he 
worked by the month farming, during two 
seasons, in Lima, his former home. Then, 
in the fall of 1831, he started for Ohio, 
and arrived in Townsend township on the 
29th of October. Here he purchased, 
with some of the proceeds of his father's 
estate and his own earnings, eighty acres 
of land, the farm which is still in his 
possession. He erected a log cabin, then 
returned to New York. The next year 
lus mother, with her two sons and Emma 
Maria, came and settled upon the pur- 
chase. Of course the country was wild. 
But one road in the township had been 
cut out, and the general aspect of the 
whole region might well be described by 
the inelegant but expressive words, "a 
howling wilderness." John began chop- 
ping, and continued through the winter 
and many succeeding seasons clearing 
away the forest and making field land. 
Hard work and a simple diet was the rule 
in those days. Meat was scarce except 
when, occasionally, a deer or wild turkey 
was shot. Wheat was little raised, and 
flour was an article not much in use. 
Corn-bread was the staple food. He se- 
cured a good crop of corn the first season 
after he began his farming operations, and 
from that time onward the family man- 
aged to live very comfortably. 

May 10, 1836. Mr. Levisee married 
Diana Stanley, daughter of Asa and Anna 
Stanley, of York township. She was born 
in Rutland, Jefferson county. New York, 
October 25, 1810. To them were born 
nine children, viz: Sarah, born May 5, 
1838; married for her first husband James 
Olds; for her second, Joseph Carter; is 
now living with her third husband, Eman- 



uel Roush,near Hastings, Michigan. Anna, 
born July 28, 1840, married Hiram Blood 
in 1862; resided in Sparta, Kent county, 
Michigan; died November 30, 1874. 
Elizabeth, born October 27, 1842, married 
James A. Downing in 1865; resides at 
Whitmore Station. Eliza, born August 
18, 1844, married Wallace Downing in 
1866; lives in Clay township, Ottawa 
county. Mary Jane, born October 23, 
1846, married Winfield Thomas in 1872; 
died August 28, 1873, in Townsend town- 
ship. Civilia, born January 30, 1849, 
died September 22, 1853. David, born 
November 21, 1S50, married Austany M. 
Cable in 1873; resides in Freinont. 
Chauncy, born May 23, 1855, "i^'ried 
Mrs. Angeline McCreer^ in 1879; ^'^'^^ 
at home with his father. 

Mrs. Levisee died July 4, 1855. She 
was a good wife and a kind mother, nobly 
assisting in supporting the family and put- 
ting by something for future use. She 
united with the Protestant Methodist 
church when young and lived a faithful 
Christian. After her death Mr. Levisee 
remained single eleven years, his daugh- 
ter taking charge of household affairs. 

November 15, 1S66, he was married to 
the lady who now shares his home — Mrs. 
Statira E. Cable, nee Reynolds, who was 
born in ^Sheffield, Lorain county, June 7, 
1830. Her parents were Shubal and 
Elizabeth Reynolds. Her fatlicr is de- 
ceased; her mother now resides in Fulton 
county, this State. This union has been 
blessed with two children, one of whom is 
living — Francis A., born July 12, 186S; 
and Willie, born July 12, 1870. Willie 
died December 14, 1870. 

Mr. Levisee has followed agricultural 
pursuits principally. For a ftw years lie 
worked at carpentry, but managed his 
f.nm at the same lime. He has now re- 
tired from active business. His son, 
Chauncy, has charge of the farm, and 



722 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Mr. Levisee is enjoying a season of rest 
after years of almost constant labor. 

In politics Mr. Levisee is a consistent 
adherent to the principles of the Repub- 
lican party. He has voted at every Presi- 
dential election since 1832. In religion 
he is a Universalist, firm in the faith and 
pronounced in his views. He is an enemy 
to cant and hypocrisy, but respects true 
Christians of whatever name or order. 

Mr. Levisee has a valuable and well- 
selected library, and is a diligent reader of 
newspapers. A good memory and a habit 
of careful, constant observation of men 
and things have given him a discriminat- 
ing, sound judgment and a reliable stock 
of useful information. 



FRANKLIN RICHARDS. 

Silas Richards, the father of Franklin, 
was a native of Connecticut and passed 
his days in that State. April 28, 1805, 
he married Mary Rogers, daughter of 
John Rogers, a Connecticut soldier in the 
Revolutionary war. He was a farmer by 
occupation, and an honest, honorable man. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Richards attained a 
ripe old age, the widow surviving the hus- 
band a few years. They reared a large fam- 
ily of twelve children, whose names were 
as follows: Harriet B., Frances A., Frank- 
lin, Iia J., Cynthia H., Archibald, Mary, 
Calista E., Silas, Esther R., Patience, and 
Frances M. Of these there are four sur- 
vivers, viz: Franklin, Townsend town- 
ship; .\rchibald, Clyde; Esther, the wife 
of Abraham Darrow, New London coun- 
ty, Connecticut; and Frances M., the 
widow of Samuel Darrow, in the same 
county and State. 

Franklin Richards was born in Water- 
ford, New London county, Connecticut, 
February 24, 1809. There he lived until 
1834, working at farming the greater part 



of the time. He received a limited com- 
mon school education. His fathtr was a 
poor man, and Franklin was accustomed 
to hard and faithful labor from boyhood. 
In the month of September, 1834, Mr. 
Richards and his brother Archibald came 
to Sandusky county and commenced im- 
])roving land in Townsend township which 
they had bought previously. They were 
both young men and unmarried. During 
the winter they hired their board at the 
house of their cousin, Lester Ricb.ards. 
In the spring of 1835 they erected a log- 
cabin in which it was their intention {cr 
live and keep bachelor's hall. One day 
on returning from a visit to their cousin's 
they found that their house with all its 
contents had been destroyed by fire. INIr. 
Richards lost a considerable sum of 
money in the flames. This was not a 
pleasing prospect to a young man, to be 
placed in the midst of a large forest with- 
out a dwelling-place, until one could be 
made by his own labor or earnings. How- 
ever they built a small shanty and lived 
in it, doing their own housework, until a 
new house could be erected. In this way 
passed the first years. 

In 1837 Archibald married and estab- 
lished a home of his own. Franklin lived 
alone until July i, 1S38, when he was 
united in wedlock to Diantha May, who 
continued his faithful lielpmeet and de- 
voted wife until May 8, 1879, when she 
passed from earth and its sorrows in the 
si.\tieth year of her age. 

Of the hardships and perplexities of the 
first years which Mr. Richards spent in 
Ohio, it need only be said that by unceas- 
ing persistency and courage he was enabled 
at length to accomplish the purpose which 
brought him to the new country — to es- 
tablish a home. Rugged toil and ex- 
posure gave him a constitution capable of 
enduring much physical strain. He never 
yielded to discouragement or despondency, 








c 




HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



723 



and in due time had the satisfaction of 
seeing his efforts to gain prosperity re- 
warded. He planned judiciously, saved 
carefully, and worked diligently. Now, 
the possessor of a fine home and a com- 
fortable property, with a mind of quiet 
contentment, he lives at peace with all 
men in the same ])lace where his early 
trials were ex()erienced and his later suc- 
cesses achieved. 

Mr. Richards has never been much of 
a politician. Formerly a Democrat, he 
now votes with the Republicans, but be- 
lieves in electing the best men to office, 
regardless of party. In his religious views 
he is a Baptist, though he has never united 
with the church. 

Mrs. Richards was a member of the 
Free-will Baptist church in her youth, but 
afterwards joined the regular Baptists. 
She was a sincere and devoted Christian, 
a noble mother, a good neighbor, and one 
whose acquaintance and friendship was 
valued by all. We close this sketch with 
something of her family history. 

Dianlha May was born in Livingston 
county. New York, October 10, 18 19. 
She was the third child of Isaac and 
Rachel (McMillan) May, and at the time 
her parents came to Ohio, in 1822, she 
was the oldest of the two surviving chil- 
dren. Her father was born in Vermont, 
October 5, 1796, and died in Townsend 
township, November 5, 1874. Rachel 
McMillan was born in New Hampshire, 
January 5, 1797, and died in York town- 
ship, November 13, 1829. They were 
married in New York State, where the 
parents of each had moved when they 
were but children. Mr. and Mrs. May 
resided in Livingston county until 1822, 
and in that year moved to Thompson 
township, Seneca county, Ohio, and the 
following year settled on the North ridge, 
near the northern line of York township, 
being among the very first settlers. In 



1 83 1 the family moved to the eastern part 
of Townsend township, and in 1833 to the 
southwestern part, where they continued 
to reside until the death of Mr. May. By 
his first marriage Isaac May was the father 
of seven children — a son who died in in- 
fancy, Emily, Diantha, Emily Louisa, 
Mary Ann, James H., and William. Three 
survive, viz.: Mrs. Emily Louisa Tew, 
Townsend township; Mrs. Mary Ann 
Mason; and James H. May, Lenawee 
county, Michigan. 

Mr. May married his second wife, Mary 
McMillan, a sister of his first, in 1830. 
This union resulted in ten children — So- 
phronia, Cynthia, Laura Ann, Rosetta, 
and Hiram, all deceased; and Mrs. Laura 
Maria Vine, Townsend; Marilla May, 
Lenawee county, Michigan; Mrs. Emeline 
Elliot, Jackson county, Kansas; Theron 
R. May, Lenawee county, Michigan; and 
Mrs. Ida Kidman, Townsend, still sur- 
viving. 

Mrs. May is still living with Theron and 
Marilla, in Michigan; Isaac May was a 
minister of the Free-will Baptist denomi- 
nation, and preached in this vicinity until 
within a few years preceding his death. 
He is well remembered by many who 
have listened to his sermons. The family 
had their full share of hardships. They 
came here when it required the utmost 
effort to feed and clothe a family. The 
daughters used to work in the field doing 
manual labor, and often worked out for the 
neighbors. 

Mrs. Franklin Richards bore twelve 
children, five of whom are living. We 
subjoin a copy of the family record: 

Simon G., born July 12, 1839; ^^^^ ^^ 
Libby prison December 2, 1863, a mem- 
ber of the One Hundreth Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry. 

Silas L., born December 10, 1840; 
married Josie Kennedy, March 4, 1869; 
resides in York township. 



724 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Theron R., born November 8, 1S42; 
died November 30, 1842. 

Charles M., born. February 28, 1844; 
married Phebe E. Rhodes, June i, 1S65, 
who died December 25, 1873; married 
Florence Kellogg, October 20, 1874; re- 
sides in Townsend, near his father. 

James P., born February 20, 1846; 
married Rachel E. Flarvey, June 24, 1868, 
\vho died April 5, 2873 ; married Alice 
Straight, September 12, 1874; resides in 
Jackson county, Kansas. 

Joseph D., born February 16, 1S4S; 
died March 26, 1S48. 

Frances S., born June i, 1849; mar- 
ried Charles E. May, March i. 1870; 
lives in Townsend near her old home. 

Milo S., born August i, 1852; died 
August 24, 1852. 

William A., born September 4, 1853; 
died June 4, 1870. 

Benjamin F., born June 26, 1S55; died 
April ]8, 1 866. 

Mary C, born September 30, 1857; 
died December 20, 1S66. 

Imogenc D., born August 8, 1S61; 
married Ekin Ridman, September 4, 1S78: 
lives with his father. 



ALONZO THORP. 

Among the leading, public-spirited men 
who have lived in this county, but are 
now gone from us to return no more, there 
arc few more deserving of notice in this 
work than he whose name heads this 
article. 

Alonzo Thorp was born in Ontario 
county. New York, on the 9th day of 
September, 1S17. He was the son of 
John and Jane (Wager) Thorp, and was 
the second of a family of nine children. 
His early life was spent in New York, 
working and attending school. When 
about eighteen years of age he came to 



Ohio, and engaged in teaching school in 
different parts of this county in winter, 
and working in summer. He taught 
several terms of school and writing school, 
and is remembered gratefully by many of 
his old pupils. He came here poor, but 
with a determination to get a start in the 
world, and he b.lieved an education to be 
essential for becoming a useful citizen. 
Therefore he used his hrst earnings to pay 
his expenses at Milan high school, where 
he attended several terms. 

In 1837 Mr. Thorp's parents followed 
him to this county, and settled in I'own- 
send township. He then made his home 
with them until 1842, when he married, 
and commenced farming for himself. His 
first wife was Miss Eliza Cole, daughter of 
Hon. Matthew Cole, a man well known to 
old residents. He served as a member of 
the legislature, and in other public offices. 
By this marriage Mr. Thorp became the 
father of one son and two daughters. John 
C. Thorp was born April 12, 1843, died 
of consumption at the home of his father, 
November 6, 1869. Alma E. Thorp, 
born December 11, 1844, was married in 
March, 1865, to Dr. George Salzman, and 
now resides in Kenton, Ohio. Gertrude 
H. Thorp, born December 25, 1847, ^^^'^ 
at home January 20, 1873, of consump- 
tion. Mrs. Thorp died in April, 1850. 

In 1857 Mr. Thorj) married Mrs. Mary 
E. Ames, widow of E!on G. Ames, of 
York township, and daughter of Medad 
and Armida (Waller) Brush, who were 
among the early settlers in (}reen Creek 
township. Her parents were both natives 
of Connecticut, but lived in Pennsylvania 
until they came to this State. Mr. Thorp 
had no children by this marriage. 

In 1852 jNIr. Thorp moved from Town- 
send township to the village of Clyde, 
where he engaged quite extensively in the 
lumber business. He owned and operated 
a saw-mill, and was also considerably in- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



725 



terested in farming and stock-raising. In 
1863 he was elected a member of the 
Legislature from this county, and served a 
term of two years in a manner highly 
creditable to himself and satisfactory to 
his constituents. He also held various 
township offices at different periods. While 
residing in Townsend, in 1856, he was 
elected justice of the peace and seived 
one term. 

In May, 1873, Mr. Thorp moved upon 
the farm where his widow still resides, in 
Green Creek township, and lived there 
until his decease. He died January 28, 
1879, in his sixty-second year. He was 
an energetic, active man, of unblemished 
character and reputation. Having fought 



his own way from poverty to the position 
he attained, he knew how to sympathize 
with the struggling and ambitious. He 
was universally respected as a business 
man, and stood high in social circles. A 
prominent politician of the Democratic 
party, he numbered some of its distin- 
guished leaders among his intimate friends. 
In religion he adhered to the principles of 
the Episcopal church, with which he be- 
came connected soon after his first mar- 
riage. 

Mr. Thorp was a good father, a good 
neighbor, and a kind and loving husband. 
His circle of friends was large, and all 
will bear cheerful testimony to his worth 
and usefulness. 



RILEY. 



RILEY, territorially one of the largest 
townships in the count}', is bounded 
on the east by Townscnd, on the south by 
Green Creek, on the west by Sandusky, 
and on the north by Sandusky Bay and 
river. Its surface is flat, and while yet as 
nature had "made it, was marshy. Numer- 
ous streams flow sluggishly through shal- 
low channels toward the bay, and fill its 
map with black lines stretching the whole 
length of the district from south to north. 
These streams widen as they approach 
their outlet, and near the bay are more 
like ponds than living waters. Pickerel 
Creek flows near the line of Townsend 
township. Its banks are higher and cur- 
rent swifter than the other streams. It 
derives its name from the fact that its 
mouth was formerly a feeding place for 
fish, a large proportion of which was of 
the variety bearing that name. The two 
branches of Raccoon Creek meet near the 
marsh. The quiet waters of its lower 
course is a harbor for catfish. South Creek 
empties at the head of the bay, and Crcen 
Creek, the largest of all these streams, 
pours its sulphurous waters into the river. 
In the flat southwestern corner are a num- 
ber of large ponds. Here the hum of 
cheerful mosquitoes, and the hoarse croak 
of lazy frogs break the stillness of summer 
sunset. 

"Fishing, during the period of early set- 
tlement, was little sport. Fish were too 
plenty. The fisherman who patiently 
waits half an hour for a bite takes real 
satisfaction and pleasure in drawing from 
its water home one of the finny tribe, but 

7=5 



when he can dip them out with a market 
basket, or spear barrels of them in one 
night, fishing descends to common labor 
and amuses no one. The early inhabitants 
made fish a staple article of food. Flour 
was hard to get on account of the distance 
and incapacity of mills. Fish were plenty 
and without price. Winged game then, 
as now, abounded in the north part of the 
township, and settlers, unhindered, en- 
joyed the luxury of hunting on common 
grounds. 

These hunting grounds are included in 
sections thirty-three, thirty-four, and thirty- 
five of township five, and so much of town- 
ship six as lies within the legal limits of 
Riley. Originally this tract was mostly 
prairie, covered heavily with marsh grasses, 
and at intervals with shrubs. The freshets 
in spring time inundate the whole tract, 
bringing from the head waters large quan- 
tities of feed, which attracts the game 
later in the season. Trapping fur-bearing 
animals, and shooting ducks, afforded the 
settlers of the upland farms considerable 
contingent revenue — in fact was the source 
of a large amount of their cash. Trappers 
often becanie involved in serious quarrels. 
A common offense was transferring from 
one trap into another the most valuable 
captives. It thus happened "that the early 
bird caught the worm. " Suspicion of foul 
play of this kind not unnaturally produced 
hard feelings between rivals, and often led 
to blows. 

There was another object of dispute. 
Some locations were better than others, 
but all could not be accommodated at 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



727 



the same place. Tlie ground was public 
property and there was no well recognized 
principle of "trappers' rights." Tlie con- 
flicts of claims had their natural results. 
But the impression should not be enter- 
tained that a hunter's life was a fighter's 
life. These contentions were episodes, 
the employment in general being calcu- 
lated to encourage a rough and ready good 
cheer. 

Two classes of individuals harvested 
the resources of the prairie marshes — 
squatters and upland settlers. The set- 
tler devoted his energies to clearing and 
improving land for farming or in raising 
stock. Hunting was a contingent employ- 
ment, engaged in only for recreation or a 
little ready cash which farm products 
did not command at that pioneer period. 
The life of the squatter was the picture of 
ease in poverty. A rude cabin furnished 
shelter; fish and game daily diet, and the 
trapped captives were bartered for simple 
clothing and such luxuries as men of their 
character enjoyed. 

But there came a time when the squat- 
ter lost his liome and the settler his hunt- 
ing ground. Our own people failed to 
see in this expanse of marsh any intrinsic 
value, but left open to foreigners the op- 
portunity of a speculation. In 1S56 all 
the northern end of tliis township was en- 
tered at a mere nominal price. It after- 
wards became the property of two sport- 
ing clubs, one known as " Winous' Point 
Shooting club," the other as " Ottawa 
Shooting club." The State laws against 
trespass arc strictly enforced. It seems 
unjust to the men who have borne the 
burden of improving the country, to 
be barred by foreign landlords from the 
privileges of hunting, but it is the penalty 
of neglect. This tract should have been 
raad.e a public park, and regulated by such 
legal enactments as natural laws require. 

The soil of Riley township is formed of 



decomposed vegetable matter and pro- 
duces large crops of wheat. Originally 
the south part was a thick forest of heavy 
trees. Toward the north the trees were 
smaller and the forest broken by an oc- 
casional tract of prairie. Prairie prevailed 
north of the tier of sections seven to 
twelve. The lands of this region were 
found well adapted to stock-raising, but 
too wet for farming. As we shall see 
presently, the first settlement was made 
on the clear district. 

There are on Michael StuU's farm two 
natural mounds, formed by strong springs 
throwing out sand and muck. The hard 
crust will bear the weight of stock but a 
stamp of the foot will shake the mass for 
twenty feet around. These springs empty 
their water into Pickerel Creek, w-hich has 
its source in a similar spring on the Cowell 
form about two miles south. The cool, 
fresh water furnished by these springs at- 
tracted the pickerel and white bass, with 
which this stream once was filled. 

Mr. Stull, who was the first settler on 
the prairie, says when he first came there 
in 1820 they made hay and stacked it, 
where now the water stands four feet deep. 
The heaviest northeast winds did not then 
drive the water to their stacks. 

ANCIENT WORKS. 

That ancient race, concerning which so 
much has been written, and so little is 
really known, have left marks of their resi- 
dence in this township. A line of mounds 
and enclosures extend along the bay from 
Racoon Creek toward the east for a dis- 
tance of several miles. None are trace- 
able and, probably, none existed except on 
the prairie, and cultivation has made the 
outlines of these indistinct. An enclosure 
on section two contains about two acres. 
The whole Mississippi basin is dotted 
with similar structures but their occurrence 
in the lake system is more rare. An old 
settler informs us that he saw these works 



728 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



distinct in their entire outline.^By^vhom 
and when they were built will never be 
known to a certainty, but there is no 
doubt of their great antiquity. That 
they are not the works of the Indians 
their mathematical regularity, and the con- 
tents of those which have been excavated, 
furnish proof. 

On Mr. Stall's farm there was a circular 
enclosure about twenty rods in diameter with 
two gates or openings on opposite sides. 
Part of the wall on the west side was 
made by piling up a ridge of limestone of 
a soft quality, found in the vicinity, about 
four feet high, covered with earth. The 
other portions of the wall was made en- 
tirely of earth. There are three other 
similar enclosures within a radius of a few 
miles. In all these stone axes and 
earthenware were found. 

Care should be taken not to confound 
these remains of an ancient civilization on 
our continent with the relics of a more 
recent but savage population with which 
we are better acquainted. To this latter 
class belong the two pieces of skeleton 
plowed up a number of years ago by 
Daniel Carl. One was the shoulder blade 
of a man pierced by a point of buck's 
horn, which had, no doubt, been an arrow 
point; the other was the leg-bone of a 
man on which, near the knee, was an en- 
largement containing the point of a flint 
arrowhead, as large as a man's thumb- 
nail. 

THE SETTLEMENT. 

The settlement of Riley was later than 
the neighboring townships. The reason 
for this is obvious when it is known that 
the main roads through the county all ran 
south of its territory, and settlement natur- 
ally centered along the main roads. A 
view of the township in 1824 would show 
one road cut through from Erie county to 
the prairie, three or four improvements 
near the edge of the heavy forest, and 



here and there a squatter's cabin along 
the creek. The school section in every 
township was the apple [in the squatter's 
eye. Experience had taught them as they 
had retreated, from time to time, before 
advancing settlement that the school lands 
offered the longest tenure. The first 
settlers located their lands on the prairies, 
the heavily timbered district at the south 
was left till last, and has furnished com- 
fortable homes for a large and respectable 
class of Germans, who began to make im- 
provements about 1835. 

Andrew Stull, one of the earliest settlers 
of Lyme townshi]), Huron county, was the 
first settler in Riley. He resided in Hu- 
ron county about seven years. In 1820 
he packed his goods on a wagon and 
started westward on the old army trail, 
which passed through the centre of Town- 
send township, about one mile south of 
the prairie. The location in view was in 
section one, township five, and when a 
point opposite had been reached, a thick 
and seemingly impenetrable forest inter- 
vened between the trail and the prairie 
farm. But stout hearts and determined 
spirits were not to be baffled by nature's 
obstacles. A way was cut through, and 
the spot which has been the scat of the 
Stull family for more than sixty years soon 
reached. Imagine the situation of this 
pioneer family. The nearest neighbor 
was Mr. Tew, of Townsend, six miles 
east, separated by a dark and marshy 
forest. The nearest physician lived at 
Fremont, ten miles away. The nearest mill 
was in Lyme township, Huron county, 
more than twenty miles away. "Our 
food," says Mr. Michael Stull, "was chiefly 
wild meat — venison, turkey and fish in 
plenty. Salt pork was fifty cents per 
pound. Our bread was mostly corn.' 
Michael Stull, the only surviving member of 
the family, from whom these facts arc de- 
rived, says that fifty years ago fish were so 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



729 



plenty in Pickerel Creek that he and his 
brother Jacob speared in one night fifteen 
barrel: of pickerel. They built a platform 
of puncheons across the creek, covered it 
with earth and built a fire at the middle 
of the stream. The two fishermen, one 
in each end of the canoe, picked out the 
fish with their spears as the canoe moved 
along. Swan were often seen from the 
cabin door, and geese and ducks could be 
shot without going out of the way for 
them. Mr. Stull once killed six deer in 
one day within three miles of home, and 
Charles Lindsey shot nine. Howling 
wolves made night hideous. Sheep re- 
quired constant watching while pasturing 
and a high pen at night. Mr. Stull atone 
time had thirty-three killed in daylight. 
In five successive nights a common steel 
trap captured five of these annoying deni- 
zens of the forest. After the death of his 
father Michael Stull came into possession 
of the farm. He married, in 1829, Diana 
Baker, of Townsend township. Two 
children survived infancy — Michael, jr., 
and Diana, wife of Jacob Brugh. 

Jonas Gibbs was one of the earliest set- 
tlers of Erie county, having emigrated 
there from New York in 1808. When 
Sandusky county lands came into market, 
he purchased five hundred and sixty acres 
near the centre of the township, and made 
an improvement on it in 1824, when he 
removed from Erie county. His family 
at that tmie consisted of five children, viz: 
Mrs. Cynthia Pierson, Dicie, and Isaac 
(deceased), Jonas, and Jeremiah; Mrs. 
William Woodford was born in Riley. 
This family, being one of the wealthiest 
as well as oldest, took a leading part in 
affairs. 

Isaac Allyn came with the Gibbs family ' 
to Riley. He entered a large tract of land 
north of the Gibbs farm, and engaged in 
stock-raising, mostly horses and cattle. 
He made his home with Mr. Gibbs for 



six years, and then, having secured a 
woman of his choice as a life companion, 
removed to his farm. No better collec- 
tions of stock could be found in the county 
than on the farms of Jonas Gibbs and 
Isaac Allyn. 

Christopher Straight, a worthy pioneer 
of the township, came about 1822. Three 
families by the names of Markham, and 
M. Bristol, settled on the school section. 
Forton Twist was well known in the early 
settlement. Charles Lindsey came in at 
an early period, and built a mill on Rac- 
coon Creek. 

David Camp, the county surveyor at an 
early period of the settlement, was one 
day travelling the trail road coming from 
Bay-rush prairie, and found two bucks in 
the trail with horns locked together. One 
of them was dead, and the other unable 
to extricate himself Mr. Camp cut the 
throat of the living one. The heads were 
cut off with the horns thus locked, and no 
one was able to separate them, until, about 
two years afterwards, Hiram Rawson got 
them apart, but all efforts to fasten them 
together again in the same manner failed. 

Joseph Harris Curtice was born in 
Hillsborough, New Hampshire, June 25, 
1789. He was a soldier in the War of 181 2, 
and after the war came to Ohio, and was 
engaged in carrying the United States 
mail in the southern part of the State for 
several years, having his home in Cincin- 
nati. He carried the mail in saddle-bags 
upon horseback. In 1822 he came to 
Sandusky county and purchased two hun- 
dred and sixty-five acres of land from the 
Government. December 27, 1824, he 
was married to Cynthia Gibbs. To them 
were born three children, viz: Betsey, 
now Mrs. Whittaker, who resides at the old 
home; John H., who was killed by a 
run-away team, October 26, 1868; and 
Cynthia, who died April 14, 1847. Mr. 
Curtice died May 23, 1868. He was 



730 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



strong, both mentally and {jhysically, 
to the time of his death. After his even- 
ing meal he walked about half a mile to 
see some stock, returued home and retired 
to rest feeling as well as usual. About 
midnight he awoke with a severe pain in 
the region of the heart, and died in less 
than an hour. He was widely and favor- 
ably known, and in his death the commu- 
nity lost an esteemed citizen. 

John Karshner settled in Riley in 1830, 
having moved from Pickaway county, 
Ohio. The farm on which he settled is 
now owned by his son Daniel. The chil- 
dren of John Karshner now living are: 
Daniel; Mrs. Mary Black, Ottawa county; 
and Mrs. Sarah Woodford, Riley. Daniel 
Karshner was born in Pickaway county, in 
1822. He married, first, Martha Cooley, 
and after her death, Lydia Robinson, by 
whom he has seven children — Franklin, 
Madison township; Alfred, Riley; Mrs. 
Clara Sherrard, Ballville township; Mrs. 
Sarah Plagman, Fremont; Anna, Edward, 
and Willis, Riley. 

The Woodford family settled in this 
township in 1834. Zerah Woodford, one 
of the sons, had, however, preceded the 
other members of the family one year. 
He was one of the first school teachers in 
the southwestern part of the township, 
and was variously employed until 1838, 
when he married Sarah Karshner, and 
made a permanent improvement. His 
children were Lucy, Lovisa, Sarah, Rachel, 
Henry, Martin, and Charles S., the last 
named being the only surviving child. 
He married Jennie Matthews, and has two 
children, Stewart L. and Estella. The 
parents of the Woodfords were Sylvester 
and Sarah, both of whom died in 1834. 
After their deaths, all returned to Trum- 
bull county except Zerah Woodford and 
Aurilla (Higbee). William, who was born 
in Trumbull county, in 1831, May 28, after- 
wards returned to Riley, where, in 1861, 



he married Mrs. R. J. Barkimer, and has 
three children living, Clara J., Alva, and 
Ada. Mrs. Barkimer had by her first hus- 
band one child, Lewis J. Barkimer. Mr. 
Woodford has been justice of the peace for 
eleven years. He was appraiser of real 
estate in 1880, and has held various other 
township trusts. 

George Jacobs was born in Baden, Ger- 
many, in 1804. He came to America and 
settled in Sandusky county, where he now 
resides, in 1834, being one of the first 
German settlers in that neighborhood. 
Seven children are living, viz: Sarah A. 
(Fronhizer), Riley; George, Missouri; Wil- 
liam, Fremont; Caroline (Hughes), Clyde; 
Mary Ann (Zeigler), Riley; and Charles F., 
Riley. 

Conrad \Vonnan removed from Colum- 
biana county and settled in this township 
in 1836. 

William Pierson was born in England 
in 1806. He came to Canada in 1815, 
and thence to New York, where he re- 
mained till 1836, when he came to Riley 
and married Cynthia Gibbs, who still sur- 
vives. 

William Harris was born in Columbia 
county, Pennsylvania, January 16, 1801. 
In the fall of 1822 he was married to 
Miss Susan Wagner, of the same county. 
In the spring of 1837 he emigrated to 
Ohio, and, after some fifteen years passed 
in Riley township, came to (ireen Creek 
township and settled on a farm near Clyde. 

In the southwest part of the township 
John Faust was one of the first settlers. 
He was a native of Pennsylvania, settled 
first in Pickaway county, Ohio, and in 
1826 began improving the farm on which 
he died in 1859, and on which his son 
Elias now lives. John was a good shot, 
and enjoyed hunting with all the zest of 
an ardent youth. Another characteristic 
was story-telling ability. There was, of 
course, a class of prosy, matter-of-fact peo- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



731 



pie, who were inclined to look upon his 
stories as creations of the imagination, but 
the romance of frontier life (if we are to 
believe old hunters) transcends the imagin- 
ation of the present ^reneration. When 
Mr. Faust tells us that, more than half a 
century ago, fish in Green Creek, pro- 
tected from the sun by unbroken shade 
and secluded by impenetrable forest, were 
in the habit of leaving the sulphurous 
water to bask in mellow air, redolent with 
the perfume of fragrant wild flowers, there 
is no ground for skepticism. Even when 
he tells us that these finny creatures some- 
times disturbed the peace and quiet of 
these beautiful banks by fierce and angry 
fights, what right have we to shake our 
heads, for who was there to say that such 
was not the case ? There was a popular 
prejudice against confounding romance 
with history. The line between the two 
being crooked and imperceptible at places, 
we prefer not to approach it, but to keep 
upon the high ground of fact, even though 
it is dry and unproductive of that fasci- 
nating interest which we are permitted to 
see in the distant paradise of romance; 
that paradise is not for the historian to en- 
joy. 

Daniel Schoch and family, from Pennsyl- 
vania, settled in Riley in 1836. There 
were eleven children, of whom Henry, 
William, Edward, and Mrs. Charles Liv- 
ingstine are at present residents of Riley. 
Edward lives on the old homestead. 
Henry Schoch was born in Pennsylvania 
in 1819. He married Catharine Longen- 
doerfer in i860. They have one child, 
Sarah, living, and two deceased. William 
Schoch was born in Pennsylvania in 1832. 
He married Lena Schumacher in i860, 
and has four children living — Lydia Ann, 
Emma J., George S., and Charles F. 
William died in 1880, aged sixteen years. 

Cyrus Haff, son of Simeon Haff, was 
born in 1825, and spent the early part of 



his life with the family at home in Town- 
send township. In 1862 he married Julia 
Clark, and has one child living, HoUis. 
Mr. Haff resides in Riley township, where 
he has served several times as trustee. 

C. P. Daniels, a son of Jeremiah 
Daniels, of Huron township, Erie 
county, was born in Huron county, 
in 1814. His father was a native 
of New York. C. P. married, in 1840, 
Laura Higley, and has three children — 
Clark, Riley township; George T., Wood 
county; and Chauncy A., Riley. Mr. 
Daniels is by trade a carpenter; he is also 
engaged in farming. He moved to Riley 
with his mother when thirteen years old, 
his father having died in Huron county. 
Of the children of Jeremiah Daniels, there 
are four survivors — C. P. Daniels, Riley; 
Sarah (Hinkley), Townsend; George, 
Riley; and Rachel (Higley), Michigan. 

Joseph Haaser was born in France in 
1803. He emigrated to America in 1830, 
and settled in Pennsylvania, where, in 
1833, he married Catharine Yost, by 
whom he had a family of nine children, 
viz: Elizabeth (Litz), York township; 
Mary (Baker), Toledo; Barbara (Moyer), 
Kansas; Catharine (Horn), Fremont; 
Joseph, Fremont; Rebecca (Horn), Bu- 
cyrus; Frank and Rosa, Riley township; 
and Augustus, Black Hills. The family 
settled in Riley in 1841. Mr. Haaser has 
served his township as trustee. He died 
June 29, 1881. 

Samuel Meek settled on the farm where 
he now resides in 1848. He was born in 
Brooke county, West Virginia, in 1806. 
In 1848 he married Sarah Farber, daugh- 
ter of John .?nd Elizabeth Farber, who 
were among the early settlers in Tusca- 
rawas county. She was born in that 
county in 1821. Her parents came there 
from their native State, New Jersey, in 
1807. Mr. and Mrs. Meek have nine 
children living, viz.: W. C. and Thomas 



732 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



H., Riley; John, Townsend; Martin L., 
Wood county; Samuel, James, Elizabeth, 
Peter, and George, Riley. Several of the 
family are teachers. 

Charles Livingstine was born in the 
eastern part of Ohio in 1826. He came to 
this county with his parents, Jacob and 
Elizabeth Livingstine, and has been re- 
siding on his present farm about thirty 
years. Soon after coming here he mar- 
ried Mary Ann Schoch. They have had 
twelve children, five of whom are living, 
viz: Charles Henry, Mary (Vogt), Hat- 
tie, John and Robert. Mr. Livingstine 
has a large farm and is a successful farmer. 
He has been justice of the peace fourteen 
years, also served as infirmary director, 
and in other local offices. 

William B. Sanford was born in Ontario 
county. New York, April 7, 1828. With 
his parents, Zachariah and Mary Sanford, 
he came to this county when three years 
of age, and has since resided here. In 
1861 he married Mrs. Permelia Barrett, 
nee AUyn. They have had three children, 
one of whom is living — Lois, Almira and 
Grant. Grant resides with his parents. 

James Maurer was born in Pennsyl- 
vania in 1823. He came to this county 
with his father's family in 1830. He 
married Lydia Faust in 1851. The fam- 
ily consists of three children, viz: Mrs. 
Maria Mooney, Hancock county; Noah, 
Riley township; and Simon, Hancock 
county. Daniel and Phebe Maurer, the 
parents of James, were natives of Penn- 
sylvania. They had a family of thirteen 
children, eight of whom are living, namely: 
James, Riley township; Samuel, Washing- 
ton township; Jesse, Michigan; George, 
Washington township; Mrs. Mary Unger, 
Helena; Jacob, Gibsonburg; Mrs. Isabel 
Alstatt, and Aaron, Washington township. 
Adam Lute is a native of Washington 
county, Pennsylvania, and was born in 
1 805. He married in Pennsylvania, and 



has six children living, viz: William, 
Allen county; Lizzie (Daniels), Clyde; 
S. M., Riley township; Catharine (Van 
Buskirk), Riley; Abbie (Smart), Town- 
send township, and Peter, Townsend. 
S. M. married Mary B. McConnell in 
1869, and has five children. 

Gustavus A. Wright was born in Town- 
send township in 1837, of Vermont par- 
entage. He married, in i860, Mary A. 
Gibbs, and has a family of nine children, 
viz: Hosea, Emma, Lillie, Clara, Martha, 
Millie, Ida, Frank, and John. Mr. 
Wright was formerly engaged in the lum- 
ber trade, but is now farming in Riley 
township. He is a son of Gustavus and 
Julia Wright. 

Henry Vogt was born in Switzerland in 
181 1. He emigrated to America in 1833, 
and settled in Philadelphia, where he re- 
mamed till i860, when he came to Ohio, 
and settled in this township. He married 
Magdalena Mengold in 1849. The family 
consists of six children: Henry, Ballville 
township; Albert and Lizzie, Riley; Wil- 
liam, Sandusky; Frank and George, Riley. 
The following list of freeholders previous 
to 1830 is appended, together with the 
number of the section embracing their 
lots. Less than half whose names are 
given, were actual settlers of the township: 
Andrew StuU, 12; Robert Long, 34; Su- 
sannah Sutton, 6; Thomas Sherrard, 30; 
Robert A. Sherrard, 13; Jacob A. Smith, 
20 and 29; William Straight, 14; Samuel 
Thomas, 31; Henry Vanpelt, 21 and 23; 
Jac Welchhouse, 19; Isaac Allyn, 2 and 
3; Pascal Bisonette, 2; Jacob Bowlus, 21 ; 
Ezra Clark, 31 ; Joseph A. Curtice, 15 and 
10; John W. Clark, 27 ; Oscar De Forest, 
(township 6), 36; Charles De Forest, i ; 
Gamaliel Fenn, 17; Jonas Gibbs, 9, 10, 
4 and 3; John Hindman, 9; Peter Hol- 
brook, 21; G. H. Hopkins, 11 and 14; 
Jane Hindman, 15; Harriet Hindman, 4; 
Alexander Johnston, i, 8, 4, 13, 26, },2i. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



733 



32, 6 and 27 — 3,360 acres; Isaac Knapp, 
5 and 6; John Herr, 30; Isaac Lathrop, 
17 and 20; David Lathrop, 22 and 15; 
John Ash, 6; JuHa D. Forest, 12; Julia 
D. Forest, jr., i ; Coles Forest, i. 

Thomas Silverwood entered in 1856, 
sections 34 and 26, township 6. 

MILK SICKNESS. 

What we are about to say under this 
head might more properly come under the 
chapter on Townsend township. But the 
poisonous weed which caused so much 
sickness and distress grew most abundant- 
ly on the eastern bank ot Pickerel Creek, 
within the limits of the township now 
under consideration. The hardships of 
improving the fertile soil in this part of 
the county were increased by this distress- 
ing and fatal disease in a greater degree 
than is imagined by the present genera- 
tion. The species of grass which made 
milk a dangerous poison is easily expelled 
by cultivation and has almost ceased to 
grow within the limits of the county. The 
healthy cow that eats it (and cattle are 
very fond of the young and tender shoots) 
is apparently little affected. An old set- 
tler informs us that he has often seen 
suckling calves tremble, fall cold upon the 
ground and die, while no traces of disorder 
could be detected in the mother animal. 
People, after in any form using the milk 
from an affected animal, are usually taken 
with a chill. The muscles contract and 
excruciating pain is produced. The 
disease, of course, takes different forms as 
it progresses, sometimes settling into a low 
form of fever and sometimes death quickly 
ended the suffering patient's pains. In 
the days when skilled medical aid was 
scarce, the slightest symptoms of the dis- 
ease caused well founded apprehension. 
Whole families, whole neighborhoods, 
were at times brought to beds of suffering, 
and many to silent graves. It is not to be 
wondered at that many left their improve- 



ments and sought homes elsewhere while 
others remained away altogether. Here 
we have an example of nature's influence 
upon history. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The early records of the township have 
been lost, so that it is impossible to give 
any civil history. The territory was form 
erly included in Townsend township, 
which, at one time, embraced Green Creek 
also. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school-house in Riley stood 
on section sixteen, near the site of the 
town-house. Caroline Camp taught here 
a number of terms and was held in high 
regard. Teaching school in that early day 
was a profitless employment. The teach- 
er's dependence was upon subscriptions. 
Comparatively few families lived near 
enough to the school-house to send their 
small children and the large ones had too 
much to do at home to give attention to 
so "trifling" a matter as "schoolin'." Peo- 
ple, too, were poor in those days and 
could not afford to pay out more money 
than the home demanded. One dollar a 
week and board was once considered good 
wages for teaching. 

Zerah Woodford was one of the earliest 
teachers in the southwest part of the town- 
ship. 

The public-school system went into 
effect in 1852, since which time good 
school-houses have been built and public 
instruction maintained. The number of 
districts in 1877 was increased from eight 
to nine, and in 1880 to ten. The genera- 
tion of men, now almost passed away, de- 
serve credit for the start they have given 
our educational system. Theirs was. a 
difficult task, being burdened with too 
many cares and difficulties to give proper 
attention to matters of culture. Yet they 
have cleared the way and it is the duty of 
the present period to see that trained 



734 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



teachers raise the standard of intelligence 
in every community. 

MILLS. 

It may seem strange to the young read- 
er why, in a history of this character, the 
small and seemingly unimportant mills of 
an early period should receive attention, 
but those who have experienced the dififi- 
culties of pioneer life will look upon the 
subject in a different light. In a period 
when people were compelled to travel long 
distances . through marshy forests and 
across bridgeless streams, with their small 
grists on the back of a horse, and when at 
length the end of the journey was reached 
days were consumed in "waiting their 
turn," it is not strange the building of a 
mill in the neighborhood should be hailed 
as the beginning of a new era, and become 
an epoch in the history of the community; 
Going to mill has become but an evening 
chore ; it once required about one-fourth 
of one man's time to get the grinding 
done for a family. Nor did the pioneers 
enjoy the luxury of flaky flour made by 
the present patent process. The wheat 
was then crushed between rude, ill-fitting 
mill-stones, and then sifted by hand 
through a bolt of coarse canvas. The 
bolting was done by the man owning the 
grist. This was a slow process, and it was 
no uncommon thing for mills to be four 
days behind, thus giving the neighboring 
taverns a good busmess, while the indus- 
trious housewife, having scraped clean the 
flour chest, was feeding her children on 
the hard crusts of "johnny cake." The 
manner of going to mill on horseback has 
already been spoken of. Soft ground and 
thick woods made packing the only possi- 
ble method, and frequent streams and 
marshes prevented heavy burdens. An 
old pioneer has said that the custom of 
putting a stone in one end of the bag to 
balance the grain in the other once pre- 
vailed in Sandusky county. While we 



would not, under any circumstances, be 
guilty of doubting a statement of a sur- 
vivor of the days gone by, it must be re- 
membered that some people confuse the 
location of events. The practice referred 
to is one of the traditions of Berks coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania, where ancient architects 
left in the basement wall two cat-holes, 
one for big cats and one for little cats. It 
is not probable that the old balancing idea 
was ever carried into practice in this coun- 
ty. It was hard enough work to get the 
wheat to mill without the stones. 

To Charles Lindsey belongs the honor 
of building the first mill in the township. 
It was located on Raccoon Creek, now a 
stream of no value for water power. 
\\'hile the country was new, marshes and 
springs kept up an even water supply 
throughout the year, and although the fall 
was slight a small buhr was run by an un- 
dershot wheel. Grinding at this mill was a 
slow operation, but it supplied the sparsely 
populated neighborhood. The saw-mill 
connected with it was scarcely less appre- 
ciated than the grist-mill. Logs afforded 
very good material for cabin walls, but 
puncheon floors and doors were great an- 
noyances. It was impossible to fit split 
puncheons closely enough to keep out 
cold winds in the winter. Besides, doors 
were heavy and hard to open and shut, 
while floors were uneven and lull of 
splinters. A saw-mill once started, boards 
took their place, and the interior of these 
backwoods homes assumed a new appear- 
ance. 

The Lindsey mill continued in operation 
until clearings had destroyed the water- 
power. The framework is still standing. 

William and James Beebe built a saw- 
mill on Pickerel Creek during the im- 
provement of that i)art of the county. It 
is now owned and operated by Levi 
Cowell. 

Jason Gibbs built the first steam saw- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



735 



mill in the township. He removed it j 
about 1870 to its present location at Riley i 
Centre. i 

There are at present two grist-mills in | 
the township, both on Green Creek. Eli 
Faust built the first one about 1845. The 
second was built by Mr. Schock in 1850. 

CHURCHES. ■ 1 

In this township, as in most other pio- ; 
neer communities, the first religious ser- j 
vices were held in private houses, and 
these meetings were very infrequent and j 
informal. Attending church is a part of | 
the regular routine of life in old settle- ; 
ments, and the loss to emigrants of the 
comforting influences of religious minis- 
trations is the cause of much discontent. 
It is a fact inherent in the nature of things 
that the conditions in a new country are 
not favorable to piety. Most emigrants 
leave their homes and neighbors in the 
hope of bettering their condition in a 
financial sense. Money becomes scarce, 
and the demands upon their time are 
heavy, so that there are (ew people dis- 
posed to spend sufficient time and money 
to keep up religious organizations. The 
few, therefore, who are anxious to hear the 
gospel expounded must make their own 
arrangements for it — throw open their 
own houses and entertain the travelling 
preachers and missionaries. 

The Methodist church may well be 
proud of its well organized and sensible 
missionary system. The policy of divid- 
ing a sparsely populated district into cir- 
cuits, and giving all the people an oppor- 
tunity of occasionally hearing preaching, 
has been the means of making that church 
the strongest, numerically, in the State, 
and entitles it to the distinction of being 
the most useful religious organization in 
the country. The first sermon preached 
in Riley township was at the residence of 
Mrs. Lathrop, on school section number 
sixteen, by a Methodist circuit preacher 



whose name is not remembered. Meetings 
were very frequently held at this house to 
accommodate Mrs. Lathrop's mother, 
Mrs. Bristol, who for sixteen years was 
both blind and lame. She was a devout 
Methodist, and was greatly comforted by 
the preaching and prayers of her brethren. 
Although the cabin was not large it was 
amply sufficient to accommodate the small 
congregations who gathered there. After 
the erection of the school-house on the 
corner where the town-house now stands, 
meetings were held in it. 

The first Methodist class, and probably 
the first religious society of any kind, was 
organized in Tuttle's school-house in 
April, 1853, by W. D. Disbro, presiding 
elder, and Alfred Wheeler, preacher in 
charge. It was known as Tuttle's class, 
Clyde mission. The members were Adam 
Lutz, Elizabeth Lutz, William Lutz, Levi 
Tuttle, Almira Tuttle, Benjamin Twist, 
Lavina Twist, Zachariah Franks, Mrs. 
Franks, and Rhoda Marks. Of these ten 
first members but three are living — Wil- 
liam Lutz, Almira Tuttle, and Rhoda 
Marks. Services were held regularly in 
the school-house until 1864, when, on ac- 
count of having no suitable place to meet, 
the class went down. In 1869 the class- 
book was renewed by O. Squires. A 
formal re-organization took place in July, 
187 1, and it was connected with Sand 
Ridge circuit under the name of "Riley." 
There were at this time twelve mem- 
bers. A revival was held in 1875 during 
the ministry of Hiram Royce, which in- 
creased the membership and strengthened 
the cause. Henry C. Martindale and 
Samuel Lane of the United Brethren 
congregation, held a joint revival in 1878, 
which resulted in many conversions and 
additions to both organizations. Since 
1 87 1 the following ministers have served 
this class and circuit: Thomas Thompson 
effected the reorganization and remained 



736 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



in charge until the conference appoint- 
ments in the fall of 1872; T. J. Gard 
served till the fall of 1873; Hiram Royce 
till 1875; Hugh Wallace till 1876,: H. C. 
Martindale till 1879; E. L. Smith till 1880, 
when the present pastor, Charles E. Rud- 
dick, came in charge. 

Near the time of the formation of the 
Methodist society, a class of the United 
Brethren in Christ was organized by Rev. 
Mr. Eemmon. No record is extant, but 
from the recollection of one of the 
first members we learn that the first 
members were: Samuel Meek and wife, 
William Jones and wife, WiUiam Van 
Buskirk, wife and two daughters, Mr. 
Scouton and wife, and James Walden and 
wife. Meetings were held in Tuttle's 
school-house until the. board of directors 
passed a resolution debarring all religious 
societies. The resolution compelled the 
class to meet at the houses of members 
until the new union church was completed 
in 1868. This house was built by the 
joint contribution of both churches. Each 
church has preaching on alternate Sab- 
baths, thus giving the community one 
preaching service each Sabbath. The 
membership has increased to about forty. 
It is known as the North Riley class, Bay 
Shore circuit. 

South Riley class United Brethren in 
Christ had its beginning in a mission 
which built a log meeting-house in the 
south part of the township about 1855. 
The interest gradually increased and the 
number of communicants grew until, m 
1873, ^ class was formed with sixty mem- 
bers. In 1877 it was deemed advisable 
to build a new house of worship, but a 
difference of opinion created dissension. 
A portion of the congregation, together 
with other religious professors, founded a 
society of the denomination commonly 
known as Albrights, and built a church 
half a mile further west. These two 



houses were completed the same year. 
The South Riley class has now about fif- 
teen members. It is connected with the 
Bay Shore circuit. 

The following heads of families formed 
the Evangelical or Albright church : 
Christian Shultz, Daniel Pocock, Jacob 
Miller, Jacob Stoker, John Gilbert, and 
Adam Johns. Rev. Mr. Whitting was the 
minister in charge at the time of organiza- 
tion. Revs. Evans, McMillan and Monk 
have been the successive pastors since. 

The cemetery in the south part of the 
township was laid out by the Brethren 
mission but has since become a public 
burying ground. The population in the 
south part of the township is largely 
Lutheran and Catholic. They worship at 
Clyde. 

MARSH RECLAIMED. 

Truth has made common the expres- 
sion: "The ingenuity of man knows no 
bounds." At one time the whole west 
end of the county was thought a worthless 
marsh; but cutting down trees and clear- 
ing the natural water channels of logs and 
brush made cultivation possible and profit- 
able. Several thousand acres bordering 
the Sandusky Bay have always been con- 
sidered absolutely worthless except for 
hunting grounds. The experiment of Dr. 
Robert H. Rice has, however, demon- 
strated that much of this marsh land can 
be reclaimed. The device is not new. 
The fens of Lincolnshire and Holland 
flats are kept out of the water by similar 
methods. 

The reclaimed farm land consists of 
about seven hundred acres, and extends 
from South Creek into the marshes that 
border the Sandusky River. Onlyabout one 
hundred acres of this land is covered with 
timber, but before last year less than three 
hundred acres was tillable, the remainder 
of the underwooded section being covered 
with water, grown deep and green with 




CHRISTIAN SCHULTZ. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



737 



marsh sedge, a good breeding ground for 
bullfrogs, and a retreat for mud-hens and 
solitary bittern. Portions not covered 
throughout the year with water were fre- 
quently inundated by wind tides from the 
bay. Dr. Rice had for several years en- 
tertained the idea of draining the marsh 
and excluding the wind tides by means of 
dikes. While in Europe, a few years ago, 
he made a careful examination of the 
dikes and drains in the low lands of Eng- 
land and Holland, and on his return home 
began in earnest to carry into execution 
his long cherished idea. 

In the fall of 1878 he employed ten or 
twelve Danes living near Port Clinton and 
at once set to work. For a year they dug 
in water up to their knees. The ditches 
were kept partially clear, however, by two 
large wind-mills. These Danes were 
familiar with that kind of work and pros- 
ecuted it with energy in spite of difficul- 
ties which would have baffled native Am- 
ericans. 

There are two trenches from ten to 
twenty feet wide and three to five feet 
deep, extending along the lower part of 
the tract a distance of two miles. The 
earth from these excavations is banked 
up on the outside and forms a dike from 
four to eight feet high. This embankment 
of compact earth completely dams out the 
marsh water on the other side and inter- 
poses an effectual fortification against the 
high waves driven by strong northeast 
winds. 

One trench begins on the high ground 
near the creek and extends in an easterly 
direction, then south. The other runs 
parallel and close to the south bend of 
the first, forming between their dikes an 
outlet to a swamp in the woods at the 
south — then takes an easterly direction. 
The two trenches are connected by a 
tunnel. The accumulating water is drained 
into these trenches, out of which it is 



lifted by machinery. An iron wheel six- 
teen feet in diameter furnished on its cir- 
cumference with twenty paddles, which 
act like buckets, is driven by a ten-horse 
power engine. By means of properly 
arranged races the water is driven into the 
marshes beyond the dike. The wheel 
revolves seven times per minute and each 
bucket dips up a barrel of water. The 
water is therefore poured from the trenches 
at the rate of one hundred and forty bar- 
rels per minute. In ten hours the trenches 
can be drained dry. This reclaimed land 
was first cultivated in 1880. Plows were 
drawn by four horses the first season, but 
the rich vegetable soil once disturbed be- 
comes a light mold and is easily cultivated. 
The whole cost was about four thousand 
dollars. 



Biographical Sketches. 



CHRISTIAN SCHULTZ. 

Christian Schultz was born May 10, 
1820, in iVlsace, department of Strasburg, 
county of Bichweiler, in Oberhoffen, 
France. When ten years of age he came 
to the United States with his mother, Mrs. 
Margaret Schultz, his father having died 
when Christian was about six months old. 
He was the only child by the first mar- 
riage of his mother. She became the 
wite of Albert Strawhacker, and bore five 
other children, of whom three daughters 
and one son are yet living. With this 
family his mother came to America, where 
her husband had gone two years previ- 
ously. They remained near Kenton, in 
this State, one year, then came to the 
southern part of Sandusky county, about 
one mile west of Green Spring, where Mr. 
Strawhacker had entered land, and where 
the family continued to reside. 



738 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Christian Schultz engaged in farming 
until he was about seventeen years of age. 
Then he entered the mills of Jacob Stem 
at Green Spring, and continued this em- 
ployment about twelve years. He com- 
menced work in the saw-mill, but during 
the last eight years of this time was en- 
gaged in running the grist-mill. While at 
work here, he was united in marriage 
May 26, 1849, to Anna Longanbach, 
daughter of George and Anna Longan- 
bach, of Rice township. 

In 1856, in the month of November, 
having purchased a farm, he removed and 
settled in Riley township, on the place 
which is still the home of the family. The 
farm had a few improvements, but Mr. 
and Mrs. Schultz found work enough to 
keep them busy. There was only i\ small 
log cabin upon the place, and no barn or 
stable. About forty acres of land had 
been fenced, but it was not all improved. 
The land was wet, and remained so 
until it had been drained. Crops were 
small; little of wheat or other staples could 
be raised. During the first few years of 
his residence here Mr. Shultz devoted a 
large portion of his time to getting out 
timber for staves, hubs, spokes, etc, which 
he sold, and supported the family with the 
proceeds. During the last few years a 
great change has been wrought in this part 
of the county. Twenty-five years ago a 
trip to Fremont and back was an all-day's 
journey for Mr. Schultz. The school- 
house was three-fourths of a mile distant, 
and during a part of the year it was im- 
possible to get to it with a team, owing to 
the condition of the roads. 

But the log cabins have mostly disap- 
peared, and in their places stand the neat 
and tasteful residences of to-day, com- 
fortably and even elegantly furnished, and 
barns and outbuildings, with all modern 
improvements. The beautiful and sub- 
stantial dwelling now the home of the 



Schultz family, was the result of the un- 
tiring labor, and constant, progressive in- 
dustry of Mr. Schultz and his worthy wife. 

Mr. Schultz was an energetic man. 
Though not possessed of great physical 
strength, he could never endure being 
idle. Through his efforts and economy he 
prospered, though very likely his life was 
shortened by too vigorous exertion. 

Mr. Schultz was an honest farmer, a 
good husband, a kind and indulgent par- 
ent, and a respected citizen. In his 
business transactions it can safely be as- 
serted that he never wronged any man. 
January 16, 1877, he passed peacefully 
from this life to the other, a victim of the 
dread disease, consumption. He had 
been ill for nearly two years, but through 
the entire period he manifested a cheerful 
disposition and uttered few complaints. 
He was a member of the Evangelical As- 
sociation for twenty years, and bore the 
reputation of being an upright and sincere 
Christian. Politically he was a Republi- 
can, an anti-slavery man and a true lover 
of his country. 

Mrs. Anna Schultz was born in the 
Province of Wurtemburg, Germany, 
May 12, 1829. She was the sixth child 
of a family of thirteen children, eight of 
whom are living, four sons and tour 
daughters. Her parents came to the 
United States in 1836, and settled in 
Seneca county. New York, where they re- 
mained five and one-half years, removmg 
to Rice township, where Mr. Longanbach 
died in July, 1861, in his fifty-fourth year. 
Mrs. Longanbach is still living in San- 
dusky township, at the home of her oldest 
son, Martin. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Schultz were born 
nine children, five of whom are living. 
Amelia Margaret was born October 7, 
1850; married C.Frederick Jacobs, Febru- 
ary 7, 1875; died August Sth, the same 
year. John Frederick, born December 




^/i /^ -J^et^^^/ei . c:::^ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



739 



i8, 1852; died January 15, 1854. Ezra 
Christian, born October 29, 1854; died 
April 2, 1856. Lydia Ann, born Decem- 
ber 23, 1856; died December 23, 1877 
Mary Elizabeth, born March 6, 1859 
Charles Martin, born May 12, 1861 
Jesse Nelson, born February 26, 1863 
Ida Elmira, born October 12, 1865 
Estella Rosine, born June 24, 1869. Mrs 
Schultz belongs to the Evangelical Associa- 
tion. Now situated in a pleasant home 
with all her surviving children about her, 
she enjoys the peaceful consciousness that 
in all things she has striven to do her 
duty to her family, her neighbors and as- 
sociates. The Schultz family are well 
known and respected. 



JOHN ZEIGLER. 
Among the early pioneer farmers of 
Sandusky county was Martin Zeigler, a 
native of Hessen, Germany, born in the 
town of Griinberg on the 3d of April, 
1795. His wife, Catharine E Kruder, 
was born in the same place on the 23d of 
November, 1796. With a family of five 
children, in June, 1832, they took passage 
in a sailing vessel from Bremen, and after 
a stormy voyage of seventy two days ar- 
rived at Baltimore, Maryland. Here, 
Martin Zeigler was taken with the cholera, 
which was then raging in the city. He 
escaped with his life, but with feeble 
health, which for some time prevented him 
from taking active measures for his family's 
support, and consequently reducing his 
capital to a considerable extent. They re- 
moved to Zanesville, and remained there 
until 1835, when, having purchased a tract 
of three hundred and twenty acres of 
land in Riley township, four miles north- 
east of Fremont, they settled themselves 
permanently. A stranger had determined 
upon the purchase of this land at the 
same time with Mr. Zeigler. The former, 



with that intention, left Zanesville by 
stage, for the Government land ofifice at 
Bucyrus, on the same morning that the lat- 
ter started on foot on the same errand. 
The foot-traveler beat the stage by several 
hours, and accomplished his purpose be- 
fore his disappointed competitor put in an 
appearance. Martin Zeigler was a man of 
great energy and perseverance, of sterling 
honesty and uprightness of character. 
He was of nervous disposition, showing 
this strongly in his conversation which he 
always carried on in a remarkably impres- 
sive, earnest and most excitable manner. 
He died at his home July 24, 1867. 
His wife died in Fremont, February, 3, 
1879. They reared a family of eight 
children, all of whom (with the exception 
of their oldest son, Henry, who was for 
twenty-five years one of the leading mer- 
chants in Fremont), carried on the oc- 
cupation of farming. 

John Zeigler, the subject of the engrav- 
ing, was born at the residence of his par- 
ents, Martin and Catharine Zeigler, in 
Riley township, on the 15th of December, 
1 84 1. In 1865 he married Mary Jacobs, 
and lived up to the date of his death on 
the homestead left vacant by his father's 
demise in 1867. His death occurred in a 
violent manner on the 15th day of August, 
1876. While working in the field on the 
morning of the last-mentioned date, he 
was kicked in the abdomen by a vicious 
horse, and died the same evening, at the 
age of thirty-four years, leaving a wife and 
four children. He was an exemplary father 
and husband and a model farmer. 
Through hard labor and ceaseless industry 
he had accumulated a small fortune, and 
had life been granted him, by the time he 
had reached middle age he would have 
been one of the wealthy farmers of that 
district, as he was then a representative 
man. Honesty, frugality, and industry are 
unfailing indicators of ultmiate success. 



740 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



CASPER HIRT. 
Casper Hirt, a prominent farmer of 
Riley township, was born the 3d day of 
August, 1S20, at Stilli, Canton Aargau, 
Switzerland. His parents were in limited 
circunistances, and had a large family. 
Under such conditions Casper Hirt con- 
cluded, in the year 1848, after the strug- 
gle of the Helvetic government, in which 
he was personally engaged, against her re- 
bellious Cantons (Sonderbund), to emigrate 
to America, where better prospects are 
offered a poor man than in his native 
country. He came to Ohio, but not 
pleased with his fortune yet, he started 
about two years after for California. To 
travel from Ohio to California on foot, 
over the vast plains and deserts of the un- 
settled territories was in that time no 
small undertaking. Having arrived there 
Mr. Hirt met with fortunate circumstances. 
Nevertheless he was discontented, and, 
being fond of travelling, the new reports of 
very rich gold mines in Australia led him 
to new adventures. But he was badly 
disappointed in his hopes. He turned 
back to California again, but experienced 
a voyage over the Pacific ot great priva- 
tion and hardship. Gold could not de- 
liver him from the suffering of homesick- 
ness. He was longing painfully for his 
native country. In May, 1854, he reached 
Switzerland again, and remained at his 
home until the fall of the same year, and 
then started, accompanied by a large num- 



ber of emigrants, for America. After his 
arrival at Philadelphia he married Miss 
Fanny Vogt, born November 24, 1826, 
in Villigen, Canton Aargau, Switzerland. 
From Philadelphia he came to Ohio, and 
settled in Riley township, Sandusky coun- 
ty, the present residence of his family. In 
consequence of his industry, economy, 
and skill as a farmer, he made rapid pro- 
gress in the accumulation of an estate. In 
the summer of 1878, he visited his native 
land for the second time. During his life 
he crossed the Atlantic Ocean five times, 
and the Pacific twice. In politics he was 
a Democrat. His family consisted of eight 
sons and one daughter — John Henry, born 
August 16, 1855, died January 21, 1877; 
Charles, born February 2, 1857; Samuel I., 
born August 20, 1858; Anna Maria Eliza, 
born June 10, i860; Frederick Franklin, 
born February 18, 1862; Henry Albert, 
born April 20, 1864; Edward Ursinius, 
born April 20, 1867; Adolph, born April 
24, 1869; Lewis S., born October 26, 1872. 

Mr. Hirt was brought up a member of 
the German Reformed church, and at- 
tended its services throughout life. 

In the long and severe winter of 1881 
Mr. Casper Hirt died (February 3d), in 
consequence of a bad cold, which turned 
into a lung disease, aged sixty years and 
six months. By his death his family lost 
a tender husband and father, the township 
a good citizen, and his neighbors a true 
friend. 



■^^ 



0\ 




f 




JACKSON. 



AT a session of the county commission- 
ers, held in December, 1829, town- 
ship four, range fourteen was constituted 
a separate town, with corporate powers 
and privileges. The name was conferred 
in honor of the celebrated general, who 
was then serving his first year as President 
of the United States. For several years 
after settlement began in the county, this 
township and its western and northern 
neighbors seemed a blot upon the face of 
the earth. The black surface earth, by its 
own robe of dense forest and luxuriant 
undergrowth of shrubs and grasses, had 
entirely excluded the light and heat of the 
sun. Vegetable gases rested upon the 
surface, undisturbed by a troubled atmos- 
phere, and year by year the soil was ab- 
sorbing chemical elements which, under 
cultivation, have made large houses and fat 
bank accounts. 

But before the period of clearing and 
grubbing, all this level tract was a con- 
tinuous marsh, and where now heavy ears 
of corn are bowing to the ground, fifty 
years ago only muskrats and snakes were 
able to live. 

The general surface slope of the town- 
ship is toward the northeast, the three 
principal streams — Wolf Creek, Muskal- 
longe, and Mud Creek — flowing in that 
direction. The valleys of these streams 
are scarcely perceptible, and the channels 
are shallow. 

A heavy stratum of limestone underlies 
the black vegetable earth, mixed with de- 
composed particles worn from the rock 
surface during the glacial period of geolog- 



ical history. The lime element greatly 
increases the productiveness of the soil. 
Long before man appeared on the face of 
the earth, and while this sheet of lime- 
stone rock was yet uncovered, huge moun- 
tains of ice, bearing at their base massive 
ledges of northern rocks, were slowly 
forced southward. These hard fragments 
of a harder and deeper stratum, called 
boulders, moved under great pressure, 
and ground from the native limestone sur- 
face a powder which, when a warmer age 
had reduced the glaciers to water, formed 
the basis of our fertile soil. A belt of 
boulders across the township marks the 
path of one of these moving ice moun- 
tains. These boulders came from 
north of Canada, and were transported 
more than a thousand miles. But this 
subject can not be understood without a 
general knowledge of the science of geol- 
ogy. The facts of geological history are 
as plainly and unmistakably written in the 
structure and conformation of the rocks as 
the events of human history are recorded 
on tablets and scrolls. 

Nowhere is the relation between natural 
resources and industrial progress better 
shown than in Jackson township. A ter- 
ritory which fifty years ago was an unre- 
claimed wilderness will now compare 
favorably in improvement and wealth with 
any similar agricultural district in Ohio. 
In the winter of 1828 the first road was 
cut through the woods, and, by means of 
logs and brush, made passable for a wagon 
from Muskallonge to the Sandusky River. 
Piked roads now accommodate every 



7451 



742 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



corner of the township. Large, well-re- 
paired houses and barns are evidence to 
the stranger of the productiveness of the 
soil and prosperity of the farmers. 

There is practically no water power. 
The creeks are small, and their shallow 
channels do not admit high dams. 

Stone is quarried in several places. The 
ballasting of the two railroads which cross 
at Burgoon comes from these quarries, and 
large quantities are used on the public 
highways. 

ORIGINAL PROPRIETORSHIP.' 

The first entries of land within the limits 
of township four, range fourteen, were re- 
corded in 1828, and the last entry was 
made in 1852. Many changes of owner- 
ship took place at the beginning and dur- 
ing the period of early settlement, so that 
the man who made the first purchase did 
not, in every case, make the first improve- 
ment. But no improvements, except tem- 
porary squatter shanties, were made before 
the entries. Settlement, in most cases, 
followed soon after the transfer from the 
Government. The following table will, 
therefore, show in a general way the date 
and location of improvements, as well as 
give the names, among others, of most of 
the early settlers. Many early settlers, 
however, purchased wild land at second 
hand; their names, theretore, do not ap- 
pear in this list: 

Entries were made in 1828 as follows: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Jacob Nyce i 81 

Thomas Nicholson 35 80 

Daniel Tyndall 2 80 

John Billsland i 169 

Smith Clauson 25 160 

John Custard 24 80 

J. and H. F. Hartrell 25 80 

Samuel Henderson 35 80 

Elizabeth Kendall i 160 

Elizabeth Kendall 2 160 

The following entries were made in the 
year 1829: 



SECTION. ACRES. 

Jacob Bruner, jr 24 80 " 

Christian Bruner '. 24. 80 

John Bruner 24 79 

The following entries were made in the 
year 1830 : 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Caleb Cooplin 11 80 

George Foltz i 81 

Peter F. Ludwig 35 160 

Adam Zarung 36 80 

The following entries were made in the 
year 1831 : 

SECTION. ACRES. 

George Phillips 2 88 

Samuel Treat 14 160 

In 1833 the following entries were made: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

William Carr 2 88 

Martin Reaker 13 80 

In 1S34 entries were made as follows: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Joseph Cookson 12 80 

John M. Garn 8 80 

John M. Garn 7 80 

John Garn 7 80 

George Kessler 11 160 

George Kessler 12 80 

Joseph Leib 36 560 

Gilbreath Stewart 18 80 

The following entries were made in 1835 : 

SECTION. .\CRES. 

William Andrew 18 80 

Daniel Green 25 80 

John Mackling 4 333 

George Overmyer 2 180 

George Stockbarger 4 89 

George Stockbarger 3 92 

Henry Spohn 4 87 

James Stult 3 80 

John Garn 8 80 

David Holts 5 160 

John Mackling 5 80 

John Riddell 5 80 

The following entries were made in 
1835, subject to taxation m 1840; 

SECTION. ACRES- 

Matthew Barringer 3 46 

W. E. Chenovvith 10 40 

Jacob Faber 3 136 

Thomas Gassago 3 40 

John Graves 3 45 

John Graves 11 80 

Peter Hicky 21 40 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



743 



SECTION. ACRES. 

John Hummel 8 40 

Samuel Hofford 10 80 

David Hoplin 20 40 

D. McCollough II 80 

J. H. Morrison 12 160 

David Ripley 6 80 

Flora Rodgers 13 40 

John Seavault 23 80 

Cynthia Spencer 22 40 

Henry Bason 5 40 

Entries are recorded in 1836 as fol- 
lows: 

SECTION. .■XCKES. 

William Andrew 18 80 

Jacob Bruner 27 80 

Jacob Bnmer 26 160 

Jacob Bruner 13 80 

John Brubaker. 2 80 

Michael McKinney 35 80 

John Stump 25 r6o 

Peter Sypher 18 80 • 

Jacob Shiltz 14 80 

Christian Dersham 6 i6o 

William Russell 17 80 

William Russell 7 80 

William \xrnon 17 138 

The following lands were entered in 
1836, taxable in 1842: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Jeremiah Brown 19 153 

Hartman Bower 9 80 

Martin Bruner 13 40 

Samuel Fry 31 40 

William Hederman 30 80 

Jacob Krum 31 80 

Lewis Overmyer 15 40 

C. W. A. Rodgers 10 160 

Andrew Ruft'ner 4 80 

Rufus Spencer 19 73 

Jesse Stone 13 80 

Newell Wolcott 30 36 

George Wild 9 40 

R.Dickinson 5 40 

The following entries were made in 
1837: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

John Carnes 6 168 

Jeremiah Brown 19 149 

Henry Havens 10 160 

John Ickes • 6 86 

Hugh lams 12 80 

James Keith ti 80 

Samuel King 3 160 

Conrad Miller 22 160 

Hugh Mitchell 22 80 

Jacob Overmyer 15 160 

Daniel Roads 23 80 

David Ripley 7 80 



The following entries were made in the 

year 1838: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Daniel Baker 35 40 

Jacob Fry, jr 30 73 

Leonard Gebhan 12 40 

S. P. Henthorn 22 40 

J acob Henry 32 40 

George Hollinger 34 80 

John Ickes : . . 6 86 

Abram Johnson 14 80 

Hugh Mitchell 22 40 

John Mowry 33 80 

Daniel Roads 12 80 

John Thrause 18 37 

Martin Gam 5 160 

Andrew Roszell 35 80 

The following entries were made in 
1839: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

William H. Bair '. . .. 7 77 

Jacob Dawhower 7 77 

Isaac Posey .5 80 

Henry Baughman 15 240 

J. W. Baughman i 120 

David Baughman q 80 

Josiah Bair 18 37 

J ohn Betz 29 40 

John Bruner 24 80 

George Bobletz 27 80 

John Betz 29 80 

George Bobletz 27 80 

M. Barringer 13 40 

M. Betz 21 80 

John Betz, sr 30 80 

Christian Bruner 13 80 

Martin Bruner 13 40 

Henry Burkhett 23 160 

James Canfield 17 80 

Calvin Catkin 22 40 

Amos Catkin 26 40 

Stephen Dickens 35 80 

Jacob Disler 28 160 

Jacob Disler 29 40 

George Dunbar 34 40 

Jacob Disler 28 120 

Jacob Disler 29 80 

Jacob Disler 30 80 

Stephen Dickens 35 40 

Isaac Dickens 27 80 

John Doll 10 160 

Daniel Mowry, jr 33 80 

John Mair 26 40 

James McGowen 15 40 

Peter Miller 30 80 

Peter Miller 19 80 

Elijah Moody 12 40 

Hugh Overmyer 21 80 



744 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



SECTION. ACRES. 

Isaac Robbins 8 80 

George Rapp 24 240 

Samuel Rickel 31 80 

Jonathan Robbins 17 160 

William Robbins 17 40 

Philip Siler 28 40 

George Stoner 34 iCo 

George Stoner 27 160 

Christian Stoner 34 80 

.^ndy Swickard 8 160 

Andy Swickard 3 40 

Andy Swickard 4 40 

Silas Stafford 26 160 

George N. Snyder 6 80 

Robert Tevis 14 80 

Robert Tevis 23 80 

James Tissue 27 40 

Jacob Vandersall 20 160 

Jacob Vandersall 29 160 

Peter Walter 29 80 

Jacob Winter 21 120 

Joseph Whitmore 21 80 

Peter Whitmore. . . 20 80 

Peter Yost 27 40 

Jacob Fry, jr 30 36 

John Erb 28 160 

Jacob Fry 30 80 

Jacob Fry 31 80 

Jacob Fry 32 80 

John Fahi 28 80 

J. G. Gaphard 28 74 

George Gehr 28 240 

George Gehr 31 40 

George Gehr 32 40 

David Greene 25 40 

Henry Hone 3 40 

Henry Hone 4 40 

Henry HoUinger 34 160 

S. P. Henthorn 14 80 

S. P. Henthorn 23 80 

Abraham Helm 20 160 

Isaac Hite 25 40 

John Inkes 12 40 

Abram Johnson 9 40 

Lewis Johnson 9 40 

George Kemp 33 80 

John Lytle 18 75 

Archer Ford 34 40 

Joseph Mayor 8 40 

John Miller 11 160 

John Mercer 26 40 

Daniel Movvry 33 160 

In 1840 lands were entered as follows: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

John Leshler 21 160 

Barney Myers 26 40 

Samuel Myers 26 40 



SECTION. ACRES. 

Joseph Myers 8 40 

Catharine Murray 31 78 

John Mowry 32 80 

Jesse Mowry 32 80 

David Mowry 32 40 

William McFarland 22 40 

James Russell i 120 

Ludwig Schwartz 15 80 

John Stand 17 80 

Elijah Voorhees 26 40 

Jacob Winter 21 80 

Peter Warner 32 80 

Benpri Williams 8 40 

John Weaver 22 80 

John Weaver 14 t6o 

Michael Betz 31 151 

Peter Brouff. 20 40 

George Bolander 33 80 

William H. Bair 18 37 

Jacob Bowman 20 120 

Jacob Bowman 9 200 

John Betz 30 73 

Jacob Bayor 33 40 

Meshack Fried 27 80 

John G. Gossard 18 37 

Isaac Hite 25 40 

Samuel Henry 32 40 

Martin Hopkins 19 120 

Martin Hopkins 20 40 

Daniel Hite 13 80 

Samuel Henry 32 40 

P. M. Haas 23 40 

John Houseman 26 40 

Jacob Henry 32 80 

Jesse Inks 3 46 

John Inks 12 40 

Samuel Ludwig i 40 

Samuel Ludwig 22 80 

Samuel Ludwig 23 80 

Moses Lyth 8 80 

Joseph W. Lyth 17 80 

The following entries were made in 
1852: 

.SECTION. ACRES. 

Charles Choate 23 40 

Martin Kagey 30 73 

Benpri Walters 10 40 

THE SETTLEMENT. 

The first man to penetrate the thick 
forest and inhosj^itable marsh which once 
covered the whole of this township, was 
Peter Stultz. He was soon after followed 
by his brother, Henry Stultz. They were 
natives of New Jersey, and emigrated to 
Ohio about 1808. They settled in Frank- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



745 



lin county where they remained until 
182S. That year Peter, first, and then 
Henry, erected cabins and removed their 
famihes to Muskallonge, near the bridge 
on the Greenesburg pike. They were not, 
however, left long to the solitary enjoy- 
ment of forest life. Others soon followed 
their trail and pushed even further into 
the uninviting wilds, to the banks of Mud 
Creek. The creek lands were dryest, and 
consequently were the first chosen. Gil- 
breath Stewart was the probable builder 
of the third cabin. He located near the 
Mud Creek bridge, on the Greenesburg 
pike. There was at that time no road in 
the township. Settlers made their way 
through the woods as best they could, 
now and then cutting down a tree where 
it was impossible to get between. In the 
winter of 1828 the county commissioners, 
on the petition of Henry Stultz, granted a 
public road from Muskallonge to Cham- 
ber's mill on the Sandusky River. This 
road was cut through that winler, the logs 
and brush being used to bridge the 
swamp. Henry Stultz erected on his lot 
a saw-mill. This was a high water mill, 
the water in Muskallonge during most of 
the year not being sufficient to drive the 
machinery. 

The Stultz family remained but about 
five years, and from here removed to Indi- 
ana. These two brothers had been lead- 
ing citizens. 

In the spring of 1829, David Klotz* 
removed his family from Bedford county, 
Pennsylvania, and came to this township, 
John Garn being one of the party. i\fter 
remaining at Chamber's mill, on the river, 
about one week, they followed the west- 
ward trail, p^issed the Stultz improvement, 
and finally arrived at the cabin of Gil- 
breath Stewart, where they were received 
until a cabin was completed. In the 
course of a couple of weeks the log frame 

*Now spelled Klutz. 



was covered, and the family, consisting of 
five persons, moved in. No chimney had 
yet been built, and the cooking was done 
on the outside, except in rainy weather, 
when smoke was left to find its way 
through the cracks in the sides and roof. 

David Vernon moved to this township 
in the fall of 1829, and his son-in-law, 
Mr. Campbell, immediately set to work to 
make an imnrovement. Mr. Vernon was 
a retired Scotch merchant, a bred gentle- 
man, and stood high in the regard of the 
early citizens of Lower Sandusky, where 
he lived for a time. An incident once oc- 
curred in Olmsted's store which shows 
that the spirit of Puritan Scotland had 
not forsaken him, even in this wicked bor- 
der town. Judge Howland, a man habit- 
ually profane in conversation, became pro- 
voked, and swore terribly. As soon as 
Howland had left the group, Vernon, then 
a late immigrant, with an expression of sur- 
prise and indignation, enqun-ed: 

"Da you cawl that mon Judge?" 

On being informed that that was his 
ofihce, the high-bred Scot continued: 

" Indade, saire, and you mak' such 
mon judge in this America! In Scotland, 
saire, they wud scarcly allovv' him to ba a 
wetness." 

It is said that when the family were 
moving to this township they stopped at 
the Klutz cabin, where an interesting sit- 
uation of affairs can be imagined. The 
Scotch people made several enquiries 
which the good Dutch people of that 
home were unable to understand. After 
enthusiastic gesticulation on both sides, 
an understanding was finally arrived at. 
A bountiful supper was spread, and al- 
though the guests could not understand 
their hosts, or the contrary, their friend- 
ship became mutual. The Vernons were 
all good people, but unfortunate. Sick- 
ness afflicted them and two of them 
died. A small lot was set apart for a 



746 



HISTOKY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



burying-ground, which has since become 
a pubHc cemetery — the Metzger cemetery, 
in Scott township. David Klutz was bur- 
ied in this graveyard in 1834. 

John Gam made an improvement on 
Mud Creek. He was a native of Bedford 
county, Pennsylvania, and came to this 
county with the Klutz family. Here he 
married Catharine Garn, a second cousin. 
He built a saw-mill on Mud Creek, which 
has long since been abandoned. 

John Waggoner first settled within the 
limits of this township but soon moved 
down the creek, and is more properly 
classed with the pioneers of Washington 
township. 

These few settlements attracted the at- 
tention of the many emigrants then seek- 
ing homes. It now began to appear that 
the swamp wilderness could be made a fit 
place for the habitation of man. The 
spring of 1832 brought from Pennsylvania, 
and from the counties of Central and 
Southern Ohio family after family. The 
scenes of a decade earlier in York and 
Townsend, had now become the every 
day life of the "Black Swamp" country. 
It is impossible in the scope of this book 
to sketch every family that came to the 
township. But it is due to those who en- 
dured the toil and bore the self-sacrifice of 
pioneer life, that their names should be 
preserved to posterity. 

George Overmyer, a native of Nor- 
thumberland county, Pennsylvania, came 
to Ohio and settled in Perry county, in 
1804, and lived there until 1829, when he 
came to Sandusky county, and settled 
soon after in this township, near the centre. 
Lewis Overmyer joined him in the spring 
of 1832. Both were highly respected 
citizens. Daniel Overmyer died March 
28, 1859, leaving a family of ten children 
— six boys and four girls. 

Daniel Overmyer, a son of George 
Overmyer, came to the township with his 



father, and has been a resident all his life, 
except about ten years, during which he 
lived in Washington township. He married, 
in 1838, Elizabeth Overmyer, by whom 
he had six children, two of whom are liv- 
ing — Joel and George W. She died in 
1849. ^^ married for his second wife, in 
1854, Harriet Coon, whose father, Adam 
Coon, settled in this township in 1853. 
William H., Charles L., Cornelius K. and 
Adam N. are the children by his second 
wife. Mr. Overmyer has held nearly all 
the local official trusts within the gift of 
the people of his township. 

John Moomy, a native of Pennsylvania, 
came with his parents to Pickaway county, 
Ohio. In 1830 he came to this township, 
where he has resided since that time. He 
has helped to improve the township and 
seen it transformed from a wilderness into 
a garden of plenty. He married Elizabeth 
Abbott, who gave birth to seven children, 
five of whom are still living. 

John Mpwry was one of the first to 
penetrate the damp and unbroken wood- 
lands of the southern part of Jackson. 
He was born m Northumberland county, 
Pennsylvania, in 1808, being the fifth of a 
family of eleven children. He married, 
in 1831, Eliza Gear, born in Cumberland 
county, Pennsylvania, in 1810. The fruit 
of this union was nine children, five of 
whom are living — William A., Aaron J., 
Absalom, Sarah E., and Amos G. Mr. 
Mowry is the type of the real pioneer. 
He saw in the uninviting swamp, to which 
he came in 1832, rich possibilities^ and all 
his energies were devoted to the develop- 
ment of them. 

Hugh and Mary (Huff) lams, both 
natives of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, 
emigrated with their family to Franklin 
county, Ohio, in the year 181 1. In 1832 
they came to Sandusky county and settled 
in Jackson, where Mr. lams died in 1838. 
The family consisted of ten children, four 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



747 



boys and six girls. Jasper lams, the fifth 
child, was born in Franklin county, in 
1821. In 1844 he married Mary A. 
Moomy, of this township, and lived here 
until 1857, when he moved to Washing- 
ton township, his present residence. Mr. 
lams' family consists of eleven children, 
four boys and seven girls. Their names 
are as follows: Harriet, Elizabeth, John, 
Mary, Minerva, Sarah, Franklin, Russell, 
Jesse, Marcella and Etta. 

Michael and Eleanor Shawl emigrated 
to Ohio in 1822 and settled in Seneca 
county. Two years later they removed to 
Sandusky township, this county, but made 
final settlement in Jackson, in 1832. 
Seven children of the family are living 
viz: Margaret (Remsburg), Illinois; Eliza- 
beth (Michaels), Indiana; Sophia (Rems- 
burg), Seneca county ; George W., Jack- 
son township, Vincent, Illinois; Melissa 
(Vandersall), Seneca county, and Caro- 
line (Overmyer), Scott township. George 
W. Shawl was born in Sandusky township 
in 1832. He married in 1854, Mahala 
Havens. The fruit of this union was six 
children, five of whom are living. John 
W., Alamina, Birchard, Hattie, and Ed- 
win. Caroline Shawl was born in 1843. 
She was married to Benjamin Franklin 
Overmyer in 1862. Their family consists of 
two children living — WiUiam G. and Hat- 
tie. B. F. Overmyer died in February, 1879, 
aged thirty-nine years. He was a son of 
Hugh and Eleanor Overmyer, of Jack- 
son township. His mother is still living 
in Huron county. 

George Gier, a native of Carlisle, Penn:- 
sylvania, came to the township in 1832 
and settled near the site of Burgoon cross- 
ing. His descendants have all left the town- 
ship. 

Hugh Mitchel, a brother-in-law of 
Eewis Overmyer, came in about the same 
time. He was one of the most useful 
men of the times. His presence seemed 



necessary at every log-rolling and raising, 
where, all recognizing his superior tact, 
placed themselves under his command. 
His familiar voice sounding the "Heave, 
oh, heave" had a peculiar inspiring effect. 
He was not one of those rural generals 
who insulted a jolly crowd by imperious 
commands, but always with a good 
natured "Come on, boys," led the way. 
Nor did he ever refuse the heaviest hand- 
spike. But an untimely death deprived 
the community of his services. While 
holding the handspike he called out, 
"Take care of me," and in a few minutes 
expired. His son, William Mitchel, is 
still a resident of the township. He was 
born in Perry county, in 1832, and in 
1850 married Sarah J. Stewart. The 
fruit of this union was five children, two 
of whom are living — -Charles E. and Aus- 
tin. Mr. Mitchel served in this township 
as trustee a number of years. 

George Roberts removed from Perry 
county, Ohio, and settled in Jackson 
township in 1833. He remained a resi- 
dent here until his death, in 1880. The 
family consisted of seven children. John 
Roberts, of Washington township, and a 
son of George Roberts, was born in this 
township in 1835. ^^ ^^^7 he married 
Louisa Hufford. Their family consists of 
six children — Annie, Edwin, William, 
George, Hettie, and Sarah. 

Samuel King settled on the pike in 

1833- 

George Camp settled southwest of Bur- 
goon Station in 1833. 

Samuel dinger removed from Hocking 
county, Ohio, to Jackson, in 1833, and 
was one of the first settlers of the eastern 
part of the township, on Wolf Creek. He 
was married in 1831 to Anna Hite, who, 
with their oldest son, John H., came with 
him to the new home, which has been his 
residence since that time. The other 
three children — Mary A., Sarah, and 



748 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Elizabeth J. — were born in this township. 
Mrs. CHnger died June i, 1873. John 
H., born in 1832, their only son, lost his 
first wife, Mary A. Ridley, whom he mar- 
ried in 1856, in 1865. He married for 
his second wife, August, 1868, Sarah M. 
Wise. His children are Daniel M., 
Samuel J., and Estella. Mrs. dinger had 
by her first husband one child, Emma A. 
(O'Bryan). 

About 1835 ^^^ Hite family removed 
from Fairfield county and settled in the 
southeastern part of this township, where 
representatives of the family are still liv- 
ing. Isaac Hite, sr., was the father of five 
sons, all of whom settled, lived, and died 
in Jackson township, with one exception, 
Isaac, who died in Michigan in 1881. 
Their names were : Abraham, John, Isaac, 
Thomas, and Martin. There were also 
five daughters: Anna became the wife of 
Samuel dinger; Sarah married Jesse 
Holt; Polly, and Nelly (Eldridge); Betsy 
married David Hill, and lives at Green 
Spring, she being the only survivor of the 
family. Isaac Hite, sr., married a second 
time. Seven children by this marriage 
are living. 

Abraham Hite came with his parents, 
and lived where his son Thomas now re- 
sides, from X842 until his death in 1858. 
He mairied Susan Bruner, a native of 
Pennsylvania. But one of their children 
is .living. 

Thomas A. Hite, son of Abraham Hite, 
was born in this township in 1840. In 
1862 he married Catharine King, by 
whom he had two children, one of whom, 
George W., is living. For his second 
wife, in 1867, he married Sophia King, 
born in Seneca county in 1844, by whom 
he has three children — RoUand D., Myra 
S., and Cora E. Mr. and Mrs. Hite are 
both working members of the United 
Brethren church. Mr. Hite is a carpen- 
ter, and has worked at his trade about five 



years, but is now giving exclusive attention 
to farming. 

Jacob Winter came from York county, 
Pennsylvania, to Oliio, in 1830, and 
settled in \Vayne county, where he re- 
mained until 1833, when he removed to 
this township. From that time to the 
present he has been a leading citizen of 
the county, and taken an important part 
in the affairs of his community. 

Francis M. Winter was born in 1845. 
He married, in 1866, Samantha Fry, 
daughter of George Fry, of this township. 
They have one child, William F. Mr. 
Winter served in the army. He was a 
member of company H, One Hundred 
and Sixty-ninth regiment Ohio National 
Guards, from May 2, 1864, until Septem- 
ber 4, 1864. 

Another of the settlers of 1833 was 
Peter Whitmore, who was born in Bedford 
county, Pennsylvania, July 7, 1801. He 
was a resident of the township until the 
time of his death, which occurred in 
March, 1875. He was accompanied to 
the county by his wife, Catharine Stofer, 
whom he married in 1832. The fruit of 
this union was seven children — six boys 
and one girl — Joseph, Fulton county; 
Jacob, Jackson township; Samuel, Michi- 
gan; Levi, deceased; John, deceased; 
Andrew, Fremont; and Susanna (Smith), 
Fulton county. 

Peter Warner, a son of Jacob Warner, 
was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, 
April 15, 182 1. The family emigrated to 
Ohio, and settled in Wayne county in 
1826, and remained there until about the 
year 1833, the time of coming to this 
township. Peter Warner has been mar- 
ried twice, first to Susannah Ickes; she 
died in 1863. He married, in 1866, 
Elizabeth Lockland. The family consists 
of three children — John M., Aaron N., 
and Howard M. Mr. Warner is a car- 
penter, and worked at that trade until 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



749 



about 1850, since which time he has been 
farming. 

Andrew Svvickard was brought with his 
parents from Washington county, Penn- 
sylvania, to Franklin county, Ohio, when 
he was quite young. In 1833 he made 
an improvement in Jackson, and removed 
here with his family. The first camp- 
meeting in the township was held on 
his farm. He died in 1849. Of a 
family of four children but one is still 
living. Daniel, the second child, was 
born in Franklin county in 1824. He 
married Harriet Metzger, who died in 
1850. He married in 185 1, for his second 
wife, Sarah A. Garn, who was born in 
Washington township in 1834. His family 
consisted of eleven -children, seven of 
whom are still living. Their names are 
as follows : Marietta (Vandersall), Jack- 
son; Huldah (Cramer), Fremont; and a 
son who died an infant. These were by 
Mr. Swickard's first wife. By his second 
wife: Margaret M. (Havens), Jackson; 
Perry D., Scott; Elba J., Jackson; Isaac, 
died, aged eight years; Eli, Jackson; 
Deborah (Dudgeon), Scott; Clark died at 
the age of two months and seventeen 
days; and another son died in infancy. 

This brief notice of the settlers of 
1833 cannot be closed without speaking 
of the Havens family. Henry Havens 
was born in New Jersey in 1809. At an 
early age his father moved to Ohio. In 
1832 Henry married Sarah lames, and 
chose for his home the then new country 
of Jackson township, where he moved 
soon after. He and his wife bore a full 
share of the labor and self-sacrifice of 
pioneer life. Mr. Havens, after serving 
his community and family faithfully, 
"closed the earth chapter of life in 1853," 
at the age of forty-four years. His 
wife preceded him two years. William J. 
Havens, oldest child of Henry Havens, 
was born in this county December 13, 



1833. He married Ann M. Paden, who 
was born in this county the same year. 
The fruit of this union was ten children, 
eight of whom are still living. Mr. 
Havens served his township as treasurer 
for a period of ten years. 

Birchard Havens was born August 16, 
1846. He married, in 1867, Elizabeth C. 
Overmyer, daughter of Lewis Overmyer, 
They have four children — Clara, Harriet, 
Myrta, and Adella, ail of whom except 
Myrta are still living. 

Six children of the family of Henry 
Havens survive, viz: William J., Hugh, 
Mahala (Shawl), Birchard, Orra (Stahl), 
Jackson township; and Mary J. (Carr), 
Michigan. 

The township after 1833 filled up rap- 
idly with an industrious class of people, 
whose axes made the forests ring in every 
direction. Roads were laid out and the 
natural water course_s cleared of logs and 
underbrush, so that the fertile soil became 
dry and ready for the plow. During the 
winter and spring few days passed without 
a raising or log-rolling somewhere. Later 
in the spring the evening sky, in all direc- 
tions, reflected the leaping flames of burn- 
ing logs and brush. There is something 
romantic and fascinating in the imagined 
scene, but when all the realities of that 
period of work and privation are contem- 
plated, the picture loses its agreeable 
cheerfulness. Looking from this distance 
we are too apt to see in fancy only the spec- 
tres outlined on a background of dull 
horizon, by curling smoke from clearing 
fires. It is well to appreciate the poetry 
of pioneer times, for it is the gold which 
occupies small fissures in the great granite 
mass of that life. 

We will notice briefly a few of the rep- 
resentative families who have become 
citizens of Jackson since the period of 
early settlement, which we have arbitrarily 
fixed at previous to 1833. 



75° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



Elijah Voorhies, a native of Hamilton, 
New Jersey, emigrated to Ohio in 1834, 
and settled in the eastern part of the 
township, where he lived until his death, 
February 11, 1863. His family consisted 
of ten children, eight of whom are still 
living — five boys and three girls. Oliver 
D., the ninth child, lives on the home- 
stead on which his father settled in 1834. 
He was born July 12, 1843. August 22, 
1863, he married Lucina Schoch, who 
died in 1871. In 1872 he married, for 
his second wife, Sophia Stahl. The fruit 
of both marriages is five children — Mary 
J., Vernon B., Benjamin W., George and 
Frederick. 

John Doll, a native of Pennsylvania 
came to Ohio in 1834, with his family, 
and settled near the centre of this town, 
ship, where he lived until his death, 
in 187 1. He was married in Penn. 
sylvania to Catharine Day Hoff, by whom 
he had a family of eleven children, seven 
boys and four girls. Samuel, the sixth 
child, was born in 1835. In 1859 he 
married Mary A. Hummel, whose father 
George Hummel, settled in this township 
in 1833. Eleven children blessed this 
union, viz: Artemus J., Mary C., Har- 
manus, John Leroy, Lucy M., Eddie, 
George W., Elsie E., Orvill, Arvilda, and 
Estella. Harmanus, John Leroy, Eddie 
and George W. are dead. 

Daniel Mo wry removed from Pennsyl. 
vania to Stark county, Ohio, in 1823, and 
after a residence there of several years he 
removed to Wayne, whence, in 1834, he 
came to Sandusky county. His son Sam- 
uel, who was born in Centre county, Penn- 
sylvania, in 1820, married, in 1844, Re- 
becca J. Rosenberger, and is father of a 
family of five children living, viz: Sarah 
J., George W., Michael N., Alice I., and 
Milan E. One son died in the army, 
Henry A., the oldest. 

Silas Kenan emigrated from Virginia to 



Perry county, Ohio, where he remained 
until 1835, when he removed to Jackson 
township, where he resided till the time of 
his death, in 1875. His family consisted 
of eight children, seven of whom are still 
living — George, Peter, Minerva, Mahala, 
Francis, Mary A., and Oscar. Peter, the 
second son, was born in 1828, in Perry 
county. He has been a resident of Jack- 
son ever since the settlement of his family 
here. He married, in 1856, Sarah A. 
Hodgson. Their family consists of one 
child, William A., who married, in 1878, 
Sylvia A. Powell. Mr. William Kenan 
has a fine collection of Indian relics. 

William Fisher, a soldier of the War of 
181 2, was born in \'irginia in 1789. He 
settled in Jackson township in 1836. He 
had previously lived in Perry county, 
where his first wife, whose maiden name 
was Jane Anderson, died in 1833, leaving 
five children living: James A., in Colora- 
do; George W., Harriet H. (Fought), 
Margaret (Hummel), and Mary E. (Huf- 
ford), this county. Mr. Fisher married 
for 'his second wife, in 1833, Mary Mc- 
Cullough. The fruit of this union was 
eleven children, six of whom are living, 
viz: Belinda (Miller), William T., Thomas 
H., Peter B., Sarah (Klotz), and Flora. 
Six of Mr. Fisher's sons served in the 
army — William T., Thomas H., John, and 
Austin T. in the Seventy-second Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, and Sardis B. and 
Peter B. in the one hundred days' service. 
Mr. Fisher died in 1872. George W., the 
oldest son living in this county, was born 
m 1 81 9. In 1844 he married Clara 
Black, and has a family of three children 
living — Rhoda J. (Hathaway), John C, 
and William F. John C. Fisher was born 
in 1848. He married Celia Moore in 
1873. They have five children — Claude, 
Guy, Webb, James, and Maud. 

William Boor emigrated from Pennsyl- 
vania to Ohio in 1836, and settled in the 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



751 



northwestern part of Jackson township. 
He was the father of six sons and five 
daughters. Five sons and four daughters 
are yet hving. All of the sons, excepting 
the oldest, were in the army. The sons 
are: Josiah, Steuben county, Indiana; 
William C, Wood county; Samuel, Jack- 
son township; James H., died in the war; 
Silas C, Blackhawk county, Iowa; and 
Francis M., Jackson township. The 
daughters are: Mary Ellen (Robbins), In- 
diana; Margaret (Grimes), St. Joseph 
county, Michigan ; Eliza Jane (Rickle), 
Berry county, Michigan; and Elizabeth 
Ann (Garn), Steuben county, Indiana. 
Martha died in Pennsylvania when about 
two years old. Samuel Boor was born in 
Pennsylvania the year before the family 
came to Ohio. He married, in 1S69, 
Mary E. Snyder, and settled on a farm in 
Scott township. They have three chil- 
dren — Mary, Jessie, and John. Mr. Boor 
served throughout the war as a member of 
the Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry. Francis M. Boor, youngest of the 
eleven children of William Boor, was horn 
in Jackson township in 1845. He mar- 
ried Elizabeth N. King in 1867, daughter 
of George King. Their family consists of 
two children — Charlotte and Charles. 

Peter Nickles was born in France in 
1815. He emigrated from that country in 
1836, and, after stopping a short time in 
New York, settled in Jackson township in 
the fall of the same year. In 1858 he 
settled on his present farm in Washington 
township. He married Sarah Joseph in 
1845, who has borne eleven children, viz: 
Sophia (Hufford), Washington township; 
Mary A., deceased; Christina (Mapes), 
Iowa; Margaret (Wengert), deceased; 
Sarah (Ross), Fremont; John G., Wash- 
ington township; Anna, deceased; Jennie 
C, Lydia E., George H., and Minnie. 

John and Nicholas Shale, two sons of 
Nicholas Shale, sr,, emigrated with their 



family to Wayne county, and subsequently 
settled in Jackson township, where they 
still reside. They were originally from 
Baltimore, Maryland, but came to this 
State from Pennsylvania. John was born 
in Baltimore in 1808. He came to 
Wayne county in 1826, and to Jackson 
township in 1836. Two years later he 
married Catharine Crites, a native of 
Stark county. Ten children blessed this 
union: Valentine, x\braham (deceased), 
Isaac, Jacob, Elizabeth, Mary C. (de- 
ceased), William, Lydia, Mary, and John. 
Before coming to this county Mr. Shale 
worked at the carpenter trade. 

Isaac Shale, the third child of John 
Shale, was born in Jackson township in 
1 84 1. He married first Barbara Myers 
in 1865, who died in 1870, aged twenty- 
eight years. He married for his second 
wife, in 187 I, Lavina Clapper. The chil- 
dren by the first marriage were: William F., 
Ida E., and Samuel C; by the second, 
Solomon C. and Harvey L. Mr. Shale, 
besides his farming operations, was in the 
grain trade at Burgoon for about three 
years. 

Nicholas Shale, jr., was born in Balti- 
more in 1 8 10. About 1835 he came to 
Ohio, and in 1836 settled in Jackson 
township. For his first wife he married 
Elizabeth Herring, a native of Bedford, 
Pennsylvania, who bore one child, now 
dead. His second wife is Mary Herring, 
a sister of the first. They have had no 
children. The Shale family are all mem- 
bers of the Evangelical Association. 

John Vandersall has been living on the 
same farm since 1838. He was born in 
Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 18 14. 
His father, Jacob Vandersall, removed to 
Stark county in 18 18. In 1837 Mr. 
Vandersall married Susan Kaler, a native 
of Pennsylvania, and in 1838 he settled 
on the farm, where he now resides. The 
family consisted of eight children, four of 



752 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



whom survive: Jacob, William, John and 
George. Two sons were in the late 
war. Jacob Vandersall, jr., was born in 
Stark county in 1818. He married in 
1842, Lucetta Hair, and the following year 
settled in Jackson township. The fruit 
of this union was two children — Isaiah 
and Maria. Isaiah married for his first 
wife, Mary J. Feasel. After her death he 
married for his second wife Mary E. 
Swickard. 

Samuel and Elizabeth Ludwig with 
their family removed from Berks county, 
Pennsylvania, to Crawford] county, Ohio, 
in 183 1. Jeremiah, the second child, was 
born in Berks county, in'iSti. In 1836 
he married Rachel Meller, and in 1839 
removed to Jackson township, where 
he still lives. They have eight children 
living — Elizabeth, Rachel, Samuel J., 
Thomas I., Mary J., Geneva, Jeremiah 
M., and Michael W. Mr. Ludwig was 
well known in former years as a stock- 
buyer and drover. Henry Ludwig, the 
ninth child of Samuel Ludwig, was bjrn 
in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in t826_ 
In 1857 he married Anna Townsend, of 
Erie county, and two years later settled 
on the farm on which he now resides. 
Mrs. Ludwig died in 1864. In 1875 '^^ 
married Loretta Hodgson, by whom two 
children were born — A. C. and Anna. 
Henry Ludwig has also engaged in the 
stock trade. 

There is near Millersville a German 
settlement composed mostly of industrious, 
hard-working |)eople, whose labor has as- 
sisted materially in the economic develop- 
ment of the township. A representative 
family of this class are the Hoffmans. 
John G. Hoffman, a son of Frederick 
Hoffman, was born in Loteringen, France 
in 1 8 14. The family came to America 
and settled in Stark county in 1831. In 
1834 they removed to Ottawa county. 
John G. married, in 1839, Catharine 



Young, a native of Loteringen, and set- 
tled where he now lives, in Jackson town- 
shi]). Twelve children blessed this union, 
seven of whom are living. The children 
were: John, Mary, Catharine, Geoige, 
Barbara, Henry, Catharine, Joseph, Flora, 
Michael, Rose M., and Fred. Mr. Hoff- 
man worked at tailoring for about twelve 
years. The children are all married except 
the youngest. Henry L. Hoffman was 
born in 1843. He 'married, in 1870, 
Mary C. Weible, and settled on a farm in 
Scott township. Their family consists of 
three children, — Agnes R., Lawrence, and 
Jacob. Henry Hoffman was born in 
Loteringen, in 181 3. He married, in 
1840, Barbara Livingston, a native of 
Stark county. In 1848 he came to San- 
dusky county, settling first in Sandusky 
township, then in Riley. He settled per- 
manently in Jackson in 1861. Si.x of their 
nine children are still living, — George W., 
Henry L., Elizabeth, Barbara, Charles, 
and Jacob. The Hoffmans were early 
settlers of Ottawa county, and bore brave- 
ly the hardships of pioneer life. They 
settled there about 1835. 

David Koleman came, in 1826, from 
Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1809, 
to Ohio and settled in Wayne county. In 
1833 he removed to Stark county, and in 
1847 settled in Jackson township. He 
married for his first wife, in 1841, Cath- 
arine Carr, who died in 1851. Four 
years later he married Lucinda Carr. The 
children by his first wife were: Mary E., 
Lucinda (deceased), and Harriet (de- 
ceased); by the second, Rosetta C, Jacob 
F., Perry E., and \Villiam A. Mr. Kole- 
man served his township as clerk fifteen 
years and as treasurer seven years. 

Most of the settlers of a later period 
came to the township tVom Wayne, Frank- 
lin, Perry, Stark, and other counties 
of Central Ohio. They were originally, 
however, Pennsylvania or Maryland people. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



753 



Otho Lease, a native of Maryland, 
came to Ohio in 1834 and settled in 
Wayne county, whence he removed to 
Seneca county, and thence to Sandusky 
county, and settled in this township, where 
he lived until his death, in 1876. His 
family consisted of six boys and three 
girls. Jefferson, the eighth child, was born 
in Seneca county in 1843. ^'^ married, 
in 1864, Rebecca Carr, a daughter of 
James Carr, of Ballville township. The 
fruit of this union was four children, only 
one of whom is living — Maria B. Mr. 
Lease owned the saw-mill at Jackson for 
about six years. 

Samuel M. Smith was born in Wayne 
county, Ohio, in 1825. He married, in 
1857, Elizabeth Deahofr, and settled in 
Seneca county. The following year he 
removed to Sandusky county, and has 
been a resident of this township since that 
time. Their children are John W., Alfred, 
and Samuel. 

John H. Feasel was born in Franklin 
county in 1822. Li 1S43 he married 
Martha J. Bowers, and in 1853 made 
permanent settlement in this township. 
The children were Mary J., Susan, Alex- 
ander, and Amanda E., .all deceased. 

John King was born in Perry county, 
Ohio, in 1819. He married Mary Mowry 
in 1841, and, in 1851, settled inthistown- 
ship, where he remained twenty-five years, 
then removed to Ballville township, where 
he still lives. He has seven children liv- 
ing — Mary (Musier), Allen county; Lydia 
Reichelderfer, Auglaize county ; George, 
Allen county; Sarah (Mowry), Ballville; 
John, this township; Jacob and Perry, 
Ballville; and Elmira (Searfoss), Scott 
township. 

John W. King, son of John King, sr., 
and Mary (Mowry) King, was born in this 
township in 1853. He married, in 1875, 
Clara B. Hunlock, and has one child — 
John C. 



Frederick Miller, a native of Wurtem- 
berg, Germany, came to America and set- 
tled in New York in 1828. In 1854 he 
came to Ohio and settled in this township. 
He married, in 1S31, Sarah Hoil, a native 
of Pennsylvania, and has a family of five 
children living — Christian F., William S., 
Sarah, John R., and Frederick C. Chris- 
tian, William, and John, were in the army, 
and one of the sons-in-law, J. R. Rosen- 
berger, died in the service. Christian, 
the oldest son, is married to Sarah Zink, 
and lives on the homestead. He has one 
child — Esther A. 

Joseph Burgett, second child of John 
Burgett, was born in Mahoning county in 
1832, and in 1856 he settled on the farm 
on which he now lives. He married, in 
1855, MalindaHammon,who died in 1879. 
In 1880 he married Alma Flood. The 
family consists of three children. Mr. 
Burgett worked at blacksmithing in Ma- 
honing county about ten years. During 
the war he was appointed to supervise 
the Greenbrier road in West Virginia. 

Jacob Andress settled in Ballville town- 
ship in 1835, being a native of Buffalo, 
New York, where Joseph L. Andress, his 
son, now living in Jackson, was born in 
1834. In 1859 he married Anna Young, 
a daughter of Michael Young, and settled 
in Jackson township. Their family con- 
sists of eight children — Mary A., Jacob, 
Catharine, Johanna, MagdaHne, Rosa, 
Theresa, and Joseph L. 

Michael Ickes settled in this township 
in 1856. He was born in Bedford county, 
Pennsylvania, in 1817, where he was mar- 
ried, in 1839, to Hannah Ow. Six of 
their children are living — Joseph H., Jack- 
son; Harmonous, Anna M. (Oswald), 
Jackson; Margaret I. (Kenan), Illinois; 
Sarah C, Jackson; and Lucinda J. (Garn), 
Jackson. 

James W. Laird was born in York 
county, Pennsylvania, in 1818, He settled 



754 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



in Perry county, Ohio, in 1836, and in 
1856 came to Seneca county, where he re- 
mained six years, and has since been a 
resident of this township. He married 
Eliza C. Wilson, and has seven children : 
Calvin, Elijah H., Mary E., Emma J., 
Minerva E., Anna, and William. Mrs. 
Laird died in 1866. He is a blacksmith 
by trade, but is now living a retired life. 

Alexander Smith, fourth child of Rich- 
ard Smith, was born in York county, Penn- 
sylvania, in 1824. He married in 1846, 
Catharine Richerd, a native of Germany. 
This union was blessed with twelve chil- 
dren, seven of whom are living: Mary J., 
Elizabeth, Alexander, Anna, William H., 
Matilda, and Josephine C. Before com- 
ing to this county Mr. Smith worked at 
blacksmithing for a period of twenty years. 

David A. Pence, son of David L. Pence, 
was born in Seneca county in 1844. He 
settled in this township in 187 1. In 1866 
he married Henrietta Gallant, who died 
in 1877, leaving three children, William 
D., Oliver L., and Carrie E. Mr. Pence 
married for his second wife, in 1880, 
Amelia Finkbeiner. 

Rev. Joseph Blaser, pastor of the Catho- 
lic church of Jackson, was born at Wur- 
temberg, Germany, in 1846. He came to 
America in 1874, and began pastoral 
duties in Defiance county, Ohio. Since 
1877 he has been officiating in Jackson. 

THE LAST BEAR. 

The last of the tribe of bruin seen in 
this township was shot in the fall of 1833 
by Mr. Zimmerman, who lived on Mus- 
kallonge. This species of forest inhab- 
itant prefer hills and clear, flowing, rapid 
currents, and were consequently infre- 
quent visitors of this flat country. Now 
and then one, however, sought refuge in 
the deep shade of this impenetrable forest, 
and having sought out some hollow tree 
or stump, lived a quiet life. But the time 
came when even the "Black Swamp" 



ceased to be a refuge. The last one seen 
in Jackson fell a victim the fourth year of 
the settlement. Zimmerman was quietly 
strolling along the bank of Muskallonge, 
carrying his gun, when a little black ani- 
mal arrested his attention, which, after 
sneakmg up to within fair shooting dis- 
tance, was seen to be a fine fat cub. A 
well aimed ball made the youngster his 
victim. But the sound of the gun and 
smell of blood brought an angry mother 
from her quiet den. A moment later the 
composed hunter was confronted by the 
fiery eyes and open red mouth of the en- 
raged beast. "A message of death," dir- 
rected by a steady hand, did its work. 
One more cub was seen and quickly dis- 
patched. The settlers, who were all 
recent arrivals, purchased the meat. The 
cubs were especially "fine eating." 

DESTRUCTION OF CROPS. 

The settlers of the spring of 1833, by 
dint of hard labor, succeeded in getting 
into ground a few acres of corn — enough 
in the event of a good crop to keep their 
families in corn-bread over winter. The 
work required to raise corn on this new, 
black soil, can be imagined only by the ex- 
perienced. Although standing trees were 
only deadened and not cut down, an enor- 
mous mass of decaying logs had to be 
cleared away, underbrush grubbed out, 
and the water drained into its natural 
channels. After the planting has bv^en 
accomplished, the difficulty of keeping 
down the weeds will readily be appreci- 
ated. But this small patch of grain was 
all the newcomer, without money, had to 
depend upon for his next year's living. 
He cultivated and watched, therefore, 
with zealous care. The season of 1833 
was fortunately good. Corn promised 
well, and all things were encouraging un- 
til about ripening time. 

First came the blackbirds in darkening 
flocks. The numerous deadened trees 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



755 



furnished them a perching and roosting 
place, while heavy ears were being rapidly 
stripped of their yellow fruit. The black- 
birds were not long alone. A larger and 
more destructive fowl played havoc with 
the corn. Wild turkeys were so plenty 
that it was almost impossible to discharge 
a load of shot into the field without bring- 
ing one or more of these ravenous in- 
truders to the ground. Blackbirds and 
turkeys were not alone in the general cam- 
paign against these first cornfields. The 
raccoon tribe carried on an active and 
powerful warfare, while squirrels of all 
kinds lost no time in laying aside for 
winter use a fair share of the crop. It is 
unnecessary to state that this activity was 
of short duration. Grainless cobs were 
the only mementoes of what had been. 

Mr. Jacob Winter informs us that of .five 
acres which, at roasting ear time, promised 
a good crop, not a full ear and scarcely a 
grain was left. Some became discouraged 
and left the country. Faith in a better 
day ahead detained others. There was, 
indeed, occasion for discouragement. Flies 
and mosquitoes made war upon the 
household and stock no less industriously 
than the birds, turkeys, raccoons, and 
squirrels upon the corn, the only difference 
being in degree of accomplishment. To 
add to this more or less sickness incident 
to a new and wet country, we have a pic- 
ture of distress seldom equalled. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The first election was held at the resi- 
dence of Henry Stultz on Christmas Day, 
1829. We regret that the first records 
were either not preserved at the time or 
have since been lost, for it would be a 
satisfaction to give the names of the set- 
tlers who had conferred upon them honor- 
able Christmas gifts. John Garn, George 
Overmyer, Jacob Winter, and Henry Ha- 
ven were among the early justices of the 
peace. 



SCHOOLS. 

The first school-house in the township 
was a log building which stood near the 
bridge, across Mud Creek on the pike. 
James Drake was the teacher. This 
house was built by Campbell, Klutz, Garn, 
and a few others, about 1832. Webster's 
spelling book was the standard for spell- 
ing,, and at the same time served as pri- 
mary reader. "The English Reader" 
was the consummation of an English edu- 
cation, and very few pushed beyond the 
"rule of three" in arithmetic. 

The first school-house in the southern 
part of the township was located on Mus- 
kallonge, and built about 1834. The 
school board as constituted by the act 
of 1852, the act which provided for and 
enforced a free public school system, met 
the first time in April, 1853. There were 
at that time five school-houses. Eighty- 
three dollars were ordered expended on 
repairs. 

A public library — the Ohio School Li- 
brary — was furnished the schools, and for 
a time faithfully managed according to 
the rules. But like all other libraries of 
this sort, it was in a few years dissolved 
by neglect. 

Rev. Father Young, pastor of the Cath- 
olic church, founded a parochial school in 
187 1 ; a building was erected the same 
year at a cost of si.x hundred dollars. 
This school is in a flourishing condition, 
the average attendance during the winter 
of 1880-81 being about seventy-five. 

There are in Jackson at present twelve 
public school-houses, including the double 
brick building at Burgoon. This district 
employs two teachers, one for the primary 
and one for the higher grade. 

PHYSICIANS. 

Jackson has had a doctor's office within 
her boundaries, with but few intermissions, 
for the last twenty-five years. We shall 



756 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



give the names only of a few who re- 
mained to estabHsh themselves in a prac- 
tice. Dr. Moore opened an office at 
Winter Station before the war. He went 
into the army as a volunteer and never 
returned to the county. Dr. Lee and 
Dr. Orwich were successive practitioners 
at Winter's Station. 

Dr. Andrews removed from Fremont to 
Millersville in 1872, being the first physi- 
cian at the place. In 1875 ^""^ removed 
to Genoa, where he is continuing the prac- 
tice. Dr. Paul succeeded him at Millers- 
ville and remained a few years. In 1879 
W. J. Gillette, a graduate of Cleveland 
Medical college, located at that point. 

MILLS. 

We do not know the exact year of the 
building of the first saw-mill, but it was 
during the period of early settlement. It 
was located on Muskallonge and owned by 
Henry Stultz. The machinery has long 
since been removed and but few traces of 
its existence remam. 

The second mill was built and operated 
by John Garn, on Mud Creek. Like its 
predecessor it has also passed away. 

Jacob Winter built a mill on Muskal- 
longe in 1843. Considerable work was 
turned out in wet seasons. As the coun- 
try became more generally cleared the 
stream became less reliable as a source of 
power. 

The fourth saw-mill, and the only one 
remaining, except the steam mill and 
factory at Burgoon, was built by Joshua 
Smith, and is located on Muskallonge, 
near Winter Station. It is now operated 
by Thomas Fleming, and steam power is 
depended upon. 

There never was a grist-mill in the 
township until 1880, when the steam-mill 
at Burgoon was built. 

WINTER STATION. 

The first village was laid out by Jacob 
Winter and was located on the line of rail- 



road then called the Lima & Fremont, 
now the Lake Erie & Western. For the 
accommodation of the neighborhood a 
petition for a post office was sent to the 
Department, which was granted, and the 
new office christened Winter's post office. 
From that time the place was known as 
Winter's Station. The man who laid out 
a town, and whose name it bore, erected 
the first business building, in which David 
Lemmon placed a stock of general mer- 
chandise. Mr. Edwards opened the second 
store; John Keen succeeded him. 

David Lemmon was the first postmas- 
ter. His successors in business continued 
the office. 

But Winter's Station came to grief in its 
youth. When the Toledo, Tiffin & East- 
ern railroad was built the town was dis- 
covered to be about one mile too far to 
the northeast, for the railroad crossing 
was undoubtedly the most promising site 
for a village. 

BURGOON. 

The land on the east side of the Lake 
Erie & Western, extending as far north as 
the pike, belonged to Peter Warner. After 
the completion of the Toledo, Tiffin & 
Eastern railroad he laid out a section of 
town lots and gave the prospective village 
his own name. Mr. Warner was not long 
permitted to enjoy a monopoly of village 
making. A company, consisting of Messrs. 
Huss, Noble, Nailor, and Loom is, pur- 
chased twelve acres of the Wise estate and 
laid it out in town lots. M. F. Hostler 
purchased a half interest in this company 
soon afterwards. The subject of a name 
caused a division of opinion. Mr. War- 
ner's friends insisted that it should be 
called Warner ; Lorain was the choice of 
the stockholders across the road, but the 
post office was listed Burgoon, as a com- 
pliment to the superintendent of the new 
railroad. 

The dry goods business was com- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



757 



menced by Rufus Baker in 1873. He 
was succeeded in a short time by Randall 
Glass, who continued the business about 
three years. J. W. Powell was the next 
merchant. After about two years he sold 
to A. J. Mowry. P. J. Kenan opened a 
store in 1880. His business was destroyed 
by fire on the night of March 29, 1881. 

M. F. Hostler has been in the grain 
and stock business since 1874. He has a 
large elevator and two stock yards. 

William F. Fry, in the summer of 1880, 
erected a large steam grist-mill, saw-mill, 
and planing-mill. 

A. Mowry and Randall Glass each kept 
tavern two years. 

Bricks of fair quality are manufactured 
here, and wagon-making is carried on to a 
limited extent. 

It is within the possibility of things for 
Burgoon to become a town of some im- 
portance. Surrounded with an agricultu- 
ral territory inferior to none, and with 
good railroad facilities there is no reason 
why it should not prosper. 

MILLERSVILLE. 

This is a post village at the crossing of 
the pike and the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne 
& Chicago railway. When the railroad 
was built the farmers in the commu- 
nity raised, by subscription, sufficient 
money to build a depot. The site seemed 
auspicious for a town. Peter Miller laid 
out a small portion of his land in town 
lots, and the new burgh was called Millers- 
ville. The founder of the town was com- 
missioned first postmaster, and, after serv- 
ing in that capacity a short time, was suc- 
ceeded by the present incumbent, John 
Garn. 

A man named Grulich opened the first 
general store. He was succeeded in 1877 
by S. S. Wright. A blacksmith shop and 
two saloons compose the balance of the 
business part of the village. 

Henry Ludwig has laid off a section of 



lots on the north side of the pike. Millers- 
ville is two miles from Helena and five 
miles from Burgoon. 

A sketch of Helena, which is divided 
by the township line between Washington 
and Jackson townships, will be found in 
the chapter on Washington. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

There are in this township seven 
churches, and it is with pleasure we chroni- 
cle the fact that the leading citizens are in- 
cluded in their membership. The pioneer 
preacher of this community was Rev. 
Jacob Bowlus, of Lower Sandusky. He 
extended his missionary labors all over the 
west part of the county, and the many 
flourishing classes and neat white churches 
belonging to the conference of United 
Brethren in Christ, testify that seed was 
sown in good ground. Evangelical (Al- 
bright) missionaries also labored faithfully 
and successfully. 

UNITED BRETHREN. 

The first sermon was preached in the 
residence of Gilbreath Stewart, in 1829, 
by Jacob Bowlus. After the school-house 
was built at the site of Mud Creek bridge 
on the pike, meetings were held there. 
Jeremiah Brown occasionally preached 
here. After Jacob Winter settled on Mus- 
kallonge, meetings were held in his barn, 
generally under charge of Jacob Bowlus. 
It was in this barn that Michael Long, who 
has since distinguished himself for useful- 
ness in the church, preached his maiden 
sermon. A class was here organized which, 
about 1840, built a meeting-house in the 
Mowry neighborhood. The class prospered 
and grew. In 1866 it became necessary to 
build a new house of worship. A differ- 
ence of opinion in the matter of location 
was happily settled by the preacher, Mr. 
Long, proposing that while the subscrip- 
tion paper was being passed around, each 
one should indicate his choice of location. 



758 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Two points were centered upon — Mowry's 
Corners and Winter Station. Both parties 
subscribed liberally, but Winter Station 
was the point decided upon. A handsome 
frame building was erected and christened 
Eaton Chapel. This class has a member- 
ship of about fifty. Mr. Long held an in- 
teresting revival in the winter of 1867, and 
also the following year, when he was as- 
sisted by Rev. Mr. Hart. 

In 1874 Otterbein class was formed, 
the first members being M. F. Hostler 
and wife, Absalom Mowry and wife, Aaron 
Mowry and wife, William Nye and wife, 
Aaron Warner and wife, Henry Disler and 
wife, and Emily Wise. Centennial Otter- 
bein Chapel, a handsome brick edifice, 
was erected in 1876, as the name would 
indicate. The class was organized by 
Rev. Michael Long. His successor, G. 
French, was in charge when the meeting- 
house was built. Succeeding ministers 
have been William Mathers, O. H. Rani- 
sey, and Joseph Bever. Revs. Long, 
French, and Mathers, held revivals. The 
class belongs to Eden circuit, and has a 
membership of about twenty-five. 

Bethlehem class was organized by 
Michael Long in 1875, in the school-house 
on the Greenesburg pike, with the following 
members: James Seagraves and wife, S. 
Dole and wife, Philip Klutz and wife, and 
Daniel Dole and wife. In 1876 a church 
was built at a cost of two thousand dol- 
lars. The first deacons were S. Dole, J. 
Seagrave, and W. J. Miller. The present 
membership numbers about forty. 

A class was organized a number of 
years ago in the western part of the town- 
ship, and named in recognition of that 
venerable and devoted member, Eli Fet- 
ters. " Fetters " class, though small in 
membership, maintains its organization 
and regular preaching. The old school- 
house on the Fetters farm was purchased 
a few years ago and is used for worship. 



EVANGELICAL CHURCHES. 

There are in the township two Evangel- 
ical churches — Zion'sand St. Paul's. This 
form of Christian worship was established 
in the community at an early period of 
the settlement, some of the pioneers 
from Pennsylvania having previously been 
members. John Betts and wife, John Shale 
and wife, Daniel Mowry and wife, Samuel 
Leffler and wife, Nicholas Shale and wife, 
and perhaps a few others, are the oldest 
members. Aaron Younker and Thomas 
George are remembered among the early 
preachers. A log meeting-house was built 
about 1840, and the class took the name 
of its faithful leader, and was called, and 
is yet commonly known, as Shale's class. 
A new house of worship, known as Zion's 
church, was erected in 1867, at a cost of 
twenty-five hundred dollars. Rev. Daniel 
Stroman was then the preacher in charge. 
During the winter following the build- 
ing of the new church, an awakening re- 
vival resulted in many accessions to the 
membership. The class, now numbering 
fifty-four, belongs to Bettsville circuit. 

St. Paul's Evangelical Association is 
the northern class of this denomination 
in the township. The early members 
were: John Vandersall and wife, Jacob 
Vandersall and wife, Michael Shaffer and 
wife, Jacob Harley and wife, Abram Boroff 
and wife, and perhaps others. Meetings 
were held in the residences of these early 
members for a time and afterwards in 
school-houses. In 1867 a church was 
built in the Vandersall neighborhood, at a 
cost of twenty-three hundred dollars. This 
class also belongs to the Bettsville circuit. 

CATHOLIC. 

There is in the northwestern [)art of the 
township a large settlement of German 
Catholics. They are an industrious, pros- 
perous people, and the amount of money 
expended on church buildings proves their 



-t>l 



^ 







V. 




\ 




HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



759 



devotion. St. Mary's congregation was 
organized by a colony of about twenty 
families from the church at Fremont, in 
1858. The leading members were: George 
Hoffman, George Baker, Peter Golwick, 
John Kuffler, Maggie Young, Peter Keen, 
Myron Hoffman, Joseph Weil, Michael 
Harmer, B. Wilhelm, — Groff, Peter Mil- 
ler, John Rumble, Casper Foos, George 
Rush, John Newberg, Leodegan Lehman, 
Benjamin Ontrich, George Strassel, and 
Andy Foos. 

The congregation was organized by 
Father Engly. Succeeding pastors have 
been: Fathers Folm, Barber, Young, Lit- 
ters, SproU, and Blaser. The cost of the 
church besides the general work, which 
was done voluntarily by the members^ 
was eighteen hundred dollars. A priest's 
house was built the following year, which 
cost about seven hundred dollars. In 
1878 a new parsonage was built, which 
cost two thousand dollars. In 187 1, dur- 
ing the pastorate of Rev. Father Young, 
a parochial school was established, and a 
school-house erected at a cost of six hun- 
dred dollars. The average attendance is 
about seventy-five. 

BAPTISTS. 

There was at one time a flourishing 
congregation of Baptists in this township. 
The church stood near Winter Station. 
Among the members were: William Rus- 
sel, Lewis Overmyer, Hugh Overmyer, 
Silas Kenan, B. Fried, and Mrs. Hansen. 
All things moved smoothly until the 
Seventh Day Adventists began to hold 
service in the church, the use of which 
was kindly granted them. The faith of 
some of the members was changed; the 
congregation weakened and finally died 
out. 



Biographical Sketch, 



CHARLES ROZELL AND FAMILY. 

Charles Rozell was born in Mercer 
county, New Jersey, October 21, 1803. 
His parents were John and Jane Rozell, 
both natives of New Jersey. Charles was 
the oldest of a family of twelve children, 
seven sons and five daughters. He passed 
his early years at home, and served an ap- 
prenticeship to learn the shoemaker's 
trade, but not liking it, left the shop and 
engaged in farming. In 1826 he married 
Catharine Wiley, of Mercer county. 

In 1 83 1 Mr. Rozell left New Jersey and 
came to Jackson township, Sandusky 
county, and purchased the farm upon 
which he passed the remainder of his 
day.s. The farm was a wild lot; not a 
stick of timber had been cut, and only an 
unbroken forest marked the spot which he 
selected for his home. It was the month 
of March when he arrived. He erected 
a log house and cleared sufficient ground 
for a garden and cornfield, and in the fall 
sent for his family, consisting of his wife 
and two children. They came, accom- 
panied by Mrs. Rozell's brother. Mr. 
Rozell met them upon their way and con- 
ducted them to his wild and unattractive 
home. At that date there was little of 
romance about life in the woods. The 
roads, or paths — for there were no roads 
worthy the name — were in the worst con- 
dition imaginable. Lower Sandusky was 
the nearest point where milling was carried 
on. Mr. Rozell bought a pair of oxen 
with which to do his work. He used up 
nearly all of his money before his farm 
was in a condition to bring any returns. 

Both Mr. Rozell and his w-ife toiled 
earnestly, and saved economically all they 
could gain. They denied themselves 
many of the comforts and luxuries now 
found in almost every farmer's home, and 



760 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



restricted themselves to the necessaries of 
life. They made sugar from the maples 
for the family use, and strove to curtail 
expenses in every way. 

In 1836 Mr. Rozell's parents came to 
Seneca county, and settled a few miles 
distant from their son's home. Mrs. 
Rozell died upon their farm in Seneca 
county, and Mr. Rozell a few years later 
in Jackson township. 

John Rozell gave the land for the ceme- 
tery in Seneca county, south of Bettsville. 
There reposes his body and the remains 
of those of the family who have died in 
this vicinity. 

The industry and economy of Mr. 
Charles Rozell were rewarded. He began 
with eighty acres of wild land, but added 
to his possessions at different times until, 
at his death, he had one hundred and 
seventy-four acres of cleared land, and 
eighty of wood land. 

When the plank road to Sandusky was 
in process of construction, Mr. Rozell 
contracted to build several miles. In 1S58 
he erected a costly and beautiful residence 
and furnished it neatly and tastefully. 
March 4, 1861, Mrs. Rozell died in her 
sixty-first year. She bore two children, 
both of whom are living, viz: Susan Ann, 
wife of John Fabing, who resides on the 
farm adjoining her old home; and Martha, 
the wife of Lucien Hull, who lives in 
Seneca county, about two miles from the 
place where she was brought up. 

On the 14th of January, 1864, Mr. 
Rozell married Mrs. Rachel J. Reed. Her 
maiden name was Bay, and she was born 
in Morgan county, Ohio, November 9, 
1822. Her grandfather, Robert Bay, 



was a native of Pennsylvania, who served 
throughout the Revolutionary war; also 
in the War of 181 2. Her father also 
served in the War of 181 2. Robert Bay 
married Tama Ann Phillis, of Pennsyl- 
vania. Mr.s. Rozell's father, Joseph Bay, 
was born in 1790; died in 1835. In 1813 
he married Catharine Derrick, who was 
born in England in 1795. She is still liv- 
ing in Zanesville. The Bay family were 
among the first settlers in Jefferson county, 
in this State. They lived there until 
1822, then moved to Morgan county, and 
to Zanesville in 1824. Mrs. Rozell is the 
filth of a family of eight children, three 
sons and five daughters. She has one 
brother and two sisters living at this 
time. 

By his second marriage Mr. Rozell was 
the father of one child, Jennie, born April 
3, 1865, who is now living with her 
mother in Fremont. 

Mr. Charles Rozell was always active in 
his business, strictly fair and honorable in 
all of his dealings, and treated every man 
justly. He was kind to the poor and un- 
fortunate, and ever ready to assist the de- 
serving. Though not a professing Chris- 
tian, his moral character was above re- 
proach, and his reputation for sincerity 
of friendship and integrity was unsullied. 
By attending diligently to his business, 
be became the possessor of a good prop- 
erty, and departed from earth honored 
and esteemed. He was a Republican, a 
strong Union man during the war, and 
assisted the soldiers and their widows by 
every means at his command. He died 
at his home in Jackson, November 27, 
1870, at the age of sixty-seven. 



WASHINGTON, 



THIS, the largest township in the coun- 
ty, territorially, embraces all of the 
originally-surveyed township number five, 
range fourteen, and twelve sections of 
township six, range fourteen, which were 
added after the organization of Ottawa 
county. The geographical boundaries 
are : Ottawa county on the north, Rice 
and Sandusky townships on the cast, 
Jackson on the south, and Madison and 
Woodville on the west. Little Mud Creek, 
Big Mud Creek, and Wolf Creek flow 
from southwest to northeast across its ter- 
ritory. The soil, excepting the surface of 
a sand ridge extending between the two 
branches of Mud Creek, is a black vegeta- 
ble mold, the mellowed remains of luxu- 
riant swamp vegetation. The soil of the 
sand ridge spoken of is loose, and would 
be easily cultivated were it not for num- 
berless boulders which were dropped by a 
sweeping glacier in its course toward sure 
destruction in sunny low latitudes. For 
the source of these troublesome masses of 
hard rock, the reader is referred to the 
chapter on Jackson township. 

THE BLACK SWAMP. 

A map of Ohio, drawn in 1825, repre- 
sents an immense tract of country stretch- 
ing westward from the Sandusky River to 
far beyond the Portage River, by a sh-de 
of varymg density, and is designated by 
the unattractive name of "Black Swarnp;" 
and a black swamp indeed it was. Go 
back, in imagination, but little more than 
half a century ago and picture the fertile 
farms you cultivate as they appeared prior [ 
to the period of settlement. Frontier 



poets are in the habit of making us sorry 
because nature's simple beauty has been 
desecrated by the hand of enterprising 
man. But it is the melancholy task of 
history in this instance to picture a wild, 
desolate, almost uninhabitable waste, the 
sight of which made strong constitutions 
wither, and hearts beating high with antic- 
ipation, sicken, and fill with melacholy 
forebodings. The scene presented to the 
eye possessed no encouraging element. 
Trees of varying size locked tops, and 
were firmly bound together by vigorous 
vines, with branches shooting in all direc- 
tions, fastened to every limb by unyield- 
ing tendrils. Carbonic gases, emitted 
from the water-covered muck sixty feet 
below, fed a luxuriant growth of foliage 
which completely filled every interstice, 
and effectually excluded every ray of sun- 
shine. The dismal view caught in the un- 
certain light of this dense shade banished 
every idea of settlement. Immense trunks 
of fallen and decaying trees crossing each 
other in every conceivable direction, could 
just be seen through the thick growth of 
shrubs, underbrush, and coarse grasses. 
In spring time, in consequence of the 
water courses being completely dammed 
up by fallen timber, whole townships of 
surface were submerged. When dry 
weather came en, the water slowly found 
its way to the bay, leaving a spongy soil — 
so thoroughly saturated that even the 
light-footed deer found travel difficult. 
But these conditions favored the making 
of an excellent soil. Decaying timber, 
leaves, and grasses, left those chemical ele- 

761 



762 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



ments which enter into the composition 
of cereals and furnish the material for 
their growth. The cost of reclaiming this 
wilderness is beyond calculation. Picture 
to yourselves a solitary log hut, made of 
round logs, with a floor and door of rough 
puncheons; with two small square holes 
in the sides, closed with sheets of greased 
paper, for windows; the spaces between 
the logs filled with a mixture of leaves 
and mud; an immense chimney at one 
end, built of sticks, through which smoke 
was forced rather than drawn; covered 
with thin, irregularly-split shingles,weighted 
down by poles — such a cabin, situated in 
the midst of wild desolation, was the resi- 
dence of the first settler. The dreary sol- 
itude of an autumn evening at that home 
can only be felt, not described. What a 
medley of discordant sounds pain the ear! 
What a rush of melancholy thoughts de- 
press the heart! Armies of green frogs 
leave their slimy pools and assert, from 
every log, that they are the proud owners 
of the swamp, while their tree cousins 
mingle disagreeable voices; the howl 
of wolves, as night falls on the homesick 
pioneer, seem to speak in strange language 
the folly of his adventure, and the wise 
owl adds sarcastic hoots to the distressing 
medley. The sharp click of the mud 
which follows every labored step of the 
cow in the dooryard, brings additional 
testimony of the unfitness of the place for 
the habitation of man. The thoughts of 
the homesick, discouraged adventurer are 
turned from plans of clearing, plowing, 
and seeding, to the contemplation of his 
solitude; and, at length, tired and de- 
pressed, he retires to his simple bed, con- 
vinced of being an intruder in a reserva- 
tion intended by nature for wolves, and 
frogs, and owls. It is not strange, there- 
fore, that immigrants either turned back 
from the Black Swamp, or pushed through 
beyond, leaving this vast area, more than 



half of three counties, almost an unbroken 
waste till as late as 1828. Many who did 
enter land and begin improvements soon 
became discouraged, sold out at a sacri- 
fice, and sought a more hospitable open- 
ing. It thus hap]:)ened that, in the spring 
of 1830, only three families resided with- 
in the present limits of Washington town- 
ship. 

ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. 

The following entries are recorded in 
1826: 

SECTION. .'^CRES. 

David J-Iess 10, 15, and g 739 

Enoch Rush .- 13 and 24 210 

JosiahTopping 24 140 

Harry Fuller 9 66 

Reuben Wilder 8 and 9 267 

The following entries are recorded in 
1827: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Pontius Wheeler 12 320 

J. H. Topping 24 205 

George Waggoner 24 86 

Samuel Waggoner 23 83 

George Waggoner 24 273 

The following entries are recorded in 
1828: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Robert Long 36 160 

Jacob Nyce 36 160 

Jonas Graham 36 80 

J onas Graham 13 160 

Michael Hogle i 81 

The following entries are recorded in 
1829: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

William Floyd 2 240 

David Grant 21 160 

Michael Hogle i 8i 

The following are recorded in 1830: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Magdalina Bowman 13 80 

George Watt 36 160 

Michael Hogle i 81 

The following are recorded in 1831 : 

sec:tio.v. acres. 

David Church 22 160 

David Church 15 80 

Joseph Deck 14 108 

A.W.Green 25 160 

Jacob Hendricks 13 80 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



763 



SECTION. ACRES. 

Jacob Hendricks 24 309 

Jacob Hendricks 6 147 

Jacob Hendricks 7 91 

Daniel Hendricks 8 370 

Daniel Karshner 15 79 

John Mackling 15 251 

Michael Overmyer 10 121 

Peter Poorman 8 237 

John Rose 23 185 

John Rose 25 80 

N. P. Robbins 9 157 

William Rose 22 80 

Solomon Shoup 14 86 

John Shoup 14 129 

Jacob C. Stults 25 80 

WiUiam Skinner 25 80 

John Strohl ■ 19 68 

J. H. Topping 25 80 

Hector Topping 15 94 

John C. Waggoner 23 79 

John Smith 13 83 

Isaac Rhidnour 129 

John Baird 22 79 

William Chenaworth 23 79 

George Hettrick 13 81 

The following entries are recorded in 
I833-- 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Joseph Cookson 36 80 

Joseph Cookson 35 80 

William Burkett 16 160 

Daniel Burkett 16 160 

The following entries of land were re- 
corded in 1834: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

George Skinner 25 79 

David Karshner 22 79 

Samuel Murdock 150 

Isaac Moore 137 

Justice & Birchard 6 211 

Justice & Birchard 7 255 

Jacob Karshner 5 88 

Henry Forster 17 161 

Solomon Waggoner 12 240 

James Ross 22 79 

David Stingier 24 79 

Isaac and D. Moore 6 in 

The list of each year now becomes 
longer. The following are recorded in 
1835: 

RANGE. SECTIONS. ACRES. 

Chris. Graham 33 160 

Nicholas Schall 27 160 

George F. Whitaker 17 161 

Marcus Hurley 7 79 

Grant & Beaugrand . . 7 83 



RANGE. 

Samuel Miller 

Benjamin Schothorn 
A. C. Ross 

C. Whitman 

Henry Sanders 

Henry Salman 6 

Michael Walter 

D. M. Welsh 6 

George Wales ..... 6 

William Walter 

Jonas Walter 

L. Q. I^awson 

JacobArnstadt 6 

Dickinson & Pease.. 6 

John Evans 6 

Jos. Ferris 6 

M. L. Harmon 6 

Isaiah Johnson 

Henry Johnson 

Jacob Moses 

Michael Miller 6 

Isaiah Morris 6 

Jos. Nuding 6 

G. T. Necher 6 

Dennis Neil 6 

John Snyder, ...... 

Ambrose Shell 

The records of 1836 
entries: 

RANGE. 

Robert M. Brovv^n.. 

Michael Fought 

Charles D. Ashley.. 6 

Christian Augster. . . 6 

John Bashner 

Lorenzo Borden .... 6 

Edward Bissell 6 

Christian Clever. ... 6 

James Easton & F. C. 

Sanford 18, 

Michael Fought 

H. G. Folger 

Jeremiah Ludwig. . . . 

Samuel Ludwig.... 

Samuel Moss 6 

John Rinehatt 

James Robb 6 

H. W. Seymour. ... 6 

Scott Seymour 6 

Henry Shively 6 

Jesse Stone 

Jesse Stone .. 

Jesse Stone 

Narcissa Topping. . . 

Josiah F. Topping.. 

J. M. Turner & Wil- 
liam Laughlin . . 6 

William Walter 6 



SECTION. 


ACRES 


8 


80 


17 


161 


27 


80 


23 


80 


ir 


40 


31 


40 


28 


40 


30 


80 


27 


40 


28 


40 


29 


80 


27 


40 


33 


40 


29 and 30 


372 


31 


44 


30 


44 


31 


44 


20 


40 


34 


80 


28 


40 


31 


44 


31 


160 


27 


40 


30 


80 


31 


169 


18 


80 


26 


40 



show the following 



SECTION. 


ACRES 


2 


80 


27 


80 


36 


80 


33 


40 


3 


87 


31 


44 


25 and 34 


2,376 


34 


40 


26, 29 and 30 


426 


32 


80 




532 


29 


i6q 


33 


240 


25 and 26 


240 


4 


80 


31 


80 




80 


31 


40 


36 


80 


33 


80 


29 


40 


12 


40 


20 


80 


30 


88 


32 


120 


26 


40 



764 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



RANGE. SECTION. ACRES. 

Daniel Younkman. ., 6 27 40 
P. I. Heirick& Samuel 

Hinldey 19 84 

D.iniel Gain 31 ^^° 

Joseph Garn 31 169 

George Geeseman 34 160 

John Moler 21 . 80 

Michael Obermoyer 2 80 

George Skinner 26 240 

John Swinehart..-. 11 80 

Abraham Yost i 240 

Samuel Treat 5 80 

J ohn Waggoner 23 80 

John Waggoner 11 160 

George Skinner . 35 560 

James Snyder 28 80 

Abraham Yost i 16S 

The following entries are recorded in 

1837: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Henry Bayer i 80 

Jacob Eversole 4 176 

Joseph Miller 34 80 

Peter Morton 27 80 

Jacob Newcomer 11 80 

Peter Swinehart 21 80 

Michael Fought 28 80 

Peter Ebersole 4 160 

The entries recorded in 1838 are: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Jacob Heberling 32 160 

William Kay 36 80 

Peter Overmyer 21 80 

Daniel Spohn 32 240 

Lands were entered in 1839 by: 

RANGE. SECTION. ACRES. 

Benjamin Burkett .... 6 34 So 

Henry Burkett 6 35 160 

Jacob Brubaker 5 26 80 

John Baird 26 8o 

John Cams 31 173 

Andrew Craig 4 43 

George Fought 3 40 

Benjamin Hamberger 30 160 

John Helser 4 80 

J acob Harter 10 40 

Christian King 30 160 

George Miller 34 80 

D.iniel Ilouser, 3 87 

Daniel Ilouser 34 120 

John Miller 29 160 

Andrew Miller 28 80 

Willjam Overmyer 3 333 

Jacob Overmyer 34. 35 and 2 202 

George Overmyer ii and 12 i6"o 

Samuel Overmyer. .. . 12 40 

David Olinger 6 34 40 



R.ANGE. SECTION. ACRES. 

Joseph Reed ir 160 

Peter Reed 6 z'o 80 

George Skinner c5 40 

Abraham Stinc 2 170 

Hiram Slalter 34 80 

Isaiah and J. Topping 6 34 80 

The balance of the lands were closed 
out in 1S40 as follows: 

RANGE. SECTION. ACRES. 

Amos Arnold 20 80 

Ellis Ayres 21 120 

John Bowersock 6 25 80 

John Burkett 19 160 

.Abrani Bruce 12 40 

Simon Barnhard 6 29 160 

John Clover 19 84 

Samuel Crotzer 3 and 4 80 

Samuel Cover 6 33 160 

George Diehl 26 40 

Robert Eckley 6 35 80 

Abraham Garn 30 87 

John Hudson 30 87 

David Hiser 3 80 

John Houtz 19 80 

William Johnson.... 19 89 

Samuel Ludwig 32 160 

John Lyme 6 28 80 

Jacob Moses 31 160 

Conrad Miller 6 32 160 

Peter Morton 33 and 34 240 

John Newcomer 18 40 

John Overmyer, jr.. . . 12 80 

Ph. Overmyer 6 35 80 

David Obermoyer. .. . 12 40 

George Obermoyer. . . 6 34 40 

Noah Obermoyer. ... 21 80 

George Rule 6 25 i6o 

John Rinehart 18 90 

Daniel Rife 20 240 

Chris. Rinehart 18 45 

George Rinehart 12 80 

William E. Snow.... 26 80 

Israel Smith 27 120 

Benjamin Stanton. .. . 19 89 

Joseph Shively 6 25 80 

Jacob Shaffer 4 40 

D. F. Squire 29 40 

John Smith 29 80 

David Waggoner 6 32 80 

John Walter 6 26 80 

Gabriel Walter 6 34 80 

Philemon Waltz 6 35 80 

James P. Whithour. . . 6 33 40 

Joseph Wengart 28 80 

John Walter, 28 80 

David Waggoner 6 30 80 

Note. — Where the number of the range is not in- 
dicated, range five is meant. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



765 



THE SETTLEMENT. 

The settlers of this township were near- 
ly all natives of Pennsylvania, or of Penn- 
sylvania descent, but a large proportion 
came directly from Perry county to this 
county; in fact, it might be called a Perry 
county colony, as our running sketch of the 
representative settlers each decade will show. 
Before, however, proceeding to these sketch- 
es of a personal character, we will give a 
"general view, and preserve the names, so 
far as we can, of the earliest pioneers and 
first improvements of the township. 

The first three permanent settlers were 
Josiah H. Topping, David Grant, and 
John Wolcutt, probably in the order we 
have given their names. Topping kept 
tavern on the pike. He also owned and 
improved a farm, which is now included 
in the Waggoner farm. David Grant set- 
tled between the two branches of Big 
Mud Creek, about one mile above their 
junction. No more lonely place can be 
imagined. The State road was at that 
time travelled considerably by emigrants 
going west, but as far back as the Grant 
opening few white men ever showed their 
faces. Indians visited the cabin frequent- 
ly, and squaws were the only physicians 
and nurses at the birth of their three first 
children. George Grant is the only mem- 
ber of this family living in the township 
at present. The Wolcutt family settled in 
the southeast corner of the township in 
1829. The fourth settler was George 
Skinner, who removed from Perry county 
in the spring of 1830, and settled upon 
land entered in section twenty-six. A 
biographical sketch of this family will be 
found, together with a portrait of Sam- 
uel Skinner, esq., who was for nearly 
fifty years a prominent citizen of the town- 
ship. 

In 1830 the settlement progressed ac- 
tively, so that by the end of that year 
obstructions to natural drainage were well 



removed, and the face of the country be- 
came more inviting, but continued wet 
and difficult to reduce to a state of culti- 
vation. When a few hardy and resolute 
families had made an opening, others took 
courage and followed their example. 
Many of course remained but a few years, 
and then becoming weaiy and discon- 
tented sold their claims and sought more 
congenial climes. Those who remained 
to see the wilderness transformed have 
long since been repaid for their sacrifices. 
We will now give as briefly and accurately 
as possible the names of the first settlers 
on each section, being fully aware of our 
liability of being misinformed in some in- 
stances: 

Joseph Cookson made the second im- 
provement on section thirty-six, in 1830, 
that of John Wolcutt being first. The 
same year Jacob Stultz, a native of Penn- 
sylvania, came from Perry county and 
settled on section twenty-five. The next 
neighbor north was Josiah H. Topping, 
and north of him on the same section, 
(twenty-four,) and on section thirteen, the 
Waggoner family took possession in the 
fall of 1830. Jacob Hendricks soon after 
built a cabin in this neighborhood. West, 
on the pike, on section fourteen, John 
and Solomon Shoup made an improve- 
ment the following year. George and 
John Skinner occupied section twenty-six 
as early as 1830, while the mile square 
lying just north was not broken till two 
years afterward, when John Baird came 
from Perry county and Hugh Forgerson 
removed to Washington. Toward the 
latter part of 1830 William and Samuel 
Black settled in the southern part of the 
township, in section thirty-five. The first 
improvement west of Skinner's, in 1830, 
was made by Michael Fought, who set 
apart the first burying-ground in the town- 
ship. Shortly after, in the same year, A. 
G. Ross settled on an intervening lot. 



766 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



He was an active and useful citizen during 
this early period. Two years later Mr. 
Ross was joined on section twenty-seven 
by Peter Morton, who also came from 
Perry county, and south of him George 
Geeseman made an opening the same year. 
Samuel Spohn settled on section twenty- 
two in 1831. The earliest settlers on the 
upper part of Mud Creek, in this town- 
ship, were Jacob Moses and Joseph Garn, 
the latter of whom came in 183 1. David 
Grant, on section twenty-one, has already 
been mentioned. But to come back to 
the pike. Henry Forster and Daniel 
Karshner located on section fifteen about 
1833. Christian Dershen came from 
Perry county and settled in this county 
in 1830. James Ross was the first settler 
on section twenty-two, 1831 being the 
probable date. Henry Bowman was the 
first settler and original proprietor of 
Hessville, south of the pike, and David 
Hess north of the pike, the latter, how- 
ever, never made permanent settlement 
in the county. The property was trans- 
ferred to his son, Levi Hess, who settled 
on the farm and laid out the north part of 
the village which was named in his 
honor. Philip Overmyer, with his family 
of seven boys, came to the township in 
1833, and were among the first settlers of 
the northeast part. Previous improve- 
ments had been made in tlie part included 
in the original surveyed township number 
six, by Henry Stierwaldt. John Bowersox, 
Daniel Boyer, and M. Yeagle. Mr. Yea- 
gle was one of the noted deer hunters of 
his time. The northwestern part of the 
township was not improved till a few years 
later, when the German emigration began. 
B. H. Bowman had a tavern on the pike 
in 1831, just west of Hessville. The first 
Germans who settled toward the north- 
west were John Avers, E. Humers, H. 
Bearing, and a few others. Until recently 
it was not uncommon to see wooden 



shoes and other native German habits of 
dress. Avers had a small factory for 
making these odd-looking articles of foot 
ware, or more ])roperly foot furniture. 
People never having seen them worn will 
find a ride to Woodville township inter- 
esting, for there they are worn yet by the 
women and some men at farm work. 

South of the pike, and between Nine- 
mile Creek and Big Mud Creek, were 
several early improvements. John Mohler 
settled on Mud Creek in 1830, and a few 
years after built a saw-mill, which was the 
first industry of the kind in the township. 
David Deil settled on Mud Creek about 
1830, and James Snyder the same year. 
Martin Garn settled in the south part of 
the township in 1834. The district west 
of Hessville, extending to the Madison 
township line, was not settled until the 
other parts of the township had been im- 
proved. 

Having now given connectedly a gen- 
eral view of the first settlement, brief 
sketches of a few families will be of local 
interest. 

Michael Fought, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, married Elizabeth Cline, and re- 
moved to Perry county, Ohio, and from 
there, in 1830, to this township. Their 
fiimily consisted of eleven children, six 
boys and five girls, two of whom, Michael 
and Paul, are among the oldest pioneers 
in the township. Michael, jr., was born 
in Perry county, in 18 14. In 1837 he 
married Lydia King, and purciiased and 
cleared the farm in section two, known as 
the Fought homestead. Paul Fought was 
born in Perry county, in 181 8. He mar- 
ried, in tliis county, Mary Hettrick, who 
died in 1865, leaving thirteen children. 
He married for his second wife, in 1866, 
Sarah Parret, by whom three children 
were born. Israel, the fourth child, was 
born in 1844. He married Rosanna Lay, 
in 1869, and has three children- -Festus 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



767 



L., Bertha M., and William A. Mr. 
Fought has served as teacher in the public 
schools of the county six years. Mr. and 
Mrs. Fought belong to the Reformed 
church. 

James Snyder, a native of Virginia, set 
tied in this township in 1830, and lived 
here until the time of his death, July 12, 
1876. His family consisted of ten chil- 
dren, six boys and four girls. Jacob, the 
third child, was bcrn in this township in 
1833. He married -Elizabeth Slates, in 
1872, and has two children living — Elvia 
and James. Mr. Snyder by trade is a car- 
penter. He is also engaged in farming. 

John Waggoner, a native of Maryland, 
moved to Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 
1797, and m 1803 to Perry county, Ohio, 
where the family resided until 1830, when 
they came to Washington townshi[). The 
family consisted of eight children, all of 
whom settled in .this to\ynship. Bgtsy 
married Henry Bauman; John married a 
Miss Bauman, Jacob married a Miss Heck, 
David married a Miss Fry, George married 
Margaret Clifiger, Nancy was married to 
John Machlin, Daniel married a Miss 
Stackbarger, Solomon married a Miss 
Stackbarger, and Samuel a Miss Smith. 
John Waggoner died about 1840. George 
Waggoner, fifth child of John and Betsy 
Waggoner, was born near Hagerstown, 
Maryland, in 1795. He came to Ohio 
with his parents, and, in Perry county, 
married Margaret dinger. Their family 
consisted of eleven children, four boys and 
seven girls. George Waggoner makes his 
home at present with his son Samuel, on 
the farm on which he settled, and where he 
has lived for fifty years. Samuel Wag- 
goner was born in Perry county, in 1827. 
In 185 1 he married Sarah Miller, a native 
of Pennsylvania. The fruit of this union 
is eight children living — George, Clara, 
Eugene, Henry, Malvina, Charles E., 
Harriet, and Milan D, Caroline is dead. 



Mr. Waggoner is one of the most extensive 
farmers in the township. 

John Waggoner, oldest son of John 
Waggoner, sr., came from Perry county 
and settled in Sandusky township at an 
early date. He married Mary Bauman, 
and had a large family. Daniel Wag- 
goner, his oldest son, settled in Washing- 
ton township, near Lindsey, in 1839. For 
his first wife he married Susan Obermoyer. 
They had four children, all of whom are 
residents of Washington township — Louisa 
(Loose), Joseph, John J., and Amos E. 
Mrs. Waggoner died June 20, 1863, aged 
forty-four years. Mr. Waggoner married 
Mrs. Elizabeth Bloker, who died Septem- 
ber 30, 188 1. She bore him one child, 
Mary Ellen, who now lives in this town- 
ship. Mr. Waggoner died May 31, 1876, 
aged about sixty. 

Joseph Cookson settled in the township 
in 1830. His son, William, married, in 
1849, Rosanna Metzger, a daughter of 
Joseph Metzger, a native of Bedford 
county, Pennsylvania, who settled in Scott 
township about 1840. The fruit of this 
union was five children — David W., Ma- 
hala M. (Snyder), James W., Mary M. 
(Kenan), and Joseph W. Mr. Cookson 
died December 26, i860. 

Jacob Heberling came from Perry to 
Sandusky county in 183 1, and settled in 
Sandusky township, where he lived about 
five years and then removed to Green 
Creek. After remaining in that township 
three years he settled permanently in 
Washington township, where he died in 
1845. Those of his children who are liv- 
ing are Jacob and George m Fremont, 
John, Washington township; and Mrs. 
Elizabeth Ream, Madison township. 
John, the fourth child, was born in Penn- 
sylvania in 1810. He married, in 1837, 
Elizabeth Reed, daughter of John and 
Mary Reed. Fourteen children blessed 
this union— Harriet, deceased; Levi, Su- 



768 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



sanna, deceased; Benjamin F., George 
W., deceased; Thomas J., deceased; 
Delia A., deceased; James M.; Joel, de- 
ceased; John; Mary E.; Michael, de- 
ceased ; William, and Sarah. Mr. Heber- 
ling worTced at carpentry for ten years in 
this county. He was justice of the peace 
in Jackson and Washington townships, six 
years in all, and has been clerk of Wash- 
ington township. 

Daniel Spohn emigrated from Maryland 
to Fairfield county, Ohio. From there he 
removed to Perry county, and thence to 
Sandusky county in 183 1. He settled in 
Washington township, where he resided 
until his death, in 1852. He married, in 
1807, Elizabeth Bashor, and had by her a 
family of eleven children. Catharine H. 
the sixth child, was born in 181 7. In 
1835 ^'""^ "'''^^ married to Daniel Spohn, 
son of Henry Spohn, of Jackson township. 
The fruit of this union was thirteen chil- 
dren, only three of whom are living — Bar- 
bara (Klussman), Joel, and Lewis W. W. 
Mr. Spohn died in 1872. His widow cjn- 
tinues her residence on the homestead. 
Daniel Spohn was in the W'ar of 181 2, and 
two of his grandsons, Joel and Aaron, 
served in the Federal army during the late 
v.'ar. The former was born in this county 
in 1839. He married, in 1864, Nancy J. 
Cookson, and is engaged in farming in 
this township. 

Joseph Garn, the pioneer of the south- 
west corner of the township, was born in 
Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 1809. 
He settled where he now lives in 1831. 
His first wife was Lydia Ickes, a daughter 
of Adam Ickes. He married for his 
second wife Sarah Andrew, a daughter ot 
William Andrew. The fruit of both mar- 
riages was fourteen children, five by the 
first and nine by the last wife. Mr. Garn 
may be termed the pioneer United Breth- 
ren preacher of this part of the county, 
although he has never been an itinerant 



circuit rider. He has also been engaged 
in the grain trade at Helena. 

Joseph Reed, with his wife, whose 
maiden name was Sarah Swinehart, both 
natives of Pennsylvania, came to Wash- 
ington township in 1832, and resided here 
with his family until the end of his life. 
The family consisted of ten children. 
John, one of the enterprising farmers of 
Washington township, was b^rn in Perry 
county in 1823, and, in 1847, '""^ married 
Barbara Orndorf, a native of Lancaster 
county, Pennsylvania. Their children are 
Edwin, William H., and Charles. Mr. 
Reed worked at blacksmithing during his 
younger years. 

Henry Forster came to Ohio and set- 
tled in Perry county in 1804, and about 
the year 1833 came to this township. He 
was married to Tina Walters, and had a 
family of seven children. 

The Overmyers, or Obermoyers, as it is 
spelled by some of the descendants, are 
perhaps the most numerous family in the 
tov/nship. Philip Overmyer, a native of 
Union count), Pennsylvania, married Ro- 
sanna Bishop and removed to New York, 
whence the family came to Ohio in 1833, 
and settled in Washington township, this 
county. The sons numbered seven, viz: 
Samuel, William, Daniel, Jacob, George, 
Philip, and David, the last of whom set- 
tled in Fulton county, Indiana; the other 
six brothers settled in this county, only 
one of whom survives Philip. He was 
born in Union county in 1801, and, in 
1825, married Margaret Swinefort, by 
whom he has a family of four children — 
Israel, William, Richard, and Lucinda. 
Mrs. Overmyer died in 1879. 

Jacob Obermoyer came to this county 
from Cayuga county. New York, in 1833 
and settled in Washington township. Mr. 
Obermoyer was a wagon- maker by trade, 
but followed farming principally. He died 
in 1863 in the sixty-sixth year of his age. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



769 



His wife was Catharine Anderson, a native 
of Pennsylvania; she died in 1874, aged 
seventy-two years. They had eleven chil- 
dren, ten of whom survive — Philip A., in 
Fremont; William, in Indiana; George, in 
Washington township; Luke, in Indiana; 
Sarah Ann, who died in 1879, ^^''^^ '^he 
wife of Hiram Waggoner, of Indiana; 
Agnes, who is the wife of Jacob Hoffman, 
and resides in Indiana ; Susan, who mar- 
ried Michael Obermoyer, of Washington 
tOM'nship; Mary, who married Solomon 
Obermoyer, and resides in the same town- 
ship ; Catharine, who is the wife of Coon- 
rod Hess, Washington township ; Amos, 
Washington township; and Amanda, who 
is the wife of Jacob Hess, of the same 
township. The family all attend the 
Evangelical church. Jacob Obermoyer 
was a well-known citizen, much respected 
in business and social life. His sons are 
all Republicans and successful farmers. 

Joseph Shively, an old settler and a 
worthy citizen, departed this life in the 
latter part of the summer of 1881. He 
was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, 
in 181 2, and came to Sandusky county 
and settled in this township in 1834. The 
following year he was united in marriage 
to Susanna Obermoyer, daughter of 
George Obermoyer. They reared a family 
of ten children, viz : Sarah (Engler) 
and Elizabeth (Kramb), Washington town- 
ship; Henry, Sandusky; John, Michigan; 
George A., Sandusky; Solomon, Washing- 
ton ; Franklin, Michigan; William H., 
Texas ; James A. and Lewis W., Washing- 
ton. Mr. Shively was by trade a wagon- 
maker. 

Samuel Kratzer came to Ohio and set- 
tled in Columbiana county in 1831, where 
he remained three years, then removed to 
York township, this county. The follow- 
ing year he settled in Washington town- 
ship, where he died in 1861, in his sixty- 
third vear. He married Rebecca Mussle- 



man and had four sons and one daughter. 
Harriet married Solomon Waggoner, and 
died in Indiana; Aaron and David reside 
in Washington township; Henry died in 
Rochester, Indiana; Emanuel resides in 
Rochester, Indiana. The widow of Sam- 
uel Kratzer died in Indiana in 1874, aged 
about sixty-seven years. David, the third 
child, was born in Union, Pennsylvania, 
in 1826. , In 1857 he married Margaret 
^ Welker, a native of Franklin county. 
Their family consists of four children liv- 
ing — Mary R., Sarah C, Lizzie C, and 
Joseph W. Two are dead — Henry F. 
I and an infant daughter. Mr. Kratzer 
wor"ked at carpentry fourteen years, but is 
■ now giving his whole attention to farming. 

Henry Reiling was born in Germany in 
1 816. He cam.e to America in 1838, 
and found employment in Portage coun- 
ty on the canal. He came to this county 
in 1842. In 1844 he married Sally Fors- 
ter, by whom he had six children, of whom 
Tina is the only one living. Mrs. Reil- 
ing died in 1855. In 1857 he married 
for his second wife Catharine Noss, who 
gave birth to sixteen children, eleven of 
whom are living. Mr. Reiling has been 
in mercantile business in Hessville the 
greater part of the time since 1842. Since 
1867 he has been proprietor of the mill 
on Mud Creek. The names of Mr. Reil- 
ing's children who are living are: Cath- 
arine, Lizzie, Henry, Eva, Mary, Delia, 
Julia, John, Josei)hine, Helen, and x\nn. 

George W. Stull was born in Sandusky 
county in 1843. He married, in 1866, 
Hannah Cole, who was born in Scott 
township in 1844. Six children, four boys 
and two girls, blessed this union. 

William Thraves, a native of Notting- 
ham, England, was born in 1799. He 
was married in England, in 1827, to 
Marilla Graves, and in 1844, ^^'it^ the 
family, consisting of seven children, emi- 
grated to America and settled in Washmg- 



770 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ton township. One child was born in this 
county. The following were the names 
of the children : George, Ann, Robert, 
Mark, Faith E., William, Thomas, and 
Levi. William was killed by a railroad 
accident on the Isthmus of Panama. Mr. 
Thraves followed butchering in England 
for twelve years and three years in this 
country. He has since been farming. 
His present residence is in Ballville town- 
ship. George, the oldest child, was born 
in England in 1828. He was in Califor- 
nia from 1854 to 1857. In 1853 he mar- 
ried Mary J. Crowell, daughter of Samuel 
and Mary Crowell, of Sandusky township. 
Their children are: Samuel, deceased; 
Anna M., Mark E., Ida H., George M., 
and Lillie M., living. Mr. Thraves is a 
blacksmith by trade, but for the last twen- 
ty-four years he has been giving exclusive 
attention to farming in Ballville township. 
Mark, the fourth child of William Thraves, 
was born in England in 1832. He was in 
California ten years from 185 1, and re- 
turning, settled on a farm in Ballville 
township. He married Sarah Hufford in 
1862, and has three children: D. C, 
William, and Mattie M. 

John W. Bauman was born in Lancaster 
county, Pennsylvania. He married Polly 
Fry and settled in Wa)ne county, Ohio. 
From there he removed to Knox county, 
and in the year 1845 to Sandusky county 
and settled in this township, where he 
died in 1854. Five of the fifteen children 
are still living; one — John F. — is a resi- 
dent of this township. He was born in 
Wayne county in 1827. In 1850 he mar- 
ried Harriet E. Winter, daughter of Jacob 
Winter, of Jackson township. Their 
children are Alvertie J. (Burgett), Emma 
E. (Doll), Sarah F., and Jerome J. 

John Lantz, a native of Pennsylvania, 
came to Ohio and settled in Washington 
township in 1846, and was a resident 0} 
the township to the time of his death, in 



1880. He married, in Pennsylvania, 
Elizabeth Dieffenbaucher. They had a 
family of eight children. Simon, the 
second child, was born in Pennsylvania, 
in 1830. Tn 1852 he married Mary Wag- 
goner, daughter of John Waggoner. Their 
family consisted of eleven children, eight 
of whom are living, viz: Sarah E. (Posey), 
Elizabeth, Mary E. (Pohlman), Louisa 
M., Simon E., Nancy A., Moses F., and 
Charles A. Mrs. Lantz died in 1879. 
Mr. Lantz has served as township trustee 
four years, and as assessor one year. Of 
the family of John Lantz, five are living: 
Mary A. (Ward), in California, San Joa- 
quin county; Simon, AVashington town- 
ship; Rosanna (Ward), Wood county; 
Matilda (Wolfe), Sandusky township; and 
Emanuel, Helena. 

Henry Myers, a native of Lancaster 
county, Pennsylvania, emigrated to Ohio 
in 1840, and settled in Montgomery coun- 
ty, where he remained until 1847, when 
he removed to Sandusky county and set- 
tled in this township. The family con- 
sisted of fourteen children, — ten boys and 
four girls. Henry, the third child, was 
born in Lancaster county, in 1S09. In 
1832 he married Nancy Bork, daughter of 
James Bork. They had four children, 
Joseph, Sarah A., Mary E. and George 
H., all living except Joseph, who died in 
the army. 

Casper Hcseman emigrated from Prus- 
sia in 1847. ^y his wife, Mary Yeasting, 
a family of twelve children were born, five 
of whom are living. Charles F., the tenth 
child, was born in Germany in 1843. I^ 
1867 he married Mary Tebbs, who died 
in 187 1, leaving two children, Elmer F., 
and Emma. In 1872 Mr. Heseman mar- 
ried for his second wife Mary Vollman, 
also a native of Prussia. Sarah and Her- 
man W. are the fruit of this union. Mr. 
Vollman emigrated from Prussia to Ohio 
in 1869, and settled in Madison township. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



771 



Since 1872 he has been living with his 
daughter, Mrs. Heseman, in Washington. 

Benjamin Karshner, a son of Jacob 
Karshner, was born in Berks county, 
Pennsylvania, in 1810. He married 
Elizabeth Box, and in 1848 emigrated to 
this county and settled in Washington 
township. Their family consisted of eight 
children, viz: Henry, Benjamin (de- 
ceased), Catharine, Edward, Isabel, Eliza- 
beth, William, and Newton. Margaret 
Box, widow of Nicholas Box, came to the 
township in 1837, and died in 1857. Mr. 
Karshner had a store in Hessville for 
about two years, then settled on the farm 
on which his son, William, now lives. ^ ^ 

Daniel Ickes, son of Adam Ickes, was 
born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in 
1816. He came to Ohio and settled in 
Washington township in 1848. He mar- 
ried, in 1840, Delila Zimmers, born in 
Bedford county in 1822. They raised a 
family of ten children, viz: Rebecca, 
Franklin Q., Mary C, Daniel W., George 
Z., Harvey J-, Joseph M. Jacob F., and 
Naomi E. Saloma A., the seventh child, 
is dead. 

Christian Schwartzmann was born in 
Germany in 1820. He married Wilhel- 
mina Pohlman in 1844, and in 1849 emi- 
grated to America. He first located in 
Madison township, but the following year 
removed to the farm on which he now 
lives. Six of their thirteen children are liv- 
ing, five girls and one boy, viz: Rosetta 
(Hornung), Washington township; Sophia 
(Munch), Wood county; Charles, Mary 
(Damschroder), Addie, and Katie, Wash- 
ington township. Mr. Schwartzmann is a 
tailor by trade. 

John Adam Bork, one of the oldest of 
the German residents of this township, was 
born in 1802. He was married in Ger- 
many to Catharine Kehler, who died in 
1842; then to Catharine Helmuth, and 
after her death to Anna E. Banze, who emi- 



grated with him to America, and is yet 
living. The family came to this country 
in 1850, and after stopping a short time in 
Erie county, settled in Washington town- 
ship. The children residing in this county 
are Adam, Elizabeth (Streit), Lewis A., 
Henry, Amelia, Elizabeth, and Caroline. 

Lewis Bolen was born in Perry county 
in 1830, and came with his family to San- 
dusky county at the age of four years. 
In 1851 he married Sarah Smith. A fam- 
ily of eleven children blessed this union, 
viz: William, Mary, John W., Harry A., 
Emma, Jesse, Lewis, Russell, Clarence, 
Fannie, and Albert. William, Jesse, and 
Lewis are dead. 

Samuel Sweet, a native of New York ' 
emigrated to Ohio and settled in Sandus- 
ky county in 1854. His wife died in New 
York, leaving a family of sixteen children, 
eight boys and eight girls. M Sweet 
died two years after coming to Ohio. 
Henry Sweet, a son of Samuel Sweet, was 
born in Albany county. New York, in 
1 8x2. 'He came to Ohio and settled in 
Seneca county in 1833. The following 
year he moved back to New York, and re- 
mained there till 1843, when he returned 
to Ohio and settled in Woodville town- 
ship. He next removed to Fremont, 
where he engaged in the livery business 
for a period, and then settled on the farm 
in Washington where he now lives. He 
has been married twice, first to Lavina 
Schovil, and after her death to Mrs. Har- 
riet Reed, widow of Samuel Reed and 
daughter of Matthias Benner. The 
fruit of this union was four children, 
viz: William H., Mary E., Lawrence, and 
Sarah J. By his first wife Mr. Sweet had 
three children — Emma, Ellen, and Char- 
ley. By her first husband Mrs. Sweet had 
one child — Edwin Reed. By trade Mr. 
Sweet is a shoemaker. He follows farm, 
ing, and is a local preacher of the United 
Brethren church. 



772 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



William Opperman was born in Nassau, 
Germany, in 1819. In 1849 he emigrated 
to America, and settled in Huron county. 
He married Ruth Purington, of Portage 
county, in 1852, and in 1856 they settled 
in Washington township. They have ten 
children, viz: Wilhelmina, Emma, Mary, 
Lydia, Charles W., Clara, William H., 
John, Olive, and Nellie. Mr. Opper- 
man served in the German army seven 
years. 

Jerome L. Loose, second child of Peter 
Loose, was born in 1836, in Perry county, 
Pennsylvania. He lived in Michigan from 
1845 to 1863; then came to Sandusky 
county and settled in Washington town- 
ship. In 1862 he married Louisa Wag- 
goner, daughter of Daniel Waggoner. 
Their family consists of three children 
living — Ida R., Elam 8., and Mary S. 
The youngest three — Alvin J., Franklin 
M., and John H. — are dead. Mr. Loose 
has taught school in this county about 
seven years. 

Bryan O'Connor, son of Michael and 
Catharine O'Connor, was born in County 
Kerry, Ireland, in 1830. In 1852 he 
emigrated to America and settled in Fre- 
mont. In 1858 he married Margaret 
Keffe, and seven years later settled on a 
farm in Washington township, where he 
continues to reside. The family consists of 
six children, viz: Catharine, Martm, Mich- 
ael, Mary, John, and Margaret. He was 
clerk of Washington township six years from 
1868, and justice of the peace from 1877 
to 1879, when he resigned. The resigna- 
tion of William Sandwisch, in 1878, 
caused a vacancy on the board of county 
commissioners, which Mr. O'Connoi was 
appomted to fill. He was elected to that 
office in 1879. 

LEGAL ORGANIZATION. 

A petition was presented to the county 
commissioners at their session held De- 
cember 6, 1830, by A. C. Ross, praying 



that the originally surveyed township num- 
ber five, range fourteen, be organized into 
a town with corporate powers and privi- 
leges. This petition was granted, and in 
deference to the choice of Mr. Ross, who 
had been most active in seeking the es- 
tablishment of local government, the new 
township was named Washington. A more 
significant name would have been Perry, 
but the fancies of men are not always, 
indeed are very seldom, influenced by an 
appreciation of historical harmony. 

The first election was held at the house 
of Daniel Karshner January i, 1831. 
The old record containing the names of 
the officers elected and the first voters can 
not be found, but it is remembered that 
Josiah H. Topping was elected justice of 
the peace, Michael Overmyer, treasurer, 
and George L. Overmyer clerk, which 
office he held for many years. 

Twelve sections were added to Wash- 
ington township after the erection of Otta- 
wa county. 

In politics the township has always been 
Democratic. 

HESSVILLE. 

There are in Washington township 
three villages — Hessville, Helena, and 
Lindsey, the two last-named being good 
trading points. The founders of Hess- 
ville were : Henry Bowman and Levi 
Hess. By reference to a preceding topic 
it will be seen that David Hess, at an 
early date, entered an immense tract of 
land, and on this land his son Levi made 
a settlement. Mr. Bowman owned a tract 
on the opposite side of the pike, where 
he had a tavern. 

William Haverfield opened a store in 
1835, and the hamlet in the woods and 
swamp was named by the settlers Cash- 
town. 

Most of the pioneers of that day were 
poor, and the difficulty of obtaining ready 
money has been frequently spoken of in 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



773 



preceding chapters. Bowman, to sacrifice 
dignity for a force of expression, was the 
keeper of a "barrel," and inconsequence 
was known by his poor neighbors as " Old 
Cash," and his village, "Cashtown." Judg- 
ing from appearances, no one having any 
sense of the fitness of things can regret 
that upon laying out the north part of the 
town, Mr. Hess gave this trading point 
his own name. 

The first physician at Hessville was 
Dr. Thompson, who bore a good reputa- 
tion as a skilled practitioner. His succes- 
sor was Dr. McVey. Dr. Philips, the 
only physician in the place at present, has, 
since locating a number of years ago, 
gained the confidence of the people. A 
few others have opened offices but did 
not remain long enough to merit mention 
in this connection. 

The postmasters at Hessville, as they 
are remembered by old citizens, have 
been: David Berry, Henry Forster, Henry 
Reiling, Samuel Ritter, A. Lay, Jacob 
Arnstadt, George McVey, and Frank 
Arts. 

There is in the village one church, 
built as a union meeting house in 1843, 
and used by the German Reformed and 
Lutheran congregations, and supplied 
by Rev. George Cronenwett. But in 1851 
the Lutherans built a house of their own, 
three-quarters of a mile farther west, on 
the pike. This house, in 1877, was torn 
down and the finest church building in 
the township erected a short distance east, 
at an expense of $3,000. Services have 
been held regularly in both houses by the 
respective denominations. The first lAith- 
erans were the Auxter, Tappy, Schwartz- 
mann, Pohlman, and Upp families. The 
first members of the Reformed congrega- 
tion were Henry Bowman, B. Karshner, 
S. Kratzel, William Keiser, William Opper- 
nian, the Kline family and a few others. 

Hessville is a hamlet of about thirty 



houses and would be easily recognized by 
settlers who left the county thirty years ago. 
The mill and distillery, owned and 
operated by Henry Reiling, remains to be 
spoken of. The mill was built by B. Bow- 
man. It was purchased by Mr. Reiling 
in 1867, who, in 1871, fitted up a com- 
plete apparatus for distilling spirituous 
liquors, with rectifiers and warehouse. 
The annual product is about one hundred 
barrels. Previous to 1875 the business 
was run on a more extensive scale. 

HELENA. 

This village is partly in Jackson town- 
ship. During the building of the Pitts- 
burgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago railroad, 
Toledo branch, the conditions seemed 
favorable to the growth of a town. In the 
midst of an excellent grain producing ter- 
ritory, and ten miles from any other mar- 
ket, its location is most favorable. The 
first lots were surveyed in September, 187 1, 
by Joseph Garn. In November, follow- 
ing, John Ickes laid out the first addition. 
Isaac Garn afterwards laid out an addition 
in Washington, and Jonathan Wagner in 
Jackson township. 

Isaac Garn was the first commissioned 
postmaster. H^ was succeeded by James 
Donald. 

Irvine Mitchell was the first merchant. 
He was succeeded by B. F. Moore, and 
he in turn by the Fausey Bros., who sus- 
pended in 1877. Marvin & Dodge 
opened a store in 1875, which was after- 
wards removed to Gibsonburg. Frederick 
Rutchow opened a store in 1876, now 
owned by Rutchow & Co. Garn & 
Mitchell, proprietors of the only other 
store, began business in 1880. L. B. Her 
opened the first drug store, which is now 
owned by W. H. Spade. Joseph Gam 
began the grain trade as soon as the rail- 
road offered shipping facilities. Rutchow 
& Co., and Garn & Mitchell, are the pre- 
sent dealers. 



774 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



There are in Helena two churches, one 
German Reformed, and one United 
Brethren. The first United Brethren 
class was collected soon after the first set- 
tlement of the township, and held prayer 
and preaching service in private houses, 
most frequently at Joseph Garn's. The 
first members were Joseph Garn and wife, 
William Boor and wife, John and Rebecca 
Donald, and David Vernon. The first 
meeting-house was built in 1843. A new 
house was built at the same place, now in 
the town of Helena, in 1865. John Dor- 
cas was the first circuit preacher, Michael 
Long the second. 

The German Reformed Church was built 
in Helena in 1873. The old house stood 
a mile further north and was built about 
1855, but has been removed. 

Both congregations have Sunday-schools 
and are in flourishing condition. 

Helena is proud of her lodge of Inde- 
jjendent Order of Odd Fellows, and if 
individual interest in the affairs of a so- 
ciety are evidences of its prosperity and 
the practical benefits furnished, the He- 
lena lodge deserves a higher place among 
the sister lodges of the county than its 
priority would indicate. The charter of 
Helena Lodge, No. S92, was issued May 
16, 1874, and it was instituted by Special 
Deputy J. W. Ritchie, July 28, 1874, with 
the following members: J. C. Tompson, 
L M. Garn, W. H. K. Gossard, Irvine 
Mitchell, A. H. Tice, G. P. Cornelius, 
B. E. Bartlett, J. W. Barnes, J. \V. Mar- 
vin, S. R. Heberling, P. J. Gossard, S. 
Andrew, and P. D. Stephenson. The 
present membership is ninety-six. This 
lodge has given to Gibsonburg lodge 
seventeen members : to Bradney thir- 
teen; and to Bettsville three. Two thou- 
sand dollars had accumulated in the treas- 
ury, which fund is now (1881) being 
drawn on for the construction of a hall. 
Dr. Thompson was the first noble grand. 



Tompson Encampment, No. 209, was 
instituted July 25, 1876, with J. C. 
Tompson, I. M. Garn, G. P. Cornelius, 
J. W. Marvin, James M. Jones, Charles 
B. Inman, A. H. Tice, Henry W. Kmg, 
and Morris Reese, charter members. A 
characteristic of the Helena Odd Fellows 
is their punctual attendance at meetings. 
There are not often many vacant chairs. 

LINDSEV. 

This village in appearance bears more 
evidence of thrift than either of the other 
two. It is located on the Lake Shore 
railroad, nine miles west of Fremont, and 
is a good market for grain and other agri- 
cultural products. The incipient steps 
toward founding a town were taken by 
Charles Loose, who erected a grain eleva- 
tor and began the grain trade. The fol- 
lowing year he erected a store and dwel- 
ling house. The first lots were surveyed 
March 23, 1868, by C. A. Monk and 
Isaiah Overmyer. Isaiah Overmyer laid 
out an addition south of the railroad De- 
cember 20, 1868. 

There is in Lindsey one church, the 
Evangelical, built in 1869. The first 
members were Rev. C. A. Monk, Rev. 
I). Strawman, W. M. Boyer, J. J. VV^alder, 
Josiah Overmyer, with their families, and 
perhaps a few others. It was a branch of 
the church north of Lindsey, which was 
the first house of worship in that part of 
the township. Services have been entirely 
discontinued in this house, the class being 
divided between Lindsey and the North 
R'ce church. 

The Lindsey saw-mill was built by W. M. 
Boyer (S: Co., and is now owned by Davis 
& Beery. J. Wolfe owns the business es- 
tablished by Charles Loose. The store 
now owned by Overmyer & Brother was 
established by W. M. Boyer. Brenaman 
& Monk's store was opened by J. V. 
Beery, and has passed through several 
changes of proprietorship. The Lindsey 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



775 



House, now owned by Mr. Kreilich, was 
built by H. J. Kramb in 1869. The Na- 
tional House, a capacious hotel building 
for a small town, was erected in 1872, by 
J. Burger, and is now owned by H. M. 
Nichols, of New York; E. S. Eowersox, 
proprietor. 

Lindsey has been set apart a special 
school district, and has a graded school 
with two rooms. 

The station was at first named Wash- 
ington, but after the survey of lots the 
name was changed. William Overmver 
was first postmaster, the office being at 
his house. "Loose" was at that time the 
name of the post office. Its style was 
changed to Lindsey to accord with the new 
name of the station, in 1868, since which 
time W. M. Boyer has been postmaster. 

A. J. Monk began practicing medicine 
in Lindsey in 1868. He remained about 
three years, and was followed by Dr. 
Sailer, whose residence was short. The 
present physicians, in the order of their 
placing themselves before the people, are 
W. H. H. Wolland, Dr. Shipley, and Dr. 
W. H. Lane. 

Lindsey Lodge, No. 668, Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted June 
27, 1877. The charter members were 
Joel Burkett, Andrew Weis, J. J. Walters, 

E. W, Hubbard, Jacob Widener, Andrew 
Widener, John Widener, W. S. Stevens, 
Nathan Cochran, F. J. Weis, William Wise- 
man, Zachariah Clay, and P. H. Over- 
myer. The lodge has a membership, at 
present, of fifty-two. The past noble 
grands, in their order, are J. J. Walters, 
Joel Burkett, W. C. Wiseman, W. S. 
Stevens, E. W. Hubbard, Andrew Weis, 
A. E. Waggoner, William Boyer, and B. 

F. Overmyer. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school-house in Washington 
was built about 1822, north of the pike on 
the old Hettrick farm. The citizens were 



called together about 1833, and after a 
day of hard work the house was ready for 
school. It was of typical pioneer fashion, 
built up of round logs, covered with long 
shingles weighted down with poles, and 
having a floor of split puncheons, hewn 
on one side and notched in on the other, 
where they rested on the sleepers so as to 
make the surface even. It may be re- 
marked in this connection that some of the 
woodsmen of that early day attained re- 
markable accuracy of stroke with the axe. 
Some of them could dress a puncheon as 
. smooth as a shingle. The windows were 
the most unique feature of these early 
school-houses. A piece was sawn out of 
one log near the middle of each side; a 
frame was fitted into the hole and splinters 
wedged in diagonally, nails being very 
scarce and expensive. Over this opening 
a sheet of white paper, previously greased, 
was stretched and fastened. There were 
plenty of air holes to supply ventilation. 

The first school-teacher was Narcissa 
Topping. From those who were benefited 
by her instructions we learn that she was 
a popular teacher. 

The first school-house in the southwest 
corner stood on the farm improved by 
Jacob Moses, and was built about 1834. 

RELIGIOUS WORSHIP. 

It cannot be determined satisfactorily 
where in the township the first religious 
service was held or who the first preacher 
was. United Brethren circuit riders trav- 
elled the Black Swamp region as soon as 
any one could be found to preach to, and 
that church was the first to form an organ- 
ized class. The Evangelical and Methodist 
churches alsosenttheir missionaries intothe 
woods, and as a result of all these evan- 
gelical labors a sense of the importance of 
maintaining religious worship was im- 
pressed upon the people. 

There are in the township nine churches 
representing six denominations — German 



776 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Reformed,. Methodist Episcopal, United 
Brethren, Lutheran, Dunkard, and Evan- 
gelical. We have previously mentioned 
those located in the villages. 

Wilson Union class. United Brethren, 
was formed of residents of Sandusky and 
AVashington townships about 1850, and a 
meeting-house was built at the township 
line, between Washington and Sandusky. 
The leading members were David Bowlus, 
Rev. Joshua Hatfield, Jacob Dezelen, and 
Rev. Wesley Harrington. The congrega- 
tion gradually grew smaller in consequence 
of the old members dying and moving 
away, and no new ones being added. In 
1857 Mrs. Samuel Skinner and daughter 
were the only regular members. That 
year George W. Steward was appointed to 
the circuit, and held a protracted meeting 
at Wilson's meeting-house, which resulted 
in twenty accessions. Since that time the 
church has had a solid footing. A new 
brick meetinghouse was built in 1876, op- 
posite the old building, in this township. 

The first members of the Evangelical 
church in the south part of this township 
were: Michael Walter, John Walter, and 
Joseph Wingard. Services were held at 
private houses until about 1859, when the 
brick house, still used for public services, 
was erected. Rev. D Kerns has been 
performing the offices of local preacher 
for more than twenty years. He was an 
itinerant ten years. The membership is 
gradually growing smaller, not numbering 
at present more than ten. 

The founder of Methodism in this town- 
ship was Israel Smith, who was one of 
the early settlers and a working member 
of the church. He collected a small class, 
composed of the following individuals: 
Israel Smith and wife, William Black and 
wife, Mrs. Russell Smith, John Lash and 
wife, Mr. Green and wife, and Andrew 
Miller and wife. Mrs. Black and Israel 1 
Smith are the only original members liv- i 



ing in the county. The first meeting- 
house v;as built of stone, and known as 
Washington Stone Chapel. In 1858 a 
new house was built further west, and the 
stone church allowed to go down. The 
present membership at Washington cha])el 
is about forty. M. D. Love is entitled to 
special mention for his labors as pastor in 
1858. 

A society of Dunkards or German Bap- 
tists built a meeting-house north of the 
pike, on the Noah Hendrick farm, m 1873. 
Samuel Fink is principal exhorter. Other 
prominent members are: Jonas Engler, 
Noah Hendrick, Mrs. Hettrick, Aaron 
Mowry, Samuel Mowry, John Hendrick, 
and Solomon Snyder. 



Biographical Sketch. 



SAMUEL SKINNER. 

The first settler of Washington town- 
ship — Josiah Topping — located on the 
pike in 1826. He was followed by David 
Grant, then John Wolcutt, and, fourth, in 
the spring of 1831, came George Skinner 
with his family. 

George Skinner and his wife, whose 
maiden name way Mary (ioodin, were 
natives of Somerset county, Pennsylvania. 
They removed to Perry county, Ohio, at 
an early period of the settlement of that 
county, and accumulated property which 
was well improved when the Black Swamp 
became a much talked of land of promise. 
Mr. Skinner's desire to give his children, 
fast growing to maturity, a start in life, led 
him to sell his farm in Perry county and 
enter land here. His original purchase 
was larger than that of any man in the 
township with one exception. 

In April, 1830, the party, consisting of 
George Skinner and wife, and eight of 
their children, three of whom were mar- 





y/Z,i^-p^i^J^'\^ 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



777 



ried, arrived in Lower Sandusky. A short 
time after they penetrated the swamp and 
made a settlement in the southeast part of 
Washington township. The Skinner family 
consisted of twelve children, three of 
whom died in Perry county before the 
family's settlement in this county — Eliza- 
beth, Fanny, and Jane. David, the 
second child, settled in Morrow county. 
Those who came to Sandusky were: 
Rhoda, wife of William Black, settled in 
Washington township, where her husband 
died, and she is yet living, being a woman 
well known for her kindness of heart and 
neighborly assistance in every time of 
need; Rebecca, accompanied by her hus- 
band, Samuel Black, settled in Washing- 
ton township, where he died, she now 
living with her children in Illinois; John, 
accompanied by his f;imily, settled in 
Washington township and subsequently 
removed to Livingston county, Michigan; 
Samuel, the subject of this biography, 
came a single man; George married, in 
Seneca county, Elizabeth Kimes, settled 
first in Seneca county, then in Washing- 
ton township, and subsequently removed to 
Williams county, where he is now living; 
Aaron, after the immigration of his family, 
returned to Perry county, where he mar- 
ried, and then settled in Washington town- 
ship, and has since removed to Illinois; 
Nathan married, in Washington township, 
Sophia Dayhoof, settled in Washington, 
and subsequently removed to Cass county, 
Michigan, where he now lives; Mary Ann 
married, in Washington township, John 
Walters, and died in Tiffin, Ohio. 

It was not for Mrs. Skinner long to bear 
the toils of pioneer life. She died in 
Washington township September 24, 1831, 
about eighteen months after leaving the 
old home in Perry county. George Skin- 
ner died September 25, 1838, aged fifty- i 
seven years and three months. He had j 
abandoned the comforts of a well im- ' 



proved home with a view to providing 
homes for his children. He came to a 
country which nature had favored with 
richness, but a full generation's labor was 
needed to make it an inviting dwelling 
place. He lived to sec a part of his large 
tract improved. He lived to see a cabin 
on almost every section and quarter-sec- 
tion in his township. This was the begin- 
ning of that transformation which half a 
century has effected. 

Samuel Skinner, whose portrait appears 
in this volume, is one of the few men who 
has seen that transformation from begin- 
ning to end, and, at the same time, has 
been an active agent in effecting it. He 
was born in Perry county, Ohio, May 10, 
1814, and was consequently about sixteen 
years old when the family came to this 
county. His education was such as the 
primitive schools of his native county af- 
forded. Accustomed to hard work, he was 
well calculated by physical strength for the 
life whicli lay before him. He married in 
Washington township, October 17, 1833, 
Elizabeth Geeseman, who was born in 
Pennsylvania, in 181 2. Her father, 
George Geeseman, removed to Perry 
county, Ohio, and from there to Washing- 
ton township, Sandusky county, in 183 1. 
When Mr. Skinner was married, to obtain 
a start in life was not an easy matter. He 
was unable to provide for the necessities 
of life without performing day labor for 
his neighbors. Agricultural productions 
could not be exchanged for money, and 
the wages of a day laborer look very small 
in this period of plenty. But these obsta- 
cles of early life finally yielded to the con- 
tinuous hard licks of the pioneers, and 
eventual success and financial prosperity 
rewarded hardships endured. The family 
of Mr. and Mrs. Skinner is somewhat re- 
markable. There were ten children, one 
boy and nine girls, all of whom are living, 
all married, and all in promising circum- 



98 



778 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



stances. Their names and places of resi- 
dence are as follows: George W. was 
born July 25,1834. He married Theresa 
Fox, and is living on the old homestead 
farm, in Washington township. Mary was 
born December 7, 1835. She was mar- 
ried to Jacob Rearick, and resides in 
Henry county, Ohio. Sarah was born 
May I, 1837. She was married to George 
Rearick, residing in Sandusky township, 
this county. Cynthia was born January 
4, 1841. She is married to David Bur- 
goon, residing in Sandusky township, this 
county. Eliza Ann, wife of Edward 
Choate, residing in Monroe county, Michi- 
gan, was born May 25, 1843. Margaret 
E., was married to Eli Hansberger, of 
Monroe county, Michigan. She was born 
October 3, 1844. Laura M., wife of Fred- 
erick Zorn, lives in Poweshiek county, 
Iowa. She was born April 4, 1847. Har- 
riet M. was born October 30, 1849. She 
is the wife ot Lewis Zorn, of Madison 
township. Jane E. was born September 
7, 185 1. She is married to Peter Cor- 
nelius, and lives at Helena, Jackson town- 
ship. Emma N., the youngest child, was 
born August 20, 1853. She is the wife of 
Jacob Hendricks, of Henry county, Ohio. 

Mrs. Skinner died March 8, 1869. 

Mr. Skinner married for his second 
wife, in April, 1870, Mrs. Sarah Guyer, 
daughter of George M. Gunter, who set- 
tled in Wood county in 1824. 

There is enough of danger connected 
with a bear hunt to give it a peculiar in- 
terest. Mr. Skinner was the discoverer of 
the track, and one of a party to pursue 
the last bear, so far as is known, to enter 
the marshes of Sandusky county. In the 
vv^inter of 1834 Mr. Skinner discovered, 
one afternoon, the track of a large bear. 
The animal at that period was rare in this 
part of the State, and his track promised 
a fine day's sport. During the night a 
light snow fell, which obscured the former 



track, but the following day a couple of 
young men of the neighborhood, while re- 
turning from an errand to Jackson town- 
ship, on Muskallonge, saw the track in 
the snow. The discovery was reported, 
dogs collected, and on the following morn- 
ing, at four o'clock, a party of four, con- 
sisting of Samuel Skinner, Robert Mc- 
Culloch, Samuel Geeseman, and James 
Fisher, with their pack of dogs and well 
charged guns, were on the track. Patient- 
ly step after step was followed by the 
light of the moon. Daylight came, and 
the dogs, as the track became fresher, 
were more anxious and pushed ahead. 
About noon they bounded forward with 
fierce barks, and the sound soon came 
from far away in the thicket. The party 
hurried in eager pursuit of the pack, for 
the barking and shrill howls of the dogs, 
just audible, clearly indicated the progress 
of a battle. After the pursuit had con- 
tinued for some time, Mr. Skinner, who 
was far in advance of his comrades, met 
two of the battle-scarred dogs returning 
from the fray. One had been sevei-ely 
wounded, the other considerably scratched. 
Suddenly the character of the barking 
changed from sharp yelps and long-drawn 
howls, which hunters recognize as the 
rapid advances and reti'eats of determined 
fighting, to the continuous noise of the 
chase. When the party came to the place 
of encounter, under a large tree, the snow 
tracks clearly indicated what had hap- 
pened. The pack had overtaken their 
game at tliat place, and he backed himself 
against the tree, thus being securely forti- 
fied in the rear and prepared to give battle 
with both paws. The condition of the 
dogs and blood on the ground showed 
bruin's victory, and as the pack returned 
one by one from their futile pursuit, the 
failure of the chase was apparent. The 
party returned to Miller's tavern, near 
Woodville. The host was boastful of his 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



779 



dogs, and anxious to give them a trial. 
He offered to keep the party over night, 
but Messrs. Skinner and McCuUoch re- 
turned to their homes. The next day's 
chase was more unsuccessful than the first. 
But a week later a bear, supposed to be 
the same one, was killed near Findlay, 
Hancock county. 

Mr. Skinner retired from the farm in 
187 1, and has since been living in Fre- 
mont. He is a large, good-natured, full- 
hearted gentleman, on whom time and 
hard labor have had little effect. As re- 
marked before, he has seen the growth of 
his township, and contributed his strong 
physical energies toward that growth. In 
reply to the question, "Do you feel repaid 
for your labor, and the hardships which 
nature and the times imposed upon the 
early pioneers of the Black Swamp?" he 
replied: "I would not like to say that I 
have not been repaid, but if I was again a 
young man, and could foresee the course 
of life I have followed, I would not sacri- 



fice society and improvement for what I 
have accumulated." When we remember 
that Mr. Skinner is among the most suc- 
cessful of the pioneers of this part of the 
county, and has certainly been peculiarly 
fortunate in respect to health, his remark 
has a deep meaning. If those of the 
early immigrants who became wealthy do 
not feel repaid for their toil, what sorrow 
and suffering must have prevailed among 
the multitude less fortunate! 

But if pecuniary gain has not been suf- 
ficient reward, Mr. Skinner and other 
pioneers of his class can look back over 
the busy and clouded past with a con- 
sciousness of having added to the world's 
wealth, of having completed nature's 
work and conferred an appreciated boon 
upon their descendants and humanity. 
No feeling of seK-approbation is stronger 
m an old man than the sense of having 
been useful. The life of such commands 
our admiration, and the m.emory of such 
is worthy of preservation. 



WOODVILLE 



OTTAWA county on the north, Wood 
on the west, Madison township on the 
south, and Washington township on the 
east with a fraction of Ottawa county, de- 
fine Woodville township. In the original 
division of Sandusky county into town- 
ships the territory now compiised in Wood- 
ville was embraced in Madison and Clay 
townships. The records of the county 
commissioners show that the township, as 
it now stands, was organized pursuant to 
the following order: 

At a special session of the county commissioners 
held April i, 1840, it was ordered that so much of 
original surveyed township number six, range thir- 
teen as is within the boundaries of Sandusky county, 
and all that part of original surveyed township 
number five, range thirteen north of the centreline, 
running east and west through the center of sections 
seven, eight, nine, ten and twelve be organized and 
constituted a new township by the name of Wood- 
ville, and that the first election for township officers 
be holden at the house of Amos E, Wood in said 
township on the 14th day of April ne.xt, between the 
hours required by law. 

There were at that time a great many 
more electors than were necessary to effect 
the organization. The earliest township 
records have not been preserved so that 
the exact date of the first election cannot 
be given. However, it is known that dur- 
ing the summer of 1840 the voting for the 
first officers took place at the old Wood 
tavern which stood on the land now 
owned by members of the Price family, 
just east of the present village of Wood- 
ville. This was, perhaps, the first public 
gathering of the members of the new 
community, and as the election was merely 
of local interest with no political signifi- 
789 



cance, it was very harmonious, and every- 
body had a good time, such a time as 
only a pioneer tavern can furnish. The 
name of the township is in honor of Amos 
E. Wood, who was one of the leading 
citizens at the time of its organization. 
The election resulted as follows: David 
Dunham, Lester Allen, and Archibald 
Rice, trustees; Ira Benedict and Jared 
Plumb, justices of the peace; Ira Ben- 
edict, clerk. These men, who were the 
most substantial citizens of the new 
township, succeeded in their honest en- 
deavors to further the best interests of the 
people, and their merit was recognized by 
frequent re-elections. Any one taking an 
interest in the local history of Woodville 
would be amused at some of the old rec- 
ords kept by the clerk, in which are care- 
fully noted indentures, accounts of stray 
cattle, and the record of the marks by 
which hogs and sheep were recognized. 
Sometimes the unfortunate animal was 
branded, sometimes painted, but the most 
popular way was the rather sanguinary 
process of slitting and otherwise muti- 
lating the auricular appendages of the 
poor animals. Happily, since the days of 
fences this barbarous custom is unneces- 
sary, and the ears of the head are intact. 
The elections have always been held at 
Woodville village. The officers elected 
in 1881 are as follows: R. Hartman, 
J. H. Hurralbrink, and Henry Blausey, 
trustees; George Wehrung, justice of 
the peace; Dr. Henry Bush, treasurer; 
George Wehrung, clerk; Jonathan Faler 
and B. D. Enoch, constables. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



781 



PHYSICAL FEATURES. 

The productive territory of VVoodville 
township has been redeemed from the 
famous Black Swamp, elsewhere de- 
scribed in this work. It lacks six sec- 
tions in the northeast corner of being 
six miles square. This fractional piece 
was incorporated into Ottawa county at 
its organization in 1840. The surface 
is a monotonous plain, and was at one 
time covered by the waters of Lake Erie. 
The Portage River traverses the township 
in a northeasterly course, dividing it into 
almost equal parts. The Tousaint Creek 
in the northeast corner, and Sugar Creek 
in the southwest, run parallel with the 
Portage through the township, thus mak- 
ing the gradual slope of the plain toward 
Sandusky Bay. These streams are sep- 
arated by almost imperceptible limestone 
ridges, which are the out-crops of 
the underlying strata of Niagara stone, 
whose western boundary is marked by a 
line running south from section eight, 
leaving the township and county in sec- 
tion six. Beyond this line, on the west, 
may be seen the out-croppings of the 
water-lime stone, which is very valuable 
for building-stone, and bids fair to rival 
at no far distant day, the more celebrated 
building-stone of southern Ohio. The 
Niagara stone is extensively quarried in 
the vicinity of Woodville village, a num- 
ber of lime-kilns being located in section 
twenty-one, near the cemetery. In the 
same locality there-are several good sand- 
banks that were deposited here during the 
days of geological formation. The land 
along the line of these stony ridges is un- 
productive, and m most places is covered 
with a scant growth of grass, which affords 
pasturage to the numerous sheep and cat- 
tle annually raised in the township. The 
underlying strata are also apparent in the 
courses eroded by the streams, and in 
many places the exposures are many feet 



in thickness. Between the ridges the soil 
is the ordinary clay characteristic of the 
Black Swamp. Where there is much 
fallen timber and decaying vegetable mat- 
ter the earth is a black loam, which gives 
the soil a muckish character. There are 
considerable areas of swamp land which, 
however, is being redeemed by a thorough 
system of drainage. Experience has dem- 
onstrated that the farmer makes most by 
raising mixed crops. Wheat is always 
good, and its production is encouraged by 
the ready market afforded at Woodville. 

The monotony of the view is constantly 
broken by extensive forests on every side. 
The most of the township was originally 
covered with low-land varieties of timber. 
Elm, hickory, cotton-wood, beech, ash, 
the varieties of oak, and the like, are 
found. 

In the early days these forests teemed 
with game, small and great. Bear and 
wolves gave place to less savage game, 
such as wild turkeys with their gobble, 
gobble, gobble, and the mischievous, 
barking bunnies, so destructive to the 
corn. There was scarcely any bottom to 
the mud that covered the first roads, as 
those who tried them will testify. 

THE FIRST ROAD 

was the old mud pike, which was called 
the Maumee and Western Reserve turn- 
pike. It gave way more than forty years 
ago to the present substantial stone pike. 
Bisecting the township, it was the path of 
the emigrants between Toledo and the far 
East. It was this road that opened the 
township to the settler, and along its 
course are strewn some of the pleasantest 
pioneer reminiscences. Imagine yourself 
in a road little wider than an ordinary 
narrow street, bordered by tall, gloomy- 
looking forest trees, converging east and 
west and shutting off the view of the 
country ahead and behind. The road 
which, from the beginning, was a thorough- 



782 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



fare, is memorable because of numerous 
mud-holes extending from one tavern to 
another. It was not an unfrequent sight 
to see a mover's wagon stuck in the mud, 
and many a time were the people along 
the way called upon to pull the loads out 
of the mire. In those early days help 
was freely given, it bemg an unusual thing 
to charge anything for service. 

The building of a stone pike was the 
making of Woodville township, and the 
pike lands rapidly rose m value. To-day, 
with the railroad running through the 
township, together with other facilities for 
travel, it is hard to realize the situation of 
travellers in the early days. In 1840 
there were within the confines of the 
township ten pleasant carriages, valued at 
four hundred and seventy dollars, and 
forty-one horses worth one thousand six 
hundred and forty dollars, or forty-one 
dollars apiece. Much of the hauling was 
done with ox teains. In 1840 there were 
one hundred and eighty cattle, valued at 
one thousand four hundred and forty dol- 
lars. All the land in the township was 
worth but forty-one thousand five hundred 
and eighty-seven dollars, including houses 
and other property. Now the real estate 
is valued at four hundred and sixty-three 
thousand three hundred and twenty dol- 
lars, and chattel property at three hundred 
and seven thousand and seventy-eight dol- 
lars, making a total valuation of seven 
hundred and seventy thousand three hun- 
dred and ninety-eight dollars. 

THE OLD TAVERNS. 

There were at least three public taverns 
along the pike in Woodville township in 
the early days. The necessity for their 
proximity to one another is more apparent 
when we reflect that between each there 
was a continuous time-consuming, pa- 
tience-exhausting mud hole, so bad, in fact, 
that It took all day to make a journey of a 
few miles. 



The first tavern in the township was 
opened where Woodville village now is, in 
1826, by Thomas Miller, the first settler. 
This hostelrie is described as a little log 
cabin, always full of comfort and good 
cheer. The old shell is still standing 
back of Cronnewett's drug store, in Wood- 
ville. 

There was, a few years later, a tavern 
just across the river, which was kept by 
members of the Wood family. This was 
the place of the first election. 

About the year 1840 the old trading 
post, that had been occupied by C. B. 
Collins, fell into the hands of Lewis Jen- 
nings, who turned it into a tavern, which, 
for a time, was a popular resort. In the 
spring of 1 84 1 a peddler by the name of 
Smith stopped for several weeks at this 
place. He had a good wagon and a fine 
mare, and his goods were of the best qual- 
ity. His stock of goods beginning to de- 
crease the peddler one morning bid good 
bye to his host and started on foot to San- 
dusky, where he intended to take the boat 
for Buffalo. When the time for his return 
had passed he did not arrive. The coun- 
try round about was searched but no trace 
was found. Foul play was suspected and 
Mr. Jennings was arrested and taken to 
Woodville. The preliminary trial failed 
to prove anything and he was released. 
The excitement did not abate for some 
time. The horse, wagon, and goods were 
kept by Mr. Jennings, who, shortly after- 
wards, moved away. Nothing was ever 
heard of the missing peddler. 

L.\ND RECORD. 

The names of many of the early settlers 
of Woodville township appear in the 
annexed record of land entries, which in- 
dicates the original owners. It will be ob- 
served that much of the land fell into the 
hands of speculators who never thought of 
locating on their purchases. 

The first record was made, in 1826, by 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



783 



C. B. Collins; others quickly follow. The 
full list for 1826 is as follows : 

ACRES. 

C. B.Collins section 26 180 

C. B. Collins section 35 143 

C. B. Collins section 35 

Daniel Hubbel section 21 

Daniel Hubbel section 28 312 

Daniel Hubbel section 28 

Thomas McKnight section 27 142 

Joseph Wood section 33 81 

Joseph Wood section 28 68 

Joseph Wood section 27 

Joseph Wood section 27 103 

The record for 1827 is: 

ACRES. 

James Brooks section 28 84 

James Brooks sec. 20 — 29 79 

Jacques Hulburd section 29 79 

John Hollister section 35 96 

William James section 27 123 

The following records of entries were 
made as early as 1829: 

ACRES. 

James Brooks section 28 

James Brooks section 28 85 

James Brooks section 29 

James Brooks section 20 143 

Land was recorded in 183 1 by: 

ACRES. 

James Brooks section 28 

James Brooks section 28 85 

James Brooks section 29 

James Brooks section 20 143 

James Howell section 19 71 

Ludvvick Ridenour tract 136 143 

Clorinda Morrow tract 100 117 

William James tract 78 68 

Recorded in 1833: 

ACRES. 

Jacob Bunce section 26 80 

Truman Wolf tract 117 84 

William Dunbar tract 80 84 

William James. _. section 26 80 

Dickinson & Birchard tract 94 102 

Truman Wolf tract 113 117 

Jacob Bunce section 26 80 

Dickinson & Birchard tract 94 103 

Recorded in 1834: 

ACRES. 

David Miller section 21 80 

David Stabler section 29 80 

John H. Scott section 26 80 

James Scott . section 26 70 

Mary Harding section 30 79 

Ignatius Rue section 30 80 



ACRES. 

John Gassner section 30 70 

Samuel Matter section 34 73 

Samuel Matter section 21 80 

I. G. Scharber and G. H. Sea- 

ber section 33 N.E. J^ 

I. G. Scharber and G. H. Sea- 

ber section 33 248 

David Day tract 95 121 

George Weiker section 29 113 

Levi Rice and C. Eno tract 81 122 

Francis Lefever section 29 82 

Hiram Preston section 27 S. E. J4' 

^ Hiram Preston section 34 169 

Cyrus Patridge section 34 126 

Harriet Miller tract 97 ro2 

Justice & Birchard section 34 128 

Justice & Birchard section 36 125 

Justice & Birchard section 36 147 

Justice & Birchnrd section 18 144 

Justice & Birchard section 19 118 

Justice & Birchard section 19 95 

Sardis Birchard section 20 74 

Sardis Birchard. ...-=- section 29 128 

Sardis Birchard section 20 84 

Sardis Birchard section 20 So 

John Bell tract 98 84 

1 William Dunbar tract 80 84 

Truman Wolfe tract 1 13 118 

Truman Wolfe tract 117 85 

Dickinson & Justice. section 18 78 

I Dickinson & Justice section 18 79 

Jared Plumb section 2 85 

J ared Plumb section 2 158 

Benjamin Morpher section 2 135 

Justice & Birchard section 2 129 

Justice & Birchard section i 116 

Justice & Birchard section i 94 

Justice & Birchard section i 154 

Justice & Dickinson section 2 86 

Justice (S: Dickinson section 2 71 

Lewis A. Harris section i 80 

Daniel Seagar section 2 ri8 

Daniel Seagar section 2 85 

James H. Moore section 21 81 

Abraham Baity section 30 80 

Frederick Baity section 30 80 

Ignatius Rue section 30 80 

David Leighty section 30 137 

David Leighty section 19 69 

In the year 1835 the record of land en- 
tries is : 

ACRES. 

Henry G. Folger section 3 80 

Lewis A. Harris section 18 126 

Andrew Friesner tract 86 72 

John Bell section 34 84 

John Bell section 34 79 



784 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ACRES. 

John H. Doane section 26 82 

George F. Whittaker section 36 163 

George F. Whittaker section 33 85 

John Decker section 33 150 

S. Birchard and William P. 

Dixon section g 80 

S. Birchard and William P. 

Di.xon section 10 80 

Philip Bigh section 8 80 

Charles S. Brown section 17 80 

P. W. Benjamin section 15 160 

P. W. Benjamin section 15 80 

P. W. Benjamin section 8 80 

P. W. Benjamin section 17 40 

P. W. Benjamin section 8 40 

Daniel Church section 9 80 

Daniel Church section 8 80 

Eli Church section 8 80 

R. Dickinson and John R. 

Pease section 25 40 

Robert Fletcher section 25 40 

Benjamin Hilligass section 17 40 

John Harris section 9 40 

Jonathan Kelery section \j 80 

Michael Miller section 29 40 

D. D. Ogden section 9 160 

H, P. Russell section 17 40 

H. P. Russell section 15 40 

James A. Scoville section 9 80 

JohnWheeland section 17 40 

Anthony Wommer section 8 .|o 

In 1836 the record was: 

ACRES. 

Benjamin Moore section 4 160 

Benjamin Moore section 4 80 

George Orwig section 3 42 

George Orwig section 3 84 

George Orwig section 3 44 

John Strohl section 5 157 

John Strohl section 5 78 

Jesse Stone section 5 78 

Abraham Tilton section 4 40 

John Decker section 34 80 

P. W. Benjamin section 10 80 

P. W. Benjamin section 15 80 

P. W. Benjamin section 22 80 

P. W. Benjamin section 22 80 

P. W. Benjamin section 9 80 

P. W. Benjamin section 22 160 

P. W. Benjamin section 10 40 

P. W. Benjamin section 8 160 

P.W.Benjamin section 15 240 

J. B. Larwill section 22 80 

John Strohl section 32 80 

Jesse Stone section 32 80 

In 1837 there is an account of but two 
entries, viz.: 



ACRES. 

John Kline section 4 160 

Abraham Van Tuyl section 8 80 

The list of entries recorded in 1839 is 
as follows: 

ACRES. 

John Vanettan section 6 158 

Ira Benedict section 31 183 

John Gassner section 31 141 

John McCormick section 25 40 

John Vanettan section 31 134 

Moses Young section 25 80 

Benjamin Yates section 28 80 

In 1840's record we find more names 
of actual settlers than heretofore: 

ACRES. 

Daniel Bauer section 5 40 

D. B. Banks section 6 78 

Edward Down section 3 80 

Edward Down section 3 80 

Peter Kratzer section 6 80 

Daniel Kratzer section 6 80 

David Neely section 3 80 

Henry Wevrich section 6 160 

William Wevrich section 4 81 

William Wevrich section 4 40 

Newton G. Eno section 17 80 

Newton Eno section 17 80 

Peter Korbal section 25 80 

Abijah Newman section 10 80 

Abijah Newman section 10 80 

.•\bijah Newman section 9 80 

.•\bijah Newman section 10 80 

Abijah Newman section 10 40 

Samuel Pitcher section 10 80 

Erastus Pitcher section 10 80 

Austin H. Walker section 17 40 

Austin H. Walker section 17 40 

Amos E. Wood section 32 78 

Amos E. Wood section 32 66 

David B. Banks section 32 80 

David B. Banks section 32 80 

David B. Banks section 32 80 

William Chambers section 25 80 

Davis Dunham section 25 80 

Davis Dunham section 25 80 

Jacob Dobbs section 15 40 

SETTLEMENT. 

It was not until other parts of the coun- 
ty had been settled for a number of years 
that a permanent settlement was made in 
the territory of Woodville township. Dur- 
ing the Indian occupation of the county 
the forests in the western part, being low 
and swampy, were only used as hunting 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



785 



grounds. The settlement was finally made 
by a number of American families, accom- 
panied by numerous German pioneers. 
The State of New York furnished Wood- 
ville with most of its American popula- 
tion, while nearly all of the Germans came 
from Hanover. 

The line of immigration from New 
York was generally up the Erie Canal to 
Buffalo, thence by boat to Toledo, and 
then by wagon to the place of settlement. 
Nearly all ot the first settlers made the 
first clearings on their new farms, and 
built with their own hands their log cabins, 
many of them being compelled to camp 
out during the first few days of their so- 
journ in the strange land. In 1825 it was 
ordered that the mud pike, which was lit- 
tle n)ore than a corduroy road, be built, 
and that adjoining land be sold as "pike 
lands." This was the signal for settle- 
ment. 

Prior to this time there may have been 
here and there an occasional squatter. 
The first clearing was made on the pres 
ent site of the village of Woodville, in 
1825, at which time a little log cabin was 
erected, and in the fall of 1826 was occu- 
pied by Thomas and Harriet Miller. After 
Mr. Miller's death, in 1828, Mrs. Miller 
continued to keep tavern until 1837, when 
she married Charles Seager. Tradition 
has it that, at an early day, there was an 
old Indian beating-post at section thirty- 
five, on Sugar Creek, on the land now 
owned by G. H. Damschrader. It is 
known that this land was bought, in 1826, 
by C. B. Collins, of Sandusky, who, ten 
years later, superintended the grading of 
the road. However, it is probable he did 
not occupy the land until 1836. 

In 1832 Ephraim Wood, a native of 
Vermont, and his son-in-law, George H. 
Price, of New York, bought land and 
built houses in sections twenty-eight and 
seven. Price's eighty acres adjoined and 



embraced the south part of what is now 
the village of Woodville. Wood's farm 
consisted of one hundred and sixty acres 
of land in section twenty-seven, just across 
the Portage River from Price's. He put 
put up a log-house which not long after- 
wards received a frame addition and be- 
came a popular tavern. Here it was that 
the first township election was held, in 
1840. Mr. Wood was born in Vermont, 
in 1780. He married Hannah Doan, a 
native of Cape Cod. There were four 
children. Amos E. was born in 181 1, and 
died in 1850, ten years before his father. 
Both were leading citizens and had much 
to do with the prosperity of the township. 
Mr. Price was a native of New York, having 
been born in Poughkeepsie, in 1783. He 
was married, in 1829, to Parthena, second 
child of Ephraim Wood. They had two 
children, — George E. and William W. 
The latter was born in Kent, Ohio, in 
183 1. By his wife, Louise B. Ladd, he 
has had three children, — Willie H., Nellie 
P., and Grace E. 

One of the earliest settlements in 
the east part of the township, was that of 
Lester Allen who was one of the first 
township trustees. 

In October, 1831, the Baldwin and 
Chaffa families settled in the Black Swamp, 
there being but five families in Woodville 
township at the time of their settlement. 
They came from Geauga county, having 
originally emigrated from Vermont. Ebe- 
nezer Baldwin died of cholera, in 1834. 
His son, N. J. Baldwin, married Catharine 
Boose, whose parents came from New 
York in 1850, and settled in Black Swamp. 

Davis Dunham, who was born in Penn- 
sylvania in 1789, came to Woodville town- 
ship in 1 833, and settled in the south part of 
section twenty-five. By his wife, Anna 
Widener (born in Pennsylvania, in 1795, 
died in 1867), he had_nine children, viz: 
Anna, Rebecca, Almon, Sarah, Phmeas, 



786 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Margaret, Lucy, Davis, and Samantha. 
Mr. Dunham is the only survivor of the 
earliest pioneers of his neighborhood. He 
has been a prominent man, having had 
much to do with the affairs of the town- 
ship. His oldest son, Almon, was born 
in Erie county, Ohio, in 1824, and in 
1849 married Mary Allen, who died in 
1879. Two of their four children are 
living, viz: Oren and Mary E. In 1880 
Mr. Dunham married Mary E. Miller, 
who was born in 1854. Mr. Dunham is 
at present a member of the Ohio Legis- 
lature. 

John H. Scott and his brother James, 
who came from Southeastern Ohio in 
1834, settled in the eastern part of the 
township, John locating on the line in 
section one, where the toll gate now is, 
and James settling on the road from 
Woodville to Elmore, on a farm adjoining 
that now owned by Michael McBridc. 
They moved to Illinois about 1856. 

May I, 1834, John and Mary Moore, 
with their family of eleven children, started 
from Hampton, Pennsylvania, and on the 
19th of May arrived at the Black Swamp, 
three and a half miles west of Hessville. 
Land was bought of a Mr. Coleman. 
There was a cabin on the land and two 
acres had been cleared though not fenced. 
The nearest house west was one and a 
half miles off, east one mile, north three, 
and south three miles. The old house 
was afterwards used as a school-house, 
Mr. Moore having built a larger house of 
his own. 

In 1834 Jared Plumb emigrated from 
New York, coming to Woodville town- 
ship via Buffalo, across the lake to Toledo 
and thence by wagon down the Mud pike. 
He bought land on Sugar Creek now 
owned by C. F. Klansing, in section two. 
So thick was the woods along the creek 
that he had to cut his way to where he 
erected his log house. He rapidly cleared 



his land and made himself a comfortable 
home where he resided until his death, in 
1864. His widow resides in Toledo. 

David B. Banks emigrated from New 
York to Ohio as early as 1834 or 1835 
and located in section twenty-nine, where 
he built a grist-mill and saw-mill, his 
bemg the first mills in the township. He 
died in 1841. His widow^ married again 
and resides in Genoa, Ottawa county. 
About the time of Banks' settlement 
Archibald Rice and James Scoville, his 
brother-in-law, came from New York and 
settled near Woodville. Mr. Scoville's 
sister, Mrs. Rice, is living in the village. 
In 1840 Samuel and P'rastus Pitcher, 
who several years before had entered land 
in the Rice neighborhood, made settle- 
ment. They afterwards removed to Mich- 
igan. Ira Kelsy, of New York, came 
with the Pitchers and located in the same 
neighborhood, as did also a Mr. Thatcher. 
Peter Kratzcr also settled in 1840 in the 
southwest corner of the township, section 
six, his house being on the county line 
between Wood and Sandusky. He died 
a few y.ears ago. Members of his family 
live on the old place. 

Edward Down, another settler of 1840, 
bought land in the southern part of the 
township. He was an Englishman, and 
emigrated to Ohio from New York. He 
only lived a short time after his settle- 
ment. 

In 1839 Andrew Nuhfer became a 
resident of Woodville, coming from Ba- 
varia. He is the present postmaster. 

Ira Benedict, a native of New' York, 
came to Woodville township at an early 
day, and bought land up the Portage 
River, two or three miles from Woodville 
village. He rented his land at first, mak- 
ing final settlement in 1S41. He was a 
very prominent man until his death, which 
occurred ten or twelve years ago. He was 
considered to be an exceptionally fine 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



787 



scholar for his day. He has a son living in 
Toledo. In 1839 John Vanettan settled 
in the Benedict neighborhood. He was 
also from New York. His son Jacob is 
living. 

Barthol Hurralbrink, a native of Han- 
over, Germany, came to Woodville town- 
ship in 1835, and settled on the Seager 
place. He improved a good farm, became 
a leading citizen, and died in 1865, aged 
sixty-five years. His son, John H., sur- 
vives him. 

In the same year of Hurralbrink's set- 
tlement, Hiram Preston, who had formerly 
lived on the State line between Pennsyl- 
vania and New York, came to this town- 
sliip and settled in section twenty-seven, 
where he still is living, at the age of eighty- 
one years. 

Frederick Myerholtz and a Mr. Frary 
located in the Hurralbrink neighborhood 
in 1835. Both are dead. 

About 1836 or 1837 Henry Seabert, an 
emigrant from Hanover, Germany, settled 
in Woodville. His family still lives in the 
neighborhood. 

In 1837 William Blank, a native of 
Pennsylvania, settled in the southern part 
of the township, on Sugar Creek, where 
members of his family are still living. He 
died in 1871, aged eighty-one years. A 
Mr. Burnham, from Lake Champlain, 
came about the same time as Mr. Blank. 
About this time a Mr. Solnan, a wagon- 
maker from Germany, located about three- 
quarters of a mile south of Woodville. 
It was he who built the first frame house 
after the organization of the township. 
John Duke, an Irishman, lived on the 
north side of the pike, near where the 
village now is, where he sold goods. 

Michael McBride, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, came to Ohio in 1837, and in 1841 
bought land on Sugar Creek, in section 
thirty-five, where he still resides. He was 
contractor for the buildin" of the stone 



pike. His wife, Joanna Kaily, of Ireland, 
died in 1876. He has four children, all 
living. 

Dr. A. R. Ferguson, who was born in 
Trumbull county, Ohio, in 18 14, came to 
Sandusky county in 1839, locating in the 
village of Woodville, where he kept a 
small drug store and practiced medicine 
until 1862, when he removed to Fremont. 
He was sheriff of the county for four 
years, and in 1866 moved to Ballville 
township, where he still resides. In 1843 
he married Mary E. Hart, a native of New 
York, who died in 1850. Two children 
were born of this marriage, viz : Archibald, 
who resides in Tiffin, and Marietta, de- 
ceased. In 1855 Dr. Ferguson married 
Savilla, daughter of George and Lucy 
Cook. Ten children are the result of this 
union, all of whom are living, viz : Wil- 
liam and Edward, residing at Green Spring; 
Lillie B., wife of Kelley Myers, of Fre- 
mont; the others are at home— Nellie E., 
Lulu M., Savilla E., Frank R., Fannie G., 
Alice B., and John A. 

William C. Hendricks, a native of Ger- 
many, came from Toledo in 1839 and set- 
tled near Woodville. He is su])posed to 
have been the first German who settled at 
Toledo. 

Thomas L. Truman, jr., came to Wood- 
ville township in 1840, from Ottawa 
county. He is the son of Thomas L. Tru- 
man, sr., who emigrated from Connecticut 
to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, in 1832, and 
in 1838 moved to Ottawa county, and was 
the first settler in Benton township. The 
younger Mr. Truman was married in 1843 
to Susannah Baldwin, a native of Geauga 
county, Ohio. The result of this union 
was five children, two of whom, Albert A. 
and Thomas W., are deceased. Emeline 
married Samuel P. Gardner and resides at 
home. Betsy married Albert Myers and 
resides in Madison township; and the 
third daughter, Minnie, is the wife of D. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



B. Brown, M. D., Pemberville, Wood 
county. 

In 1842 C. F. Klaving, of Germany, and 
a Mr. Hiller settled on Sugar Creek in the 
southern part of the township. In the same 
year two brothers, H. H. and H. B. Shoe- 
maker, and Chris Gerion located in the 
same neighborhood. 

Rev. George Cronnewett, pastor of the 
Lutheran church, became a resident of 
Woodville in 1841, During his time he 
has organized thirteen churches, and also 
been their pastoral supply for a greater or 
less number of years. On the third Sun- 
day in Advent i866 his twenty-fifth anni- 
versary in Woodville was celebrated. At 
this- time he preached from "Come, and 
let us declare in Zion the work of the Lord 
our God." After the sermon he made a 
report, from which we extract the follow- 
ing items: During twenty-five years he 
preached about twelve hundred and fifty 
sermons, among which were a large num- 
be*" of funeral sermons. He baptized nearly 
seventeen hundred and confirmed about 
twelve hundred and fifty persons. He sol- 
emnized three hundred and sixty-fouf mar- 
riages. To accomplish this he travelled 
upwards of sixty-four thousand miles. 
When we think of the work he has done 
since then we have an idea of his Christian 
zeal. 

Elijah Kellogg was born in Canada in 
1819, and settled in Woodville in 1843. 
His grandfather participated, under Gen- 
eral Ethan Allen, in the capture of Fort 
Ticonderoga. 

Sanford G. Baker came from Wood 
county to this township in 1845, ^"^ 
bought land in section twenty. He was 
born in Georgia, Vermont, in 181 7. By 
his own efforts he cleared his farm which 
was then a vast forest, and has it now un- 
der a high state of cultivation. He is the 
son of Elijah and Lavina (White) Baker. 
His father was a native of Vermont, and 



his mother, who was born in New York 
State, was a descendant of William White, 
who came over in the Mayflower. The 
Bakers were pioneers of Wood county. 
Sanford Baker married Cynthia A. Web- 
ster, who died in 1857. Six children were 
born of this marriage, of whom two 
daughters and one son are living. Mr. 
Baker was again married to Phebe Os- 
born, by whom he has had eleven children, 
ten of whom are living. Mr. Baker held 
the office of county commissioner for three 
years, and has been treasurer of the town- 
ship. Of the children by Mr. Baker's first 
marriage, Helen M. is the wife of Israel 
Morse, and resides in Clay county, Ken- 
tucky; Emily is the wife of Jason Os- 
born, resides in Taylor county, Iowa; 
and John W., Woodville township. 
The children by the second wife are: 
Edmund, Ida, George, Belle, Rose, San- 
ford G., jr., Katie, Willie, Arthur, and 
Charlie. 

Herman Kruse settled in 1845, having 
emigrated from Germany with his wife 
and four children. The family was in- 
creased to eight children, all of whom are 
living. 

In 1847 John Kline, a native of Ger- 
many, settled near the Banks' mill. His 
family reside on the home place. 

George Brion, of Wood county, settled 
in Woodville township in 1848. 

J. F. Camper, born in Hanover, Ger- 
many, in 1794, came to this county in 
1850, and settled in the northern part of 
Woodville township. He died in 1873. 
His widow, whose maiden name was 
Catharine Burgomeyer, is still living with 
her son Charles. The family consists of 
five children living and one deceased, viz: 
John, William, and Ernest, Woodville 
township; Mary, deceased; Frederick, 
Ottawa county ; and Charles, Woodville 
township. Ernest, who accompanied his 
father from Germany, was born in 1827. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



789 



In 1856 he married Catharine Kruse, who 
was born in 1835. Four of the five chil- 
dren born of this marriage are living, viz: 
Henry, Caroline, John and Charles. 
George is dead. Mr. Camper farms two 
hundred and fifty acres of land. 

CEMETERIES. 

The oldest burying ground in Wood- 
ville township is located in section thirty- 
five, on Sugar Creek, about two miles 
southeast of the village of Woodville. 
The land was owned originally by C. B. 
Collins, who came from Sandusky about 
the year 1834 to superintend the grading 
of the old mud pike. In 1836 his wife 
died, and her grave was made across the 
creek, just west of the house. Mr. Col- 
lins set apart an acre of land for burial 
purposes, and smce that time land has 
been added. Many of the pioneers found 
their last resting place in this yard, but it 
has not been used for seven or eight years, 
and is in a dilapidated condition. 

THE UNION CEMETERY, 

as it is called, has a rather peculiar origin. 
In the summer of 1846 a three-year-old 
son of Stephen Brown, of Woodville, died, 
and it was thought best to bury him near 
the village. Mr. Brown accordingly 
started in search of a suitable spot, and, 
after considerable search in the woods, 
found it at a point one-half mile due north 
of Woodville, in section twenty-one. 
Hither the funeral cortege repaired and in 
this spot was the lonely little grave made. 
It was not long before there was another 
grave there, and then another, until there 
was quite a community as a nucleus for 
the growth of the silent city that was 
laid out. In 1847 two acres were 
bought, at fifteen dollars an acre, and the 
ground was known as a township burying 
ground. Lots were laid off and subscrip- 
tions from ten cents upwards to a dollar 
entitled one to the ownership of a lot. 



which was drawn for. The ground has 
been enlarged from time to time, and now 
consists of twelve acres. Fully one thou- 
sand people are buried in the cemetery, 
and it is now the only popular burying 
place in the township. In passing through 
we noted the names on the head stones of 
the more prominent pioneers. The fol- 
lowing is the list: Jared Plumb, died in 
1864, aged sixty-two years; John Duke, 
1853, fifty-five years; Captain John D. 
Hart, 1854, sixty-seven years; Jacob Hiser, 
1878, seventy-four years; Peter Koerbel, 
1870, eighty years; Abner Hart, 1854, 
sixty-four; Chauncy Rundell, 1856, fifty- 
seven; Frederick Steirkamp, 1879, sixty- 
one; George Brim, 1873, sixty-six; Bar- 
thol Hurralbrink, 1865, sixty-five; Lester 
x\llen, 1847, thirty-two; Ephraim Wood, 
i860, eighty; Amos E. Wood, 1850, 
thirty-nine; Elijah Baker, 1864, eighty- 
nine; John F. Camper, 1873, seventy- 
eight; John Smith, 1877, seventy-three; 
Herman Beose, 1873, seventy-two; John 
Kline, 1877, seventy-two; Jacob Enoch, 
1859 fifty-five; William Geyer, 1870, 
seventy-one, and many others. 

THE CATHOLIC CEMETERY 

is situated immediately south of the 
Union ground and is much smaller. It 
was laid out by Michael McBride. The 
first burial was that of Bryon Fay, a native 
of Ireland, who died October 8, 1854. 
Among those that have since been buried 
there are Daniel Hagerty, died 1875, ^K^^ 
sixty-one; John McBride, 1866, eighty- 
five; Barthol Kaley, 1861, thirty-four; 
Robert Dailey, 1877, fifty-seven; Thomas 
Bennett, 1868, seventy-seven, and John 
Bookey, 1878, sixty-three. 

THE VILLAGE OF WOODVILLE 

is the geographical and political centre of 
the township, to which it has given its 
name. It is pleasantly situated on the 
west bank of the Portage River, on the line 



79° 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago 
railway, fifteen miles northwest of Fremont, 
and seventeen miles from Toledo. The 
town was laid out June 13, 1836, the pro- 
prietors being Amos E. Wood and George 
H. Price. The original plat consisted of 
forty-four lots on the west side of the 
river. At first there was a controversy 
about the name of the town, one Samuel 
Cochran being unwilling that it be called 
Woodville after Mr. Wood, but the name 
finally prevailed. The first house on the 
present site was Miller's tavern, built in 
1825, described elsewhere in this work. 
The first frame house was erected in 1833, 
and was destroyed by fire in 1866. It 
stood on the main street, where the store 
of George Wehrung now is. It was a 
little structure, and in it was kept the first 
store. It was also the office of Dr. Man- 
ville, the first physician in the township. 
The second physician. Dr. A. R. Fergu- 
son, came to Woodville in 1839, remain- 
ing until 1862. Dr. Huffman came a 
number of years after Dr. Ferguson, as 
did also Dr. Walker and Dr. Bell, from 
Fremont. Dr. Fred Jager, of Germany, 
located in the village m 1850, remaining 
about eighteen years. The present phy- 
sicians are Drs. Bush and Bricker. After 
the organization of the township the first 
frame building erected was enclosed in the 
summer of 1840 by Garrett Solman, the 
first wagon-maker. The building, which 
was six inches narrower at the foundation 
than at the top, still stands just east of the 
post office. In this same year the old 
Lutheran church was put up. In 1834 
John Duke, an old Scotchman, kept a 
general store in a log house that Harmon 
Baker now owns, and in 1839 B. L. Capel 
had a store on the property now occupied 
by Jacob Hoof, and afterward David 
Day kept a store. 

In 1839 Dr. Ferguson had his office in 
a little frame building, which stood where 



Brunce's brick store now stands. Charles 
Powers sold goods in the doctor's office 
in 1838, where the post office was kept. 
Mr. Powers, the postmaster, was suc- 
ceeded by John P. Endrekin, who was in 
turn succeeded by J. H. Rerick in i860. 
In 1869 the office fell into the hands of 
Andrew Nuhfer, who still holds it. From 
a hamlet of three houses in 1839 Wood- 
ville has become a thriving village. What 
is known as the Pratt addition was made 
in 1855. August 19, 1873, ^^'^ addition 
was made by Jonas Keil, and a second 
one July 28, 1875. There are at present 
more than five hundred inhabitants. The 
streets are broad, well graded and shaded, 
and are lined with neat dwelling houses 
and well kept yards. The following is a 
list of the business houses: 

Groceries — J. F. Basey and Benjamin 
Otter. 

Dry goods and notions — George Weh- 
rung and H. Reinkamp. 

General store — Henry Brunce. 

Hardware — Andrew Nuhfer and Wil- 
liam Keil. 

Drug store — Dr. Bush and Albert 
Cronnewett. 

Flouring-mill — William Brunce. 

Woollen-mill— W. J. Keil. 

Saw-mill — Lewis Maynard. 

There are two hotels, the Cosmopolitan 
and the Pennsylvania House. 

THE WOODVILLE CHURCHES. 

The Woodville churches are all, without 
exception, in the village, there being no 
other places oi worship in the township. 
There are at present five organizations, of 
which the Lutheran is the strongest. The 
first members of this church emigrated 
from Germany in the fall of 1833. In 
1840 they elected trustees, deacons, and 
elders. Pastor Konrad, of Tiffin, who 
had ministered to them for a short time, 
dying, Rev. George Cronnewett, of Mich- 
igan, was called to the pastorate, preach- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



791 



ing his first sermon on the third Sunday 
in Advent, 1841. In 1843 the church 
was incorporated by act of Legislature, 
and named the German Lutheran Re- 
formed Church, of Woodville. The first 
house of worship, a frame, thirty by forty 
feet, was dedicated March 8, 1843. On 
March 3, i860, the name was changed to 
the Lutheran Solomon's Church, of Wood- 
ville. The new church edifice, a brick 
building, forty-five by seventy feet, was 
dedicated December 24, 1865. In 1841 
the Luthi^ran society numbered thirty-three 
families; in 1843, sixty-seven families ; in 
1865, eighty families; in 1874, one hun- 
dred and fifty families. The membership 
has been greatly increased through the 
instrumentality of Pastor Cronnewett. 

The German Methodists organized a so- 
ciety in 1843, with about twenty members. 
Rev. E. Reinschneider, who had preached 
in Woodville before the organization, pre- 
sided at the meeting, and was the first 
pastor of the church. The first house of 
worship was built soon after the organiza- 
tion and was used until 1844, when the 
congregation moved into the new church, 
also a frame building, the old house hav- 
ing been sold to the United Brethren. 
The first trustees were : Henry Seabert, 
Fiederick Miller, Frederick Gerke, An- 
drew Nuhfer, and Frederick Steirkamp. 
The present trustees are : Lewis Walter, 
Frederick Wilkie, John Frabish, Christian 
Gerwin, and Peter Knoepe. Lewis Gerke 
is superintendent of the Sunday-school. 
Rev. John Haneke is pastor. 

The Methodist Episcopal church was 
organized in 1844 in the old school-house, 
by Rev. Mr. Norton, the first pastor. 
There were about thirty members. The 
first stewards were: Stephen Brown and 
Ephraim W'ood. A Sunday-school was 
organized with the church. Meetings 
were held in the school-house until the 
building of the Union church, since which 



time the services have been in that house. 
Regular preaching is given by the present 
pastor, Rev. Mr. Richards. 

As early as 1843, Father Rappe, late 
bishop of the Catholic church, held ser- 
vices in Woodville. He found a goodly 
number of adherents to the Catholic faith, 
and in 185 1 he succeeded in effecting an 
organization. A dwelling-house was pur- 
chased and converted into a church. This 
was used until 1862, when the present 
substantial brick building was dedicated, 
the church receiving ministerial supplies 
from the neighboring town of Elmore. 
Rev. Father Reiken is the present pastor. 
The membership is now about seventy. 

Twenty-five years ago the United 
Brethren church was organized by Rev. 
John Long, who preached the first sermon. 
The services were held in the Union 
church, and continued in that place until 
1874, when the society purchased the old 
German Methodist church building. 
There are at present about thirty mem- 
bers. The present pastor is Rev. Hartzel, 
who resides at Elmore. In 1859 the 
Methodists, Presbyterians, and Evangel- 
icals, not having any place for worship, 
combined, without outside help, in build- 
ing a house, which is known as the Union 
church, each society having one represent- 
ative on the board of trustees. The 
Methodists and Evangelicals were organ- 
ized. The Presbyterians were few in num- 
ber, and their society, with that of the 
Evangelicals, has become extinct. As 
has been stated, the Methodists now have 
a house of their own. 

THK SCHOOLS. 

Woodville township is not lacking in ed- 
ucational facilities, and is constantly in- 
creasing them. In the days of settlement, 
little log school-houses quickly sprang up 
in the several districts established. These 
relics of pioneer days have given way to 



792 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



the more tasty and substantial frame and 
brick buildings of the present time. 

The first school-house was built at 
Woodville, in 1836, the same year that the 
village was laid out. Miss Catharine 
Seager was the first teacher. The daugh- 
ters of Ira Benedict and fared Plumb also 
taught in the several early schools in the 
township. In 1839 a frame building was 
put up in Woodville where the blacksmith- 
shop now is. This was at first used by 
the Lutherans for church purposes, but 
afterwards became a school-house. 

In 1836, during the winter, the house 
of John Moore, in the southwest part of 
the township, was transformed into a 
school-house, Mr. Moore having removed 
to a new house. His daughter was the 
teacher at this place. The next winter 
the school was held in the ball-room of 
the old tavern on the present Damschrader 
place, on Sugar Creek; John Scott taught 
this school for his board. In 1837 a new 
building was put up near the old tavern. 

The educational advantages of Wood- 
ville village increased with advancing 
years. In 1865 an addition of one story 
was put on to the brick school-house that 
for years had served as a miniature temple 
of Minerva. The crowning work was 
done in 1878, when the present handsome 
brick house was built, that is to-day the 
architectural pride of the village. About 
the year 1865 AVoodville had been made 
a special school district and the number 
of children of school age justified the ex- 
penditure of nine thousand dollars. The 
directors at the time of the construction 
of the new building were: Andrew 



Nuhfer, William H. Brunce, and John 
H. Furrey. The school is under good 
management and is doing good work. A. 
T. AUer is the principal, and Miss A. 
Reynolds, with Miss Sacharies are his as- 
sistants. 

MILLS. 

The first grist-mill in Woodville town- 
ship was built by David B. Banks, in 1835. 
It was located in section twenty-nine, on 
the west bank of the Portage River, a 
short distance from the present village of 
Woodville. There was also a saw-mill on 
the other side of the river. The flouring- 
niill was at first run by horse and ox power, 
the customers furnishing their teams to 
grmd the grain. As the whole neighbor- 
hood depended on this mill, business was 
lively. It was last run by William Hen- 
dricks, who rebuilt it several years ago. 

The first mill at Woodville was built by 
Henry Seabert, more than twenty years 
ago. It was doing a prosperous business 
when it was destroyed by fire. After it 
was rebuilt it fell into the hands of John 
P. Endrekin, and was afterwards managed 
by Dr. Archibald R. Ferguson. The fine 
brick structure that now occupies the site 
of the old mill is owned by William 
Brunce. It is run by steam and has the 
trade of the whole townshij). 

There is also a saw-mill in section four, 
on the farm of Caleb Klink. The steam 
saw-mill at Woodville is owned by Lewis 
Maynard. Since the early days there has 
been a carding machine at Woodville. The 
woollen-mill, as it now stands, is owned by 
W. J. Keil. 



MADISON 



MADISON, embracing an area twenty- 
seven miles square, lies between 
Woodville on the north and Scott on the 
south. Wood county is the western boun- 
dary, and Washington township the east- 
ern. The geological feature of this town- 
ship is the two limestone ridges, or out- 
crops, which traverse its territory. A ride 
on the road leading from Hessville to 
Gibsonburg will convince the most unob- 
serving traveller of an unusual formation, 
for protruding ledges occur provokingly 
near each other, and are calculated to dis- 
turb the mildest temper. But these out- 
crops are of great economic value. Quar- 
ries located on their summits are worked 
with comparative ease. The rock is of 
excellent quality for the manufacture of 
lime, an industry which has been the 
means of building up, since 1S71, a town 
third, numerically, within the county. 
Curiosity naturally leads to inquiry into 
the cause of the solid rock formation 
being thus broken. The only explanation 
geology has ever set forth is, that after the 
upper limestone layer or stratum had been 
formed of calcareous fossils, a powerful 
disturbance took place, perhaps making 
a continent of the bottom of the sea. 
The tenacity of a comparatively thin shell 
of rock could afford very little resistance 
to a force of such giant power. The 
earth's crust, broken in huge blocks, re- 
sembled the breaking up of the ice on a 
lake surface in spring-time. But an era of 
quiet restored permanence. Drift, which 
has covered the surface and formed the 
soil, filled up the gaps. The drift natu 



rally covered lightly the ridges caused by 
meeting edges, leaving the surlace stony 
and throwing obstructions in the way of 
easy cultivation. 

The western part of Madison is flat and 
mucky, but an extensive system of ditch- 
ing has made the soil capable of high cul- 
tivation, and remuneratively productive. 
Sugar Creek takes a course almost due 
north, and is the best natural drain in the 
township. Its source is in Sugar Creek 
prairie, in Scott township. Two branches 
of Coon Creek drain the remaining area 
of the western part of the township. Here 
log houses, stumpy fields, and extensive 
woods, thick with underbrush, indicate the 
age of the settlement; ditches, beaiing 
away streams of living water, explain the 
cause. 

Madison has had an uneventful life, and 
her history will therefore be short. There 
are none of those excitingepisodes to record 
which throw a whole community into a fo- 
ment of excitement, and then live in fireside 
traditions longer than tlie memory of fam- 
ilies themselves. She passes the chronicle 
of crime to her neighbor Scott, where cer- 
tainly there is plenty of material to fill it. 
Madison has been rapidly developed ma- 
terially against adverse natural conditions. 
No higher compliment can be paid her 
first settlers and citizens. 

THE SETTLEMENT. 

The first lands were entered in Madison 
in 1830 and 1S31. Very few, if any, 
squatters had penetrated the swamp before 
that time. This sickly flat, made hideous 
by the hum of mosquitoes, had no at- 

793 



794 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



tractions for the professional rovers, whose 
general character is delineated in a previ- 
ous chapter. Settlement here involved 
sacrifices which no one was willing to en- 
dure, except in the hope of building up a 
home, and providing a heritage for their 
children. All who came had the neces- 
sary resolution to make them wealthy men, 
but more than half were wanting in the 
stability necessary for pioneer service ; 
they abandoned their stations and sought 
a more promising clime. Most of those 
who remained, the pioneers of to-day, ac- 
complished in a satisfactory measure the 
object of their ambition. They have also 
performed a high mission in life by clear- 
ing, plowing, and ditching, thus finishing 
the work of creation by adapting nature to 
the use of civilized man. 

As a guide to the location of early set- 
tlers, as they are mentioned in the fore- 
going sketch, a list of the original land 
entries is herewith given. The date of 
entry in nearly every case antedates the 
date of record five years. A further ex- 
planation is found in connection with 
York township. What is said there con- 
cerning the State turnpike lands does not 
apply here, there being no pike lands in 
this township : 

The following entries are recorded in 
1825: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

John W. Allen 7 160 

Joel Benton 25 40 

Eli Charles 11 160 

Charles T. Gilmore 34 40 

E. P. Hathaway 29 160 

Richard I. Hayek 20 80 

Gideon and James Hath- 
away 30 80 

Freborn Hathaway 30 79 

N. P. Hathaway 19 160 

N. P. Hathaway 17 80 

Jac Kemerling 25 40 

David Kcpford 18 39 

George Lightner 19 39 

Marcus Montelius 20 160 

Marcus Montelius 11 80 

George Orwig 12 80 



SECTION. ACRES. 

Philip Rousb 12 80 

Wilson Teeters 34 80 

Thomas Withers 22 80 

The following entries are recorded in 
1836: 

SECTION. .^CRES. 

Jacob Burkett 18 40 

William Blank 9 80 

N. P. Hathaway 31 82 

Augustus Hastings 29 40 

T. P. Johnson 27 80 

Joel Kemerling 26 80 

Daniel Kratzer 26 158 

Isaac Ludwig 25 120 

George Orwig ii 40 

William Reed 14 40 

Merrit Scott 35 160 

Daniel Smith 27, 28 80 

J. D. Storms 19 80 

Jesse Stone 10,11 80 

David Smith 17 40 

David .Smith, jr 17 80 

David Smith 20 80 

Morris and John Tyler 20 160 

John Topping 22 80 

Hector Topping 22 40 

A. B. Tyler and C. Petti- 
bone 27 80 

A. B. Tyler and C. Petti- 
bone 15 40 

B. Vrooinan 10 40 

The following entries were recorded in 
1837: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Charles Hazleton 22 40 

George Sinclair 30 161 

George Sinclair 30 40 

The following entries were recorded in 
1838: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Henry P. Allen 33 160 

Joel Russiquire 31 160 

Joel Russiquire 32 and 33 80 

The following entries were recorded in 
1839: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

John Burus 29, 32 240 

John Brown 25 160 

Solomon Burgman 25 160 

Christian Burgman 13 80 

F. C. Clark 33 4° 

John Causer 13 ^^° 

Benjamin Cramer 33 80 

Elias Frank 31 82 

Jacob Gam 22.23,15 560 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



795 



SECTION. ACRES. 

Jacob Garn 2r, 20 160 

John Hazzard 23, 26 160 

Josiah Harman 36 160 

Charles Hazelton 34 160 

George lakes 25 80 

Elias Miller 36 160 

Jacob Mathews 30 160 

Jonas Rishel i4i 35 160 

William Reed 23 80 

Adam Shaffer 36 160 

John Straughan.. . 28 160 

David Smith 32, 33 120 

Merrit Scott 27 80 

Charles Taylor 32 40 

Benjamin Yates 28 80 

Jasper Whitney 9, 10 320 

John Whitford jr 32 160 

William Whitford 32 80 

Godfrey Wheeland 14 160 

Lewis O. Whitmore 34 160 

Edward Webb 28 80 

Andrew Wood 53 160 

Fred Zepherick 14. 13 160 

The following entries were recorded in 
1840- 

SECTION'. ACRES. 

Christian August 23 80 

Patrick Byrne 34 40 

George Barrier 23, 28 240 

Joshua Cope 17 40 

Augustus Campbell 24, 26 160 

Frederick Clark 35 80 

Charles Choate 13 160 

Augustus Campbell 26 240 

Samuel Croaks 13 80 

John Dixon 19 159 

John Di.xon, jr 19 79 

Archibald Esther 35 40 

J. L. Flack, 2d 13 80 

Daniel Forbes 31.17 200 

Jacob Garn 27 80 

George Hartman 14 80 

James and George Holcomb 27 160 

N. P. Hathaway 31. 32 163 

George Ickes 25 40 

John Kills 34 40 

Jacob Kam 24, 23, 15 360 

Benjamin Kester 14 80 

Daniel Kern 29 80 

Joseph Kratzer 7 80 

George Lightner 19 39 

Jacob Maugas 23 80 

In 1840 the following entries were re- 
corded: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Daniel Mcintosh 27 80 



SECTION. ACRES. 

John Maider 29 80 

Eli Murry, sr 18 79 

Samuel Myers 18 80 

Adam Mover 19 80 

John Moore, jr 18 79 

Philip Moore 18 39 

J. D. Orwig 12 80 

Jacob Poorman 8 and 9 120 

Henry Roller 35 160 

Calvin Salisbury 31 40 

William Smith 34 40 

Binjamin Stanton 24 i6o 

Benjamin Stanton 21 80 

Daniel Spohn 26 i6o 

Jacob Staner 33, 28 and 27 160 

George Spencer 31 40 

John Teeters 32 160 

Wilson Teeters 34 80 

Samuel Warts 24 160 

The first settler of Madison was Henry 
P. Allen, who came to the township 
about 1831 and built a cabin on the King 
farm. He was a New Englander by birth. 
Although the first settler he is not remem- 
bered with that affectionate interest which 
would secure for him an extended notice. 
He left the country in a few years and 
was afterward drowned. 

We are unable to mention in their or- 
der the early arrivals. The year 1833 
made a great change in the appearance of 
the township. It is often said that people 
are like sheep; when one takes the lead 
the flock follows. This characteristic of 
human nature demonstrates itself in the 
settlement of a country. Thus it happens 
that the first settler of a district, in an his- 
torical sense, is the central figure of an im- 
portant epoch. 

The second settler of Madison town- 
ship, and the first one whose residence 
was permanent, was David Smith, who 
was born in Pennsylvania in 1777. He 
married Catharine Blank, by whom a 
family of seven sons and six daughters 
were born. The family in 182 1 removed 
to Columbiana county, Ohio. In 1832 
Mr. Smith entered a tract of land in Mad- 
ison township, and shortly afterward re- 
commenced the life of a pioneer. At the 



- 796 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



first election, in 1834, he was elected one 
of the justices of the peace and held the 
office many years. As will be seen by 
reference to a previous chapter, he filled 
the office of county assessor for a number 
of years. By trade Mr. Smith was a gun- 
smith, and was a workman of more than 
ordinary skill. He died in his ninetieth 
year. Mrs. Smith died at the age of 
seventy-four. 

Daniel Smith was born in Columbia 
county, Pennsylvania, in 1814. He is the 
son of Daniel Smith, whose family settled 
in Columbiana county in 1821. He en- 
tered land in this township, on which 
he settled, and, in 1834, married Jean- 
ette Holcomb, by whom he had seven 
children. Mrs. Smith died at the age of 
forty-eight. He married again in 1863, 
Mrs. Emma Brobst. Mr. Smith held the 
office of justice of the peace in Madison 
township twenty-two years. He was ad- 
mitted to the Bar in 1874. David Smith, 
jr., came to the township from Columbi- 
ana county with his father and entered a 
tract of land on which he settled and 
died. 

John Reed was probably the next arrival 
in the township. He was followed by James 
Holcomb, a native of Connecticut, who 
came to Ohio in 1824 and settled in Port- 
age county. He was married to Dorcas 
Trumbull and had a family of seven chil- 
dren. In the summer of 1832 he re- 
moved with the family to Madison, where 
he lived until the time of his death. Only 
three of the children are living, George 
W., Moses v., and Gideon H. George W., 
the oldest child living, is yet a resident of 
Madison township. He was born Janu- 
ary II, 1808. He was married, in 1836, 
to Catharine Smith, daughter of David 
Smith. Two of their three children are 
living — David and Eli. 

David Reeves, a native of New York, 
settled first in Columbiana county, and 



then, in 1832, removed with his faniily to 
Madison. There seems at this time to 
have been a stampede from Columbiana 
county to Madison. It will be remem- 
bered that about the same time Washing- 
ton township was filling up with people 
from Perry county, most of whom were 
native Pennsylvanians. Mr. Reeves was 
county surveyor eleven years. He died 
in 1847. The family consisted of thir- 
teen children, five of whom are living, one 
— Eli — in this township. The Reeves 
settlement was in the south part of the 
township, near the present village of 
Rollersville. 

Fred C. Clark settled in Madison about 
1833. After a short period he sold to 
Luther Chase, and removed to Wood 
county. The farm was transferred by 
Chase to John Dean. 

Jacob Staner came to Madison in 1833, 
and settled where Smith's saw-mill is now 
located. He removed to Fremont in 
about ten years, and opened a tavern. 

George Ickes, one of the oldest of the 
pioneers of Madison, was born in Bedford 
county, Pennsylvania, in 1800. He set- 
tled in Madison township with his family 
about 1833. He married Margaret Croyle 
in 182 1, and had a family of thirteen chil- 
dren, ten of whom are living, viz : Henry, 
Adam, Catharine, Thomas, Barbara, Sarah, 
Michael, Margaret, Sophia, and George. 
Mrs. Ickes died in 1867. 

William Whitford settled in the south 
part of the township in 1833. ^^ ^^''^^ 
one of the proprietors of the surveyed 
village of Rollersville. He lived in the 
township until his death. 

Benjamin Yates moved into the town- 
ship from Columbiana county about the 
same time. He removed from here to 
Michigan. 

Another of the Columbiana county 
colony who came in 1833, was Angus 
Campbell, a native of Scotland. He was 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



797 



a Scotch Presbyterian of the strict school. 
He died in 1868 at the age of sixty-four 
years. His wife survived him nine year?, 
Eight of their eleven children are still 
living. 

Caleb Taylor and William Burkett set- 
tled in Madison in the year 1833. Both 
had families, and became respected citi 
zens. 

The census duplicates of Jackson, 
Washington, and Madison register the 
name Gam oftener than any other. Jacob 
Garn, the progenitor of the Garns of 
Madison, was born in Bedford county, 
Pennsylvania, in 1799. In 1824116 mar- 
ried Elizabeth Bittle, and two years 
later emigrated to Ohio. After spending 
two years in Richland, and five years in 
Seneca county, the family settled in Madi- 
son in 1833. It was at Mr. Garn's resi- 
dence that the first election was held in 
1834, also succeeding elections for a num- 
ber of years. This family is characteristic, 
at least for size. The children numbered 
sixteen, fourteen of whom are living- 
eleven boys and three girls. One boy and 
one girl are dead. Mr. Garn died in 1879 
at the ripe old age of eighty years. Mrs. 
Garn, the mother of this large family, is 
yet living on the homestead. The chil- 
dren living are: Andrew and John (twins), 
Sandusky county; Milton and Lizzie 
(Turley),Wood county; Margaret (Barker), 
Elijah and Adam, Sandusky county; Peter 
and Samuel, Williams county; Susannah 
(Warner), California ; Daniel, David and 
Levi, Sandusky county. 

Abraham Shell was one of the earliest 
settlers of Scott township, but is classed 
among the pioneers of Madison because 
more of his life was spent here than any- 
where else in the State. He was born in 
Pennsylvania in 1803. He married Lydia 
Eought and came to Scott township about 
1829, and remained two years, then moved 
to Columbiana county. Mr. Shell returned 



to the county and settled in this township 
in 1832, where he remained till 1849, then 
removed to Erie county, and died there in 
185 1. The family consisted of eight chil- 
dren, five of whom are living, viz: Elias, 
Illinois; John, Nebraska; Absalom, Ball- 
ville ; Jonathan, Ballville ; and Isadore, 
Madison. Absalom, who is a well-known 
citizen of Ballville township, was born in 
1839. He married, m 1859, Elizabeth 
Glass. 

Josiah Harman came to Madison with 
his brothers, Frank and Merritt, about 
1833. Josiah taught school, and had a 
good reputation lor awhile. What finally 
became of him is not known. 

Benjamin Cramer settled on the Whit- 
ney farm about 1833. He soon became 
discouraged and removed to Michigan. 

Jasper Whitney was born in Ontario 
county. New York, November 8, 1803. 
He settled in Seneca county, Ohio, m 
1825, and in 1826 married Elizabeth Gun- 
wer, a native of Switzerland. During his 
residence in Seneca county he had a se- 
vere attack of sickness. For fourteen days 
he was unconscious and apparently life- 
less. The physician pronounced him 
dead, and every preparation was made for 
the funeral — coffin, shroud, and all. Mrs. 
Whitney, however, insisted on delay. Her 
judgment and resolution prevented what 
happens more frequently than people gen- 
erally suppose — burial before death. Mr. 
Whitney has never fully recovered his 
strength, but has raised a large family and 
attained to a ripe old age. He has cleared 
four hundred acres of land since coming 
to Ohio. The family consisted of ten 
children, seven of whom are still living. 
Following are their names : Edwin, Emily, 
and an infant daughter, all deceased ; 
Amelia (Spooner), Wood county ; Erastus, 
Laporte county, Indiana; Ezra, Cass coun- 
ty, Iowa ; Ann, Washington township ; 
Mary A. (Russell), Madison; Ellen 



798 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



(Klotz), Wood county ; and Ami E. 
(King), Madison township. Besides the 
severe and ahnost fatal iUness above 
described, he has suffered some se- 
vere injuries. In 1S40, while riding a 
horse, Mr. Whitney was thrown off and 
broke his left leg. Again, in 1858, he was 
thrown from a wagon and broke the same 
limb, besides receiving such injuries upon 
his head that he was for a long time un- 
conscious. Some six weeks after, while 
still suffering from the effects of this acci- 
dent, he was in the barn watching the 
men who were threshing, when the horses 
ran over him and broke his other leg. 

Ami M., Seventh child of Jasper and 
Elizabeth Whitney, was born in Seneca 
county in 1842. He came to^ Madi:on 
with the Whitney family in 1852. He 
married, in 1862, Julia Damschrader, who 
was born in Toledo in 1844. Two chil- 
dren are living — Mary M., and Martha A. 
Mr. Whitney removed to Washington town- 
ship in 1869. 

Elias Miller settled in Madison town- 
ship about 1834. He died in this town- 
ship. 

Charles Hazleton came to the township 
in 1S34. He was a native of Vermont. 
He married, in Madison, Mary Wolcutt, 
and is now living m Illinois. 

Jeremiah King was one of the most 
useful men who ever lived in Madison. 
He was born in Rhode Island in 1805. 
In 1826 he married Mary Uean, of Mas- 
sachusetts, and in 1834 they came to San- 
dusky county and purchased a farm in 
Madison township. Being dissatisfied 
with the country they returned to the East, 
but afterwards came back and settled on 
the farm in Madison. He was killed 
May 6, 1856, at Aspinwall, while crossing 
the Isthmus of Panama. He had been 
justice of the peace twelve years, and was 
county commissioner several years. He 
was a leader in urging forward public im- 



provements. He was a machinist by 
trade. 

Louis O. W'hitman was the owner of a 
saw-mill. He settled about 1835. 

Charles T. Gilmore, a native of New 
England, came to Madison about 1835. 
He returned to the East five years after- 
ward. 

I. D. Storms settled in Madison about 
1836. He died five years later. The 
family removed to Michigan. 

Peter and Jacob Kimmerling, born of 
Pennsylvania parentage, in Union county, 
came to this county in 1836. Peter mar- 
ried, in Union county, in 1833, Elizabeth 
Hartzell, who died in 1859, leaving thir- 
teen children, viz: William, Catharine, 
James, John, Edward, Margaret, Mary, 
Julia A., Ellen, Bennel, Peter, Henry and 
Sarah. He married for his second wife, 
Catharine Ungerin 1861, and by her had 
a family of five children — Saloma, Sa- 
mantha, Abram, Jacob F., and Lillie M. 
Mr. Kimmerling left the farm a few years 
ago and began keeping hotel in Gibson- 
burg. His family are all married except 
three. William, Sarah, Bennel, Henry, 
and Peter are dead. 

Noah P. Hathaway was born in Massa- 
chusetts in 1801. He married Nancy 
Payne in 1823, and in 1836 came to Ohio 
and settled in Madison township, where 
he lived until 1858. He then removed 
to the present site of Helena, where he 
remained two years, afterwards becoming 
a resident of Scott. Fostoria was his home 
for twelve years from 1862. The family 
consisted of six children — Rowena P. 
(Merrick), Attica, Indiana; Ann P. 
(Thomas), RoUersville; Avis (Thompson), 
Rollersville; Adelaide C. (deceased); 
Helena M. (Lloyd), Fostoria, and Syl- 
vanus P., Scott township. Mr. Hathaway 
killed the last wolf seen in Sandusky 
county, in 1858. 

About 1S36 Freeborn, Gideon and 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



799 



James Hathaway settled in Madison, and 
Philip in Scott. 

William Blank settled in 1836. He 
died in the township nine years ago. 
George Lightner settled about the same 
time. 

David Kei)ford, a stone mason from 
Pennsylvania, came into Madison in 1836. 
He moved west from here. 

Esquire Plumb settled west of the pres- 
ent village of Gibsonburg. 

Joseph Slates was born in Carroll coun- 
ty, Maryland, in 1809. He married 
Elizabeth Fleck in Pennsylvania. In 
1854 he moved to this countv and resided 
in Jackson, then in Washington townsliip, 
moving thence to Madison, where he now 
resides. The family consists of nine 
children living: Catharine, Madison town- 
ship; Elizabeth (Snyder), Washington 
township; Rebecca (Garn), Williams 
county; Jennie (Allen), Defiance county; 
Lucinda (Klotz), Scott township: Ellen 
(Klotz), Madison township; Lydia A. 
(Krotzer), Wood county; William, Madi- 
son township; and Jacob, Michigan. 

William Slater was born in Pennsyl- 
vania in 1837, and came to Ohio with his 
parents. In 1873 he married Emeline 
Metzger, who died in 1874, leaving one 
child, Joseph. 

D. P. Hurlbut, a native of Vermont, 
was born in Chittenden county in 1809. 
He came to Ohio in 1832 and settled in 
Geauga county. After about one year he 
left the State and did not return till 1837, 
when he settled in Madison township. 
He married, in 1834, Maria Woodbury, a 
native of New Hampshire. Nme chil- 
dren blessed this union, seven of whom 
are living, viz: Wheeler W., Emily A., 
Emory A., George M., Henry K., Phebc 
M., and John L. Mr. Hurlbut purchased 
his farm at one dollar an acre, land which 
would now bring in the market eight)- 
times that amount. 



We have now sketched in a general way 
the first settlement of the township. We 
have given our readers as much informa- 
tion concerning those who went before and 
prepared the way for rapid improvement, 
and progress, as our space and information 
can supply. It takes time and labor to 
improve a country. The working pioneer 
really enlarges the world by just as many 
acres as he clears and reduces to the use 
of civilized society. But there is a class 
of later settlers who deserve some atten- 
tion, those who have carried on the battle 
commenced by the pioneer army. This 
class is so large that we can mention but a 
few families. 

William Driftmeyer, son of Lewis and 
Isabella Driftmeyer, was born in Germany 
in 1 81 6. He came to America in 1842, 
and settled in Madison township. He 
married, in 1843, Mary Cook, also a native 
of Germany. The fruit of this union was 
eight children, viz: William (deceased), 
Henry, Mary, Eliza, Sarah, Frederick, 
Sophia, and Louis. Mr. Driftmeyer is 
one of the many foreign-born citizens who 
have earned by labor and economy, a 
handsome estate, with no other start than 
a healthy body and deterPMned purpose. 
He came to this county without a cent, 
but is now one of the wealthy men of the 
township. 

John W. Hutchinson, son of William 
Hutchinson, was born in Wayne county, 
Ohio, in 1832. In 1853 he married Re- 
becca Naylor, a daughter of Samuel Nay- 
lor, and a native of Medina county, Ohio. 
He settled in 1853, in Madison township. 
Three of their six children are living — 
William W., Willard B., and Charles. 
Mr. Hutchinson engaged in merchan- 
dising at Rollersville one year, and is now 
carrying on undertaking and fiirming. Mr 
Hutchinson assisted in building the house 
now used as the Methodist church, the 
first frame building erected in Gibsonburg. 



8oo 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



A. H. Tice, son of Peter Tice, was 
born in Fulton county, Pennsylvania, in 
1820. He married Catharine Noggle in 
1844, and in 1853 settled in Jackson 
township. In 1858 he removed to Madi- 
son. The family consisted of ten chil- 
dren, nine of whom are still living, viz: 
Malinda, Emeline, Andrew J., Elizabeth, 
James B., George W., Sarah J., Hattie, 
and Alpha. Mr. Tice served as magistrate 
of Madison township nine years. 

Samuel Bell, a son of Abraham Bell, 
was born in Cecil county, Maryland, in 
1823. He came to Ohio and settled in 
Ottawa county in 1834, where he lived 
till 1862, when Madison became his 
home. In 1846 Mr. Bell married Cath- 
arine Correll, of this county. Seven chil- 
dren blessed this union, five boys and two 
girls, all living — Sarah E. (Lloyd), Scott; 
William, Ottawa county; James O., Otta- 
wa county; Mary F. (Edmunds), Bradner, 
Wood county; Melvin E., Ottawa county; 
Andrew and Elmer, Madison. 

Robert R. Webster was born in Ontario 
county. New York, June, in 1807. He came 
to Ohio in 1841, and settled in Erie 
county. Ten years later he moved to 
Toledo, and lived there till 1867, when 
with his family he settled in Madison 
township. He married, for his first wife, 
Amelia McMillen; after her death he 
married Elizabeth Daum, widow of John 
P. Daum. The truit of both marriages 
was sixteen children, eleven of whom are 
living, Mr. Webster may truthfully be 
called a veteran soldier, having served 
three and one-half years in the Florida 
war, one year and a half in the Mex- 
ican war, and two years in the Rebellion, 
in the Sixty-seventh Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry. 

Thomas Lattimore was born in this 
county in 1829, but while quite young his 
parents moved to Ottawa county. He 
married, in 1852, Susan Park, of Ottawa 



county, by whom four children were born, 
one boy and three girls, who are living, 
viz: Elva V., Nancy E., Thomas O., and 
Susan. In 1879 Mr. Lattimore returned 
to his native county, and settled in this 
township. 

GIBSONBURG. 

The construction of the Tififin, Toledo 
& Eastern Railroad (now the Pittsburgh, 
Fort Wayne &: Chicago) seemed to create 
all along the line a craze for towns. For 
this, as well as for the disappointment 
which has or inevitably will result, the pro- 
jectors of the road are responsible. It 
will be remembered that as an inducement 
to secure a free right of way, depots were 
promised at almost every road crossing, 
and flourishing towns pictured at every 
point. Burgoon, Millersville, Helena, 
and Gibsonburg — four towns within a dis- 
tance of ten miles — have for ten years 
been contesting for supremacy. All ex- 
cept one are flourishing villages for their 
age, and good markets. But if the enter- 
prise and business of the four could be 
consolidated into two, there would be a 
reasonable hope of growth beyond the 
limits of a village. From experience has 
been deduced the adage: "The fittest 
survive." History is not the place for 
prophesy. We therefore content ourselves 
with brief outlines. 

The founder of Gibsonburg was fortu- 
nately a man who knew the methods ne- 
cessary to accomplish the ends in view; in 
other words, he was a business man. As 
a result, his town was given a start which 
attracted the attention of other enterpris- 
ing business men, who have assumed man- 
agement of affairs, and are furnishing the 
food necessary to nourish a rapid and 
healthy growth. In ten years a popula- 
tion of six hundred has been brought to- 
gether, who are fed by solid and product- 
ive industries. 

To William H. Gibson, of Tififin, be- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



80 1 



longs the honor of founding this town, 
which bears his name. After the railroad 
had been located, General Gibson pur- 
chased a tract of ninety acres, and early 
in August, 1871, surveyed forty acres into 
town lots. Associated with him in laying 
out the town, as at first platted, August 5, 
187 1, were T. D. Stevenson and J. F. 
Yeasting. 

A post office was at once secured, T. 
D. Stevenson being commissioned to 
take charge of the office. He was suc- 
ceeded in 1873 by F. \V. Dohn, the pres- 
ent incumbent. 

The first store was opened in 187 1, by 
Zorn & Hornung, in their own house 
which was also the first business building 
. in the place. 

P. H. Zorn, the senior member of this 
firm, was born in Germany. He came to 
America in 1849, ^"d located at Fremont, 
where he was employed at making shoes. 
He married Margaret Stotz and afterwards 
located at Hessville, where he opened a 
shop and worked at the trade. By econo- 
my and industry he was enabled in a short 
time to purchase a stock of boots and 
shoes. This was the beginning of a suc- 
cessful mercantile career. Adam Hor- 
nung, who had learned the shoemaker's 
trade in Mr. Zorn's shop, was received as 
a partner, and the business enlarged to a 
general store. The store at Gibsonburg 
was at first placed under the management 
of Mr. Hornung, and conducted as a 
branch. The rapid growth of the village 
soon induced the firm to consolidate at 
Gibsonburg, and Mr. Zorn became a resi- 
dent of the village. Merchandising has 
been continued uninterruptedly since, the 
only change in the firm being the admis- 
sion of Henry Zorn into the partnership, 
in 1877. 

The business of E. Farmer & Co. was 
established in 1873, by E. Farmer. In 
1875 F. W. Dorhn became a partner, and 



in 1879 the firm name changed to Far- 
mer, Dorhn & Co. Since 1880 the style 
of the firm has been E. Farmer & Co. 
The senior partner, Mr. E. Farmer, is also 
extensively engaged in other enterprises. 
He was born in Concord, Massachusetts, 
in 1842. In 1862 he enlisted in the One 
Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry, and after the conclusion of the 
Rebellion settled in business in Mansfield, 
Ohio, where, in 1867, he married Jennie 
Smith. Mr. Farmer removed with his 
family to Gibsonburg in 1873. He is en- 
terjDrising in pushing the various indus- 
tries in which he is interested and at the 
same time is a public-spirited citizen. 

The first drug store in the village was 
opened by Carlin & Markle, in 1874. In 
a short time it passed under the charge of 
Cribliz & ShuU, and the following year 
was purchased by the present owner, S. B. 
Stilson, who is a practical business man 
and trained druggist. Before coming to 
Gibsonburg Mr. Stilson was engaged in 
the drug trade for a number of years at 
Oberlin, Ohio. He was born at Edin- 
burg, Portage county, Ohio, in 1848. His 
present busmess consists of trade in drugs, 
books, medical instruments, etc. 

It would be useless and tedious to trace 
all the changes in the hardware and tin- 
ware business. The first store of this 
character was opened by A. S. Herr. The 
line of succession was from Herr to Bor- 
don & Powers, then to A. J. Bordon, and 
from him, in 1878, to M. W. Hobart & 
Co., H. T. Bowlus being the partner. Mr. 
Bowlus sold, in 1880, to Mr. Smith. The 
business of this house is general tinwork, 
and trade in hardware, tinware, stoves, 
building material, and agricultural imple- 
ments. Mr. Hobart, the senior member 
of the firm, is a native of Portage county. 
He was engaged in trade in Pemberville, 
Wood county, from 1872 till 1878. 

The Gibsonburg hotd was built by W. 



8o2 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



H. Gibson, and placed in charge of John 
Patterson. The property was purchased 
by Peter Kimmeding in 1875, who has 
since been the obliging lord of the tavern. 
The bane of most small towns, and in 
this connection we do not hesitate to in- 
clude the three first named in the intro- 
duction to this topic, is miserable dens 
misnamed houses of entertainment. Gib- 
sonburg, in this particular, fortunately has 
nothing to complain of. The landlord is 
as obliging and hospitable as he is loqua- 
cious, and the landlady as neat and care- 
ful as the most fastidious could wish. 

Nature here has left a legacy of inesti- 
mable value in the peculiar geological for- 
mation spoken of in the introduction to 
this chapter. The town stands nearly on 
the summit of the break or uplift, making 
it comparatively easy to open quarries. 
The manufacture of lime is the prevail- 
ing industry of the place. This industry, 
directly and indirectly, employs about one 
hundred and fifty men. 

The first lime-kiln was built by W. H. 
Gibson & Co. in 1873. A second kiln 
was connected in 1877. Pioth are now 
owned by E. Farmer &: Co. Their capacity 
is eleven hundred barrels per week. Con- 
nected with these kilns, and owned by the 
same firm, is the stave and heading fac- 
tory. This establishment manufactures 
general coopers' supplies, but was pri- 
marily built for the manufacture of lime 
barrels. The firm employs eighty hands 
and fifteen teams. 

The lime-kilns operated by L. Friar & 
Co., a two-thirds interest in which is 
owned by Zorn, Hornung & Co., 
have a capacity of seven hundred barrels 
per week. Closely connected with this 
firm is the Hoop Factory company, which 
supplies the lime barrels and also carries on 
the manufacture of hoops on an extensive 
scale. Twelve thousand hoops a day are 
turned out in busy seasons, and forty men 



are given steady employment in all depart- 
ments. 

Zorn, Hornung & Co. inaugurated the 
grain trade. In 1875 they built an elevator 
and are the only dealers at present. 

Two stores have not been mentioned, 
A. Fraunfelter, merchant tailor, and M, 
H. Porter, groceries and provisions. There 
are a number of saloons. 

The first member of the medical ])ro- 
fession who settled in Gibsonburg was R. 
S. Hitell, who opened an office in 1873. 
He was a graduate of Jefferson Medical 
college, and won a good reputation and 
profitable practice during his residence 
here. He removed, in' 1881, to Kansas 
City, Missouri, where he is now prac- 
ticing. 

D. G. Hart, a native of Ashland county, 
began practicing in Gibsonburg in 1877. 
He is a graduate of Cincinnati Medical 
college. His practice is the best testi- 
monial of the confidence reposed in him 
by the public. 

E. B. Erwin opened an office in this 
place in 1881. He is a graduate of Cleve- 
land Medical college. 

We have now outlined the growth of the 
village from a business point of view. The 
exact population in 1880 was five hundred 
and eighty-six. The growth since that 
time has been fully one hundred. 

But a town needs more than business 
establishments. It must have govern- 
ment, educational facilities, and societies 
for the promotion of morality and social 
benevolence. Toward the building up of 
institutions of this kind, Gibsonburg has 
already made a good beginning. 

The public school enrolls one hundred 
and fifty pupils, and employs three teach- 
ers. The growth of the village made the 
erection of a new school-house necessary 
in 1876. The building contains three 
rooms. A regular course of study was 
arranged in 1877 by T, D, Stevenson, who 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



803 



was at that time principal. The village 
was set apart from the township as a special 
'school district in 1880. The first board 
were J. W. Marvin, president; John Beach, 
Charles Sardis, J. B. Taylor, E. Garn, J. 
Kininger. 

T. D. Stevenson has been identified 
closely both with the business and educa- 
tional interests of Gibsonburg. He is the 
son of David Stevenson, of Green Creek 
township. He learned the saddle and 
harness making trade at Green Spring, 
and worked there till 1861, when he en- 
listed in the Eighth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry. At the close of the war he returned 
to Green Spring, and worked at the trade 
till 1866. The next two years were spent 
at Milan Normal school and Oberlin col- 
lege. Mr. Stevenson then came to Madi- 
son township, and engaged in school 
teaching till June, 1S81. He has been 
justice of the peace for ten years, and was 
from 1874 till 1877 senior partner in the 
firm of Stevenson, Smith & Co. Mr. 
Stevenson married, in 1870, Rosetta A. 
Fowler, of Wood county, and has a family 
of three children — Thomas B., Amos C, 
and Ray D. Mr. Stevenson was admitted 
to the Bar in 1877. 

The village was incorporated under the 
laws of Ohio in the spring of 1880. On 
the first Monday of April of that year, the 
following officers were chosen : J. Kin- 
ninger, mayor ; Eli Reeves, J. W. Marvin, 
Elijah Garn, Charles Sanders, T. D. Stev- 
enson, and M. W. Hobart, council ; 
S. B. Stilson, clerk ; Adam Hornung, 
treasurer ; George Kaunkle, marshal. 

The Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows and Knights of Honor are both 
represented in this village. 

Gibsonburg Lodge No. 687, Indepen- 
dent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted 
August 12, 1879, ^^''^1^ the following as 
charter members : T. D. Stevenson, A. P. 
Johnson, John Veipch, Henry H. Tice, 



C. D. Patterson, George L. Donnels, John 
Sandwich, Henry Zorn, C. W. Heseman, 
Charles Urech, A. H. Tice, John D. 
Donnels, W. A. Penfield, John W. Brown, 
F. W J)ohn. The past noble grands in 
their order are : T. D. Stevenson, John 
Veipch, John L. Donnels^ John W. 
Brown, and G. L. Donnels. The present 
membership of the lodge is fifty-six. 

Thomson Lodge No. 1413, Knights of 
Honor, was instituted October 9, 1879. 
Dr. J. G. Thomson, of RoUersville, stood 
sponsor at the christening. The charter 
members were : R. S. Hittell, Jesse E. 
Caples, S. B. Stilson, J. Kinninger, Charles 
A. Eslinger, Charles Urech, Henry Diel, 
S. Immel, D. G. Hart, Joseph M. Bowser, 
Robert A. Mitchell, Peter P. Wolcutt, 
Martin Vosburg, M. W. Hobart. The fol- 
lowing is a list of past dictators: R. S. 
Hittell, D. G. Hart, J. Kinninger, S. B. 
Stilson, M. W. Hobart, J. B. Taylor, and 
J. W. Lewis. 

There are in Gibsonburg three churches 
— Evangelical, Lutheran, and Methodist. 
The first-named was organized long before 
the town had an existence. There is one 
other — the United Brethren, one mile 
south of the village, which for convenience 
will be sketched in this connection. 

The Evangelical is probably the oldest 
religious society in the township. It was 
formed, in 1836, of the following five in- 
dividuals : Peter Kimmerling and his 
wife Elizabeth, Jacob Kimmerling and his 
wife Nancy, and Dena Wickard. The so- 
ciety was known as Basswood class. The 
first meeting-house was built about 1845. 
The present house was dedicated in 1874. 
The preachers have been: Revs. Lintner, 
Lumbert, Haley, Longbrecht, Kopp, Sint- 
zer, Eckley, Stroman, Storkley, Zintner, 
Strohm, Smous, George, Thomas, Rife, 
Schupp, Crouse, Strohman, Wingard, and 
Snyder. The present membership is 
about seventy. 



8o4 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY, 



Salem church, United Brethren, was 
organized near the time of the organiza- 
tion of the Evangelical church. The first 
members were the families of Jacob Garn, 
John Reed, and Lucas Fleck. John Fong 
and Peter Fleck were the first preachers. 
The old log meeting-house was built in 
1845. The present house, one mile di- 
rectly south of Gibsonburg, was built in 
1864. There are about seventy members. 

A Methodist Episcopal class was formed 
at Gibsonburg in 1873, Rev. Christian 
Wolf being the first preacher. In 1877 
the old school-house was purchased and 
fitted up for a meeting-house. There are 
at present about fifty members. 

A Lutheran congregation was formed 
in 1875, Rev. George Gratz pastor. A 
meetinghouse was built in 1876. The 
membership includes about fifty families. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Three townships bear the names of il- 
lustrious Presidents of the United States. 
Jackson, the first of the three established, 
adopted the name of the great organizer, 
if not real founder, of the Democratic 
party, who at that time was at the head of 
the Government. A new township, bor- 
dering Jackson on the north, was formed 
a year later, and, at the request of its lead- 
ing men, was honored with the name of 
the noble patriot whose name has been a 
household word since the foundation of 
the Government. The first settlers of 
Washington probably felt like declaring 
their patriotism in some way or other, even 
though it was necessary to lay aside par- 
tisan feeling and accept the name of the 
great antagonizer of Jeffersonian princi- 
ples, for the majority were genuine Jack- 
sonian Democrats. It is barely i)ossi- 
ble, however, that the minority who 
drafted the petition took advantage of the 
majority's ignorance of political history, and 
secured for the new township the name of 
the distinguished Federalist leader. 



June 3, 1834, Madison was brought 
into being, and, in answer to the request 
of leading residents, was complimented ' 
with the name of that other distinguish. ed 
champion of early Democracy, and Chief 
Executive during the War of 181 2 — James 
Madison. The township originally in- 
cluded all of township five, range thirteen, 
but, in 1S40, when AN'oodville was organ- 
ized, a strip one mile and a half wide was 
struck off the north side and attached to 
Woodville, leaving Madison six miles long 
and four and one-half wide. 

The first election was held on the 4th 
day of July, 1833, at Jacob Garn's black- 
smith shop, near the centre of the town- 
ship, where succeeding elections were held 
for a number of years. The officers cho- 
sen were: David Smith and John Reed, 
justices of the peace; James A. Holcomb, 
Jacob Garn, and William Whitford, trus- 
tees; Jesse Johnson, George Ickes, and 
John Reed, supervisors; Daniel Mcintosh, 
treasurer; William Smith, constable; Fred- 
erick Clark and Henry P. Allen, overseers 
of the poor; Gideon Harmon and Elias 
Miller, fence viewers. 

INITIAL ITEMS. 

The first frame barn in the township was 
built by James A. Holcomb. 

An impetus was given to the settlement 
of Scott and Madison townships in 1836 
by the erection of a steam saw-mill on 
Sugar Creek, which was placed in charge 
of Crawford King." Why so much im- 
portance should be attached to the build- 
ing of a saw-mill it is hard for an observer 
of the present day to understand. But a 
revolution has taken place in this part of 
the county since 1836. Boards, if not a 
necessity, are inestimably convenient. 
Other things being equal, settlers will seek 
locations where the use of puncheons for 
floors and doors is unnecessary. The 
condition of the roads made it impossible 
to haul lumber any distance, so that, in 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



io5 



the absence of a local mill, there was no 
alternative to the use of puncheons. This 
mill was owned by a joint stock company, 
known as the Farmers' Union Milling 
company. Jeremiah N. King was the 
leading spirit in the enterprise, and was 
chosen president of the company. The 
stock was owned by local parties. In a 
financial point of view the establishment 
proved a failure, but the main object for 
which it was built was accomplished. 

The second saw-mill in the township 
was built by Jacob Garn. 

The first cemetery in the township was 
located in section twenty-three, and has 
become a township burying-ground named 
Madison township cemetery. Mrs. Lucas 
Flake was the first person buried there. 

Quinchan cemetery has also become a 
public burying ground. Its incipiency 
was the burial of a child of Jacob Staner. 
The institutions of a new country usually 
begin in a very simple way. In the case of 
a cemetery for instance, some one dies. 
No tract in the immediate neighborhood 
has been dedicated for the burial of the 
dead. A grave is dug at the nearest dry 
and elevated spot. The place is marked 
with a wooden picket, and fenced up by a 
square of rails. Soon there is another 
death, and the body is buried by the side 
of the first. In course of time it becomes 
necessary to enlarge the enclosure. The 
place becomes recognized as a public lot 
for burial, and eventually is deeded by the 
owner of the land to the township, a 
church, or association. The wooden slabs 
have, in most instances, been displaced by 
lettered freestone, but in some instances 
the perishable wood has rotted away, and 
the resting-place of the eternal sleeper is 
forever unknown. 

The first school in Madison township 
was on the Staner farm, and was taught by 
Eliza Davidson. Daniel Smith was one 
of the earlv teachers in this house. 



The last wolf seen in the county was 
killed by N. P. Hathaway in 1858. This 
is an "initial item'' in the sense that it 
marked the beginning of safety for sheep 
and other weak domestic animals. 

The first important ditch through the 
township begins in Wood county, drains 
the northwest corner of Scott township and 
the western part of Madison, emptying 
into Sugar Creek in Madison. 

RoUersville is divided by the township 
line, and is briefly sketched in a previous 
chapter. 

HIGH WIND. 

In the year 1839 Madison was visited 
by the most terrific storm ever known in 
the western part of the county. It was 
one of the three great tornadoes which 
have touched our territory, and, as it was 
second in regard to time, so also was it 
second in power and destructiveness. The 
first passed over Green Creek and Town- 
send, and the last over the south part of 
(ireen Creek. The Madison tornado for- 
tunately passed over a sparsely populated 
region of country and did little real dam- 
age. The timber iti its path was splintered 
and twisted to the ground. But this cir- 
cumstance, at that time when forest was a 
nuisance rather than a resource of wealth, 
had little effect upon values. It made 
clearing so much easier, and, to that ex- 
tent, was a benefit. No one was hurt, no 
houses were blown down; useless trees 
were the only victims of the wrath of 
^F^olus. Madison, on account of this cir- 
cumstance, was given the pseudonym 
"Windfall." 

HARVKST HOME. 

An institution of the west part of this 
county and the east part of Wood county 
is the annual harvest festival and thanks- 
giving. This beautiful social custom of 
yearly meeting and feasting originated in 
1857, in the form of union Sunday-school 
and pioneer meetings. Historical remi- 



8o6 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



niscences and speeches relating to Sunday- 
school work were delivered and all united 
in a bountiful picnic dinner. Gradually, 
however, as the range of visitors extended 
beyond the limits of the neighborhood, 
the character of the meetings changed 
until now it has become a general holi- 
day. 

These annual gatherings are held Aug- 
ust 30th, and are under the management 
of a president and conmiittee of arrange- 
ments. Morris Reese, esq., of Pember- 
ville, has been president since the in- 



stitution of the holiday. The meet- 
ings are held in Mr. Reese's grove. Ex- 
penses are met by charging license to 
sell confectionary, etc. No intoxicating 
drinks are allowed on the premises. 
The farmers of this section can well af- 
ford to devote one day in the year to 
social pleasures and thanksgiving. No- 
where in Ohio is agriculture better re- 
warded, besides, such gatherings con- 
duce to the unity and consequently the 
happiness of the community. 



SCOTT. 



TO the writer of ardent imagination and 
zealous in multiplying words for the 
purpose of interesting those who skim 
over the chronicles of past times merely 
for relaxation and amusement, Scott town- 
ship would be an interesting field. That 
this was the scene of some criminal epi- 
sode of more than ordinary consequence 
was clearly indicated to the present writer 
by the peculiar manner of a quartette of 
old settlers during 'his first interview. 
About some persons and places they talked 
in circumlocutions and carried on private 
consultations in a low whisper. From 
their disconnected talk nothing could be 
gleaned, except that there was something 
to find out. We do not belong to that 
class of imaginative narrators who seek 
only to interest. It is the purpose of this 
history to trace the development of the 
county from a wilderness, which blotted 
the map of our fair State, to portray the 
changes in men and manners, effected by 
the progress of knowledge, the vicissitudes 
of events, and the influence of situation. 
But the rare prospect of finding a condi- 
ment to give zest to the ordinarily flat 
detail of local history made us inquisi- 
tive. 

Before proceeding further it will be nec- 
essary, in order that a certain conventional 
arrangement may be preserved, to give 
some idea of the "lay of the ground," and 
a detailed account of the settlement. It 
will offend no one if the reader skips the 
pages covering this last topic. Descrip- 
tion and biograply in local history are re- 
spectively like sleep and work in human 



life; both are imposed by contingencies 
founded in the nature of things. 

This rambling preface, it is hoped, is 
sufficient to tire the reader into a desire to 
take a view of Scott. 

Madison township on the north, Jack- 
son on the east, Seneca county on the 
south, and Wood county on the west 
bound a township six miles square, contain- 
ing more acres of marsh and prairie land 
than is embraced by any other township 
in Sandusky county. The limestone 
ridges of Madison barely touch Scott 
along the northern boundary. The streams 
which we have been talking about ever 
since coming into the Black Swamp, all, ex- 
cept Portage River and Muskallonge, have 
their sources in the prairies of this town- 
ship. 

Furthest to the south and partly in 
Seneca county, is the Tauwa prairie, em- 
bracing an area of about three sections and 
eliptical in form, the longest axis being in 
a northeast and southwest direction. 
Running almost parallel with Tauwa and 
separated from it by a strip of woodland, 
is the largest treeless tract in the township. 
It is named from the creek which is fed 
by its numerous springs — Mud Creek 
prairie. Directly north, and almost circu- 
lar in form, is a pond like depression of 
more than a section named Miller prairie 
as a compliment to an early settler on its 
border. The source of Sugar Creek was 
an eliptical marsh two miles in its longest 
axis and one mile in its shortest. We 
say the source was a marsh, for at the 
time we write farmers are threshing im- 

807 



8o8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



mense crops of wheat taken from the fer- 
tile surface of this once useless swamp, 
uninhabited except by snakes, frogs, and 
turtles, which grew to frightful size. We 
were told (credulous people, who believe 
everything they see in print, may skip this 
paragraph) we were told — and snake 
stories have been believed since the time 
of Eve's misfortune — that in this swail, 
about the year 1841, was captured the 
monster snake of the county. A hunter 
wading in grass almost to his head, just 
high enough above the wavy surface 
to fire deadly shot at ducks chased from 
their secluded retreats, heard a surg- 
ing noise at some distance in his path, 
his eyes met those of a mortal enemy. 
The snake's forked tongue vibrated angrily 
in a frightful mouth raised above the 
grass. The barrel of the hunter's faithful 
gun soon contained a heavy charge of 
buck shot. Having taken careful aim he 
fired, dispatching two balls to the centre 
of the monster's head, and a third knock- 
ing out one eye. The writhing squirm 
and roll of death followed. The snake 
measured eighteen feet eleven and one 
half inches long and three feet nine inches 
and a quarter at the "belt." Careful ex- 
amination showed him to be thirty-three 
years old. The neighborhood was of 
course somewhat aroused, and a congre- 
gation of men around the dead body de- 
termined upon a dissection. It was a 
happy thought, for within that serpent's 
skin was contained a part of a human 
skeleton and a small packet containing 
needles, buttons, and other notions. It 
will be seen by reference to the chapter on 
Woodville that a peddler was once mys- 
teriously missing from the hotel at that 
village. That murderer of fair fame, sus- 
picion, was destroying the honest name of 
two or three worthy pioneers, but this 
story cleared the atmosphere of scandal 
by making known the last chapter of the 



life of the Woodville peddler. The snake 
also contained half a bushel of bogus coins 
and a machine for making them. It 
further contained the pocketbook of a man 
from the East who had come to the town- 
ship to buy land, and whose boots the 
next morning were found hanging on a 
tree. 

We concluded right here in the pro- 
gress of the telling of this remarkable 
story to give it to our readers just as it 
came to us. We spoke above of the in- 
direct way the old settlers of Scott have 
of telling the history of their township, 
and this is undoubtedly an allegory in- 
vented by a churlish wag, for the purpose 
of giving us a glimpse at the deeds of 
darkness and devilment of times past. 
We hope to be forgiven for this diversion, 
but it seems proper before closing this 
volume, which commits to immortal type 
the best recollections of the best-posted 
living pioneers, for the recorder to give a 
specimen of his varied experience in mak- 
ing the collection. This is our only snake 
story. Its meaning will be more clear be- 
fore reaching the conclusion of the chap- 
ter. 

One of the large Wood county prairies 
touches the western limits of Scott and is 
drained by a ditch running toward the 
northeast, which is mentioned in the pre- 
ceding chapter on Madison. 

All these prairies seem to have been 
small lakes, or rather large ponds. Ex- 
uberant vegetation decaying year after 
year, gradually filled them up until they 
became marshes, which was their condition 
when settlers first penetrated the heavy 
timber lands adjoining. They remained 
in this comparatively useless condition 
until the commissioners of the county took 
one of the most important steps in the his- 
tory of public improvements. 

It would not be desirable to follow 
through the construction of all the large 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



809 



drains which have transformed useless 
marshes into fields of inexhaustible fer- 
tility. That subject has already been 
touched in a previous chapter on public 
improvements. 

It was out of a contingency arising in 
Scott township that the law regulating the 
manner of constructing ditches was 
changed in 1879. The former law gave 
the county commissioners power to order 
the construction of ditches, so many rods 
being assigned to each property holder in 
proportion to the amount of benefit, in the 
estimation of the board, he would derive 
therefrom. This system in Scott proved 
impracticable, for each farmer, having as- 
signed a certain portion to construct, and 
the time within certain limits being op- 
tional, chose his own convenient season. 
It often happened that the upper part of 
a long drain was excavated first, thus 
opening the marsh and throwing the over- 
flow upon the lands below. Another dif- 
ficulty lay in the fact that it is impossible 
to secure satisfactory work when unhar- 
monious, unskilled, and often unwilling 
hands have to be depended upon for its 
accomplishment. However, unpractica- 
ble as it was, at least a half dozen 
useful drains were made according to 
its provisions. But the drainage was 
not sufficient to completely accomplish 
the desired object, the entire recovery of 
the prairie marshes. The flow of water 
from the Seneca county marshes no doubt 
increased the necessity for more and 
larger outlets. A new law was passed by the 
Legislature in 1879, "hich overcomes the 
difficulty mentioned above, though deemed 
somewhattyrannical by the farmers of Scott. 
Under this law the commissioners ordered 
the construction of a ditch. The contract 
for the whole work is given to the lowest 
bidder, and the cost assessed on the prop- 
erty benefited in due proportion. Under 
this law several of the largest ditches have 



been constructed. Land, twenty years 
ago covered with water, is now producing 
forty bushels of wheat to the acre. The 
croak of the bullfrog is seldom heard 
in the land, and even mosquitoes have 
abandoned this once favorite watering 
place. These superfluous pests abounded 
in unimaginable numbers, and were of 
monstrous size, before the country was 
cleared and swamps drained. An old set- 
tler of simple habits and consequently 
not given to the prevalent vice of exaggera- 
tion, told the writer with religious sincerity, 
that when he came to the township, in 
1832, swarms of these insects hovered 
over the distracted land in such numbers 
that the sun at times became invisible and 
the horridly monotonous, ceaseless song 
of these hungry millions, smothered and 
made imperceptible the barking of dogs 
and the ring of cow-bells, the melancholy 
chorus of wolves being the only sound 
which rose above the din. Mosquitoes 
then were hungry, voracious creatures, 
with infinite capacity. It was impossible 
to keep them off children. It is known 
that one child was actually bitten to death, 
and Mrs. Samuel Sprout has informed us 
that when one of her children died, 
lumps, caused by the poisonous "sinker," 
covered its whole head, despite the most 
careful watching. Scott was not the only 
place cursed in this way. The whole 
Black Swamp swarmed with them, but the 
marshes of Scott were summer resorts 
during dry weather. 

We have several times in the course of 
this history commented on the qualities of 
the wolf In this last chapter the reader 
may be interested in Dr. Thomson's ex- 
perience with the howlers of the wilder- 
ness. The wolf is in many respects an 
eccentric sort of an animal. He delights 
to live on the border of civilization, where 
the wild seclusion of dense forest furnishes 
a home on one side, and settlers' sheep, 



8io 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



chickens, etc., occasionally furnish a choice 
morsel of domestic meat, on the other. 
The wolf is a noisy, boisterous animal, but 
has little courage unless driven to it by 
hunger. Inability to foresee events makes 
him an early victim of strategy. A com- 
mon method of trapping practiced by pi- 
oneers of all climes is to build an enclos- 
ure of pickets, in which the sheep are 
driven at night. On one side are piled 
logs on the outside almost as high as the 
enclosure, which gives the wolf an easy 
entrance to the sheep; but once there he 
finds himself in an uncomfortably close 
place, becomes frightened and forgets to 
do what he came for — kill the sheep. 
Four or five wolves have been captured in 
that way in one night. 

As hinted above, a hungry wolf will 
tackle anything, and Dr. Thomson had 
good reason to be frightened on the night 
of a memorable ride into Wood county. 
It was soon after he began practice here, 
in 1844. Roads then, especially west- 
ward, were in a deplorable condition. The 
bottom, where there was one, consisted of 
logs of irregular size thrown in cross ways, 
and almost swimming in the water, so that 
if a horse stepped between the logs a 
serious accident was liable to happen. 
Over a road of this kind, and through a 
roadway just wide enough to permit two 
teams to pass. Dr. Thomson was riding 
one moonlight night. The horse was 
stepping carefully from one log to another, 
lighted by the moon, which was then at 
full, and sent her light in rays parallel to 
the direction of the roadway. While the 
plucky young doctor, the son of a Con- 
gressman, and bred in a clime somewhat 
more congenial, was rather enjoying the 
romantic beauty of the situation, the angry 
howl of a wolf quickened aesthetic reverie 
into a fever of excitement. An answer 
came from the other side, and soon the 
underbrush began to rattle. To hurry at 



first seemed impossible, but the horse, 
with increasing danger, became more and 
more impatient, until at last he leaped at 
full gallop over the perilous corduroy. The 
ground trembled at every leap, while the 
snarling, hungry beasts showed their red 
tongues in the moon-lighted roadway be- 
hind. The life of the rider depended 
upon the surefootedness of his noble ani- 
mal, for the slightest misstep would make 
him the prey of wild beasts. At length 
"hope saw a star." A clearing opened out 
and a welcoming light shone from the 
cabin window. The doctor's face even 
yet turns pale when he tells this experience 
and thinks of that perilous ride over shak- 
ing logs. 

THE SETTLEMENT. 

The settlement of Scott began about 
1828 or 1829, and Colonel Merrit Scott 
was without doubt the first settler. He 
had been in General Harrison's army dur- 
ing the War of 1812, and had, perhaps, 
cast a designing eye over this wilderness 
while out on the campaign. Mr. Scott 
lived to old age, and raised a family of 
sons and daughters. He was a very re- 
spectable man, and the naming of the 
township was a deserved compliment to 
one who had the resolution to begin the 
improvement of its fertile lands. He was 
a native of Kentucky. No land was en- 
tered in Scott townshi[) until the year 1830. 
The dates given in the following table, 
showing the original proprietorship of the 
township, give the time of listment for 
taxation. Lands were entered five years 
before, but exempt from taxation. The 
table will show, in a few instances, that the 
same lot was entered twice, which often 
happened also in other townships. Pro- 
prietors became discouraged and relin- 
quished their claims, thus throwing the 
land back again upon the market. 

Entries recorded in 1835 are as follows : 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



8ii 



SECTION. ACRES. 

Jacob Decker 24 80 

William Reed 24 240 

Jehiel Abernatliy 33 40 

James Crandall 10 40 

J. H. Chipman 4 40 

Daniel Doll 10 40 

John Ellsworth 22 80 

Eli Charles 30 172 

William Harpster 25 80 

John Long 35 40 

George R. Lewis 33 480 

George R. Lewis 32 320 

George R. Lewis 17 and 15 240 

Samuel Miller 32 80 

George Maygatt 31 84 

George Maygatt n and 12 160 

E. and J. Pearce 7 84 

E. and J. Pearce 6 81 

John A. Rockett 34 240 

Samuel Sprout 36 40 

John Spade 15 and 22 80 

Entries recorded in 1836 are: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Daniel Gam 4 221 

Peter Cypher 23 80 

Henry Roller. .. i 4 215 

Peter Smith 4 3 

George G. Baker 22 40 

L. B. Coates 28 120 

M. L. Hammond ^ 15 40 

Josiah T. Nye 3 66 

Lemuel Randall 18 40 

John F. Scott 2 40 

Entries are recorded in 1837 as follows: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Jeremiah Brown 24 80 

Jacob Fought 10 160 

Peter King 10 160 

Merrit .Scott 14 80 

Peter Whitmore 9 160 

Robert Shippy 32 40 

David Solomon 35 and 36 20a 

John Strohl 14 40 

Christopher Wonder 2 6q 

The following entries are recorded in 
1838: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Albin Ballard 13 80 

Nelson Ballard 14 80 

Patrick Byrne 4 132 

Andrew Ballard, 11 40 

William Boyle i^ 80 

C. C. Barney 12 80 

James Crusson 11 80 

James Donnell 2 80 

Jacob Fry 25 320 



SECTION. ACRES. 

Jacob Fry 35 and 36 80 

Moses Fry 25 80 

Jacob Herbster 27 80 

Jesse Johnson 4 40 

Lewis Jennings 21 40 

Andrew Roush 27 80 

John Roush 22 80 

David Scott • 12 160 

Michael Seltzer 24 40 

Wilson Teeters 5 160 

Jacob Buckbiel 9 80 

J ohn Buckbiel 10 40 

John Donnell 1 34 

John S. Murray 5 80 

Entries recorded in 1839 are as follows: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

William Aldrich 14 120 

Jehial Abernathy 27 40 

George Boyles 15 80 

Samuel Biggerstaff. 15 40 

Jeremiah Brown 24 80 

Jacob Blantz 18 174 

George Beawoa 7 165 

Seth Ball 11 80 

Samuel Biggerstaff. 11 40 

S. R. Ballard 14 40 

Patrick Byrne 4 80 

Peter Corner 5 80 

James Cruson 11 40 

David Darling 6 and 31 81 

James Dormal 2 40 

Benjamin Ettinger ; . . 27 80 

John Ellsworth 15 80 

James Evans 5 156 

G. H. Evans 5 80 

Cyrus Fillmore 21 80 

James Frisby 35 So 

Merrit Scott 12 and i 194 

Michael Seltzer 34 80 

George N. Snyder i 160 

John Sample, sr 29 and 30 490 

Henry Smith 32 and 33 120 

John V. Stahl..., 19 320 

William Stacey 12 40 

Ethan A. Smith 17 80 

A. J. Stearns 12 40 

Merrit Scott 12 40 

Wilson Teeters 5 75 

Michael Thomas 22 80 

George Thomas 23 120 

Abraham Unger 1 149 

Rice Woodruff 27 jzo 

George Weiker 23 240 

Jacob Weaver 20 and 29 r8o 

Edward Webb 4 40 

Newel Wolcutt 3 68 

D. P. Wilco.x 27 and 34 160 



8l2 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



SECTION. ACRES. 

D.P.Wilcox 35 and 26 640 

James Frisley 26 120 

A. P. Gossard 24 80 

A. P. Gossard 13 40 

Horace Gardner 18 177 

John A. Miller 17 160 

John Miller 8 80 

Philip Miller..." 9 80 

Samuel Miller 8 80 

E. Mittlicrauf. 21 80 

Sylvester Murick 8 and 17 320 

R. Daniels 3 160 

John Orwig 28 80 

John Orwig, jr 26 40 

Jacob Plantz 6, 7 and 8 525 

Samuel Ryder 20 and 21 560 

Ph. Rush 27 40 

Jacob Rinehart 13 160 

Christian Ruphe 2 loi 

Samuel Ryder 31 84 

Jacob Reigart i 34 

Jonas Rishell . 31 160 

Jonas Rishell 32 40 

Samuel Ryder 21 and 22 160 

Entries are recorded in 1840 as fol- 
lows : 

SECTION. ACRES. 

William Boyles 15 80 

George Boyles 14 40 

Jacob Buckbiel 9 and 10 200 

Daniel Baker 6 and 7 166 

Charles Choate 20 80 

Michael Derrenberger. ... . 18 120 

George H. Ellsworth 22 40 

John Ellsworth 22 80 

Cyrus Fillmore 6 158 

Jonathan Fought 6 39 

Moses Fry 25 40 

Samuel Fry 28 80 

Thomas Galauger 17 80 

George Gilbert 36 160 

John Houseman 29 40 

Charles Hubbs 22 40 

John Haines 10 80 

Fetzland Jennings 21 40 

Noah Jenningi 21 40 

Henry S. Johnson 25 40 

Jacob Clingman 28 80 

Charles Long 36 80 

Samuel Long 36 80 

Sylvester Merrick 8 40 

Montelius & Templeton 22 80 

Montelius & Templeton 13 and 28 80 

Joseph Metzger 12 40 

Elisha Moore 9 80 

James McKey 3 68 

Samuel Paine n 40 

Henry Roller 3 i6o 



SECTION. ACRES. 

Philip Roush 27 40 

Jacob Kinehart 14 40 

Joseph Robbins 2 69 

Isaac Rundel 17 40 

Benjamin Shively 6 40 

Barton Sweet 18 40 

Samuel Schofield 2 and 3 126 

Ethan E. Smith., 17 40 

Peter Smith. 6 40 

William Stacey 12 40 

Peter Smith 6 40 

Merrit Scott i 80 

William Stacey 11 and 12 120 

Richard Temple 7 80 

George Weiker, jr 26 and 11 80 

George Weiker, jr 10 and 33 160 

Edward Webb 4 40 

Solomon Weeks 21 80 

The records of 1847 show the following 
entries: 

SECTION. ACRES. 

Reuben Cary 32 40 

David Earl 30 40 

Conrad Smith 24 40 

In 1848 is recorded: 

L. Q. Rawson 29 80 

In 1 85 2 are recorded: 

Samuel Long 36 40 

Solomon Sturgess 35 and 36 80 

Margaret Verking 19 40 

Charles Choate 36 40 

C. W. Foster 32 40 

In 1854 were recorded: 

F. I. Norton and A. B. 

Taylor 28 40 

F. I. Norton and A. B. 

Taylor 29 40 

' F. I. Norton and A. B. 

Taylor 30 40 

The last entries are recorded in 1856 : 

I ohn Hough 29 80 

Horace Sessions 29 40 

Scott was followed closely by Samuel 
Biggerstaff, who settled on section twelve, 
and after several years residence in the 
township, removed to Wood county and is 
now living in Minnesota. He and Mr. 
Plantz are the only two men living who 
voted at the first election in Scott. 

It is not possible to give the names of 
all the early settlers, for many of them re- 
mained but a short time and deserve no 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



813 



place in a history of this county for they 
never accomphshed anything in the way 
of improving the county or building up its 
institutions. 

Henry Roller, one of the earliest set- 
tlers, and senior proprietor of the projected 
village which bears his name, removed to 
Scott from Columbiana county, Ohio, in 
1832. He lived in the township until his 
death, in 1850. The family consisted of 
several children, four of whom are living: 
Elisha T., Nebraska; Shcdrick B., Colum- 
biana county, Ohio; Mary (Clary), Wood 
county, and Susan Breakfield, Michigan. 
Mr. Roller was a native of Tennessee. 
He enlisted in the War of 181 2, in Cap- 
tain Gilbert's command, and assisted to 
cut the first road from the Huron River to 
Fort Stevenson. He received his dis- 
charge from service on Christmas, 181 2. 

Wilson Teters came from Columbiana 
county with Roller and settled on the ad- 
joining quarter. 

The first settler on Tauwa prairie was 
Samuel Miller, a native of Pennsylvania. 
He came to Scott at an early period of the 
settlement. He is yet living but is no 
longer engaged on the farm. 

The first settled preacher in the town- 
ship was Jeremiah Brown. He came to 
Scott from Muskingum county. After re- 
maining here a number of years he moved 
to Illinois, where he died. 

M. L. Smith came to Scott in 1832 and 
is yet a resident of the township. 

Lewis Jennings settled in the west part 
ot the township in 1832. He was the first 
settler on the prairie, which has taken his 
name. The prairie lies mostly in Wood 
county. Joseph H. is the only one of the 
sons yet living. 

Jacob Rinehart came from Pennsyl- 
vania in the year 1832, and settled in 
Scott township. He remained here one 
year and then moved to Jackson, his pres- 
ent residence. 



James Baker settled south of RoUers- 
ville. The first grave in the township was 
on his place. A further account of the 
funeral will be found in the proper connec- 
tion. 

C. C. Barney, the first justice of the 
peace, lived on the present Wright farm at 
Greenesburg. He sold to Greene and 
Ryder, the proprietors of the town. 

James Donnel, a native of Ireland, 
made an early settlement here, where he 
died. His son James is station agent at 
Helena. 

Three old settlers, when asked who 
Patrick Byrne was, answered: "He was 
a fine Irishman." He settled in the north- 
ern part of the township, and acquired the 
reputation of being an industrious worker 
and excellent citizen. He sold his place 
in 1840, and in company with Jesse John- 
son, a tenant, or more properly a hired 
man, started for the West, but was the 
victim of a fatal accident at the Rock 
River, Illinois. A hand was driving the 
stock across the stream, but in an attempt 
to swim the current, became exhausted, 
and sank. Byrne, seeing the man's peril, 
leaped into the stream, and succeeded in 
grasping the drowning man, who seized 
both of Byrne's arms with a death grip. 
Both sank, and were drowned. 

The Ballard family came from Rhode 
Island, and settled in Scott soon after the 
first settlement of the township. They 
were factory men in the East. One of 
them kept tavern in Rollersville for a 
number of years. They finally removed 
to Iow;i. Albin Ballard is now living in 
Michigan. 

The most extensive land-owner in the 
township was George R. Lewis. He never 
lived in Scott, but entered extensive tracts 
for speculative purposes. He donated to 
Western Reserve college a tract of several 
hundred acres. 

John Harpster came to Scott about 



8i4 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



1833. He was a native of Pennsylvania. 
He settled on the Ludwig farm. He re- 
moved from here to the eastern part of 
the county. 

George N. Snyder settled in this town- 
ship at a very early date. He was born in 
Pennsylvania in 1808. In 1834 he mar- 
ried Mary Harmon, a native of Vermont, 
who died in 1870, leaving five children: 
Elizabeth, Scott; Merrit L., Fremont; 
Harvey J., Kansas; Mary E. (Boor), 
Scott; and Sarah E. (Cessna), Scott. Mr. 
Snyder married for his second wife, Mrs. 
Nancy Houston, widow of Alexander 
Houston, by whom he had twelve chil- 
dren. 

Philip and Diadama Hathaway were na- 
tives of Assonett, Massachusetts. In 1832 
they moved to Ohio and located in Scott 
township. They were the parents of six 
children, four of whom are living: Philo 
W., resides in Fostoria, Wood county; 
Gardner D., in Scott township; Mrs. 
Eunice W. Eaton, at Rollersville, and 
Mrs. Anna Rice, in Townsend. Two 
children died in Massachusetts — Philip 
and Dudley. Mr. Hathaway died in 1844, 
aged forty-nine; Mrs. Hathaway in 1848, 
aged fifty-one. 

Jacob Kuntz was born in Lancaster 
county, Pennsylvania, in 1793. He mar- 
ried Rowena Rhode in 1810, and came to 
Ohio in 1833. He entered a quarter sec- 
tion of land in Scott, on which he settled 
and has lived ever since. He is the only one 
of the first voters yet living in the town- 
ship. He is the oldest man in the town- 
ship. Of a family of ten children, seven 
are living. 

Philip Miller, with his wife Matilda 
Howe, came to Scott in 1833. Mr. Mil- 
ler died in 1873, having been the father 
of thirteen children, six of whom are 
living. 

Abraham Unger and Sarah Snyder Un- 
ger emigrated from Berks county, Penn- 



sylvania, and settled first in Marion coun- 
ty. In 1S23 they settled in the north 
part of Scott township. Mr. Unger died 
in Indiana in 1876; his wife had died 
seven years before. The family consisted 
of six children, two of whom are living in 
this county— Joel and Mrs. Peter Kimmer- 
ling. 

Daniel Long, father of the Longs of 
this county, was a native of Maryland. 
He came to Ohio in 181 2, and settled in 
Guernsey county, Ohio, where he lived 
until 1834, when he came to the Black 
Swamp, settling in Seneca county just 
south of Scott township, where he died in 
1865 at the advanced age of ninety-two 
years. The family consisted of ten boys 
and two girls. Seven children are yet liv- 
ing. Two of the sons — David and Wesley 
— died in the army. Three — Samuel, John, 
and Michael — are preachers, and have 
travelled the United Brethren circuits of 
this county. A more extended biography 
of the last-named will be found in a pre- 
vious chapter. Charles Long was the first 
settler in the southeast corner of the town- 
ship, where his widow still lives. Charles 
was soon followed to the county by his 
brother-in-law, Samuel Sprout, the husband 
of Nancy Long. John Long, one of the 
first settled preachers of this part of the 
county, is now living in Wood county; he 
once owned a farm bordering on Tauwa 
prairie. Benjamin lives on the homestead 
in Seneca county. 

Samuel Sprout removed from Pennsyl- 
vania to Guernsey county in 181 6. He 
married, in Guernsey county, Nancy 
Long, and in 1834 came to Scott, settling 
at the west border of Tauwa prairie. His 
children living are: Margaret (Doll), John, 
Samuel, Marion, Caroline (Downing), 
Jane (Hays), Calista (Hippie). 

Michael Seltzer was one of those char- 
acters whom everybody knows, for the 
people of the whole neighborhood were 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



815 



called upon to pity him, both on account 
of imbecility of mind and poverty of purse. 
The poor fellow became a Mormon, then 
a pauper, and finally died in Jackson 
township in an open field. He never 
liked to work, but in these days of culture, 
that could not be called an eccentricity. 

Andrew Roush and family left their im- 
provements here and removed to Michi- 
gan. It will be noticed that many of the 
settlers here made Michigan the objective 
point of second immigration. There was 
at one time what was known as the Michi- 
gan fever, caused by malarious reports 
about the unbounded fertility of soil and 
healthfulness of climate. It is safe to say 
that those who remained to improve the 
Black Swamp country were wiser than 
those who were lured by Michigan stories, 
for no agricultural tract in the country has 
grown in value more rapidly than this 
swamp. 

John Spade had a cooper-shop near the 
centre of the township, probably the first 
manufacturing industry in the township. 
The timber in this region made excellent 
staves, being thrifty, straight, and close- 
grained. 

Ezekiel Abernathy, an early settler of 
Scott, removed from here to York, and 
from there to Iowa, where he now lives. 

No man worked harder and accom- 
plished more for Scott than Hon. Benja- 
min Inman. He was a native of New 
Jersey, born in 181 7. He came to the 
county in 1832, and in 1834 settled in 
Scott township, his residence for more 
than forty years. He was elected county 
commissioner in i860, and held the ofifice 
twelve years. During that period the 
ditching movement was inaugurated, and 
carried forward with vigor. Mr. Inman 
was personally interested in these public 
improvements, and used his influence en- 
thusiastically, both as an official and a cit- 
izen. Mr. Inman was elected to a seat in 



the House of Representatives, from this 
county, in 1873. 

Jacob Havley removed from Mansfield, 
Ohio, to Scott. He was the father of a 
family of fourteen children. He died a 
few years since, a highly esteemed old gen- 
tleman. 

Prominent among the settlers of* 1835, 
and one who has given his life to the im- 
provement of the township, is Elisha 
Moore. He was born in Columbiana 
county in 1809. In 1829 he married, in 
his native county, Phebe Smith, who has 
been a faithful helpmeet. Their family 
consisted of six children — D. W., Charity, 
Martha, Rachel, Elvina (Shively), and Mi- 
nerva, all of whom are dead except Ra- 
chel and Elvina. 

It is really gratifying to a young man to 
observe the conscious, though unexpressed 
pride of an active pioneer who has seen 
the wilderness gradually transformed. A 
talk with such a man will convince the 
meanest skeptic that the self-consciousness 
of having added to the world's wealth, 
material or moral, is a reward worth living 
and working for. 

Reuben McDaniels, a native of New 
Hampshire, came to Ohio and settled in 
this township in 1833. The following 
year he married Joanna C. Nye, by whom 
he had a family of five children. Mr. Mc- 
Daniels has taken special interest in edu- 
cational affairs. 

William Wright, with his family, came 
from New York to Scott in 1836. He 
died about 1855. His sons are Martin, 
Louis, and Solomon. Martin has been 
in mercantile business in Greenesburg for 
more than twenty years. Solomon is in 
business at Millersville. 

John Ellsworth is one of the men whose 
name causes shy glances and winks among 
his old neighbors. He could not read, 
but was naturally a bright fellow. He left 
the country rather hastily on one occasion, 



8i6 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



much to the disappointment of the sheriff 
of Wood county. But let the report of a 
man's evil deeds decay with his bones. 
Wickedness is born of the flesh and 
should perish with the body. When a 
man dies he shuffles off these mortal sins, 
and history has no business to make a 
monument of them. It is given to us as 
matter of history, however, that bogus 
coins have been plowed up on tiis old 
farm. 

James Crandall came to Scott about 
1837. He was taken away by the Cali- 
fornia fever, and never returned. 

David Solomon should have been men 
tioned before. He has been one of the 
old standbys in the United Brethren 
church of the south side. He came to 
the township in 1836, and is yet living, 
though in feeble health. 

Frederick Bowser was born in Pennsyl- 
vania in 1S24. He married Margaret 
Fickes in 1848, and settled in Scott town- 
ship in 1856. Mr. Bowser died in 187 1. 
The family consisted of seven children, 
five of whom are living, viz: George. 
Scott township; Jacob, Madison; Barbara, 
Alice, and Maggie, Scott township. 

The Wyant family came to Scott town- 
ship at an early date, probably about 1831. 
The father, George Wyant, moved to 
Seneca county and died there. Of his 
children, Eli was a carpenter, and worked 
several years at his trade in Scott and 
Jackson. He died in Farmington, Mis- 
souri. Abraham remained in Scott town- 
ship some years. He now resides in St. 
Joseph county, Michigan. Mary is the 
wife of Isaac Harley, of Scott. R. K. 
Wyant, one of the sons who was very well 
known in this county, was born in Penn- 
sylvania in 1827. He taught thirty-four 
terms of school in Sandusky county, and 
was a minister of the gospel a number of 
years. He married Sarah Sprout, who 
died in 1866. Mr. Wyant died in 1880. 



The surviving representatives of this fam- 
ily are: John W., Madison township; S. 
I., Scott; Ellen (Underwood), Wood 
county; Irene (Smith), Washington town- 
ship; E. F., Scott, and William R., Wood 
county. 

Henry and Elizabeth Buchtel settled in 
this township in 1837, and resided here a 
number of years. They were from Penn- 
sylvania. Mr. Buchtel went to Kansas 
and died there. Eight of his children are 
now living: George, Fostoria; Elizabeth 
(Smith), Republic; Esther (Hartman), 
Wood county; Jemima (Callahan), Wood 
county; Mary (Cook), Freeport; Alfred, 
Kansas, and Malinda (Evans), Scott. 

James Evans settled in the township in 
1837. He was born in Massachusetts in 
1808. He married Hannah C. Dean, a 
native of the same State. The family 
consisted of nine children, three of whom 
are living — George D. and Joseph, in 
Scott, and Everett, in Bradner. Mr. 
Evans died in 1864. His wife survived 
him twelve years. G. D. Evans occupies 
the homestead. He was four years old 
when his parents came to the county. 
He married, in 1856, Malinda Buchtel. 
Anson Clark is the only child. 

Joseph Mctzger emigrated from Bedford 
county, Pennsylvania, in 1837, and settled 
in the eastern part of the township. 

We have now sketched the early settle- 
ment of the township. But there are a 
few others, although settlers of a later 
date, who deserve mention in this connec- 
tion, on account of their representative 
character as citizens. 

W. W. Peck was born in Connecticut 
in 1800. In 181 1 he went to New York, 
and in 1827 married Lima Cole, of Al 
bany. In 1830 he removed to Cortland 
county, where he remained ten years, and 
then came to Ohio, settling in Scott town- 
ship. He now lives in Madison. The 
family consists of four children — Nelson 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



817 



and Catharine (Spade), this county; Jason 
Lee, Kansas; and William, on the home- 
stead. 

Add Bair was born in Stark county, 
Ohio, in 1825. He lived there till 1847, 
when he married Theresa Fay and moved 
to Scott township. His first wife died in 

1849. 'T'hc following year he married for 
his second wife Maria Baker. The family 
consists of ten children, nine of whom 
are living — O. VV., Miami county; E. E., 
Kansas; Frank G., Mary E., Rosa M., 
Grant, Ella E., Charles D., and C. Foster, 
Scott township. 

William A. Gregg was born in New 
Hampshire in 1825. He married Elsie 
Foster in 1852, and settled in Scott town- 
ship the same year. The following year 
Mrs, Gregg died, leaving one child, Frank, 
who lives in Michigan. In 1854 Mr. 
Gregg married for his second wife Harriet 
Hanline, who has given birth to nine chil- 
dren, viz: Charles, lives in Illinois; Elsie 
(Peterson), Wood county; Hattie, Sadie, 
William D., Lettie, Schuyler, Grace, and 
Roscoe. 

John Houtz was born in Pennsylvania 
in 1801. His family came to Columbiana 
county, Ohio, in 1808. He married, first, 
Catharine Houtz, of Washington township, 
who died in 1843. In 1847 he married, 
for his second wife, Elizabeth Boyer, and 
soon after moved to this township, where 
he died in 188 r. The family consisted of 
six children — Mary E. (Phister), Wood 
county; Cornelius, Scott; Zachariah, 
Scott; Elizabeth (Tyson), Wood county; 
John, Washington township; and Sarah 
(Tyson), Scott. Cornelius, second child 
of John Houtz, was born in 1848. He 
married Mary Benton in 1872, and has 
one child — Jessie M. 

John E. Mclntire was born in Reed 
township in 185 1. He married, in 1872, 
Elizabeth Jane Nevils, who was born in 

1850. They had four children, three of 



whom are living — Lillie D., John O., and 
Henrv H. Mr. Mclntire is the oldest of 
the six children of James and Catharine 
Mclntire, of Seneca county. 

John Ernst was born in Pennsylvania 
in 1833. In i860 he married Hester 
Noble, also a native of Pennsylvania. In 
1865 they came to Ohio and settled in 
Scott township. Their family consists of 
seven children — Lillie Amanda(Homerer), 
Susannah, Savilla, Arabella, Ara, Hettie 
May. and an infant daughter. By trade 
Mr. Ernst is a carpenter. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. 

On the 4th of March, 1833, there were 
more than twenty voters in Scott, as is 
shown by a petition presented to the com- 
missioners on that date praying for the 
erection of a new township, to be named 
and known as Scott, and to comprise the 
territory included in the original surveyed 
township number four, range thirteen. 
This petition was presented by Lewis 
Jennings, at whose house the first election 
was held on the first Monday of April of 
that year. 

At this election Lewis Jennings was 
elected clerk, and C. C. Barney justice of 
the peace. S. D. Palmer and Samuel 
Bickerstaff were two of the three first 
trustees. Lewis Jennings, at the next 
election, became justice, and held the 
ofifice a number of years. There are but 
two of the voters at the first election liv- 
ing — Jacob Plantz and Samuel Bicker- 
staff — the former being the only one living 
in the township. 

CHURCHES. 

The United Brethren were the first to 
establish their form of worship in this 
township. In most parts of Ohio, Method- 
ist missionaries first preached in the rural 
and new settlements, but here the prize of 
vigilance belongs to the United Brethren. 

Canaan class is the oldest. Meetings 
were held in the south part of the town- 



8i8 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



ship as early as 1834, the first preachers 
being Revs. Beaver, Moore, and Davis, 
the last being known as "John Davis, the 
hatter." Daniel Long and David Solo- 
mon organized the first class, David Solo- 
mon bemg class leader for more than 
thirty years. A meeting-house was built 
in 1867. The present membership is 
thirty. 

The Evangelicals organized a class at 
an early period of the settlement. Among 
the first members were John Roush, John 
Harpster, John Orwig, Isaac Miller, Mr. 
Hartman, and perhaps a few others. 
Meetings were held in school-houses until 
1870, when a church was built by public 
subscription. There are about thirty mem- 
bers. 

Sandusky class, United Brethren, was 
formed about 1845, by D. P. Hulbert, 
and was composed of Henry Orwig, L. M. 
Smith, and David Vandersall, with their 
families. The class is at present com- 
posed of twenty-two members. Meetings 
are held in school-houses and in resi- 
dences. 

Methodism has had an existence in the 
township for a great many years. Mount 
Zion class was formed, and a meeting- 
house was built, in 1872, near Greenes- 
burg. 

The Congregational church at Rollers- 
ville was formed in 1842, through the ef- 
forts of Rev. M. P. I^ay, who continued to 
minister to the congregation until 1878. 
The first members were: John Miller and 
wife, Philip Miller and wife, Mr. Jewett, 
Sylvester Merrick and wife, James Merrick 
and wife, Angus Campbell and wife, Mrs. 
Reuben McDaniels, George N. Snyder 
and wife, VVilliston Merrick and wife, and 
Mr. Harrison and wife. Of these first 
members, Mrs. McDaniels is the only one 
yet living in the community. Rev. Mr. 
Hadley succeeded Mr. Fay to the pastor- 
ate. In 1880 Rev. Mr, Preston became 



pastor, and was succeeded by Rev. J. C. 
Thompson. The house of worship in 
Rollersville was built in i860. 

There are a number of families belong- 
ing to the Disciple church who meet for 
worship at residences and school-houses, 
and are ministered to by itinerant preach- 
ers. They are not a regularly organized 
body. 

GREENESBURG. 

This village is one of the oldest west of 
the Sandusky River. It was laid out by 
John L. Green, who, in partnership with 
Ryder, opened the first store in 1836. 
About this time a road was built to Fre- 
mont, and the village was supposed to 
have a future. But the fondest hopes of 
the wisest men are often never realized. 
Certain it is that the reality of the village 
of Greenesburg has never been realized 
except on paper. But a surveyor is un- 
able to make a town. Natural advantages, 
business tact, and enterprise are required. 
The projectors of several towns will find 
this out, if they have not already learned 
it. Millersville is an example to the point. 

John L. Green failed in business in 
1840 and then began the study of law. 
His career is noticed in the chapter relat- 
ing to the Bar. 

The first postmaster at (ireenesburg was 
James Russel. He was succeeded by D. G. 
Tinney, and he in turn by Martin Wright, 
who held the office until 1873, when an 
office was established at Millersville and 
the office at Greenesburg cancelled. 

Martin Wright has been the store-keeper 
for more than twenty years. 

ROLLERSVILLE. 

' Rollersville is situated on the township 
j line between Madison and Scott. The 
I Scott side was laid out by Henry Roller 
! and Wilson Teeters ; the north part, lying 
in Madison, was laid out by William Whit- 
ford and Luther Chase. James Evans 
proposed the name which was adopted as 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



819 



a compliment to the oldest of the four pro- 
prietors. 

Jeremiah N. King opened the first store, 
but the woodland village consisted chiefly 
of taverns. Jonathan Fought built the 
first one. This was a log house one and 
one-half stories high and eighteen by 
twenty-four feet in the clear. It stood on 
lot sixty-three. 

The second tavern was built by Alvin 
Ballard. It was a two-story log iiouse of 
commodious size. 

The third tavern was built by Barringer, 
and stood on the lot now occupied by the 
Congregational church. It was one story 
high, contained one room and was sixteen 
by twenty feet in size. How would you 
like to stay all night in that house ? The 
whisky trade gave spirit to village life in 
those days of hard work and unrestrained 
revelry. The average consumption of 
whisky per week was one barrel. Con- 
sidering the fact that the population was 
then comparatively sparse, we must con- 
clude that there were some hard drinkers 
in that community. 

An idea of the value of property m 
those days of cheap whiskey can be formed 
from the following incidents: Barringer 
met Sheriff Crow riding in the streets of 
Fremont one day, and proposed to trade 
his tavern stand for the horse. Crow 
knowing the infirmities of the horse, ac- 
cepted the proposition, and a few days 
after visited his purchase. He was some- 
what disappointed, however, when he 
found that he had been under a misappre- 
hension, supposing that Barringer occupied 
the two-story house. But log houses at 
that time were of little value. 

The first building in the village was 
built by William Whitford. 

The first postmaster was David Smith. 
Dr. Thomson was postmaster from 1847 
till 1862; Daniel Baker till 1874; William 
Herriff till 187s,; S. P. Hathaway till 1876, 



and D. B. Baker has filled the position 
since that time. 

D. B. Baker conducts the only general 
store. There are two saloons, a black- 
smith shop and wagonraaker's shop, a 
church, school-house, and about twenty 
dwellings. The hotels have gone down. 

PHYSICIANS. 

The first physician in Scott was Dr. 
William Durbin. He located in RoUers- 
ville in 1834, and continued in practice 
three years. He is a graduate of Penn- 
sylvania Medical College and is now prac- 
ticing in Mahoning county, Ohio. 

John B. Chamberlain, a graduate of 
Quebec Medical College, was the next 
local doctor; he had been previously lo- 
cated in Fremont. He had been a sur- 
geon in the War of 1812. He left Scott 
about 1848 and went to St. Clair, Michi- 
gan, where he died in 1852. 

J. C. Thomson, with one exception, is 
the oldest active practitioner in the coun- 
ty. His father, John Thomson, was born 
in Ireland. He studied medicine in 
Washington, Pennsylvania, and began 
practice in New Lisbon, Ohio, in 1807. 
He married a daughter of Joseph Patter- 
son, a Presbyterian clergyman, of Penn- 
sylvania. Dr. Thomson was in Congress 
ten years, being elected first during Jack- 
son's administration. He represented 
Columbiana county in the Legislature 
sixteen years. Dr. J. C. Thomson was 
born in 1822. In 1839 he entered a drug 
store in New Lisbon, Ohio, and two years 
later began the study of medicine at 
Mansfield, Ohio, which he pursued three 
years, including a course of lectures at 
the University of Pennsylvania. He be- 
gan practice in Scott, in 1844. His ex- 
tensive practice and the confidence of the 
public are sufficient testimonials of his 
worth. His standing as a citizen is shown 
by repeated elections to local trusts. He 
was justice of the peace from 1853 for a 



820 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



period of twenty-seven years. Dr. Thom- 
son married, in 1845, Jane Roller, who 
died in 1847. In 1848 he married for 
his second wife Avis P. Hathaway, 
daughter of N. P. Hathaway. Three 
children are living — Anna P. (Inman), 
John, and Helen M. Dr. Thomson holds 
membership in Masonry in Tififin com- 
mandery, Fremont chapter, and Brainard 
lodge; in Oddfellowship, in Helena lodge, 
Thomson encampment, and Rebecca 
lodge; Knights of Honor, in William 
Whitford lodge. He received the degree 
of Doctor of Medicine from Charity 
Hospital Medical College, Cleveland, in 
1869. 

Dr. Charles A. Roush had an office at 
Rollers ville, and- practiced from 1848 till 
1854. He is now practicing in Toledo. 

Dr. John B. Ginn was a physician of 
worth at Greenesburg. He had a large 
practice. He died at Greenesburg in 1856. 

SOCIETY. 

William Whitford lodge, Knights of 
Honor, No. 948, was instituted by H. R. 
Shomo, March 11, 1878. The name was 
conferred as a compliment to one of the 
original proprietors of the village. The 
charter members were: Dr. J. C. Thom- 
son, Dr. E. R. Sage, R. A. Foregrave, 
William H. Aldrich, Edwin Aldrich, W. 
H. Campbell, J. E. Dean, Adam Bair, G. 
D. Evans, Josiah Fairbank, J. M. Gam, 
Theodore Munz, L. A. Mitchell, William 
Peck, S. R. Heberling, H. C. Green, John 
Hutchinson, G. D. Hathaway, Charles D. 
Inman, H. W. King, Joseph M. Jones, 
George W. Miller, and R. C. Thomas. 

The past dictators, in their order, have 
been: Dr. J. C. Thomson, E. R. Sage, 
J. M. Garn, George N. Miller, Charles D. 
Inman, J. Fairbank, W. H. Campbell, and 
R. A. Foregrave. The lodge is in a pros- 
perous condition, all the members taking 
an enthusiastic part in its business, and 
cheerfully meeting its demands. Dr. J. 



C. Thomson took the lead in the organi- 
zation, and infused into it his characteristic 
enthusiasm. 

EARLY FUNERALS. 
Life is a frost of cold felicitie, 
And death the thaw of all our vanitie. 

[T. B., 1580. 

The sacredness of the tomb commands 
a reverent approach to a description of 
early funeral customs. The mention of 
death brings a crowd of the saddest but 
sweetest recollections. The sight of a 
grave refreshes mournful memories of 
some dear friend's departmg. 

Of all the truly simple usages imposed 
upon the pioneer of this region by natural 
conditions, none more solemnly impres- 
sive ever existed than their funeral cus- 
toms. The scene of a woodland funeral 
at fifty years distance is picturesque, even 
poetical. We can only give the outlines,, 
the imagination must supply the coloring 
of the picture. 

In this part of the county underbrush 
and marsh grass covered the ground, 
shaded by large trees, making it difficult 
for even a footman to find a way through, 
except where nature had thrown up ridges 
and seemingly provided passage-ways. 
Along these ridges, densely timbered, ran 
"cowpaths," no roads having yet been 
cut out. The first burial in Scott took 
place at a very early period of the settle- 
ment. The deceased had been a veteran 
of the Revolution, and lived about two 
miles west of the line, in Wood county. 
A path led from the house of mourning 
across the marsh and prairie, and along the 
ridge, to an elevated spot on the tract now 
known as the Minkly farm, in Scott. The 
few settlers for miles around all gathered 
at the house and performed the funeral 
rites. I'hen six strong men volunteered 
to consign the body to the elements from 
which it had come. The path leading to 
the burial place was, at places, so narrow 
that two men could not walk abreast. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



821 



Single and alone, they started on the 
mournful journey, bearing upon their 
shoulders all that was mortal of him whose 
spirit had gone to the home of the brave 
and honest. One man going before ex- 
plored the path, four bore the precious 
load, while the sixth followed ready to af- 
ford relief. Thus the sad, silent company 
moved along over swamps bridged with 
logs, between impenetrable growths of 
underbrush, and into a more accessible 
upland forest. At last the open grave was 
reached. Overshadowed by oak, and elm, 
and maple, this silent, lone grave was 
bathed in the perfume of wild flowers and 
shrubs, and a choir of wild birds pensively 
chanted while the earth was swallowing its 
own. Cold clay, unsoftened by the loving 
tears of mourners, rattled against the rough 
box coffin. Soon this gap in the earth's 
fair bosom was closed. The burial com- 
pany scattered to their homes, and even 
the name of the brave soldier who im- 
perilled his life for our liberties, is now for- 
gotten. A man's faults fare better than 
his name, for they die and are buried with 
his body, but his name, after a time, sinks 
into obscurity, and at last perishes without 
the rights of Christian funeral. This grave 
was the beginning of a public cemetery. 

The largest cemetery in the township is 
located on the Metzger farm in the eastern 
part. The Vernon family's were the first 
graves here. No roads led to this lot for 
a number of years, the bodies being car- 
ried to the grave through the woods. It 
was, indeed, a task to be a pall-bearer in 
those days. Neither was it an easy task 
to dig a grave, for roots seemed to be- 
grudge enough ground. It will be infer- 
red that muddy roads, scanty food, un- 
comfortable houses, severe labor, and the 
torture of wolves howling, and musquitoes 
biting did not complete the catalogue of 
pioneer hardships. Even Christian burial 
was accomplished with great difficulty. 



MISCELLANEOUS INCIDENTS. 

One of the settlers on the prairie at an 
early date was a good fellow on general 
principles, but he had a keen eye for busi- 
ness, and was not burdened with over- 
sensitive susceptibilities. The Senecas 
made a custom of camping annually on 
the ridge, just south of the prairie in 
Seneca county. One season a squaw died 
during the encampment, and was buried 
after the manner of the Senecas. The 
Indians, out of respect, at once abandoned 
their sports at the place of burial, having 
first invoked the blessing of the Great 
Spirit. But the prairie settler was not the 
man to allow reverence for lifeless bodies 
to stand in the way of making a few dol- 
lars. The shades of night had no sooner 
enveloped the grave than with pick and 
shovel he was at work. Log after log 
which had been carefully laid to protect 
the body from contact with profane earth, 
was removed until at last the body, dressed 
in a fancy hunting skirt, could be removed. 
The shrine formed by savage but con- 
scientious hands, and blessed by pagan 
rituals, was desecrated and robbed of its 
own. Taking the body on his back, the 
grave pilferer started for his cabin through 
the still and black forest, carrying the stiff, 
cold, clammy body on his back. After 
travelling a mile shut off from all the 
world by dense woods, he emerged into 
the moon-lighted prairie, through which 
lay the remainder of the journey. Pain- 
ful ending, indeed, it was. In full view 
were the glassy eyes half closed in death, 
and ghastly features of his stolen burden. 
But a hard heart assisted him to the end, 
where the corpse was boxed, taken to 
Lower Sandusky and sold. 

In a few years after, the central figure 
of this strange affair sold his farm and 
left the township. 

The first school-house in the township 
was built near Greenesburg in 1834. The 



822 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



second school was on the farm now 
owned by Mrs. Charles Long. Jacob 
Sprout was the first teacher in this part 
of the township. 

Considerable excitement was caused in 
the north part of the township by the find- 
ing of the remains of the body of a man, 
torn to pieces by wolves. A pair of boots 
were found on a tree near by, which were 
supposed to belong to a man who had 
been in the country a few days looking for 
land. His sudden disappearance con- 
firmed this opinion, but the circumstances 
of his death were involved in mystery, and 
gave rise to considerable suspicion. 

The reader is charged against forming 
an opinion prejudicial to the fair fame of 
Scott township. It is a community of en- 
terprising, law-abiding citizens. The early 
settlers were generally a good class of peo- 
ple, but a few were not ; but these, like 
pomace from cider, have been worked off, 
and the quality improved by their presence. 
There used to be a good deal of stealing 
going on in this part of the county. Hams 
and wheat were in especial danger. An 
old wheat thief once gave his experience 
to a highly esteemed citizen of the town- 
ship, under promise never to reveal the 
name. Thieves are proverbially smart, 
and these country thieves were no excep 
tion to the rule, as is shown by the strate- 
gic methods adopted. The retired thief 
to whom we have referred said in sub- 
stance: 

A dark night was always selected. Let me tell 
you: never try to steal near home. Go where you 
are not known. We always took a team hitched to 
a wagon, and drove eight or ten miles. The party 
generally consisted of two men and one woman, or a 
man dressed in woman's clothes. We chose a 
place close to the road. It is much safer than a 
place back from the road, for, you see, the plan won't 
work back from the road. Well, when we came to 
the place, we drive as close to the house as the road 
will take us, there stop. Leaving the woman in the 
wagon to hold the horses, we go to the barn and 
sack the grain. If any body comes out or noise is 
made, there the \voman is in the wagon, and no- 



body is so dumb or impolite as to ask her any ques- 
tions. We get the wheat sacked, load it in the 
wagon, and drive off. That is the last of it till next 
mornmg, when the wheat is gone, and we are away 
off. Oh, it's no danger to steal if you work it right. 

The old man is probably right in his 
last statement. This is a unique method, 
however, and seems to have been pecul- 
iarly the property of Sandusky and Wood 
counties. 

THE .\LMIGHTY DOLLAR. 

That the love of money is the root of 
sin, is a doctrine as old as the Bible. 
Another old axiom is, "The way to make 
money is to make iL" The history of 
Scott township shows that this doctrine 
was literally believed in by a coterie of 
sharp and ambitious men. No event 
ever occurred in the western part of the 
county which created such general excite- 
ment and so much anxiety as the arrest of 
Jacob Weaver-, in 1840, on a warrant 
charging him with coining counterfeit 
money. His supposed associates were 
prominent men in the community, but 
AVeaver was tlie only person proved guilty 
by legal processes, and in consequence 
will have to stand the brunt of our de- 
scription of the whole affair. This, too, is 
in harmony with the actual facts of the 
case, for, in reality, he was the willing tool 
of abler and shrewder men. 

A fire in the woods often attracted the 
attention of settlers late at night, but for a 
time nothing was thought of what the 
phenomenon meant. But after a time peo- 
ple began to grow suspicious and watched. 
Certain individuals were found often 
absent from home and ''what was going 
on down in the woods" became a question 
which honest folks asked each other in 
whispers. One day fragments of metal 
and a molder's ladle were found near the 
pile of ashes. The discovery of several 
quarter and half dollar pieces of suspicious 
composition began to define conjecture, 
and inceased, but quiet vigilance followed. 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



823 



At last sufificient evidence was accumu- 
lated to justify legal proceedings. Noah 
Jennings placed in the hands of Sheriff 
Everett a warrant for the arrest of Jacob 
Weaver. The day was disagreeable and 
steady rain set in toward evening. The 
utmost quiet was prerequisite to the suc- 
cess of the enterprise. Sheriff Everett 
chose as deputies Noah Jennings, who 
knew every crook and turn of the roads; 
Levi Parish, a brave, muscular young fel- 
low of more than average size and 
strength, and two other young men. 
These four constituted the sheriff's body 
guard. They planned to reach the house 
of their victim just after daylight in the 
morning, that hour being the only certain 
time of finding him in the house and at 
the same time affording no possibility of 
escape in the darkness of the earlier hours 
of the night. The sheriff and his depu- 
ties quietly left Lower Sandusky just 
after dark. Rain was falling thick and 
fast; the roads were a sheet of water and 
mud ; ebony blackness seemed to oppress 
the earth, indeed everything conspired to 
make the expedition successful. 

Jennings took the lead, the others fol- 
lowing single file in close succession to 
prevent being lost in the darkness. The 
south road, then a mere path through the 
woods, was chosen for secrecy. The 
horses carried their speechless riders, keep- 
ing time in their pace with the long-drawn 
hours of that awful night. Toward morn- 
ing the rain ceased. The eastern sky 
gave signs of approaching day just as the 
officers came in sight of the house wherein 
the miserable tool of that wicked conspir- 
acy was peacefully sleeping, little dreaming 
that such a night would be chosen by the 
officers of the law for his arrest. The 



sheriff, with his deputies, tarried in the 
woods till light dispelled the darkness 
which had completely concealed their well- 
timed ride. The time for action came. 
A man stood on guard at each corner of 
the house while the sheriff roused the 
family, entered the house, and quietly 
made the arrest of the unsuspecting victim 
of his warrant. A diligent search fol- 
lowed for the wicked tools, which proved 
fruitless until the boards of the barn floor 
were overturned, where was found a large 
leathern bag filled with pieces of metal 
carefully worked to the size of the larger 
silver coins in general circulation. These 
were exhibited to the jury at the trial of 
the case. 

Weaver was tried, convicted of coining 
counterfeit money, and sentenced to the 
penitentiary. There was no direct evi- 
dence against any one else, but one who 
claims to know says the facts would show 
even more to have been implicated than 
were suspected. But it is better to 
cover up faults rather than parade them; 
consequently we close the chapter against 
suspicions. 

The method of manufacturing these 
spurious coins has come to light. The 
metal was moulded to the exact size of 
some common piece — quarter dollar, half 
dollar, or dollar, A die was then set on 
each side and pressed into the metal by 
means of screws resting against trees for 
resistance. 

The money was passed in considerable 
quantities, and could scarcely be detected 
by the inexperienced from genuine coin. 
In some parts of Scott farmers even yet 
occasionally plow up a piece of the bogus 
money. From this circuuistance Scott has 
been named "the bogus township." 



MISCELLANEOUS BIOGRAPHIES/ 



ALFRED H. RICE. 

This prominent and promising member 
of Sandusky county Bar was born at Fre- 
mont on the 23d day of September, 1840. 
He is a son of Dr. Robert S. Rice, one of 
the early settlers of Lower Sandusky, and 
brother of Hon. John B. Rice, member- 
elect of Congress from this Congressional 
district. Alfred H. Rice was educated at 
the common schools of Fremont. After 
leaving school he went into the mercantile 
business with his brother, William A., in 
Fremont, and spent a number of years in 
the business as a partner, performing the 
duties of salesman behind the counter, 
and also performing the duties of book- 
keeper for the establishment. Their store 
did a large and successful business, and 
Alfred H. acquired there those business 
habits and that knowledge of men which 
are so essential to a good attorney. He 
had, however, aspirations for something 
more intellectual, and finally quitted the 
mercantile business, and, after studying 
law with John M. Lemraon and John T. 
Garver, he was admitted to practice 
by the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio, 
at Columbus, on the 3d day of January, 
1878, and at once commenced prac- 
tice in Fremont. Not long after com- 
mencing practice Mr. Rice became a 
member of the firm of Lemmon, Wilson & 
Rice, who opened an ofifice in Fremont, 
and is now engaged in practice as a mem- 
ber of the firm. He married Miss Mary 
James, at Marion, Ohio, with whom he is 

* Note. — The following biographies were received 
too late from Mr. Everett for insertion in the proper 
place. 
104 



[ still living. When the country called for 
I help, in 1861, Mr. Rice volunteered as a 
private in the Seventy-second Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, and in the same year was 
promoted to first lieutenant. 

Mr. Rice has good faculties and is 
studious, and, although not yet old in the 
practice, his prudence and industry will 
carry him upward in his profession. With 
large social and business influences to 
back him and furnish him ample employ- 
ment, he is bound to succeed. 



JACOB NYCE. 

This early settler and esteemed citizen 
of Sandusky county was born in Pike 
county, in the State of Pennsylvania, on 
the 6th of October, 1783. His means of 
education were limited, but his strong 
common sense and his great heart in 
social life and citizenship put him forward 
into a prominent position amongst the 
pioneers of the county where he finally set- 
tled and died. 

At the age of twenty-two years he pur- 
chased a farm in Ross county, Ohio, and 
came there to live. On the 24th day of 
September, 181 1, he was there married 
to Miss Margaret Graham by the Rev. 
James Robinson. 

In the spring of the year 1823 he 
started with his family, consisting of his 
wife and five children, from Ross county 
to Lower Sandusky, in Sandusky county. 
His farm was on what is now known as 
the Stony Prairie, a little way west of the 
line of the Reservation of two miles square 
at the lower rapids of the Sandusky River, 

82s 



826 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



and he arrived in the county on the loth 
day of May, 1823. He afterwards bought 
a lot and erected a dwelHng house on the 
southwest corner of Croghan and Main 
streets, and a Httle south of the present 
court-house. While residing at this place 
he became a prominent citizen of Lower 
Sandusky, and reared and educated a fam- 
ily of eight — six daughters and two sons, 
namely: Jane, Susan, Rachel, William, 
and Thomas, who were born in Ross 
county, Ohio; two daughters, who died in 
infancy, were born in Lower Sandusky, as 
was also Isabel H. Nyce, who is still alive 
and a respected lady of Fremont. 

Jane Nyce, the eldest daughter, was 
many years ago married to Isaiah Strawn, 
son of Joel Strawn, a pioneer of Ballville 
township. Isaiah Strawn migrated many 
years ago to La Salle county, Illinois, and 
became very wealthy, and the descendants 
of thatfamily are still residing there. 

Susan Nyce was married to Jacob Krid- 
ler, and died in 1848, leaving an infant 
daughter, who is married to H. L. Salis- 
bury, and is now residing in Fremont. 

Rachel Nyce was married to M. W. 
Trask. She has three children, and resides 
at Independence, in the State of Iowa. 

Thomas Nyce died at Lower Sandusky 
in the year 1845 ^^ the age of twenty-two 
years and unmarried. 

William Nyce died at Fremont, Ohio, 
in August, 1862. William had for many 
years, and, in fact, all the time after the 
death of his brother Thomas, in 1845, 
been the stay and support of his aged 
mother and the unmarried sisters of the 
family. In 1862, when the war assumed 
an earnest form, and the struggle for the 
life of the Nation became palpable, young 
William Nyce could no longer be restrain- 
ed, and notwithstanding his burden of 
duties to his mother and sisters, he sought 
their permission to enter the service of his 
country, and obtained it without a mur- 



mur from their patriotic hearts. He en- 
tered upon the duty of recruiting a com- 
pany for the One Hundredth Ohio Volun- 
teer Infantry, and after completing that 
service was taken sick in camp at Toledo. 
He came home in the hope of recovering 
his health, but died in August, 1862, in 
the dawn of his promising and patriotic 
services to the great cause of the Union 
and liberty. 

Margaret (Graham) Nyce, the faith- 
ful wife of Jacob Nyce, and mother 
of his children, was born in Cumber- 
land county. State of Pennsylvania, on 
the 25th day of March, 1791. She came 
with her father's family to Ohio at the age 
of sixteen years, or in the year 1807, and 
was, four years afterwaids, married to 
Jacob Nyce, as above stated. She sur- 
vived her husband many years, and was 
all the time revered by our citizens, and 
especially by her acquaintances until 
her death, which occurred on the 8th day 
of February, 1878, at the age of eighty- 
six years, ten months, and thirteen 
days, having survived her husband over 
thirty-five years. During this period 
the faithful sons, Thomas and William, 
labored for their mother with cheerful de- 
votion while they lived, and her daughter, 
Isabel, after they were taken away. 

Here history should record that amongst 
the early settlers in Lower Sandusky none 
were more prominent for their good works 
than Jacob Nyce and wife. Was a neigh- 
bor woman in distress, Mrs. Nyce was 
there to help at the dead of night, regard- 
less of weather or comfort to herself. Was 
a man in want of help to raise a log cabin 
or barn, Jacob Nyce was foremost there to 
help him. He won the hearts and respect 
of his neighbors to such a degree for his 
honesty and humanity that he was, not- 
withstanding his defective early education, 
made one of the Associate Judges of the 
county, in which position he discharged the 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



827 



duties to the satisfaction and approval of 
all interested, for several years. 

Judge Nyce, personally, was a man of 
magnificent proportions and in full health 
weighed over two hundred and twenty 
pounds. 

Shortly after Judge Nyce's coming to 
Lower Sandusky, and during the contest 
between the old fashioned Pennsylvania 
reapers, and the then new fashion of 
cradling wheat. Judge Nyce walked into a 
field of wheat one harvest with his cradle, 
and put the reapers with the sickle to 
shame by hib stalwart march through the 
field, in which he demonstrated that the 
cradle was superior to the sickle in harvest- 
ing the grain crops of the county. 

Jacob Nyce was a monarch in the har- 
vest field, and also in every other pursuit 
where muscular power decided the con- 
test. For good works in all directions, 
and for that true benevolence and human- 
ity which distinguished pioneer life in 
Sandusky county, few could rival Jacob 
Nyce and his noble wife. 



CHARLES ROLLINS McCULLOCH. 

As a representative man in the drug 
and book business of Fremont, as well as 
a conservator of moral order in society, we 
make the following mention of Charles 
Rollins McCuUoch, now engaged actively 
in his business. 

Mr. McCuUoch is the son of Jonathan 
and Cynthia (Graves) McCuUoch, and 
was born at Sherburne, Chenango county, 
in the State of New York, on the 4th day 
of April, 1825. He was removed by his 
parents with them to Erie, Pennsylvania, 
in the year 1827, where they settled. At 
Erie he received such education as was 
afforded by the common schools of the 
State. About the age of thirteen years, 
in 1838, he became an apprentice to C. 



C. Bristol, in Buffalo, to learn the business 
of druggist. Here he displayed remark- 
able industry and aptness in acquiring a 
knowledge of the business, and remained 
with his employers about three years and 
a half. Thence he came to Lower San- 
dusky, and in June, 1842, went into busi- 
ness with his elder brother, Carlton G. 
McCuUoch, also a druggist, who had pre- 
ceded him to the place, and who has since 
located in the city of Chicago. 

About six years afterwards, in the 
year 1848, Charles R. McCuUoch bought 
his brother's interest in their business and 
set up a drug store *br himself. He be- 
came partner with his brother-in-law, 
Charles Burt, in the purchase and seUing 
of wheat, which they stored in J. K. 
Glenn's warehouse, a wooden building 
then standing on the site of Shomo's 
Block, on Front street, although the ware- 
house was in fact on the back part of the 
lot. The warehouse, with a large quantity 
of wheat, was destroyed by fire in 1849, 
and Mr. McCuUoch lost largely by the 
fire, so much so that he was compelled to 
sell out his drug and book business to S. 
Buckland & Co. After arranging his busi- 
ness Mr. McCuUoch, in 1851, became a 
partner in the firm of S. Buckland & Co. 
in the drug and book business at Fremont, 
and so remained in business until the 
year 1858, when he bought out the inter- 
ests of his partners, namely, Stephen 
Buckland and Ralph P. Buckland, in the 
business, and became sole proprietor of 
the concern. Since that date he has, 
through all the vicissitudes of business, 
continued steadily on in the same place 
without check or failure, and is now prob- 
ably the head of the longest established 
drug store in the county, doing business 
now for thirty-two years in Buckland's 
old block, where he has remained since 
purchasing out the Bucklands. 

He married Miss Rhoda Gould in the 



828 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



month of October, 1848, and about six 
months before the above-mentioned fire. 
This marriage has produced seven 
children, six of whom are now Hving, 
namely: Jessie (now Mrs. J. E. Heffner), 
Fannie, Margaret, Rollin F., Josephine, 
and Julia. One, Charles Rollin, died at 
the age of eight months. The living 
children are all now residing in Fremont. 
The surviving son, Rollin F., after attend- 
ing the high school of Fremont and grad- 
uating and also assisting his father in the 
store, graduated at the School of Pharma- 
cy at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and having 
finished his course there, became a part- 
ner in business with his father, in March, 
i88r, which position he now occupies, 
and is a highly accomplished and popu- 
lar druggist. 

Charles Rollin McCulloch, the subject 
of this notice, has been a consistent and 
worthy member of the Presbyterian 
church for the forty-two years last past, 
all of which time he was connected with 
the Sabbath-schools of that denomination, 
and for thirty years has acted as Sabbath- 
school superintendent. From his first 
connection with the church he has been a 
member of the church choir, and has been 
leader of it for the term of thirty-two 
years. He was by nature gifted with a 
fine tenor voice and his practice and culti- 
vation of it has made him a desirable 
help, not only in church music, but in all 
other proper musical entertainments. This 
taste and talent for vocal music is mani 
fested in his children, who are quite talent- 
ed in that direction. He has also been 
ruling elder or deacon of the church in 
Fremont for about sixteen years, and has 
greatly assisted his church in all its enter- 
prises. He has been chosen member of 
the city council of Fremont three terms, 
in which he did honor to the place. He 
was president of the council in 1877, 
when the corner-stone of the City Hall was 



laid, and his name is commernorated by 
that long-to-be-remembered event in the 
engravings on the corner-stone. 

When Mr. McCulloch commenced bus- 
iness in Fremont (Lower Sandusky), the 
drug business was comparatively small 
and hardly supported one man. There 
are now, however, six establishments, 
most of them employing numerous clerks, 
engaged in that business in Fremont, and 
all seem to be doing a flourishing business. 

Mr. McCulloch has always been a firm 
and steady supporter and conservator of 
morals and orderly conduct in society, 
and as a man and citizen he has always 
been, in honesty and purity of life, a 
bright example to all who have been 
favored with his acquaintance. Of him 
it may be said emphatically, he is a Chris- 
tian gentleman, and a most worthy citizen. 



CAPTAIN JOHN B. BEAUGRAND. 
This early settler at Lower Sandusky 
was born at Detroit, Michigan, January 
31, 1813. His father was the John B. 
Beaugrand mentioned in the history of 
the Catholics, found in this work. The 
subject of this notice came with his par- 
ents to Lower Sandusky about the year 
1820, and attended the common schools 
of the place. But the young, strong, and 
daring man that he was, could not be con- 
tented in the school-room with only books 
and children. His ardent and ventursome 
disposition impelled him to some other 
pursuit, and at an early age he was found 
a sailor on the lakes. For a number of 
years he was under the tuition of Captain 
Morris Tyler, a celebrated lake captain 
whose home was in Lower Sandusky. 
Under Captain Tyler's instruction he be- 
came a thoroughly trained sailor, and his 
personal strength and fearlessness, together 
with deep enthusiasm in his profession, 
marked him for something more than a 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



829 



common sailor. For a number of years he 
acted as Captain Tyler's first mate, and 
often the captain entrusted to him the sole 
management of his vessel, and never found 
his confidence misplaced. The result was 
that Beaugrand became noted for his en- 
ergy, pluck, and luck, as well for his skill 
in managing a vessel, as for his complete 
and accurate knowledge of all the harbors 
on the Lakes, and hence he rose rapidly 
to the position of captain. In his day he 
commanded some of the finest steamers 
plying between Buffalo and Chicago. So 
well acquainted was he with the Lakes, 
and so prudent, withal, that his services 
were always in demand. On one occasion, 
in 1846, he was presented, by the mayor of 
Cleveland, with a beautiful stand of colors 
for safely bringing into that harbor, during 
a terrific storm, the steamer under his 
command, laden with passengers from 
Buffalo. The grateful passengers also 
voted hmi their thanks, besides making 
him a very substantial present. Captain 
Beaugrand was well known in nautical cir- 
cles as one of the luckiest commanders 
who ever stepped on board a craft. 

Captain John B. Beaugrand was brother 
to Mrs. L. Q. Rawson, Mrs. Margaret 
Dickinson, and Dr. P. Beaugrand, of the 
city of Fremont, Mrs. M. A. Castl^, of 
Cleveland, and James A. Beaugrand, of 
Racine, Wisconsin. He acted for a time 
in the employment of the United States 
as pilot to revenue cutters on the Lakes, 
and at another time as superintendent of 
railroad repairing for the Union army in 
the South during the Rebellion. He was 
married at Racine, Wisconsin, in 1849. 
His wife died, leaving him and a daughter 
surviving her. The daughter subsequently 
married F. A. Narcott, of Chicago, where 
she is now living. 

Captain Beaugrand, some years ago, on 
account of rheumatic affections brought on 
by exposure in his vocation, ceased active 



life and died at Toledo on the 6th day of 
December, 1879. 



AMOS R. CARVER 

was one of the early settlers of York 
township, and one of its most worthy 
citizens for many years. He was born in 
Cayuga county, New York, July 23, 1802, 
and came to York township, Sandusky 
county, Ohio, to live, in the fall of 1837. 
His family then consisted of his wife and 
oldest daughter, now Mrs. Johnson. Miss 
Hattie Hunt, who made her home with 
the family for a number of years, now 
living in Topeka, Kansas, came with 
them. The father of Amos, Dyer Carver, 
moved out previous to his son, and locat- 
ed on the place which was afterwards the 
home of Amos. He died about the year 
1866. 

Amos Carver and Martha C. Hazletine 
were married March 6, 1834. She was 
born in Rutland, Vermont, September 15, 
1 8 16, but removed with her parents when 
five years old to Cayuga county, New 
York. Mr. Carver died July 6, 1874, 
and Mrs. Carver January 9, 1879. They 
had four daughters. Laura E., the oldest, 
was born July 19, 1835, and became the 
wife of David Johnson in 1857, who was 
killed by a railroad accident at Springfield, 
Illinois, in 1865. His widow, until recent- 
ly, had resided in Oberlin, Ohio, for a 
number of years. Adelaide, born August 
25, 1841, married, in 1869, Eugene S. 
Aldrich, of Pleasant Lake, Indiana, where 
they now live. Julia M., born October 
30, 1844, married, in 1865, David H. 
Foster, of Port Byron, New York, and now 
resides in Hamilton, that State. Clara S., 
born April 5, 1848, was married to C. B. 
Greene, of Fremont, Ohio, in 1868, and 
now resides in Toledo. 



830 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



STEPHEN GRISWOLD. 
Of this eccentric man there is little in- 
formation concerning his life except what 
is found in Mr. Everett's lecture. Gris- 
wold never married and when he died, 
many years ago, left no family and no rela- 
tives in this vicinity surviving him. Hence 
the impracticability of obtaining informa- 
tion concerning his early life. We give 
Mr. Everett's mention of him, which was 
as follows : 

One of the early inhabitants of our town was a 
strong-minded, giant-framed, and eccentric man. 
One instance will give an idea of his peculiarity of 
mind. Trapping in those days was a familiar occupa- 
tion, and the kind of traps and method of trapping 
various animals were matters of frequent discussion. 
Stephen Griswold used to tell about one of his traps, 
and the conception is so odd and poetic that I choose 
it for the occasion. Skid he, " I once made a trap 
to catch earthquakes in. I took two large, fine rain- 
bows, and two smaller ones — the best I could get — 
so as to have it double-jawed. I had double springs 
at each end. For these springs I took four streaks 
best quality double-refined chain lightning. I used 
a small volcano for bait ; got my trap put together 
and commenced business in the hilly parts of South 
America, and was doing pretty well till one day a 
large bull earthquake got into my trap. It held him 
for a while, but by and by he took a lunge and a 
flounder and tore the trap into a thousand fragments. 
You can see pieces of my trap springs flying among 
the clouds yet, every time a thunder-shower comes 
up." 

In those times cloth was both scarce and dear, but 
dressed deer skins were plenty, cheap, and much 
worn for pants and coats. Griswold, like all of us, 
followed the fashion and got coat and pants of 
smoke-dressed deer skin. This leather is a very 
good dry weather material, but when wet becomes 
very flabby and susceptible of extension m any direc- 
tion, to almost any extent, and when dry would 
shrink to the e.xact dimensions of any opposing sub- 
stance. After Griswold got his new suit, of which he 
was very proud, he started on a three days' exploring 
tour into the woods, with a traveling companion. 
Snow lay quite deep upon the ground, and rain set in 
after they had started. The consequence was that 
Griswold's new clothes became very wet. The pants 
began to settle, and soon hung under his heels and 
over his toes, much to his annoyance and hindrance 
in traveling. In vain he tried the roll. They would 
not stay put, and, finally, getting out of patience, he 
applied the ready knife and cut off the extending 
nuisance. They continued walking and wetting soon 
made them too long again, and again Griswold cut 



off and reduced them to the proper length, and dur- 
ing the day he found it necessary to repeat the opera- 
tion several times. 

Night came and the two travellers slept in a vacant 
log cabin. Like true woodsmen they kindled a good 
fire, took their supper, and without undressing, laid 
themselves down wrapped in blankets, with their feet 
to a good blazing fire. While they slept the fire 
burned, and the buckskin dried and shrunk, and 
shrunk and dried, until, except in length, it was a 
perfect counterpart of Griswold's skin. The pants 
contracted so that his stalwart walking-beams 
protruded from the knee. He slept soundly, 
and was awakened by the loud "ha! ha! " of his 
companion. The leather, under the influence of the 
fire, had become not only fitted to the skin, but stiff 
and hard, and he had to make a second effort before 
he could rise to his feet, so tightly were his body and 
limbs bound up. Finally he rose erect and took a 
deliberate survey of himself. Legs naked below the 
knee, half his forearm protruding beyond his coat- 
sieve; every joint, muscle and projection of his per- 
son perfectly delineated through his garments, there 
he stood; such a picture! such a figure! such a fit! 
His perplexity was ludicrous in the extreme. His 
compinion caught his eye and roared with laughter. 
Griswold could stand it no longer. He opened his 
mouth, and it is said that a "blue stream" went 
down from his mouth to the lower regions, to apprise 
the inhabitants that the science of profanity was well 
understood on earth. Griswold hurried into town, 
changed clothes, and never wore leather pants after- 
wards. 



THOMAS VINCENT CURTIS. 
This worthy citizen of Lower Sandusky 
is the representative man of the colored 
or African citizens of the county. He was 
born in St. Mary's county, Maryland, in 
the year 1798, and came to Chillicothe, 
Ohio, when a boy about twelve years old, 
in the year i8io. He came with an un- 
cle and aunt, and was apprenticed to 
James V. Hill, a colored man, then carry- 
ing on a small tannery in Chillicothe, and 
there learned the tanning and currier busi- 
ness in an apprenticeship of five years. 
While an apprentice he remembers mak- 
ing the acquaintance of James Justice, de- 
ceased, late a resident of Fremont. Mr. 
Hill failed in business, and his property, 
tannery, and residence, were sold at sher- 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



831 



iff's sale. Young Justice was then learn- 
ing the same trade with a Mr. McLean, 
near Circleville, Ohio, and was sent by 
McLean to attend the sale of Hill's prop- 
erty, and did bid off a considerable 
amount of the stock, and this transaction 
brought on an acquaintance between Cur- 
tis and Justice. After Hill's failure Curtis 
went to Cincinnati, and there worked at 
his trade eighteen months for a man 
named Henry Funk. He went back to 
Chillicothe and helped Hill finish off his 
stock. Mr. Curtis then went to Piketon, 
Pike county, Ohio, and worked at his 
trade for Dennis Hill, a brother of his 
former employer. He then returned to 
Chillicothe, worked for Mr. Thomas 
Jacobs, and there married Miss Jane Bri- 
son, who was raised by Mr. Galbreath, a 
lawyer from the State of Pennsylvania. 
His wife was full half white blood, and a 
very intelligent, lady-like person. There 
the couple had two children — Sarah and 
Orlando— and with these and his wife he 
moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 
where he remained working at his trade 
about three years, and where his third 
child — Charles — was born. He returned 
to Chillicothe and remained about six 
months, thence went to Clarksburg, where 
he worked for a man named George King, 
a tanner, for a time. Mr. King then put 
Mr. Curtis in charge of a large tannery at 
Columbus, Ohio, he not being a practical 
tanner, himself. Here he remained for 
some time, and then, with his family, re- 
moved to Tiffin, Ohio. After spending a 
winter at Tiffin, he removed with his fam- 
ily to Lower Sandusky. Here he met his 
old acquaintance. Judge Justice, and al- 
though Curtis had letters to another tan- 
nery, that of Isaac Van Doren, he pre- 
vailed on Curtis to go into his tannery, 
where he worked for five or six years, 
when they differed, and Curtis went to 
work for Mr. Van Doren, where he worked 



a number of years at the trade. Here 
his other children were born — Mary, the 
wife of Thomas Rees; Ellen, who married 
Samuel Jones, who died at Norwalk, Ohio, 
and who afterwards married a Mr. Weth- 
ers, near Oberlin. Another son, Alexan- 
der, was born at Chillicothe. 

Mr. Curtis, though not rich in lands and 
money, having suffered loss of property by 
fire, has always been a well behaved, in- 
dustrious citizen. Recently, however, his 
infirmities and age have disqualified him 
from manual labor. 

He has never been known to violate 
the laws of the land, nor has he failed at 
any time to observe the proprieties of life, 
or to observe good manners in society. 



J. C. JOHNSON. 

This gentleman is the first professor of 
architecture who settled in Sandusky 
county, and for that reason, rather than for 
his early settlement, deserves mention m 
this history. 

He was born in the town of Went- 
worth. State of New Hampshire, on the 
8th day of December, A. D. 1828. His 
father was Henry Johnson, who was Jus- 
tice of the Peace in his native town for 
more than thirty years, and all the time 
also a farmer, and reared a large family 
who left home, especially the sons, in 
early maturity. His mother was Rebecca 
(Brown) Johnson. Henry Johnson's 
father and the father of his wife were both 
soldiers in the War of the Revolution, 
and were with General Washington at 
Valley Forge, where the army underwent 
such terrible suffering in the service. 

John C. Johnson, the subject of this no- 
tice, was a graduate of Wentworth Academy 
and intended to study and practice law, 
but a strong natural inclination to me- 
chanics diverted his intentions, and he 



832 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY 



learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. 
After learning the trade he worked in the 
towns of Manchester and Nashua for a 
period of about two years. He then 
worked at his trade in many towns and 
cities in Massachusetts and Connecticut 
until he felt himself master of the trade 
and able and qualified to do good work 
anywhere among men of the same voca- 
tion. In 1852 he started from New Eng- 
land for the West there to carve out his 
future fortune single-handed and alone. 
Mr. Johnson meantime applied himself to 
the study of architectural designs and 
drawings, and made great proficiency and 
soon was prepared to make accurate and 
reliable plans and specifications of all 
buildings in whole and also in the mi- 
nutest detail. 

Mr. Johnson struck the West at Akron, 
Ohio, in the year last named, 1852, where 
he worked at his trade about one year. 
From Akron he went to Warren, in Trum- 
bull county, Ohio. Warren at that time 
being without a railroad was quite elated 
by the acquisition of a down East me- 
chanic, who could design and display on 
paper any architectural design in a fine 
picture in whole and in detail, and who 
was able to distance at that time all com- 
petition in talent for architecture. At 
this place and in its vicinity Mr. Johnson 
built some of the finest buildings in that 
section of the State, and gave a new im- 
petus to taste and convenience in the 
building of public and private houses. 

Here Mr. Johnson married Celia Sig- 
ler in the year 1857, and moved to Cleve- 
land, and there followed draughting and 
building one year. He returned to War- 
ren, and in i860 removed to Fremont, 
Ohio, where he carried on the business of 
architect, and of contractor to erect build- 
ings. Mr. Johnson has furnished draw- 
ings, plans and specifications for some of 
the finest and best architectural works in 



Northwestern Ohio and Northern Indiana, 
and elsewhere. His skill has been called 
in requisition as far away as Kansas, In- 
dianapolis, and various parts of Tennes- 
see. The new Ohio penitentiary is one 
of the finest buildings of the kind in the 
West, and is built according to the design 
of Mr. Johnson. This is considered the 
best building of the kind in the United 
States, and like many of the court-houses 
and jails designed by him has been exten- 
sively copied for like buildings in other 
places and many States. 

Mr. Johnson was one of eighteen com- 
peting architects who submitted plans for 
the elaborate and costly State House at 
Indianapolis, a building to cost two mil- 
lions of dollars, and stood a tie vote with 
one other competitor for adoption; but 
his competitor in this design was a resi- 
dent of Indiana, and State pride gave the 
Hoosier the first, and real merit gave the 
Fremont architect the second premium for 
excellence in design, and yet Mr. John- 
son's general plan for the building was 
afterwards followed in its construction. 
The best architectural skill of the whole 
country, from Boston, New York, Phila- 
delphia, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, Cin- 
cinnati, Indianapolis, and Louisville were 
in competition, and the merit of even sec- 
ond choice was a high compliment to the 
State of Ohio and to Fremont in partic- 
ular. The Indianapolis Sun said it was 
the highest compliment paid any State. 

Mr. Johnson has introduced into Fre- 
mont an improved style of tasty and con- 
venient residences and public buildings. 

Here a permanent testimonial of his 
skill may be seen in the beautiful and 
well-proportioned City Hall, designed by 
him, and erected on the northeast corner 
of Fort Stephenson Park. Mr. Johnson 
is highly esteemed as a man and citizen, 
and has for some years been a member of 
the City Council of Fremont. 



APPENDIX, 



FORT STEPHENSON. 
Simon Figley, a member of Major 
Rhodes' company in the Northwestern 
Army, gives th-j following account of Fort 
StephePiSon before the battle. Mr. Fig- 
ley IS at present a resident of Defiance, 
Ohio: 

When we arrived at Lower Sandusky in the lat- 
ter part of March, 1813, the fort was not completed. 
There was nothing more than a stockade, in which 
Government horses and cattle had been fed during 
the winter. We spent several days hauling out the 
manure from the fort. After cleaning out the stock- 
ade, we set tents inside and went into camp. Our 
next business was to get out timber and put up the 
block-houses. We only built two, which were situ- 
ated on the north side of the fort. There was, 
when we came, a smaller house standing in the 
southwest corner of the fort, which appeared to be 
an old house, and was, I presume, used for a trad- 
ing post. After erecting the block-houses, our next 
business was to dig the trenches around the stockade. 
Our commander was Major Joseph Rhodes, who 
came all the way from Canton with us. The work 
was conducted under the orders of Major Rhodes 
until nearly completed, when Colonel Stephenson 
arrived and took command. About the last of May 
or first of June, 1813, we left the fort by water and 
went down the Sandusky River and Bay, and thence 
to Cleveland. We were, after leaving the fort, un- 
der the command of Adjutant Samuel Creswell. I 
afterward enlisted and served three months more. 
While I was serving at the fort a young Frenchman 
was married to an Indian woman. The few inhabi- 
tants were a mixed race, of French and Indian 
blood. There were, perhaps, three or four of pure 
white blood. The settlers commonly lived near to 
the fort, and when danger approached would come 
in for protection. There was not a log house for 
residence in sight of the fort, except a log house 
built and used by the Government for storing pur- 
poses. It was a double log house, near the river. 
In the winter of 1812-13 the inhabitants lived partly 
under ground, by excavating the earth and then set- 
ling up puncheons and partly covering them with 
earth. That winter was very cold, and clothing was 
hard to obtain. 



A soldier's description of CKor.K an's 

VICTORY. 

The following account of the battle of 
Fort Stephenson is from William Gaines, 
an inmate at the National Soldiers' Home, 
Washington, D. C. He was a member of 
Captain Armstrong's Company, Twenty- 
fourth Infantry, in the command of Gen- 
eral Harrison. He was at Fort Meigs 
during the siege. His account, as given 
to a reporter there, was as follows: 

Our company was then ordered to Camp Seneca 
in July. 1 think about this time there came a rumor 
that Fort .Stephenson was to be attacked. A detail 
was made from the different companies to relieve 
Fort Stepenson, this being done so that each com- 
pany should have an equal chance of winning glory. 
At this time I was a private in Captain Armstrong's 
company, having exchanged my drum for a musket. 
I was also acting as cook for Lieutenant Joseph 
Anthony of my company. Lieutenant Anthony, 
John Foster, James Riggs, Samuel Thurman, and 
myself composed the detail from my company. We 
started at daybreak and reached Fort Stephenson at 
9 or 10 o'clock in the forenoon. We had not been 
there more than an hour and a half or two hours be- 
fore the British hove in sight and began landing 
their troops, cannon, etc. Between 11 and 12 
o'clock there came a flag of truce and an officer and 
six men. They were blindfolded and taken in at 
the west gate. It was rumored that the officer was 
sent to demand the surrender of the fort or threaten 
to show no quarter. When they were gone Major 
Croghan told us to prepare ourselves as no quarter 
was to be shown. They came around on the west 
side, which, at the distance of one hundred and fifty 
yards, was covered with woods, and between the 
woods and fort was a ravine down which they would 
haul the cannon to load and then push upon the 
brow of the hill and fire. They could not approach 
on the east side because that was an open field and 
we could have brought them down. To the north and 
south it was also quite open. The weather was good 
but warm and a storm which had threatened finally 
disappeared. They fired on us for some time, but 
Major Croghan would not allow us to return it. 

833 



S34 



HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. 



Samuel Thurman «;•- n- n block-house and deter- 
mined to shoot a red coat. He climbed upon the top 
of the block-house' and peered over when a six- 
pound cannon ball took his head off. Finally, toward 
evening, they made a charge, and when they got on 
level ground we got orders to fire. We shot through 
loop-holes m the pickets and port-holes in the block- 
houses. 

I recollect very well when Colonel Short fell. I see 
it all as plainly as I see you fwo gentlemen. Our 
cannon was loaded with six-pound hall and grape; 
I was in the Ijlock-house, and after Colonel Short 
fell, he held up a white handkerchief for quarter. 
Someone in the block-house said, "That man is 
hollering for quarter; he said he would show none, 
now give him quarter." It passed all through the 
fort. The bugle sounded a retreat. They had old 
Tecumseh and about one thousand five hundred Ind- 
ians and seven or eight hundred regulars. I only 
estimated them by seeing them march from the 
water. There were no buildmgs near the fort nor 
any women in the fort, as there was no settlement 
nearer than Franklinton. They landed a mile and a 
half or two miles below the fort, opposite the island. 
The British woundid who were not taken away lay 
in the ditch. The British soldiers were buried the 
next day — perliaps one hundred and fifty. 

I have often thought that if General Harrison had 



marched his troops from Fort Seneca, down on the 
east side of the Sandusky and crossed it, it would 
have brought the enemy between him and their boats, 
and thus he could have captured them all. 

When the firing commenced Lieutenant Anthony 
was panic-stricken, and secreted himself and did not 
come out until after the battle was over. He was 
put under arrest by Major Croghan, sent to Fort 
Seneca, court-martialed for cowardice, and cashiered 
the service. 

Major Croghan was a very thin man, but became 
very corpulent and fleshy some years after. He was 
a very courageous man, afraid of nothing under the 
sun. 



ERRATUM. 



On page 123, in the chapter devoted to civil his- 
tory, the residence of John B. Rice, Representative 
in Congress, should be Sandusky county in place of 
Seneca, as given. 



LfcJl 'II 



V 



